The Beta Players

Ever were in the mood depending on the weather? Like cheerful on a sunny day or gloomy on a rainy one? Well, how would you feel on a windy day, when the sky was covered in dark clouds, yet the landscape looked like the sun was normally shining down?

The gate watch did not know how to feel. No, scratch that. They knew how to feel- BORED!

Nothing exciting ever happens. Some merchant with goods to trade. Some travelers. An adventurer, Knights. Messengers. Nobles. Royalties. It is always just registering people coming in or out of the city. There are no monsters dumb enough to get close enough to fight. Even bandits will not try to attack. Even during the last war five years ago there was no siege of Aincrad City.

'Join the city guard' they said. 'It is a decent job and you'll get to see some action. Make good coin.' They said. Now the poor sod was in agony of boredom. Why didn't he listen to mother and become an accountant? His fellow guardsman only had a serious look when he checked. But he was an experienced guardsman, about a decade or two in the profession. This bored lad was her for only four and still it was getting worse.

And now here came another to enter the city. A young man dressed all in black. Great. Another name to register. Another coin to make. How dull was this job?

The young man was getting closer to the gate. From what Kirito could see, it was more like an outpost. On the other side a bridge over a chasm leading to the huge wall surrounding the city. It looked as if the city was built on a small mountain. Or maybe it was mimicking one. Well, unless he entered, the boy would not know. So, first things first, the teenager in black needed to get into the city.

And of course, that is where the guardsmen get in.

"Halt!" the more junior of the guardsmen instructed, stopping the young raven-head in his tracks. "State your business before you enter the city." He did his best to look serious, but clearly still had that bored look on his face. He hoped that this traveler would assume it was just his face. Nah, who was he kidding. The guardsman could care less.

"I was told I could join the guild here in Aincrad. Is that a problem?" Kirito asked.

The guardsman raised an eyebrow at that. This outsider wanted to join the guild. Likely an adventurer guild. He looked him up and down. A boy in his mid-teens perhaps and did not look like much- scrawny. His equipment also seemed rather mediocre. Still, he wanted to enter.

"I'll need some form of identification, kid." The guardsman said, reaching out his hand.

"Identification…?" Kirito felt confused.

"Don't you have any identification document?" the guardsman asked. Frustrated at the shaking of the teenager's head, he sighed. Come with me. There is no guarantee you will get accepted into the guild, so you will need a pass through the city. That way if anything happens… Well, things will be easier this way." Not feeling like explaining the whole bureaucracy thing- not that he really understood much of it himself- the guardsman decided to just get things done fast.

It took a while, about 30 minutes or more, but finally Kirito got to start crossing the bridge. And it was a long bridge to cross. About 600 meters of stone and wood over an abyss below. Whoever thought of building this bridge as an entrance into the city was a smart person. If it was rigged, then the enemy would lose lots of men. Not to mention, it would be near impossible to attack the city from this side. The east and south side more specifically. So, defending Aincrad was far easier from the only two remaining sides where the potential invaders could strike efficiently- the north and west sides.

But as Kirito finally crossed the bridge and entered the city, he quickly learned what the guardsman, Ron he learned his name was, was telling him.

He was in the Outer Ring District. The most outer part of the city. This was the place for trade with the outside world, the inns, the barracks. In other words, this was the border. And according to what Kirito learned, the next ring was nothing but fields and farms. Thanks to that, the city could last through the siege for nigh unlimited time. The city was nearly self-sufficient. And then there were the Middle Ring District, which was no different than the Outer Ring District. The Industrial Ring District, which, as the name suggests, was reserved for the industrial facilities- blacksmiths, workshops, steel mills and such. The whole ring working like a big machinery.

Finally, there was the Inner Ring District, which was mostly occupied by nobility or simply people who had the money, influence, or reputation, maybe even recognized by the Royal Family. And right in the center of this all stood the heart of the city. Castle Aincrad. A castle build on the very peak of the small mountain. An egg-shaped structure with a few towers and balconies in some places, shining like a huge piece of ruby at dawn and dusk.

But to Kirito's knowledge, he needed to get to the Middle Ring District. That is where the guild's lied. Specifically, the one he learned about during his years on his own. A guild he believed Kazuto would want him to join.

Yes, Kirito would not normally want to join a guild. But he did hear Kazuto sometimes mention about having the young swordsman joining a guild. Supposedly it would let him find people who could teach him more things. Not just a new sword school or new battle tactics. But also, about society, magic, interactions with other people, politics, recognizing equipment quality. Many things depending on what Kirito needed to know within the topic of battle and outside of that. And he heard a lot about that one guild. A guild which was fresh in business yet had already made a name for itself.

Its name was…

Beta Players.

And now Kirito finally reached the district he needed. A huge crowd of people of various races all around. Compared to Rulid Village, Aincrad was truly titanic and filled with stone buildings far bigger than he thought. He would like to take a tour around the place. But for now, he needed to find the guild. He wanted to get done with.

As he was crossing the marketplace, he could not help but be amazed to find people of various races in one place. Humans, people of The Nine Great races, even other races- such as:

Lycanthropes- people capable to shift between purer humanoid to more animalistic forms.

Dwarves- short but broad people with rock-like skin texture, able to endure great heat and pressure.

There were even more races. Too many to list. So, lets stick with these for now.

Especially since one certain cry got the raven-head's attention.

Looking around, Kirito finally found a group of people surrounding something or someone. Curious, the teen approached the people, but he could not see a thing. Thinking fast, he jumped onto the streetlamp with relative ease. What he found was a boar. Was it from a circus? Or maybe it was captured to be sold to a noble. Kirito learned that some nobles would do these kinds of things. Or maybe it was to be brought to an arena. As the young swordsman looked closer, he noticed the beast glaring at the Salamander dressed in a Japanese-styled armor, holding his gut in a pitiful position.

Really? From what the raven-head could pick up as people were talking, this guy seemed to brag about how he had things under control- only to end up biting off more than he could chew. Poor guy. The boar was already making its way to finish off the guy.

Kirito took a moment to consider whether to step in or not. Judging from how that guy was still in pain and no one else seemed willing to step in… dammit.

Kirito jumped in and slashed the beast in one fluid move. He did not kill it. He did not know the situation. But he did pacify it. The boar fell and slid a few more meters, stopping before the Salamander. As if on cue, some guys in uniforms steeped in, taking things over from there.

Kirito sighed. Now someone decided to do something.

"Thanks, man." Someone thanked the teen. Turning to face the source, he saw the Salamander from before. "I thought I was done f… I mean, I had it, but I appreciate the help." He corrected himself, trying to look mighty.

Kirito merely gave him a deadpan look. "You got hit by a field boar. A barely larger kind of boar."

"Screw you, man! That thing was like a pig from hell!" The Japanese-clothed swordsman argued. After a few deep breaths, he walked over to pick up his sword. Judging by the slightly curved, single edged blade, Kirito guessed it was a katana. There were very few who wielded that kind of blade. "By the way, the name's Klein. Maybe you heard of me?"

"Mm, Klein. Klein…" The raven-haired swordsman thought about it. Did he hear that name before? Something in the back of his mind itched as if he heard it after all. But he could not recall.

"Klein the Fire? Klein of the Fuurinkazan? Klein the Awesome?" the salamander listed some of the titles. The last one was more of his ego, but who knows. Maybe the kid was a fan?

But the teen just kept quiet. Still in thought. Fortunate no one was minding the two now. Then, like a barrel of bricks dropped on his head, it came to him.

"Now I remember the name." said, placing his fist into his palm. A habit he developed while still with Kazuto.

Klein just smiled. "So, you do know of me. Ah, finally, someone recognized my greatness." He was happy. Klein was finally happy, as his name was known outside of City of Aincrad. Finally, people would sing the name…

"You're the one called BallsDeep69."

"THAT WAS JUST ONE TIME AND A JOB!" Just like that, his world crumbled. Comical tears poured down his face in gallons. Poor guy. Where that name came from? Well, let us just say some things are better left unsaid.

A few minutes later…

"Sorry about that." Klein finally said, after he calmed down. "A bad chapter in my history I'm not proud of."

"It's cool. We all got at least one episode in life like that." Kirito assured. Not wanting to make this guy feel any worse than he is now. "Now excuse me. I am looking for the Beta Players' guild."

"The Beta Players?" the katana-wielding Salamander asked with wide eyes. "I'm a member of that guild. I can guide you there, kid."

"My name's Kirito."

"Then follow me, Kirito. You'll like it there." Klein said, throwing his arm over the teen's shoulder and leading him. "But, if you don't mind me asking, why join our guild?"

Now that he did ask, why did he want to join a guild? Well, Kirito supposed it was because of Kazuto. He wanted the young swordsman to join the guild. But why Beta Players? It was about three years ago when he first heard of the Beta Players. He found the name corny, really. But over the time, he started to like what he heard about it. And since it was an adventurer guild, meaning not so strict like a knight guild… Well, Kirito was not that fond on Kazuto's disciplining. Especially when he would break his nap- another thing the mentor figure taught him, ironically.

"Let's just say I made a promise." He finally answered the taller swordsman.

"Fine, fine. Let's just get you there."

And the two were on their way. It took a few dozen minutes, taking about a turn or four to get onto the main road.

And there it was. A huge, three-story-tall building with a dark blue banner with a white 'B' and yellow 'P' overlapping, forming a 'β' symbol. That was it. The Beta Players guild. He finally stood before it. And with Klein's insistence, he entered…

Finding a rowdy bunch. Some were just talking, laughing, or singing as they drank. Another group seemed to arm wrestle or… playing chess? Well, whatever. At least they were having an innocent fun, not a fight. And there were some people by the board upon which there were countless sheets. Maybe they were looking through jobs to take. Looking around at all these people, different races, different professions, old, young, experienced, inexperienced… This looked like a new beginning for him.

"Well, Kirito, my man, if you decided to register, just walk over to the receptionist desk over there…" the Salamander pointed to the huge desk to the right, a few meters away from the entrance door. "… and tell them you wanna join. Then just do as they tell you. Who knows, maybe we'll even end up working together on your first job."

Kirito was making his way over to the desk. He had to admit it, he was feeling a bit excited. That was something. Now he would have to deal with paper works. But after registration… Hello adventure. He finally reached the desk. And much to his surprise…

"Howdy there. Welcome to Beta Players'. How can I help you?" a feminine voice called. It belonged to… a little girl? A kid was the receptionist? No, despite her small appearance and child-like face, she had… ahem, mature features on her body. And considering he indigo sclera and diamond shaped irises and pupils… She was a Minaan- a small race of child-like people blessed with long lives and great charisma. They were also very compassionate and wise people.

Kirito seemed to realize he was staring, as he coughed into his fist. "Sorry about that. Um, who are you?"

The girl just giggled. "I am Anna. I am the guild master here." The young swordsman was about to say something, but she was faster. "And no. I know I look about ten years old, but I am a Minaan. In my early twenties if you must know. So, don't bother asking me about my parents or anything." She said. Even though she seemed to be clearing things up, Kirito felt as if she was annoyed. She must be getting that often. Not that he could blame her.

"Actually, I was going to ask why a guild master is doing a receptionist's job."

Her eyes widened and her cheeks got bit red. That was embarrassing. "It's her day off. And this kind of thing is not something beneath me, y'know. Anyways…" she suddenly changed to a happy mood. She was trying to forget the situation a moment ago, maybe. "What brings you here, kiddo."

Kirito blinked a few times. Okay, this girl... err, woman was a lively one. "I wanted to register. Will there be a problem with that?"

"Are you kidding? We welcome new members. We just need to do some paper works and a test or two."

…

"Not necessarily in that order." She added, sticking her tongue out playfully.

The teen swordsman sighed. Maybe joining the guild was not such a great idea after all. But before he could think about anything else…

"Hold up!" an arrogant voice caught both Kirito's and Anna's attention. It belonged to a short but solidly built man with sienna cactus-styled haircut and a small goatee. He was smiling smugly while eyeing the raven-haired teen. "I'll be more than happy to test the newbie."

"Oh, c'mon, Kibaou. Not again." One of the other adventurers commented.

"Who's that?" Kirito asked. And Klein, who walked up to the receptionist desk in the meantime, answered.

"That's Kibaou. One of stronger, though controversial, members of the guild. He's known within the guild as Kibaou the Rookie Slayer as he always takes on the testing of the new potential members and always fails them."

"Is that so…?" the onyx eyes of Kirito gazed and sized the prick. The guy merely chuckled before turning to Anna.

"I am just saying I am willing to test him. Is it that wrong?"

The guild master frowned. She could just deny him. In fact, she wanted to. No. She was going to. His reputation was questionable, but it was not anything to have him removed. But the guild was losing promising recruits because of him. So, she would deny him.

"Do you mind if I ask what the test involves?" Kirito asked. Now that she thought about it, of course this young man did not know about the recruitment test.

"Sorry. The test is really about evaluating your skills." Anna explained, putting up a straight face. That's right. She needed to act professional. Her personal disgust with Kibaou's methods aside, she still was the head of this guild. "Which means a duel."

"Then I'll take it." The young swordsman dressed in black said, surprising everyone in the building. But he said next just everyone question reality itself. "I'll even take this guy on, since he's nice enough to volunteer."

Yup. Some of the older members poured out their drinks. Guess it was affecting them the wrong way.

But Kibaou laughed at this. He laughed as if he lost all sanity. Some thought that he looked like a psychotic killer having finally found the perfect prey. His laughter echoed throughout the building. Even the people on the street stepped away from the guild building, fearing what happened within.

"Fine! Just don't cry after I get you kicked out!" the cactus-head grinned evilly. He continued the eye contact with the new recruit before finally he walked away.

"What did you do, you idiot?!" Klein yelled at his new young friend in disbelieve.

"He did something that requires big cojones." A comment came from an elderly, balding man dressed like butler with a Scottish accent. Tough there was something… creepy about him. "Something you don't really have, you stupid boy. Then again, that time may proof otherwise, Balls. Bha ha ha ha ha hahahahaha." And with that laughter, the man disappeared.

"That man… who the hell was that?" Klein wondered for a moment about this random guy… then returned to the topic. "Any way, why would you accept his challenge? Didn't you hear what we just said about him? He is the reason most people wishing to join fail to join. He beats them up mercilessly."

"So?" was all Kirito said, shutting Klein's mouth. "I have faced many opponents who were years stronger than me. I have fought the odds a kid should never come out a victor." Hearing this made the Salamander's eyes widen. The raven head was lying, right? Or was he? "I won't back down just because he talks big."

"There is no shame denying him the fight, boy." Anna spoke, reminding the two of her presence. "I am more than willing to appoint someone else to duel you. Kibaou can't force his way."

"No need. I'll be more than happy to put him in his place for you." That nonchalant speech pattern just now got Anna curious. Was this kid capable or was he cocky? Kibaou may be a bully and a black sheep in the guild. There is hardly a member willing to even talk with him. But no one could deny that he was a capable fighter. He was one of the guild's strongest for a reason.

And now this kid claimed he might be able to beat him. A boy from who-knows-where who has not registered yet was just warned about how that arrogant cactus-head treats those wishing to join and is not backing away. Rather, is looking forward to a fight.

She wondered how things would turn out.

About an hour later, Kirito found himself in a decently sized arena. There was only him and Kibaou on the stage, whilst everyone else from the guild was in the bleachers, ready to watch the fight. There was no cheering or anything, however. Everyone was certain about the outcome- Kibaou stopping another person from joining. And sending them even to a hospital, likely.

Anna was glad they had this arena set under the guild building. It made events like these easy. Close, cheap, and personal. Oh, she was not a cheapskate or nonsocial. It was just about convenience. She looked around to find nearly every member of her guild who was in the building, maybe even withing the city walls, arrive to see the fight. This is not going to be forgettable, for sure.

She now eyed the two fighters on the stage, however. Kibaou, as always, had that disgusting, arrogant smile on his face, showing all his teeth. He was so confident that he would end this fight coming out a victor. He was likely planning on injuring the kid as well. That sadistic bastard. Perhaps she should have a talk with him. No. She needed to discipline him once this was over with. No matter the result.

But when she looked at Kirito, she could not help but raise an eyebrow, seeing the boy just stood there with no expression whatsoever. She got used to seeing the potential recruits show all kinds of emotions: fear, nervousness, cockiness, anger. But this raven-haired teen showed none of those. He just stood there, measuring up his opponent with his onyx eyes. Something was a little off for her. Not necessarily in a bad way, though. Just unusual.

"You ready to lose, kid?" Kibaou spoke, making some of the people groan. "I am the strongest guy here. This guild is no place for weaklings like you. Once I'm done with you, you're gonna be unable to look me in the eyes." His arrogant voice kept sounding.

But Kirito simply responded: "I really would rather not have to look at you. It's like I'm seeing something I threw up." The cactus-haired man just gaped at that.

A laughter echoed through the arena. Looking around, Kibaou found everyone laughing at this. It angered him. How dare that little…?

"Oh, you think you're a big shot, huh?"

"Judging from the pain in my neck just to look you in the eyes down there… yup." Was all Kirito said, with a slight smirk. He was not really into the taunt tactics, but as one of his mentors he met after Kazuto's death said, it was a good tactic to make the opponent to lose their focus, cloud their judgement.

Another round of laugh echoed through the arena. Even Klein and Anna joined in. And that made Kibaou start seeing red. He pulled out his sword and pointed it at the kid.

"I am going to make a fu*king hole in your stomach!" he shouted in anger.

"You're going to make a hole in me using that sword or those spikes you call hair?"

That did it. Many people lost it and fell out of their seats, laughing. This kid was too much. Plus, someone finally made a joke about that arrogant bastard's hair. Even Anna found it hard to breathe. And her face was hurting from smiling.

Kibaou saw red. He took a stance, which Kirito was recognized. It was one that he disliked a lot. The Serpent stance. It was an illusive stance. It was about deceiving one's opponent, leading them to a false sense of gaining the upper hand only to strike them when their defense was at their lowest. Kirito saw that stance about three times in his travels. And what made him dislike that stance was the people who would use it in a fight. Sadists with no honor and cowards who put up a high and mighty face when they felt in control but crack and beg for mercy when the odds where against them. He really found it hard to practice the stance without feeling… defiled.

The clad-in-black teen pulled out his sword from the scabbard on his back and took his stance. He lowered his stance, legs wide, bend in the knees, left foot at the front. Left hand forward, more like he was keeping balance or something. His sword to the side.

Everyone looking found the new kid's stance off and weird. It looked impractical. Anna, however, had a different opinion. She was had good eyes and had seen her share of fights in life. Kirito's stance was odd, but she could tell it was efficient. Kirito was the type who preferred speed of power or endurance. She could not help but smile. Every soul in the arena was surprised when she joined the betting and placed a 6000 col on the new kid. Many times higher anyone in the guild was willing to bet at all.

Kibaou decided not to waste time. He was seeing red and charged at the boy. What was he going to do? The cactus-haired man had years of experience. His opponent was just some kid. He got this. The kid even had a poor stance.

As Kibaou was about to strike from above, Kirito dodged to the left. But the guild member wasn't faced. He just slashed horizontally. But the recruit just hopped backwards. A fist followed the failed slash, aiming at the raven-head's face. Another miss. Kibaou backed away himself, much to Kirito's intrigue. Was that guy just testing him? Better keep a guard up. Who knows what he might be planning?

And Kibaou dashed forward, thrusting his blade with great power. Kirito dodged to the right. As his opponent was passing by, he saw his smile. And felt a cut to his stomach. As he inspected, there was indeed an injury there. Nothing serious, but still. Here came the cactus-headed opponent again, as if aiming for the neck. Kirito back ducked, only to get kneed in the face. Hard. The raven-haired teen could have sworn he felt his nose break and cave-in. As the bleachers groaned at the sight, as if feeling the pain themselves, Kibaou just chuckled. He looked at his left arm, glad for his retractive blade. Another's blood was now satisfying the blade's bloodlust. But he was not done yet. No. He was going to beat this kid up to the point he would stay in bed in some hut far away from civilization. This was his revenge for the humiliation earlier. That is what the kid or anyone gets for looking down at him. HIM. Injuring the kid was not going to do. He was going to break him.

Kibaou charged again, pulling out some sphere objects out of his pouch. These would do nicely. He tossed them. Kirito saw them in time to side-step. They exploded… in mid-air? It was a smokescreen. That was the teen's conclusion when only smoke covered his vision. No heat. No force tossing him. Just smoke.

Then a scent hit him. Like a cinnamon mixed with wood dust. His eyes widened and attempted to get out of the cloud. Though he did that, he was caught by the coat and thrown back into that cloud. Kirito used the momentum to run out of it through the other side. Even though he did that, Kirito was coughing, hard. It was the effect of the drug. That is what that cloud was. A drug. Specifically, the dragon rancid drug. It was not lethal in this quantity, that much he learned. But it would affect his body. It would cause his body to slow down and weaken. Limit his vision, make it hard to breathe. His lungs would be like on fire. In other words, the drug made him feel as if he was suffering a serious fever if not a plague. That was dangerous. Kibaou was laughing. He was certain to win now. But he was going to play a bit more first.

Kirito shook his head once. Twice. And a third time. Blinking his eyes, rubbing them, breathing heavily. The drug was getting to him. He needed to focus. He was not going to lose to this guy. No way. Kirito took his stance again, ready to act.

This only made Kibaou laugh hard. Was this guy stupid? The drug was already making it hard for him to see. No doubt he was barely standing on his own. What fool.

The others, on the other hand, had different thoughts. Some thought the kid was being reckless and stubborn. Others were somewhat fearful for his wellbeing. And then there were people like Anna. She was being analytical and thought Kirito was planning something. She would have sworn she saw the raven-head do more than just side-step when those bombs were thrown. Was she just imagining things? No, she could see that Kirito was calm and focused the entire time. Like he was in more life-threatening fights than a normal kid should be. Like holding a sword was more natural for him than farming or wood cutting. She was hoping the kid would not lose. She did bet 6000 cols on the kid. And she never gambles. He better NOT loose now! That was her money on the line! WHY DID SHE GAMBLE?!

Kirito just stood there like nothing, squinting his eyes. His vision must be very foggy now. Took a deep breath…

"Just quit it, fool!" Kibaou's arrogant voice called. "A weakling like you can't win! I am the Beta Players' strongest! If you cannot beat me then you have no place here, you hear?!" Nearly all the people in the bleachers were now glaring at the cactus-headed guy. Some, especially Klein, seemed ready to snap. "Just lower your sword! Give in, and I'll let you leave with just a few bruises! So, what do you say?!"

Kirito did not respond. Not immediately, anyway. He just stood there, motionless. It made Kibaou lose his smile slowly, before it quickly turned to annoyance, and then anger. His grip on the sword tightened so much one could hear the leather on the grip and the bones in his hand crack. He growled and got ready to charge. Screw everything. He was going to cut off this brat's arm off. As he was ready to move, Anna saw something she thought she would never see.

Kirito's eyes suddenly got a sharp look.

The teen used 'sonic leap' to quickly close the distance between himself and the cactus-headed jerk, much to the latter's surprise and confusion. But Kirito's first target was that wrist-mounted blade. He cut the asshole's arm. Not off of course. Just made a decent cut, which was a result of cutting that bracer off his left arm. Kibaou was confused at first. Then mad. He tried to thrust his sword now that this kid was wide open, but Kirito deflected his blade using horizontal arc. Followed by a strong elbow to the face. The cactus-headed swordsman barely recovered as Kirito was about to strike again. He barely blocked this attack. Then, much to his confusion, he found Kirito's hand just before his face. What was he about to do? The teen lowered his arm to his opponent's chest and spoke.

"Discharge." As Kirito said it, Kibaou's body was ran through by a strong electric current. He screamed in outright agony. But it was not that bad. He was still standing, but his was in great pain and his body moving poorly. He breathed hardly, his lungs greedily filling with air. He stared at the kid. How dare he? How dare he humiliate him like that? Especially in front of the guild?

No, wait. How was he even doing that? He should be moving very poorly due to the drug. Yet his speed, accuracy, strength... it was all too great.

"H-how…?"

"How am I not struggling against the dragon rancid drug?" the raven-head finished what he assumed was Kibaou's question. "The second I saw you pull out those bombs, I figure it was either explosives, which I think the guild master would jump in and stop this duel out of concern for life, or some kind of poison or drug. So, when you threw them, I didn't just side-step. I took a not too deep breath. I did not expect them to explode still in the air, but I am glad I still did it. When I caught what that smoke was by the scent, I figured you would try to shove me back in there the second I try to run out of that cloud. So, I ran out, what I thought would happen happened and I kept my breath until I was truly out from the other side. I just pretended to be affected by the drug, waiting for the opening."

Everyone was surprised. That kid really pulled that off. Impossible. Anna was surprised herself. But the look on her face said something else. She was happier not to lose her col. Oh, she was going to make so much col.

"But… how did you know I was going to shove you into that cloud?" Kibaou asked in surprise and anger.

"Let's just say your fighting style and the look on your face did all the talking. You're a sneaky guy and a sadist, apparently. Having me breathe in some of that stuff wouldn't be enough for you. You're kind likes to have their prey have a little extra. But rather than to make sure, it's more out of amusement."

"And the symptoms…?"

Kirito scratched his face out of discomfort. "I was a victim to the drug before… nasty stuff." He revealed.

And that answer made Anna concerned.

Kibaou could not believe what he just heard any more than the rest of the guild. This kid anticipated this and used his experience to counter his strategy. No, he used it to his advantage. And now, Kibaou's left arm was out. That kid… he will pay for this.

Kibaou lost his composure and charged at the teen with a roar. Kirito simply deflected the strike to his left and elbowed him in the chest. The cactus head tried again but was blocked. Kirito ran his blade across the opponent's and made a cut on Kibaou's cheek. Now furious, the cactus-head thrusted his sword forward, but Kirito sidestepped and brought his blade up… cutting off one of his opponent's hair spikes. Kibaou was paralyzed. A blade ran so close his face. This never happened before in his life. Before he could think on anything else, Kirito brought chopped him in the back of his neck, knocking him out.

There was silence in the arena for a minute. No one dared make a sound. The only sound was that of a roach walking on the wall- or would be there was one. SO, I jest. Sue me. Anyhow… finally people started cheering. This newbie just brought down the guild's biggest asshole. The applause echoed throughout the place, accompanied by whistles and cheers. Many were congratulating the new guy on his victory. Especially Anna. Thanks to this guy she made a fortune… I mean, she was glad she was right figuring Kirito was strong. And showed intelligence- something most men appear to lack in favor of those big muscles. Huh, guess they were compensating for more than just … ehem.

There two other people who seemed extremely interested in the new guy. One with shoulder length lilac hair, who found this guy interesting. She had to admit, he was strong, fast, and smart. She licked her lips, looking forward to interacting with him. The other was at the entrance to the arena, dressed in a red hooded robe obscuring their appearance. That person left quickly, needing to report this.

Later…

"Well, Kirito, here it is." Said Anna with a big smile not nearly enough matching her enthusiasm. Nearly 3 hours after the duel and, after a not so small celebration, they could finally get Kirito officially registered. Now the teen looked at what Anna gave him. It was a black card made of a material he was not familiar with. It did not feel like metal yet was about as durable.

Looking at it, a small image of him appeared glowing just before the card, as a bunch of markings appeared on the card itself.

"This is your official guild card. Keep it safely with you, as it serves to identify you. And it can be also used for certain other deals."

"Like…?" Kirito raised an eyebrow, a little intrigued.

"Some shops either have a discount for guilds or serve only the guilds. Also, the blacksmiths offer special services only to the guild members. Also, so you know. For the next 10 jobs, you will be considered an initiate. It means you can only take jobs that are within city walls. It serves to get you familiar with how things work around here. Afterwards, you can take more serious jobs, though I suggest you take those with a company until you get enough experience."

Kirito thought about what he just heard. He figured that for now he was stuck in the city until he finished his ten initial jobs. Oh, well. That shouldn't take too long. He could take it a little easy for now, he figured.

Now he needed a place to stay, get familiar with the city and get supplies.

Kirito was about to start a new chapter of his life.

A.N.: And that's a wrap. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions. I'd like to hear them. What I won't tolerate are flames. I mean who are the people who post flame. Victims to Abridged Kirito's mockery? I you are going to point out what's wrong with a story, at least try not to act like a complete retard. Be better than that. Well, see ya next time.