PART 2

The clanking sound of two wooden swords echoed throughout the clearing. The sound was what woke Kazuto up. Was this a joke? The young knight would admit only to himself that he was a lazy type. Yes, he was lazy. He mostly allowed his talents do the working. But training- he was holding that to a minimum. And once he looked outside, after putting on a shirt, he found the young boy he took in already striking a training post. He watched as Kirito switched between powerful strikes, where he put nothing but brute force into the strike, to a swift one, where he was using his body momentum for a specific attack to hinder the opponent's performance and fast flurry of strikes that would strike the enemy before they can react.

The kid was a hard worker. Talented and, unlike Kazuto, training hard. Kazuto showed him some moves from some sword schools, but the boy seemed a bit adamant on his wild style. Then again it worked. Lacking discipline, uncoordinated, but in a way effective.

For there were several sword schools out there. Kazuto could only explain them to Kirito.

The wolf, which he specialized in, was the sword style focused on the offensive, focusing on exploiting the opponent's weak spots and openings and overwhelming them with fast strikes.

Kirito kept striking the dummy in various ways possible. Sweat running down his face. His strikes getting faster and stronger. Finally, his training sword snapped.

But that was not what caught Kazuto's attention. While he was surprised that a 9-year-old managed to do that, it was what happened next that got him uneasy.

The boy just kept going.

Kirito just slashed the post with the remnant of his training sword. If the swords were real, and the post was a person, it would be a throat slid. Kirito was like in a survival mode now. In his mind, as long as there was a blade, he could still strike the enemy. A broken sword was not useless. Merely demanded a different way of using it. He was going berserk. And that was bad. He needed him to control himself.

So, Kazuto ran over, picking up his practice sword and drawing Kirito's attention. The boy reacted as expected. He attacked. But Kazuto had already planned for that. He easily knocked the piece of wood out of Kirito's hand. Then placing his training sword against the boy's shoulder, he pulled him, tripped him, and pinned him against the ground. Kirito struggled.

"Calm down, Kirito! The fight is over!" the young knight spoke with a commanding yet warm tone. It seemed to work. The boy was calming down. "Breathe…" he instructed, this time with a calmer voice.

After few more times, the child finally calmed down. Relaxed even. Kirito was finally calm and, in the rarest of moments, looked like a normal child and not a feral animal ready to attack. Kazuto handed him a cup of water. Kirito wiped the sweat off his forehead and started to drink. After a long, satisfying gasp, Kirito sit down on the ground.

"Rest, kid. After an hour, we will leave for the village." Kazuto spoke, picking up a sandwich. His young protégé took the other one offered to him and started devouring it. The kid still had poor manners. No, that was not accurate. The boy, while eating more like a savage, did show some signs of manners. Apparently, he learned during his time in the wild to throw those off.

Kazuto decided to focus on something else. The boy was interested in the sword. So, he decided to get in the lore. "Kirito. Do you know the tale of Gilgamesh?"

Kirito raised an eyebrow as he paused on his sandwich- he had to admit Alice did make good food- and gazed on Kazuto. He only shook his head in response.

Kazuto chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair.

"Thousands of years ago, when the Alfs still dominated the world, when the Nine were still merely small tribes, Stacia, the goddess of life and creation, gave life to humanity. However, the King God, Ultimar, the god of cataclysm, was disgusted. He grew sickened with all races of Syh'stehm. So, the King God ordered all gods to descend and waged war on all mortals."

"Even though they kept resisting, humans, the Elven people and all other races could not pose much of resistance. They were all at the mercy of the despiteful god. Lady Stacia, supported by the Sun Goddess Solus and Land Goddess Terraria, attempted to stop the madness, but Ultimar only imprisoned them, forcing the trio to watch the genocide."

"Then, out of nowhere, he came. A man clad in black carrying many swords. The man challenged the King God, demanding he would leave the world be should the swordsman win. Ultimar just laughed at the mortal and ordered one of his warriors to kill him. The mortal cut him down easily. The King God grew furious and ordered the other warriors to kill him. But the swordsman just kept cutting them down with little effort."

"Finally, after losing too many warriors to his liking, Ultimar accepted the challenge, demanding the mortal give out his name, so he could later torture him in the afterlife. The mortal was named Gilgamesh. Ultimar drew his weapon- a sword fashioned to resemble a skull, forged from the very primordial chaos from which he created the world we live in, Lethe. And the two, in the presence of all, agreed to the duel of absolute rule- meaning they had to honor the restrictions. Ultimar and Gilgamesh fought for hours. And much to everyone's surprise, the King God was taking far more damage within minutes than Gilgamesh within an hour. Acknowledging his would lose at this rate, that a mortal could beat him, Ultimar grew furious. He summoned a storm. Broke the land into continents which now form the world. And demanded that all the gods strike down the fool who dared to challenge him."

"But none of the gods or their warriors would obey. Lady Stacia, who was freed by her supporters amongst the gods, reminded him of his oafs. And since the rules were absolute, Ultimar realized, that upon unleashing his power, he broke them and thus he was in due punishment. Ironic, really. The God King demanded that his rule be obeyed as they were absolute, and he found himself not above them. Stacia, being now the God Queen, the ruler of gods, sentenced Ultimar to being a mortal, to being as vulnerable as a mortal. To be as powerless as they were. To grow old and die as they. And so Ultimar vanished, never to be heard of again."

"As for Gilgamesh, Stacia intended to reward the swordsman with godhood. But he declined, wishing to live out his life as a mortal. Yet she still honored him with a title worthy of a god. Afterwards, Gilgamesh just disappeared into the unknown. Yet became an inspiration to all who walk the path of the sword. The man who carries many titles."

"The gods know him as the Ultimate Sword."

"The Elven People call him the Swordsgod."

"The humans call him The Lord of Swords."

"And all the swordsmen and swordswomen call him… The Black Swordsmaster."

"And years after that duel which saved us all, a prophecy was made. One would succeed Gilgamesh. Not by mastering all the swords. But by mastering all the sword styles. And so many attempted to prove worthy to be the prophesied successor."

Kazuto finished, realizing his was staring into the cloudy sky all the time. He finally turned to the boy, who was watching him with… Was that awe in the boy's eyes?

"Wow…" the boy breathed out. Looks like Kirito, despite his sword skills, still was just a 9-year-old. Kazuto chuckled. He was glad to see the child acting more accordingly to his age. He was worried that the child might have been mentally challenged- growing insane even. But looks like there was more hope than he thought. Maybe he was worried more than needed. No. He should not push his luck. It was good to see Kirito acting like a kid and not like some feral swordsman, but who knows how long the boy would act this way.

Well, they finally finished their sandwiches, so…

"Alright, kiddo. Let us clean ourselves before we go to the village." The young adult said, getting up and walking into the hut.

Kirito frowned a bit at the sound of that. "Do we really have to?"

Now it was Kazuto's turn to frown. Ever since Kirito appeared in his life, the boy seemingly refused to get anywhere near the village. The kid needed to get familiar with the civilization if he were to survive meetings with other people in the future. Sure, he would prefer the boy was in the city but for the moment the village would do.

"Don't worry, Kirito. Nobody will harm you." The young knight said with a smile. "Not unless they want a blade in their ass." He added as a joke.

The two males were now walking through the village. It was a small settlement, a quiet place. 300 people living within the settlement, slowly expanding the territory to the south.

As the duo was walking, people were whispering when they took notice of Kirito. They heard from Alice about a boy having rescued her and Eugeo. Was that him? The villagers were not sure what to make of him. Some people, especially the women, were somewhat fearful of the boy walking in the village. They were worried he might hurt the children. The men were either skeptical of the kid or looking at him as if he was a monster. Why did the knight bring that feral child into their village?

Kirito could see and hear the adults talking about him. But he paid them little mind. He was a bit at awe looking at the settlement. The houses made of stone, the brick road. So many people in one place. From what Kirito could remember, his family seemed to live somewhere outside of any settlement, pretty much like Kazuto for the past months. Perhaps the boy was then just anxious to see the village because he was familiar with the outskirts?

Kazuto smiled when he saw Kirito acting like a curious kid. It made him relax. And almost sad when he saw the building towards which he was heading. It was the house of Gasupht Zuberg, the village chief and Alice's father. And the said man was outside waiting for them.

And he was not alone. His daughter learned about the knight coming over for a visit and was hoping for the certain feral boy to come with. She got lucky. And since he would no doubt have to spend the time with her until Kazuto and her father were done with their business, he would likely be under her care. Yes, he would have to listen to her.

"Good day, Gasupht." Kazuto greeted the man. He looked down at the little lady next to the chief. "Alice. Where's Eugeo?" he asked her curious. It was rare not to see the two together.

"At the orphanage." She answered. "I was about to head there after greeting you, Sir Kazuto." She smiled widely.

Kazuto nodded and looked to Kirito. "Kirito. It's going to take a while, so why don't you go with Alice? Have fun?" Alice smiled smugly at the boy. It meant she was his boss.

"Hear that, Kirito. It means you have to do as I tell you."

Kirito, rather than troubled, annoyed, or disappointed like any other child she knew, just gave her a blank look. "Why would I do as you tell me?"

"Because I'm older than you." She said, acting mighty, as if trying to show her superiority.

"What good is being older than me, when I have to be the one to safe you?" he asked with a blank expression and in a matter-of-fact tone. Suddenly her pride perished. Because Kirito reminded her of the time, he rescued her. But it was not the time they met.

About two weeks ago, Kirito got convinced by Kazuto to go with Alice and Eugeo into the woods and explore. The trio headed towards the Gigas Cedar. While there, the two local children decided to teach Kirito play hide-and-seek. During the game, the kids got jump by a pack of goblins. And it was Kirito who saved them, not Alice.

"W-well, today we are not going outside the village. So, it is fine, right?" she stated, trying to regain some pride. She always considered herself the responsible one. And usually the children listened to her.

But not Kirito. He did not acknowledge her as the leading figure nor an older sister figure. And it was frustrating her for some reason. Why couldn't this boy do as she told him? She was not trying to be mean or bossy. But being the older one, and a daughter of a village chief, she felt like she had to be the responsible one amongst the children as her father was amongst the adults. That it was her duty to look after other children when the adults were busy. But Kirito was different. And for some reason she just could not let it be. As if some part of her demanded to teach him to listen.

"Alright now, kids. Go and have fun." The girl's father instructed them. Kazuto nodded to Kirito, letting him know to listen. Kirito had a serious look in his eyes again but listened. Alice grabbed him by his hand and was leading him to the orphanage. She would at least help the boy to socialize.

"So, Kazuto, is it about the boy?" the man asked, getting straight to business. The young knight got serious and turned to the village chief.

"Indeed, old friend." He answered. They were no longer just kids playing around while the village was still a small settlement and their parents were planning what to do with Gigas Cedar. They were grownups discussing a serious matter.

"You know the adults are weary of the boy." Gasupht spoke honestly. "Balbossa, for example, thinks the kid should not be permitted into the settlement. But I am willing to take the boy in. He will have care with my family."

Kazuto was thankful. He knew the man was good at heart. But he had other plans. "Gasupht. I will be leaving in two days. And I am taking Kirito with me."

"Are you serious?" the village chief spoke, surprised… no, shocked at the news. "Kazuto. This may be the first time I have seen the boy, but he is still a child."

"A child that can handle a sword far better than many swordsmen at the academy. He needs actual guidance and training. A purpose."

"He needs a family." The father stated firmly. "From what Alice told me that child suffered what no child should go through. He needs people who can offer emotional support, a bond. Otherwise you are risking teaching a killer how to be more sufficient."

"The boy is in constant state of high alert, ready to draw his sword and cut anyone stupid enough to attack him." Kazuto stated. "Should I risk him doing that?"

"Exactly my point. You see him only for his skills and abilities. But you do not see a scared child that lost a family. No training will ever help with that kind of wound."

"I doubt he will ever get over it. But I can at least help him focus that pain."

The two were in an argument. Not surprising. But they both were in the right. On the one hand Kazuto could indeed take the boy in and train him. The child was already stronger than majority of cadets despite lacking official training and knowledge. He could offer that to the boy and teach him to wield his blade for the righteous cause, protect those who could not fight for themselves.

But on the other hand, there was Gasupht. In his eyes Kirito was just a little boy who likely saw his parents killed before his eyes and was force to fend for himself for a year or two. The boy likely grew feral and was forced to fight animals, monsters and, likely, other people. The boy needed someone who was willing to give him love, show him one could live a peaceful life. That he did not need to live in constant threat.

Speaking of the boy, Kirito an Alice were finally near the orphanage. Alice decided to change her approach towards the raven-haired boy. Rather than act the strict big sister type, she decided to try to act the nice sister type. Kirito, however, just stayed silent. Yet not out of spite. He was more curious about the village. Something Alice seemed to catch on. And she was glad. From what Sir Kazuto told about him, Kirito must have spend years in the wilds, fending for himself. And now he was seeing true civilization. A place where it was peaceful, where one doesn't have to fight on everyday basis to live.

Whenever she would return home for the past two months, Alice would tell her father about Kirito. Then there would be times when Kazuto, since there were days when he came to visit, and tell about the boy. So imagine her that she was actually surprised to hear last night her father suggesting to have Kirito stay in the village, maybe even adopt him. From what he explained to Alice about Kirito needing people who could offer him family, she was actually happy. She already had a younger sister, but to think she might have a younger brother… She was surprisingly ecstatic. Sure, the raven-head needed some attitude adjustment, but not the way she normally went about it with others. No. She decided right on that night to be a nice sister. Like she is to her younger blood-sibling.

So, on the way to the orphanage, Alice to show Kirito around. The Rulid Village was small, but not lacking things to show. For the most part, the boy seemed uninterested- seemed being the key word. For Alice could see he was just too stubborn to admit awe. But at the plaza, he started to crack. The girl started to smile smugly seeing that look building on his face. It felt good to finally get one over that feral child. But at some point she started to notice some of the villagers' reactions. Some were teasing that the girl found herself a boyfriend, which made her red in embarrassment. But the majority were actually talking about the boy being dangerous or should not have been allowed into the village. She did not understand why though. Kirito has done nothing wrong. If anything, he protected her and Eugeo. Twice. So why would they be weary of the boy?

Finally, the two were approaching the orphanage, a not-too-small, wooden building just a little distance from the village church. Kirito saw it and could not help but be curious about the kids living in there. What were they like? Were the friendly? Were they noisy? Were they annoying? Were they hostile? No, he should not think like that about them. Sure, Alice was a pain and Eugeo was over eager at times, but it felt actually nice with them around. Something Kirito did not feel for years. Which made him wonder whether or not to stay here. He could finally have a home, a place to belong, maybe people to be with. But would they accept him given time? The adults did not seem too pleased with him already.

"Alice!" a voice reached the two kids. It broke Kirito out of his thoughts and looked in the same direction as Alice… to find a small girl, maybe seven springs old, with short black hair running to them. Judging by the look in her eyes there was some kind of trouble. "Alice! Come quick! There's trouble!"

"Calm down, Sera." Alice requested calmly. "Tell me what happened. Slowly." Good point. She needed to know what was the problem to help.

"It's Jink." Sera spoke, causing Alice's eyes to widen. "He and his gang, like, came over and are picking on Eugeo again! But this time they are, like, violent! Real violent!"

Kirito was about to ask who Jink was, when Alice just raced to the orphanage. By the sound of things, he was just bad news. The blond girl knew who the boy was all too well. Jink, the son of the village guards captain Doyke. Like father, Jink was rather arrogant and annoying. And he would harass others, especially Eugeo. She could not figure why though. But things got worse after her friend's family died to the plague that hit Rulid Village two years ago. Since then, Jink's behavior took a turn for the worst. But why? No one in his family died. So why was he so hostile towards Eugeo?

Finally, a group came to sight. A bigger group was that of the orphans. Seven kids in total, one of which was a boy who, despite being likely older than Alice, was walking with a crutch. Adding Eugeo and Sera, that would make at least nine orphaned kids total. Speaking of which…

Said boy was surrounded by three bigger boys. Jink's lackeys were twins with black hair and brown eyes. The leader had wilted-leaf-colored hair. No doubt that was Jink. And he punching Eugeo while the other boys were holding him by the arms.

"Not so tough as always, Eugeo." Jink mocked. "But what do you expect from your family?" he delivered another punch. This time blood flew out of the brown-haired boy's mouth. "Start fighting back, you weakling!"

"STOP IT!" Alice's voice could be heard. Everyone turned to find the blond girl getting closer to the group. "What are you doing, Jink? This is going too far!"

"Stay out of it, Alice." Jink demanded, which one of the twins took as an order and let Eugeo go and restrained Alice. "I am merely giving Eugeo his birthday present a day ahead. He should be grateful for how thoughtful I am."

"Leave him be. Eugeo has done nothing to deserve this."

"Mind your own business, girl!" Jink shouted. He was sick of her lecturing. Eugeo should just man-up and fight back if he doesn't like it."

The guardsman's son pulled his fist back. He was about to deliver a very strong blow. No doubt he would break a nose or something. But as Jink was about to punch his victim, someone caught his fist. And it shock everyone- even Eugeo. Someone dared to stop Jink. But who beside Alice would have the nerve? The answer came in the form of Kirito, who just tossed Jink's fist to the side, surprisingly making the bigger boy stumble a bit.

"Who the hell are you?!" Jink asked angrily. But his eyes quickly widened as he recognized the new boy by the features. Alice and Eugeo kept talking for the past month or two about a new friend.

He did not give much thought about it. But now he could see this Kirito really was as they described him. And the look in his eyes- cold, sharp eyes. Like a wolf eyeing his prey.

But Kirito just turned to the boy restraining Eugeo and gave him a glare. The twin suddenly felt something threatful. Was it a killer intend? It certainly made him release Eugeo, whom Sera help get away. Only it angered Jink.

"Jean, you idiot! Who told you to let Eugeo go?!"

"You said Eugeo should fight back?" Kirito asked, getting Jink's attention. However, a shiver ran down everyone's spine. The new kid's tone was so cold it felt as if a winter wind just blew. "Funny, how you have him restrained and then complain about him not fighting back. You're a coward with a mouth. Nothing more."

Jink did not take this comment kindly. How dare this little brat from the wild speak to him like that? Jean managed to pull himself together and put a hold on Kirito from behind. The wilted-leaf-haired boy smirked at this opportunity and got ready to punch Kirito. He would enjoy teaching this brat a lesson.

But as he was about to throw the punch, Kirito kicked Jean in the shin. This force him to let the raven-head go, which in turn allowed him to dodge. So Jink ended up punching Jean. This shocked the kids. That was an opening Kirito used to punch the bully in the stomach. Jink fell to his knees, feeling immense pain coursing through him. That punch was so strong. How could a kid this small be this strong? Spit was running down his mouth as Jink fought to catch a breath. And finally he did after few more seconds. He looked up to see Kirito just turn around. It was Jean's twin brother, Claude. He let go of Alice and tried to deal with this wild child himself.

Surprisingly, Kirito just dodged every attempted punch before kicking the older boy in the knee, dislocating it. But as the raven-head was dealing with Claude, Jink pulled himself together and picked up a stone. As Kirito dealt with Jean's twin, Jink threw the stone at the new target. It hit Kirito just as he turned in his direction. The bullies' leader smirked proudly at this. Finally, a hit. It felt good. Finally some compensation. He dashed to tackle the raven-haired boy. He was going to pummel him so badly he would look like an animal. But as he got close, Kirito surprised him with superior speed and punched him in the face just as the local kid was about to jump him. Spit, blood and even a tooth flew out Jink's mouth, making a trail as he fell to the ground.

Jink cried in pain. He was never hurt this badly. Even father would hit him during their training sessions, but never this bad. Why did it hurt so bad? As he rolled on his stomach, Kirito grabbed him by the hair and pulled him up…

Only to grab him by the head.

"KIRITO! STOP!" a voice he recognized too well stopped the boy. He looked up to find Kazuto running over to him. As well as Gasupht and some other villagers- especially the nuns. Aside for the knight, everyone was shocked to what they were seeing. Kazuto recognized the hold all too well.

The boy planned on twisting Jink's neck.

It was as he feared. The boy has been on his own in the wild for too long and was now willing anything and anyone he perceived as a threat.

He turned to the village chief with a scowl that made it clear he would not be argued about this. "You still think the boy should stay here? When he won't hesitate to kill?"

Gasupht could not say a word. How could he? While he wanted Kirito to stay, believing it better for the boy, he could not argue that the boy was not in the right state of mind. Kirito would kill to survive- defend himself. Or those he accepted. It pained him to actually admit it, but Kazuto was right. It would be better if the boy went with him.

Kazuto approached the raven-head, giving him a silent command to release Jink. Which the boy did. "We are leaving in two days, Kirito. We should make ready." He instructed his unofficial apprentice, surprising both Eugeo and, especially, Alice.

"B-but… Sir Kazuto…" she wanted to argue, already tears building up in her eyes. But a stern look from the knight silenced her. This made her remember she was a child and he was a grown man and a knight. This was not a matter to challenge him about.

The duo got up and started to make their way towards their hut. The villagers already started gossiping amongst each other. Kazuto was rather upset about it. Meanwhile, Kirito did not show any emotions. Or so he thought to himself. A single tear build up in his right eye.

But he chose to ignore it. For his own sake.

"I'll be back tomorrow for supplies, Gasupht. Your daughter is welcome to say goodbye to Kirito and me, but that's that." The young knight said, without turning back. There was enough tension as it was.

On their way to the hut, the two did not say a word. Kazuto figure that either Kirito refused to argue about the issue, no matter whether it was guild or indifference. The boy needed however to learn. If he did not learn now, then all this work to get his humanity back would be for nothing. No. He would not let this boy lose himself again.

Kazuto stopped and turn to face Kirito, kneeling to be eye level with him. "Kirito. There was no need to go this far." He started to lecture, trying to be as calm as possible.

But the boy just gave him a small glare. "They were going to hurt Eugeo. They were hostile."

Kazuto got a good idea what the boy was thinking. "Not all enemies need to die, Kirito. Not all fights are won through death."

The 9-year-oldnow had a confused look in his eyes. "I… don't understand."

"My father once said 'Sometimes it's best to force them to submission. A kind heart knows when to show mercy. And it takes great strength to show kindness.' And my teacher would say that there is a line."

"How do I know where's the line then?" the child's question actually made the knight smile.

"You'll know." He answered. "For now, let's head back home." And the two continued on towards their hut.

Sunset. The two just had another training session before they got inside. As the boy was eating, Kazuto thought about their journey. No. He thought about the boy's future. He would no doubt have it rough. Knight Commander would likely have the boy placed in the orphanage. Maybe he would agree to let Kirito stay with Kazuto, but still he would have the kid considered a civilian. But the boy had way too much potential. And the sword was the only thing on his mind. The knight doubted Kirito could have a normal childhood anymore. While he would not deny the boy some fun activities, he was no longer a child mentally.

No. he should not be thinking that way about that kid. He was a victim. A victim of violence. A victim of circumstances. He needed help. But also some way to channel all that anger. A purpose. Something to focus on.

The boy needed to regain his humanity. His heart.

Heal his soul.

His train of thoughts stopped. He saw Kirito drop the fork and get up with a serious look. This got Kazuto confused a bit, until he heard Kirito snarl. Now Kazuto could sense it. Someone was outside. Sneaking. Kazuto ran over for a sword and passed Kirito his. He walked out…

Goblins.

The green skinned humanoids. A dozen of them. They laughed, seeing the two humans as easy prey. Their annoying laugh echoing through the clearing. There was one than looked different. While majority wore only loincloths, this one had some bones tied together for an armor. Likely their leader.

"Stupid iums. Easy picking." The goblin boss commented, before pointing his cleaver at them. All the goblins charged at their target, intending on killing them.

Kazuto leaped forward and started to deflect the sword strikes. They were trying to overwhelm him with numbers, but the goblins were lacking in training. They knew only how to swing it, not how to fight. And Kazuto was a knight for a reason. He easily started to cut them down. As another one tried to strike from the side, Kazuto used the 'horizontal arc'. An advanced move that allowed him to easily take down a group of goblins in just two swings.

He looked back to find another goblin charging at him… only to be cut down by child using 'sonic leap'- a move that allowed to quickly close the distance between himself and the goblin. The knight would prefer the boy stayed inside the hut. But he doubted the goblins would leave it be. Especially when he saw the creatures throw torches at it. He looked at Kirito and nodded. The kid understood. And the two started slashing the creatures around them. They were an easy picking. They seemed to be dancing, swinging their swords in sync. Their enemies were dropping like flies. Until their leader jumped in. He was reaching for the boy, so Kazuto engaged him before he had the chance.

The two started trading blows. Sparks were flying with every strike. The clanking interrupting the silence. Their battle cries carrying through the air. They appeared evenly matched. And that actually angered both of them. The goblin leader because this human, or ium as the goblins called them, was putting up a good fight. And Kazuto was angered for the same reason. Not that he didn't appreciate a good fight, but this was a goblin. They were no different than vermin. As the two struggled for dominance, Kazuto failed to notice one goblin sneaking up from behind. No, he did sense it. So he pushed the leader back and delivered a good vertical slash on the goblin would-be assassin.

And that was a fatal mistake.

Kirito was dealing with another two, almost struggling, when a cry reached his ears. It wasn't a cry of a goblin. He turned to find Kazuto stabbed by the leader. His eyes widened in horror. The boy raced towards the two, ignoring the green-skinned creatures. Time seemed to slow down, as he accelerated.

Just in time, Kirito managed to parry the bigger opponent's sword. But this goblin, unlike its lackey's, knew how to fight. it backed away before Kirito could land a blow on it. The boss attempted to punch the small swordsman, only for the raven-head to roll to the side. He learned from fighting Frit. He would not get punched that easily. Plus, Kazuto's training did improve his footwork. Kirito attempted to use a 'horizontal arc', but he was blocked. The goblin leader was stronger. It pushed the boy back. Three goblin underlings attempted to cut him down, but the boy managed to leap out of their attack and towards the leader. Again, the attack was blocked. Kirito came to understand this would not do. He needed not to be stronger or faster. Not when his opponent was on another level. He needed to be smarter. He calmed himself right after he back a bit. The boy and the boss goblin started to circle each other. The creature wasn't so stupid. He recognized the boy's skills. He must be the older ium's student or something. But still, a cub is a cub.

So, with a battle cry, Kirito swung his blade at the goblin leader, but missed. He tried 'horizontal arc' again, but missed again. Kirito tried to hit again, but his blade was deflected. What was worse, he lost his balance. The leader saw this and signaled the other goblins to surround him. The leader and three of his subordinates moved in to kill the child. They were going to bathe in his blood. It his flesh.

Kazuto could only watch. He got stabbed through the chest and could not move no matter how hard he tried. He could only watch the boy defend him. See as Kirito was struggling with the bigger opponent. Unlike the Salamander, EAson, this goblin was more like the bandits' leader, Frit- smart. And unlike Frit it was calm. The boy managed to escape the three goblins and attempted to attack, but failed. And now he would see the boy get cut down. Then his eyes widened in surprise as he saw Kirito's next move. He was surrounded by four visible blurs that also spilled goblins' blood.

Kirito did not use a 'horizontal arc'.

He used a 'horizontal square'. It was a highly advanced move. One that even Kazuto found difficult to learn due to lack of necessary speed. Yet this 9-year-old pulled it off by himself even without being told about it.

Improvised or not, the kid did it.

And as the goblin leader was backing away in pain, Kirito found an opening. And he cut off the monster's head.

The other goblins saw this and backed away. Good. They lost the will to fight. Though, when they saw the child breathing heavily, they were actually slowly closing in. Like trying to take revenge.

They lost it when they saw the boy's eyes. They were feral. But that wasn't what disheartened them. Were the boy's eyes… brown for a fraction of a second there?

The creature were running in panic. They refused to fight.

Kirito sighed in relieve. He did not think he could fight anymore at this point. He turned to Kazuto when he heard a groan. The raven head's expression quickly changed to that of sadness. Kirito dropped his sword and walked over towards the knight. And he started to feel something. Kirito was not wounded. Not that badly at least. So why… why did his chest hurt? Why was he starting to choke? Why were his eyes filling with water?

Why was he moving at the faster pace?

"K-Kazuto…?" the boy finally croaked, after kneeling next to the man. He knew not what to do. Yet knew he should do something. Kazuto was both surprised and happy for him. Looks like Kirito recovered a bit of his heart. Now he needed him to not lose it again.

"You… did so… well… Kirito…" the knight spoke,, reaching out to the boy.

"Don't…" Kirito was forcing his words out. Tears started to run. "Don't die… please…" the last word came out so weakly. A realization came upon him what was happening.

"B-be strong… Kirito." Kazuto continued, coughing blood. He did not have much time. He needed to be quick. "T-take my sword. The Elucidator. It will… serve you well." He instructed, pointing at his sword. A black blade with a gear-shaped guard. Kirito picked it up. And passed it to Kazuto's hand. "Listen, Kirito. Once you're… older, go… go to the… City of Aincrad. Join a guild. Th-there you will find… something e-even… I could never… g-give you."

"W-w-w-what's…. that…?" the boy asked.

And only he heard what Kazuto said. His final word before he finally died, losing his grip on the sword.

That night, Kirito spend crying. For the first time in who knows how long he cried.

The next morning, Alice and Eugeo would come only to find the hut burned down and a bunch of corpses. But no sign of the raven head.

Years later

It wasn't raining. But the clouds were dark. Heavy. A strong wind was blowing. Just a few beams of sunlight were coming through. A figure in a black cloak came out of the forest and looked forward. In the distance the figure could see a huge city with a giant tower in the center and a clear sky in the background.

The capital of the territory.

"Aincrad. A name to the family, the city and territory." The figure commended with a young male voice. He dropped his hood, which formed an open collar. The young man had short black hair and obsidian eyes. And on his back he carried a sword with a gear-shaped guard. "Someone's full of themselves."

The young man smiled cockily. "Let's see what you got waiting."

And so, Kirito was about to start a new chapter in his life.

Prologue end…

A/N.: And so ends the prologue. Next update coming as soon as I feel like it. Sorry, I am like a cat- moody. Again, if you don't like the story- don't bother. If want to point out what's wrong, then do it like a human being.

Peace out.