I ended up really dragging my feet on this one; it got to the point where I began becoming overly critical of it, to the extent that I started wanting nothing to do with it. Bull headed stubbornness eventually prevailed though, and so here we are. Apologies for the delay.

"Have you ever been on the sea? It's an amazing experience. The tang of the salty air, the wind blowing in your face; I have a lot of respect for people who can read the wind and waters well enough to pilot back to land in bad weather."

"...s this in re... t… ...our own ex...ces with ...?"

"Mm, no. At least I don't think so. What, do you think this has some sort of deeper meaning to it?"

"Ever… ...es."

No matter hard hard I ran, that overbearing sensation of oppression weighed down on me. Each pump of my fist, every turn, every puff of air; the dread continued looming over me. Soon I could hear my heart pulsing, pounding in my ears. Flames illuminated the way forward as quickly as they died, flickering barely enough to hint at the forms hiding in the shadows.

My foot caught on something that I was sure wasn't there before. My face slammed into the ground. A cold chill ran up my spine. The malignant aura grew stronger and stronger. When at last it finally surrounded me, and I was certain that it would consume me, it winked out of existence, leaving me alone in the dimming silence.

Three different sets of breathing sounded around me. It took me several moments to realize what had happened, and when the thoughts finally connected I let out a breathless laugh. Apparently at some point during the night I'd pulled my blanket over my head and in my attempts to break free of the covering I'd wound the fabric tighter and tighter around myself until I was completely cocooned.

0515, on the dot. The unneeded, rhythmical chime in my ears was turned off, my finger hovering over the option to remove the alarm. One bad experience wouldn't turn me away from keeping to my habits though, and with my window closed and blankets quickly folded away I began what I could of my morning workout.

Fautina woke up halfway through my sit ups, grumbling something about finding something to wash her face as she stumbled outside.

Next was Alduin, who had moved into a meditative trance after organizing his bedsheets. It took until almost the end of my calisthenics for him to complete whatever he was intending, and with a promise to come back with breakfast, I was left with a still snoring Sora.

I started down at him, stretching out my fingers. Seeing him like this, I almost wanna say he's completely forgotten we don't belong here.

The teen grumbled as he rolled his head the other way, left hand folding over his stomach. Blankets tousled as they were, Sora gave off the impression that we were out camping in the woods instead of resting in the base of barely hostile hosts.

"I still have trouble believing that your people felt mere children would make for acceptable fighters," Fautina whispered beside me, significantly more awake now that she had freshened up.

"There's an entire story behind our appearance here, but to put it shortly, their guardians were not entirely aware of the risks." I considered waking up Sora my usual way, that of covered airways, but I wasn't entirely sure how my elven companions would react. "Oi, Runt." I nudged the teen with the ball of my foot, waiting a few moments between nudges. "We've got breakfast ready, it's about time for us to head out."

"Five more minutes, Mom," he groaned.

I pressed my lips together, the corners twitching into a despondent smile. "You get a pass this time." I eventually settled for sprinkling some water from one of my waterskins on his face. He wasn't very appreciative of it, but the complaints were quickly forgotten when I pointed out Alduin and his selection of recently made trail mix.

"Trying to find the Forest Elf camp isn't going to be very fun," I said between bites. "We'll have to pick our battles carefully if we don't want to be forced to return back to Micorriza early."

"If we wander enough we may end up being found instead of finding." Alduin wiped his mouth clean on the back of his thumb. "I'm uncertain if my kin have been eradicated already, but if they are still alive then it is likely they still have their war birds scouting the area. Sergeant Thel'doria will likely hear of my presence here and will assuredly reach out to contact me."

"Sounds like a plan then." I crunched through another handful of the mix, internally complaining about the gamey texture of the salted meat. "Sora, your uncle ever respond?"

"Oh!" The teen jumped slightly. "He says that I should help you out as best as I can and learn as much as possible. He also said that he'll pick me up in the afternoon, if we don't drop by Micorriza before then."

"It's good that at least one of your guardians care for you," Fautina commented.

I couldn't hear Sora's muttered response properly, but it sounded something along the lines of "wanting a little less caring". When we finished our last checks on our gear and borrowed items returned, our group set off in the morning mist, dew coated foliage collecting on our shoes and legs.

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I stared down at my blade, watching the green ichor of the «Turbulent Diptera» fade away into nothingness. According to what somebody from Sora's guild had told him, if you had extra vials laying about you could actually collect the remnants and sell them at a premium to the potion makers. Unfortunately, even the thought of having the slimy, viscous goo in my inventory sent shivers down my spine, so much that I didn't dare speak up about the several dozen empty containers I had tucked away.

"You alright, Lady Asasaki?"

I sniffed and flicked my blade to the side before sheathing it. "Bugs of that sort and of that size creep me out," I explained, suppressing another shiver. "Something about how there's very little change from their tiny, smaller than a digit size compared to their massive, big enough to cleanly bite your head off variant just screams "wrong" to me."

"I see." Alduin looked up into the trees. Down here on the floor, the «Bug Repellent» that was so helpful to use on the bridges held no effect. Bugs didn't home in on us like shoppers at a bargain sale, instead only assaulting us if we happened to cross paths. "Put that way, I can see why you have trouble with the creatures."

"A little pathetic, isn't it? Everything I've done and it's some giant insects that give me pause." I laughed in self-depreciation. Suddenly, my companions moved into defensive positions. First, Sora. A split second later the two elves stepped forward. Having learned to trust their sense, I moved into the center of our Y formation, waiting for our assailants to arrive.

When Kirito came into view, ninja running as fast as he could (which was about the level of a jog when I was using Sprint) I dropped my stance and waved. "What's up, Blackie?" I called out when he slowed down. The thought to be amazed at his lung capacity momentarily came over me, thrown away when I remembered that in place of heavy breathing, one would instead feel more and more sluggish.

"Then we shall accept," Fautina answered to something

"Time," I moved my hands into the relevant position, realized I'd missed something yet again. "Why don't you tune us in to what exactly that'll entail?" Shit. Wait, roll with it.

As if I hadn't missed anything, "We'll be standing guard for the camp and waiting for the Fallen Elves to arrive."

"They've never operated like that before." Alduin folded his arms and looked towards me.

"Are there other reinforcements heading to the camp?" I questioned. When Kirito affirmed my suspicions, "Well there we go. More bodies in one area, the less work they have to do later on."

"But why wouldn't the Forest Elves just flee?"

"A lot of the camps they have here have been set up for centuries," Kirito told Sora. "It doesn't help that the Forest Elves are very proud about their martial abilities. To them, retreating from enemies they've fought off time and time again is insane."

I sighed and rubbed my head. "Oi, Runt. This is going to be a really tough fight. Akin to fighting the Boss Monsters of the floors and Towers. You sure you're up for it?"

Sora held my gaze for a moment before nodding resolutely. "I am. Besides," he said sheepishly, "being with you is the safer option. I might have more endurance now, but there's no way I'll be able to get back to Micorizza on my own."

"Yeah, yeah that's true. Just," I placed a hand on his shoulder, unsure of what I could say to prepare him for what lay ahead. Boss battles were one thing; giant creatures filled to the brim with health with patterns and openings that took time to recognize, but the Fallen Elves? They were still human shaped. They would cry and scream and yell and when you killed one of their comrades they would fight harder to avenge them. That vague humanity also let them be smart about their attacks. "Just be careful not to get too close to anybody, alright?"

Whether my concern went through or Sora thought something else, the teen took a moment before nodding. "Yeah. Of course, I'm a Ranger. Not a close combatant." He gave a toothy grin.

"We should continue on. Asuna and Kizmel can join us if we keep to a walk." Kirito set off at a leisurely pace, taking point point for our group.

A few minutes later, as the temperature started to rise into something more comfortable, Sora spoke up to fill the silence. "So, Mr. Kirito-"

"Just, Kirito," the boy in question interrupted.

Sora shifted slightly. His expressions weren't quite hero worship, but I could sense the adoration all the same. "What's like being on the front lines? With just you and Miss Asuna?"

My eye twitched at his question. Thankfully Kirito didn't catch the same meaning I did, or had merely chosen to ignore it.

"It's fun," he hesitated. "There's a lot of stuff that we can do that we wouldn't be able to if we were tied down to a guild. Since it's just the two of us and we're important parts of the clearers, there's not a lot of fuss for us to do specific stuff. We can go clear out whatever dungeon we want, we can sleep whenever we need to instead of keeping to a schedule. Basically aside from leveling and questing, we're free to do anything."

"That sounds amazing," Sora gushed.

I harrumphed. "But that also means they don't have anybody to watch their backs, which means a lot of stress if they get stuck out in the field and there's not a safe zone."

"Yeah, that is true, but that's why we make sure to stay on shifts if we have to take a break somewhere dangerous."

Dammit Kirito, I'm trying to convince him that having allies are important. I met Alduin's gaze, gesturing towards Sora with my eyes.

"Truthfully, the best grouping is a three man," the elf followed up. With that you can easily cover a lot of ground and should somebody fall you have two others who can work together to get them out of trouble, instead of one person shouldering the burden."

"That's what's so nice about having Kizmel with us these days."

"She's that Dark Elf that's working with you two, right?" Sora asked.

"That's right. We met her back on the third floor. She's part of the Elven Questline."

I faltered mid step, waving off the concerns of my companions. Please don't break any sort of coding.

"Oh?" A grin just shy of perverted overtook Sora's face. "Maybe if I do it once the ban's been lifted I could get a companion of my own."

"I don't think that's how it works," Kirito responded lamely.

I gave out another sigh. Annoying as it was, Sora saved me from a potentially threatening conversation. The teen from Fūmaningun continued to bless me by staying quiet for the next several minutes. With not even a single monster approaching us I partially expected him to start playing "I Spy", but based on his mannerisms he seemed to be lost in his own little world. When Asuna and Kizmel joined us they (or rather one specific person) had immediately berated our pace. With our numbers now seven strong, we were able to move at quicker speeds, making swift work of anything that came our way.

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"Halt! Who goes there?!"

I patted Kirito on the shoulder, nudging him forward. "Show time, kiddo."

From what I could gleam off the body language alone, the Dark Elves had no problems letting the known Kirito and Asuna inside thanks to their closeness with Kizmel (and likely whatever work they've done on the floor). Concerning my party, connections and vouching aside, they seemed to take great offense to letting a Forest Elf within. It wasn't all that bad a problem though. Considering we'd gone perhaps a three fourths hour hard march west, I felt confident in saying that the Forest Elf presence had to be stronger in this direction (if they were even still alive).

"So tell me doc, how bad is it?" I asked dramatically. "Tell me we've got a chance."

Giving me an odd look, "You're going to have people watching you at all times, but they're fine with letting you guys in."

I raised a brow at Asuna, silencing my concern over whether or not a few people would be able to stop our group of four, two of which boasted the Sprint skill.

Ever the helpful one, Alduin asked yet another question. "Do we know when they should be attacking?"

Kirito shook his head. "The message only said sometime today. That could mean in the morning, it could be in the afternoon."

It could mean a late night affair after the stress has come and gone and we're no longer expecting it. I clicked my tongue. "Guess we better settle in then."

Functional, not fashionable, best described this camp. It seemed built to last a long time, fully made from whatever wood had been acquired and subsequently worked into the necessary shapes. The coverings were a mix of hides and what had to be waterproofed fabric, and there were even a few brick based buildings here and there. Truthfully, this seemed more like an outpost than a camp.

"It's kind of uncomfortable," Sora whispered.

I leaned closer to him. "What is?"

"All the staring."

Maybe it was just the hormones or a yet beaten out self awareness, but the attention the armed Dark Elves were giving us wasn't all that bad. Sure, nearly every single one of them was staring at Alduin and me intensely (some almost glowering), but it just meant the impression we gave would be all the more impactful. "Just ignore it," I told him. "Be your usual, loud, noisy, boisterous self and they'll leave you alone."

Like the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, Kirito guided us through the camp, the Forest Elves stopping what they were doing to gawk at us. With every step I held myself prouder, a complete inversion of Sora who was taking every stare like a raised hand.

"Don't take anything she says seriously. She's a bit strong, but she means well." Asuna held the flap open for us, Kirito and Kizmel entering first.

When I entered Kizmel was setting up a partition, stepping behind it and speaking softly. According to Kirito, the sergeant in command was still sleeping and needed to dress appropriately.

Hushed whispers drifted from behind the slated divider. In short order the leader of the camp stepped out, a frustrating beauty to her features despite having only woken a few minutes ago. "Why is there a Forest Elf and his plaything in my room?" she asked after a moment.

I feel like I should be extremely offended. Shall I be offended? I took in a deep breath, preparing myself to put the bitch in her place.

"We brought them here, Lieutenant Eferia." Whether he saw my facial expression or not, Kirito stepped forward, a confidence to his stance that said he had done this before. "They've come from the lower floors and have experience fighting against the Fallen Elves."

"Pah! And so what? Am I supposed to recognize their 'experience' simply because they're here?" The woman put the partition away and cleaned up her couch turned bed before lounging lazily upon it. "We Forest Elves have fought back our enemies time and time again. The fears of a few outsiders cannot change that, especially when they themselves have never won against us."

"Pride cometh before the fall," I uttered.

"Excuse me?"

"Pride cometh before the fall." I folded my arms and raised a brow. "It's nice and impressive that you're that confident in you and your troops, but when somebody's travelled across four different regions, you better sit your ass down and at the very least entertain their concerns."

Eferia gestured broadly around the room. "And what exactly do you think this is, Swordsman? It's certainly not me waving them off." The woman sat up, glaring at me. "You come in here and wake me up without even explaining yourselves and start berating me for the trust in my troops? Come off that gilded throne of yours and remember where you are, Human."

"What my companion means to say, Lieutenant Eferia, is that extra hands can never be a bad thing."

I glanced at Alduin. That he was willing to roll over and take her insults so easily was mind blowing.

Eferia hummed scornfully, steepling her index fingers together. "And so why exactly are you here?"

"We've received word that the Fallen Elves plan on attacking this camp sometime today," Kizmel answered from the side, looking more attendant than whatever position she held to allow free travel among the floors.

The lieutenant shrugged. "So we'll increase the watches and patrols. Have those resting keep their weapons on hand."

"You haven't heard, have you, Lieutenant?"

"One of your proud and mighty camps was wiped off the face of the earth," I finished for Kirito. "So if you haven't gotten some contingency plans set in place, you might want to get those ready," I jabbed.

"Any plan my unit makes will have you firmly at the front, Human. Perhaps sharpening your weapon against foes will temper that insolence of yours."

Kirito cleared his throat, seeming a little uncomfortable with the situation. "Is there anything you'd like for us to do in the meantime, Lieutenant Eferia? We were asked by Captain Eramen to assist you."

Pointing to the original three, "You can rest up for the time being. I'm sure your trip was arduous. As for you four," the woman turned her gaze onto me, passing her judgment onto Fautina by what was likely guilt by association. "Find Corporal Geriam and tell him I sent you to assist him. He'll sort you out."

Geriam turned out to be significantly more friendly than Eferia, even if his voice held disdain and contempt for us. At the very least he wasn't degrading us, though I suppose the solo work of setting up caltrops and anti-calvary defenses (were there even mounts here?) was meant to do that in his place.

I rose from my crouch and surveyed my work, ignoring the eyes of our minders. Trap work was a little foreign to me, but I'd dealt with them enough that I had a basic understanding of how to place them. Four fields of partially hidden caltrops, each set in a way that together would significantly hamper any direct approach to the walls. I'd covered more ground than the others, but that was only because of how much effort was required.

Annoying me to no end, it turned out that Sora had a higher strength stat than me. Alongside the elves, the trio worked hard pounding logs into the ground. Once they were a significant depth into the ground, Alduin or Fautina would break out their sword and carve away the exposed end into a spike, repeating the process until there were four of the deterrents arranged in a semi-circle pattern. Together with my spike fields, the main entrance into the camp was well defended. At this point we were making a more sporadic covering of the surroundings, using the natural barriers of the surprisingly thick foliage to our advantage.

It was early afternoon by the time we'd completed our assignment and rejoined the others for lunch. I myself had only stopped once and that was for the break Sora had called. Kirito and his group had kept busy on the inside, asking around and figuring out the general plan should the Fallen actually attack. They would be taking point for the battle, wading through the fodder while they tried to seek out the leaders. It took a lot of convincing, but they were able to keep us away from point as well.

"You were a lot better when you could act on your own rather than defender," Kirito explained from across the table. "And your group seems to reflect that." A very pointed gesture was given to Sora.

As everyone started talking about our builds, I rolled onto my back, staring up at the sky. The branches were fairly dense, but enough blue peeked through to show that it was very clearly day.

My companions continued to prattle on, my attention flitting from whatever caught my attention. First was trying to figure out where bird song was meant to be coming from, then I began tracking the small groupings of insects passing through the air. Eventually butterflies began flitting back and forth in my vision. It was odd that such a small detail would be included for this area, but my concern was sated when I realized that the things were the Dark Elves' messengers rather than decor.

You know what? Even if it is ground, I've got grass underneath me. "If I fall asleep, leave me be," I said. Talk of specs, numbers, and the last quest boss Kirito and Asuna had faced lulled me into slumber, the moment when I had slipped into the land of dreams completely unnoticed.

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"Shore up those defenses! Don't let a single one pass through!"

Arrows whipped past me in spurts. At the start they'd come down like a flock of birds, but once our forces broke through that unity had become a survivalist mentality. Archers fired where they could, but as we hunted each one down the panic slowly spread until the only weapons alive were ones that brought you face to face.

Blood splashed onto my face; just another mark I'd have to deal with once the battle was over. My infamy parted those around me far better than my blades could. Once my techniques were noticed, the enemy fled like chaff in the wind. Unfortunate for them that my location on the field would ferry them directly into the hands of my allies.

I reached up and grabbed hold of a blade that dared strike me, pulling its wielder closer and thrusting my dagger through their pitiful armor. Once I would have given them parting words, now I merely yanked my weapon out and tossed them to the side.

Killing had gotten easier over the years. Nights were a terror, but each battle, each conquest; with our forces assimilating the survivors, the only time I could ever find somebody approaching my skill was back home.

Approaching the enemy commander was done with the gait of strolling through the park. Birds fled before me, bees flitted about flowers, runners jogged past me in both directions.

The man fell down as I neared, crawling back and sputtering unheard plea's.

Biting into flesh was always an interesting sensation. The resistance was so different from cutting meat. If you entered wrong bone would jostle your blade, but with the right angle it slid in as easily it did a gourd. A moving target didn't help matters, but years of experience put me on par with a butcher.

Done right, death would occur within seconds. Failed, and one might find them self bleeding out over the course of hours. Without medical care, you would be distinctly aware of your situation, going from panic, to acceptance, to cold and fear, and finally tiredness. Which was why when I felt an odd sensation across my neck, I surged to my feet and did my best to make sure I at least injured my attacker.

Surprised at my reaction, my lunge forward exposed their throat, a knuckle punch aimed for their throat connecting against a jaw instead. With my last breaths I worked my way through their senses. Cupped hands slammed over their ears. Thumbs tucked at the side of my fists slammed into squishy sacs of liquid.

A battle cry reached my ears. With my body still moving and no gasps for air coming forth, I reached down and pulled out a blade longer than I remembered. The movements came easily though, and soon enough the dark skinned warrior was dropped. When air continued flowing without any problems I reached up to my neck. No blood was on my gloved hand, and a familiar scream drew my attention back to my assailant that was most assuredly not dead.

Memories not mine came back in waves, and with each new pulse the ease with which I handled the elf increased. Moments later the foe fell for real, her companion calling out with trepidation before screaming at me. Six stabs later and the elf joined her comrade, purple smoke listing to the sky.

When had reinforcements arrived?

I looked around the camp, watching blades clash and streaks of lights flare. The presence of Dark Elves was slightly more than the their purple skinned assailants, but the disparity in skill made up for it.

You're not dreaming anymore.

I stared down at the blade in my hand. Long and slender with a slight curve to it, the back was serrated; good for carving through flesh but catching on bone and edges.

Oh.

Instincts knocked aside a strike, a sword skill flashing out. I reached out and grabbed hold of their helm, bringing their head to my knee twice before launching them away with an enhanced side kick. "Once upon a time people died to a single stroke." I strode closer, Barbed Sabre tapping to a silent beat. The Fallen Elf snarled and charged at me. "I guess demoralizing people works too, though." A few strikes managed to graze my skin, but their efforts were in vain. A quick potion later, all the damage had fully been recovered.

This all feels so hollow. Methodically I worked my way through the camp, swapping between my three weapons to keep them as fresh as possible. Monsters that targeted only me received Barbed Sabre and Silicatite Dao for their efforts. Those that refused to leave their prey were gifted with Stygian Curse, its tip biting and tearing through every opening I made.

"Human! Get your ass over here! We've got enemies from behind!" Eferia threw a body through a breach in the wall, roar and poleaxe following after.

I ran past mounds of smoking corpses, locking away the revulsion for a future I'd never approach. Creatures turned ashen purple and sprouting miasmic black crystals rampaged all around us. Slender cats, hulking spiders, and all manner of insects writhed about, a few bearing riders.

"Use that speed of yours to do something, dammit!" Eferia lanced through a husky sized ant, slamming its squirming body across several more insects before driving the axehead through its thorax.

As chaotic as everything was, there were three leaders that kept a spiraling pattern in their movements, always keeping their two companions within an equal distance. Too far away. Focus on what's nearby.

Five steps. Two to get Sprint started, three to build up speed. Metal armor received the soles of my boots. In one clean motion I whirled the rider around and straddled him, stabbing through the openings of his helmet. Forced criticals and DoTs aside, even if I didn't deal much damage I had no doubt this one's last moments would be unseen strikes carving away his health.

The battle cry of Eferia soared through the air, her weapon arcing through the air in a painfully familiar manner. Metal plunged deep into the Fallen Elf, a small circle of dust billowing away upon impact.

"Enjoy your meal," I joked. I tossed my dagger into my left hand as I slipped away, wrapping my right around a corrupted jaguar's neck and kicking its unique rider off. Another set of eyes turned worthless, I launched myself off the ruined beast. Perhaps leaving it in a blinded state would cause problems, but the Fallen Elves were thrice the danger any modified beast could have.

"I've heard of you." The Elf knocked aside one of the Forest Elves that tried to attack, bright blue flaring as he stabbed down and twisted. Crystalized data rose with the Praetor, giving him a magical quality. "A swordsman that doesn't know how to quit. You've been a thorn in our side since Lostlorn Forest."

"S'not my fault you guys casually eradicate entire regions." Sillicatite Dao replaced Stygian Curse. Above the Praetor's head, another name was added.

"The offer still remains, Asasaki," Kal'erza said. "Come with us and we will not harm you."

"And what about the others? Can you promise them asylum as well?" Maybe it was the system that made everybody keep a wide berth around us. Or maybe it was an instinctual knowledge that if two enemies had the presence of mind to talk during combat, approaching them would be suicidal.

"I am afraid that would be impossible." The Praetor raised his broadsword, its tip hovering between his eyes.

"That's what I thought." A full spin brought a «Diagonal» slamming into his blade, the extra momentum knocking him back slightly. I surged forward once more, a feinted horizontal slash from my right converted into a crouching left slash and cutting at his shin. The rising diagonal cut was grabbed by his hand in an on so familiar manner.

I tugged back on my weapon once, letting myself be pulled forward into a leaping side kick that met nothing but air. His glowing sword was backhanded away by a bear claw, an advancing front kick dodged and responded in kind with a slash to his leg.

Try as hard as he might, Kal'erza couldn't find the edge against me. Oh, he managed to close the gap, certainly, but as quick and refined as his attacks were, his innate Dexterity wasn't fast enough to deal with my trained eyes.

The Elf suddenly added his other hand to a swing, managing to send me sliding back several feet. Looped fingers brought forth a piercing whistling, stopping everybody in our vicinity for a brief moment. The few Fallen Elves helping to tear down our forces made no attempt at subtlety in their escape, even slashing the corrupted beasts they had created to escape.

"Your friends aren't here to help you, Swordsman." The elf stared me down. "This is your last chance. Surrender or die."

"You know people have been trying really hard, but I just can't seem to learn the lesson."

"That can be fixed."

I ducked underneath another slash, countering with a four hit combination skill. Kal'erza grunted as I pulled Sillicatite Dao out, a defensive swipe sending me retreating.

Barely 14%. The praetor wouldn't be dying any time soon, and with his companions likely on the way my continued survival would be in question. Content in letting me muse for whatever reason, I took advantage of his generosity and swapped weapons for Stygian Curse, its comforting shape held easily in my hand. A gun would have been infinitely more helpful, but I would take mercies where I could.

A single breath.

Though the dagger in my hand carried no reinforcements from the system, years of experience guided it just as swiftly. Martial Arts was thankfully not sealed away, but unarmed strikes could only carry me so far.

"Imagine if you only had more time. I can see now why he sings praises of you."

I kicked the inside of Kal'erza's leg, quickly knocking him back without letting my foot touch the ground. "And I guess He refers to Radinca?"

"But of course." The elf stood up slowly, a sad smile on his face. "If only you had accepted, Miss Asasaki." A trio of mounted Fallen leapt into our clearing at his words, each of them wielding weapons suited for mounted combat. "With you on our side, victory would have been assured."

The three Celeres charged at me, weapons drawn back. The wolf rider arrived first, scoring a line in my back with a feinted thrust into slash. Along came a spider rider, failing to land a hit but leaving me open enough for the jaguar rider to knock me to the ground.

I reached up with a fist and diverted the lupine's snout up, driving my dagger deep underneath its muzzle. Imaginary red coated my hands and chest, growing more with each stab. Pain-not-pain lanced through my side, the radiating heat above me suddenly disappearing.

"Your every action disappoints me, Human." Eferia hauled me to my feet, twirling her weapon warningly.

"The feeling's mutual," I growled. "Cover me." I thumbed open one of my pouches, quickly withdrawing its contents and popping off the cork.

"Duck!"

With no hesitation I crumpled to the ground, guzzling down the potion. Thirty seconds for 19%. I could lose so much more than that in that time. But they can't hurt what they can't hit. I sprung onto my feet, taking stock of our surroundings. With her halberd, Eferia could fend off two people at once, though in terms of attacking it was likely she would get forced to only one. If I broke off, I could take down whoever I wanted. "If I take on one," I started.

"Of course a human could only take on one."

"Bah. Don't expect tears if you die." I leapt towards the spider rider, soaring over a now flat target. One became two, and beast and elf charged at me in unison. Far more adaptive than previous spiders, the «Corrupted Sparassidae» took charge of every single attack, the spear of the «Fallen Elf Celeres» popping out between leg stabs, bites, and lobbed balls of what had to be poison. Blade and hand flew out in a frenzy, the pattern refined with every slowly defining cycle.

Stab, stab, spear, bite, spear with multiple thrusts into poison ball; leaping stab, poison ball with immediate attempt at charging bite. There was some variation between their basic strikes, but the highlights never changed. On the third charge I mounted the spider, managing to stab through five eyes before the beast forced me to evacuate lest I be slammed into a wall.

Sword and spear attempted to cut me in twain, the System forcing me into a tight corkscrew between the two weapons. Before either could react Stygian Curse had already slammed into Spear's vitals twice, a strike to his head driving him to the ground.

"How did-?!"

Four points. Two on either side of the body. It was a pattern I had practiced often, if for no other reason than a point of pride. The motions served me well, and when Kal'erza whirled around to strike at me I had already dropped and lit up his thighs.

Twin chitinous legs stabbed through my former place, the spider's fangs flaring in a tell tale sign of spit. I reached up and pulled the Praetor atop me, the ball of acid splashing across his back. Giving a parting stab to his shocked form, I handsprung away, leaping back another three paces for safety.

Kal'erza started laughing, still having the presence of mind to keep hold of his weapon despite the momentary burst of insanity. "How do I wish you were on our side, Asasaki. Our lives would be so much easier with your blade."

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

"No. I suppose not."

Were only I so lucky as to have achieved the status effects I aimed for. While I had received criticals for my efforts as well as my blade's bleed effect, their eyes were still perfectly functional. Oh well. Try, try again.

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I slowly worked my way through a bag of rations. As battles with the Fallen were prone to, once it became clear that they would start losing the leaders teleported out, their underlings only doing so once they had secured the escape of their superiors. That didn't stop the slain from slowly dispersing into mist though. According to Kizmel, it was probably due to more experiments with the Spirit or Crystal Trees; something to do with how their magical core, already fragile from their initial changing, was no longer tied to the magic of Aincrad. It was an odd explanation, and I wasn't sure if it was the actual reason, but it was something.

"Snack?" I held out my bag towards Sora. In the corner of my eye, Asuna gave me a disproving and affronted look. No reason for that, really. Here in Eferia's tent we were sheltered from the remaining husks of slain Fallen yet to be removed from the grounds.

"No thanks," he answered. "I don't think I could really stomach anything after what happened."

The teen had a far off look in his eyes. Obviously I needed to do something eventually, but right now he needed to try and process what happened on his own. Interference from myself, beyond my current "nothing's different" attitude, might influence him in ways I couldn't anticipate. "Suit yourself. We're probably going to be hitting the road soon though, so it might be a good idea to get something in your belly." I popped a handful of the mix into my mouth, taking my time to chew through the sliced nuts. "Nice work on managing through the battle, by the way. I wasn't able to see it, but Alduin and Fautina tell me that you got really good at choosing your targets by the end."

Sora stilled for a moment. "Yeah, I was running out of ammo." He gave a forced smile, one that reminded me of a cracked mask. "If I didn't prioritise things I would have ran out long ago."

"Reasons why we carry extra stuff with us wherever we go. "Better to have and not need than need and not have,"" I quoted.

Eferia fell back into her seat, staring at the table separating her from everybody else. "Before we begin, I want not a word from you, Swordsman." The woman thrust a finger towards me. "Your snark is not something I wish to deal with right now."

I pantomimed zipping my lips, continuing to eat my meal.

When the battle had started there were some 60 Dark Elves both inside and around the base. Now that the dust had settled and a head count was made, 22 remained. The majority of the support staff (chefs, craftsmen, and such) had been slain when a contingent of Fallen snuck in from behind. Only a single metal worker and chef had survived the carnage, both of them lucky enough to have been near a weapon when the fighting broke out.

Of the fighters, Geriam and one other of Eferia's three commanding subordinates, as well as a scattering of their front line, scouts, and beastmasters had survived. The mood was abysmal; not a single elf bore a solitary tag. Some added the last remnant of their companions to their neck, some to their belts, others took to wrapping the chains underneath armor. I could only postulate as to their emotions. My own losses were able to be counted on my hands. Theirs required another body.

"With our numbers as low as they are, as well as the concerns that the Fallen will attempt to finish the job, we will be rejoining our siblings back at the main camp."

Prideful until the bitter end. "I can respect that," I whispered to myself.

"Swordsman Kirito. I trust you and your companions can clear the way back?"

"Of course," the teen responded.

"We leave in ten." The Lieutenant rose from her seat and gestured us to leave, fingers spread. "Make sure everybody knows. Anybody that can't muster the will to move will be left behind." As everybody began piling out, Eferia requested that I remain behind.

The elf struggled for a few seconds, facial features twitching in aborted attempts at whatever she was trying to vocalize. Finally, once the urge to laugh because almost excruciating, "I wish to thank you. The rest of your companions were dealing with the bulk of their forces." For a moment I wondered if she had suddenly bit into a lemon. "Were it not for your efforts, we would have had more casualties. And it is likely that I would not be here." Eferia stood and gave a deep but stiff bow. "You have my gratitude."

Kind of like seeing her like this. "Give it a few days. I'm sure you'll find a reason to hate me again." I held out my fist for Eferia to tap, explaining the gesture when she made a confused sound. "Think of it as an acknowledgement of kinship. Just make a fist and tap knuckles with me." I snorted at her still bewildered expression. "We'll keep the creepy crawlies off you guys. But in case we miss anything, lead your people well, oh fearless valkyrie."

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I jerked my blade to the side, the act removing the last sliver of health from the «Corrupted Coleoptera». With the entirety of our party having participated in the battle, I wasn't sure if the monsters were unique to us or if we had initiated a change of some kind across the entire floor. Either way, anyone that travelled with me was going to be in for a dreadful time.

Despite their relative closeness in age, both Kirito and Asuna held little sympathy for Sora's less than stellar stamina. Truthfully, it was entirely possible that I, Alduin, and Fautina just allowed ourselves to coddle him too much. "If you need to hang back a little, go ahead. We can pick up the slack," I told the teen. "Besides, I'm sure you're low on ammo, right?"

"Geriam let me stock up on some extras," Sora said. "The surviving scouts already grabbed as much as they could, and since nobody else can really use them he let me fill my inventory up." The nin pulled one of the throwing darts off his bandolier, flipping it in his hand a few times. "The damage isn't that great, but it comes with a better crit chance, and supposedly it flies faster than normal production darts as well."

I gave a soft smile, both happy and grateful for the distraction. "Elven gear's pretty nice like that. Only my boots and gloves are of elven make, but the others in Fūrinkazan say it's pretty great."

"Speaking of your armor, where did you even get that? It looks like it belongs on a water floor, not any of the landlocked places we can currently go to."

"Funny you mention that, where's the one floor that has some significant water?"

"The fourth floor?" He guessed.

"Bingo. There's a dungeon near the village all the way out on the western plains. It's filled to the brim with Sahuagin, more so than the Tower. The armor that I have is a stronger variant of those drops, and I've been lucky with my enhancement attempts on it." I rubbed my hand down the metal. From this direction, it was incredibly smooth, but if I dared move it the other way I would injure myself; single digits of damage, but damage all the same. "I think I might have to upgrade it after the Ninth floor, either with something player made or a drop."

Until I explained myself to the elves, I'd received numerous dirty looks from all the looting, but higher quality material was higher quality material. The results of what could be made from the Tainted Armor was a mystery, but I had no doubt it would be a significant boost, even against my thirteen times upgraded Abyssal gear. When the camp came into sight I stopped in my tracks.

In, two, three, four.

Corpses littered the clearing, some still with weapons lodged within them. Several Forest Elves wandered about, kneeling down every so often to pick up the remnants of the slain. Somewhere behind me, Sora began dry heaving.

Stoically, Kirito and his party began marching up to the entrance, talking to a few of the elves as they approached.

"You guys mind if I go on ahead? I've a feeling we should gather information."

"Go ahead," Alduin answered, moving to comfort the youngest of our group. "We'll catch up in a bit."

The inside was only slightly better. There were a few piles of Fallen Corpses tucked between buildings, and bits and pieces of coverings had been destroyed, leaving behind what was best described as an in-progress construction site. "Spare a few moments?" I asked a random elf.

"Try the captain," the elf said, tearing her gaze away from my earring. "We still have work to do."

"Yeah." Work such as moving resources around for repairs. Work such as coping with the fact that people you knew are suddenly gone forever. You can break later. Things to do right now. "You mind if I come in?" I spoke behind the slightly lifted tarp. "It's Asasaki, the swordsman from before."

A tired voice beckoned me in. "I hope things have gone well at the outpost?"

"Slightly worse than what's happened here. You okay if I sit?" I hefted over an elegant chair over to Eramen's desk and plopped down in it, my hand twitching for something to dull the edge. "We managed to fend them off as well as kill several of their leaders. More than half the forces suffered though. They should be arriving shortly. Our crew went on ahead to take care of any monsters."

"Were the survivors so weak that they couldn't handle it on their own?"

I shrugged. "Hey, if we were available to help, we were available to help. I certainly wouldn't turn down a volunteer vanguard." Oh, there we go. Forgive me, Asuka. I pulled out one of the Tolbanian's lower shelf bottles. Startlingly sharp, but if you let it sit for a moment the sweetness began to mellow out. "Got any spare glasses?"

"We can make do for now." The woman reached over and took a pull from the bottle, giving it a less than satisfied look. "Human made products; how inferior."

"That was a lower quality one," I said, chuckling. I sipped quietly at the drink, mulling both my thoughts and the taste around as Eramen continued writing what was likely a report.

"Where are your companions?" She asked, taking a moment to massage her hands.

"Nearby. I'm sure they've gotten caught up on one thing or another."

The quill paused at the lip of the ink bottle. "Tell me, Lady Swordsman. Why are you in here?"

I took another sip. The taste was still strong, but given another few pulls I'd be able to handle it properly. "Hiding from some stuff, mostly." I look up at the roof, trying to catch sight of the stitching.

"Hiding does-"

"Nothing good for problems, I know." I corked the bottle and placed it on the table. "But forgive me for wanting to handle a few problems at a time rather than all at once."

"You guys seem like you're getting along well." Kirito and his two companions spread out as they entered. The stress from the battle and its remnants was well hidden on their bodies, but there all the same.

"Yeah." I discreetly dismissed the wine bottle into my inventory. "Something like that."

"You already tell the Lieutenant what happened?" Asuna asked.

"For the most part." I flopped my hand a few times in apology. "I'm sure there's information I missed though. Eferia and her people might be able to clear up the gaps."

The teen nodded. "Was there anything you'd like for us to do in the meantime, Lieutenant Eramen?"

"Rest, help out around the camp, whatever you wish so long as you stay nearby." The leader of the eighth floor Forest Elves took a long breath. "We'll figure out our next move by nightfall."

I waited until the flap stopped moving before taking the bottle back out. "You mind much if I stay in here for the time being? I'd rather not deal with questioning eyes." I stopped short of another swig. "Well, more than one anyway."

"Do as you please," she said absently. "Just don't pester me with questions. I've much work to do. If you feel tired, use the cot."

I uttered my thanks and moved to the fixture in question, sitting down on it with bottle in hand.

The sound of a filled tip scratching across parchment filled the room. Every so often Eramen would pause to resupply the ink in her instrument, tapping it thrice on the inner rim of the ink bottle before resuming her writings.

When I'd gotten through three quarters of my drink, I finally opened up my quest log.

#Return the Memento Tags to their homes on the 7th Floor. Tags returned: 0/17.#

If I pulled up the information of each tag around my neck, I'd receive a few clues about each person's residence, as well as a few lines from what seemed to be journal entries. The sisters from the third floor spoke of how much fun the lower floors were. It seemed that they'd grown up in the upper half of the floors we currently had access to, and once they'd "tuned" their bodies to the Spirit Trees they were able to more readily travel around. A limited transportation, I was sure, but definitely more than they were able to before becoming Fallen.

"Eferia. It's good to see you again."

I looked up at the spoken words. Eferia and her direct subordinates had just arrived, snapping off a salute to their superior. With easy effort, I turned their conversation into background noise, barely twitching the few times they mentioned my name.

#Stats. Strength: 15. Vitality: 13. Dexterity: 53. Unspent Stat Points: 3.#

At some point during the assault I'd leveled up, among a surprisingly high amount of cor and resources. A trip to Micorriza would desperately be needed.

#Stats. Strength: 15. Vitality: 14. Dexterity: 55.#

Level 28. I took another sip from the bottle, idly swirling the last remnants of it around. If I managed to get two more levels I could acquire another skill. Originally I'd planned to get Hiding or something else, but with the way things were progressing picking up the Dagger skill line would be for the best.

"Hey, Swordsman." Eferia thrust a scroll towards me. "After recent events we've decided to agree to your request. But! You need to find the Forest Elves and convince them to meet with us at a neutral space first."

A distraction? Oh goodie.

Take it for what it is. Temporary shore leave. If we're lucky, we won't have to deal with another raid.

I finished off the last of my purloined drink, dropping the empty bottle into my waiting inventory. "I'll come back with the good news then."

Part of me's worried about putting out another ETA, but I think having that imposed deadline is for the best. To that end, hopefully a new chapter will be out on July 19th.