Okay, it's time for the next chapter.
Initially, I wanted to put the entire first training session in one chapter, but it turned out to be longer than I anticipated, so... two chapters it is.
Also, I didn't really know this when I started writing this story, but now that I corrected some mistakes in this chapter, I'll add this information here: I'm using a different kind of stat system than the canon one. I kind of stumbled upon the information that canon SAO has a rather... unique system (at least compared to my personal MMO experience). Well, the system in this story is different and more similar to the way the game Hollow Fragment handles it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Sword Art Online Re:Hollow Fragment or Sword Art Online in general.
Two days later, Silica, Lisbeth, Leafa and Sinon gathered on a field just outside of Arc Sophia. The inhabitants of this town liked to call it the outskirts of Arc Sophia.
It was still a safe zone, but it was spacious. People liked to use it as training grounds for simple, safe combat training. It was also a popular place for duels.
It was still early in the morning, and some of the girls were… not fully awake yet.
Lisbeth [yawns]: Geez, what is wrong with this guy? Summoning us here right at sunrise. Well, almost… [worriedly] I hope this is not going to be like one of these brutal training camps with exercises from sunrise to sunset…
Silica: I… hope not…
She rubbed her eyes while saying that.
Lisbeth: Looks like you could need another hour of sleep, too, Silica.
Silica pretty much confirmed this with a yawn.
Silica: I was too nervous last night… [nervously] I kept worrying about what to do if our teacher is going to be like these harsh military instructors you can see in some movies.
Pina sensed the unease of its owner. In order to comfort her, Pina sat down on Silica's shoulder and nudged her gently with its head. Silica smiled and petted the feathered dragon in response.
Leafa [slightly nervously]: Well, it's probably not going to be that bad. I know strict training from my kendo lessons, but it's never been anything I couldn't handle.
Lisbeth [slightly annoyed]: That's not reassuring coming from someone who's wide awake at this hour! You're probably just hardened to a ridiculous degree!
Leafa [defensively, annoyed]: Wait a second! I'm not that tough! I just went to bed early because I had to get up early in the morning, that's all!
Sinon: Same here. [slightly exasperatedly] Honestly, that's just common sense.
Lisbeth [defensively]: Cut me some slack! I was nervous!
Sinon: Well, I'd say I was a bit nervous, too, [determinedly] but mostly excited. I've been looking forward to this training. If it helps me to get stronger, I don't mind one bit if it's going to be hard!
Silica [nervously]: That's… quite the fighting spirit! [determinedly] But… I also want to become stronger! I have this chance thanks to Kirito-san, and now I might even repay him by becoming stronger and fighting for the same purpose as him!
Lisbeth [mutters]: Quite bold again… [says aloud] Well, I want to rebuild my reputation as a blacksmith, but if I want to continue my work here, I need to be strong enough to farm materials, so… Besides, if I can help the Assault Team on the battlefield as well, it will be even better! [mutters] And maybe I get to work with Kirito again…
Leafa [nervously]: W-well, I… am stuck in this game now, too, right? I feel that I should help as well, but some things here might be a little bit different in ALO… I'm glad that I met my brother here… [very nervously] Y-you know, coincidentally! [slightly calmer] A-anyway, I'm not going to let our reunion go to waste, [determinedly] so I'll make my way out of this game by his side!
A moment of silence followed. Silica, Lisbeth and Leafa turned to Sinon with expectant expressions. Their looks were kind of unnerving in her opinion.
Sinon: W-what is it?
Lisbeth [slightly nervously]: Um, nothing! Anyway… [sternly, looks around] Where the hell is this guy?! How long does he want to make us wait?!
Leafa: Well, keeping aside how you just changed the subject, he's kinda late, isn't he?
Silica [sternly]: Hm, he is! What kind of teacher would let us wait here on the first day?!
Lisbeth's expression turned surprised and then oddly serious at this point. It actually startled the others a little.
Lisbeth: Well, good question. Or rather than that, what kind of guy would let us wait like that?
The other girls were mostly annoyed by Lisbeth's "remark", although they also felt a bit uneasy because of its… implications.
Leafa [flatly]: Um, Liz-san, do you actually listen to yourself?
Lisbeth: No, no, hear me out! Four attractive young ladies are supposed to team up with a single guy. What do you think this sounds like?
Sinon [dryly]: Kirito's life? I haven't been around long enough to judge this properly, but it sounds like that to me.
Sinon's remark earnt nervous chuckles from the other girls.
Leafa: W-well, kind of… It's strange, and I honestly didn't expect to find my brother in this world with a group of girls… but I doubt he'd do anything funny.
Silica [determinedly]: Th-that's right! Kirito-san wouldn't do anything questionable to a girl, Liz-san!
Lisbeth [defensively]: Yeah, yeah, sure! [sternly] But that's not the point! This guy picked us for this group, didn't he? Who knows what he has in mind?
Lisbeth started to rub her chin and smirked suggestively at Leafa.
Lisbeth [teasingly]: Who knows what will go through his mind when he sees the… prospects. Isn't that right, Leafa-chan?
Leafa [embarrassed]: Cut it out! Why am I always the example for that?!
Silica [nervously]: That's not funny, Liz-san! W-what do you even think he'd ask of us?
Lisbeth seemed to think about it seriously with crossed arms and closed eyes. She kept that pose – and the appropriate tone – when she finally answered.
Lisbeth: Crossing a huge, messy mud parkour… in underwear.
The other girls freaked out a bit because of that mental image. Sinon was the first one to regain her composure… and to realise how ridiculous that thought was.
Sinon [exasperatedly]: How did this turn into that kind of conversation?
Upon hearing Sinon's remark, Lisbeth dropped her serious act and began to chuckle.
Lisbeth: It was a joke! God, you're taking this way too seriously.
Leafa [slightly annoyed]: I definitely think it wasn't funny…
Silica [nervously]: Yes, Liz-san! Y-you shouldn't joke about… about that!
Lisbeth [defensively]: Okay, okay! I won't mention it again! Let's just get this tedious training over with! [to Sinon] But seriously, are you not at all concerned about this? I mean, you hardly even flinched when I brought that up. It's not like it is impossible that this guy is secretly a pervert.
Sinon: Well, I also hope that nothing like that happens. [sternly] For his sake, that is!
Sinon's fierce remark intimidated the others to the point that they took a step backwards.
Lisbeth: You take no prisoners, Sinon, do you?
The conversation was interrupted abruptly by an unexpected voice.
Akinym: Well, you'll probably be glad to hear that it won't come to that anyway!
The girls turned to the direction the voice was coming from. They could see Akinym appearing seemingly out of nowhere about one metre in front of them while closing his menu. He looked at them calmly, albeit sternly.
Needless to say, the sudden appearance of a guy in front of them startled the girls, especially Lisbeth. She pointed at Akinym frantically.
Lisbeth: W-w-w-what… H… I… Si… Who the hell are you?! And WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?!
None of them had seen Akinym so far. He might've been their neighbour for the time being, but he usually left early, returned early and went to bed early. He also hadn't spent much time at Agil's shop so far.
Akinym [calmly]: I'm Akinym, your instructor. And technically speaking, I didn't come from anywhere. I've been here all this time.
Lisbeth [nervously]: A-all this time?
Akinym: I came here before you arrived and used my Hiding skill to conceal myself.
Silica [nervously]: S-so you spied on us?! That's terrible!
Akinym gave Silica an extremely stern look in response. For a moment, he looked so scary that Silica froze in fear. This was way too much like her dream last night.
Akinym: I know it's an unusual use of stealth skills, but it's a good way to discover what my trainees truly think of my "tedious training".
Lisbeth gulped when Akinym quoted her. This was so not going to be fun for her…
Akinym: Anyway, I apologise for being late. I won't make you wait like this from now on.
Akinym began to walk up and down in front of the girls. He looked like a drill sergeant who "inspected" a bunch of new recruits.
Akinym: This training will include lessons about skill and item information, preparing and performing hunting missions or dungeon raids, especially in floor labyrinths, and working as part of a raid party as well as direct combat training and, of course, [looks at Lisbeth] full clothing at all times!
Lisbeth [gulps, thinks]: Yep, he heard everything…
Akinym: You're the second one of my four groups. I'll train you in rotation, so your turn will be every four days. Keep that in mind! You're free to train on your own between my training sessions, [sternly] but no fighting in the field until I say that you're ready! [calmly] But first things first.
Akinym opened his menu and sent all of them a friend request. They were a bit surprised.
Leafa: A friend request? Isn't that… a bit too personal?
Akinym: Don't take that too literally! This is merely for the duration of this training anyway. After that, I'll delete you from my friend list. You won't even need to do that yourselves.
Silica [slightly nervously]: It's still a bit awkward. Is that even necessary?
Akinym: Let me put it that way: It's as voluntary as your presence here. These are my methods! I need a means of contacting you easily and at all times during the training. I might also need to keep track of you in case someone gets any ideas about ignoring my safety instructions.
Lisbeth: Well, that's one way to say you'll spy on us…
Akinym [sternly]: As your instructor, I have the responsibility to ensure your safety. I don't intend to do something as pointless as following you around at all times… [accusingly] if that's what you're worrying about. [calmly] Besides, you'll also know where I am at all times, so if you need help with something or have a question, you'll be able to find me. I might be busy, but I'll help you whenever my schedule allows it. You're staying at the same inn, so you may see me for advice in the evening whenever you wish.
The girls still hesitated a bit.
Sinon was the first one to accept the friend request. She actually looked quite determined when she pressed the "Accept" button.
Leafa followed suit shortly thereafter. In the end, this was part of the "deal", and Akinym had a point.
Silica hesitated a bit longer. Her finger hovered over the button, but she couldn't really bring herself to accept a complete (and rather scary) stranger as a friend – no matter what "friend" meant in that particular case.
In the end, Pina gave her a push… literally. Pina grabbed her hand and pushed it onto the button. Although the action of her familiar startled her, Silica figured that it was for the best.
Last but actually least, Lisbeth sighed in defeat and pressed the "Accept" button halfheartedly. There was no way around this after all…
Akinym: Good. Now that that's out of the way, I need to know your current level of ability. For that purpose, I'll have you fight duels against each other, First Strike mode. I'll observe your technique to evaluate your abilities. But before that…
Akinym stepped in front of Silica. She was startled by Akinym suddenly coming closer. Pina even growled at him, although Akinym barely flinched a little.
His gaze wandered back and forth between Silica and Pina for a moment.
Akinym: Silica-san, a beast tamer. That's quite a rare feature. I have to admit that I've never trained someone with a familiar, and I'm afraid that my knowledge of them is fairly limited. I'm not sure if I can help you with using your familiar more efficiently, but I'll try to come up with some battle tactics. I might consult you about this in the future.
Silica: Y-yes! Thank you for your help!
Akinym: You seem to use light armor… [takes a look at Silica's weapon] and a dagger. May I have a look at this equipment? I have equipment from the lower floors with me. I don't know if it is better than what you have now, but I'd like to check that.
It was an unusual request since players normally wouldn't allow others to see such information, but Silica doubted that Akinym would use it against her, so she turned a bit to the left so that Akinym could take a look at her character information.
While he was checking Silica's equipment, he scrolled through his inventory. He searched the sections for daggers and light armor for something that might be better than what Silica had at the moment.
Akinym: Hm, your current equipment seems to be relatively good. I might give you a few better pieces, but I'd prefer to keep them for other trainees. They might need them more…
Silica: I… I'm actually quite attached to this equipment, so I'd like to keep it anyway. I'm fine!
Akinym nodded approvingly, took a few steps to the left and stepped in front of Lisbeth.
Akinym: Lisbeth-san, a blacksmith working for several members of the Assault Team.
Lisbeth [slightly surprised]: You know that?
Akinym: It's not much of a secret. My trainees need to know the right people to turn to for important matters, for example weapon and armor crafting. Besides, I doubt that you're surprised to hear that you have quite the reputation as a weapon crafting expert.
Lisbeth: Well, I suppose that's true. [dejectedly] Or was before my crafting skills got messed up…
Akinym: I heard of that. I'll keep in mind to work on that, too. You're one of the few player smiths on the upper floors, and since we shouldn't rely on NPC smiths, bringing your skill levels up again is important. I'll try to find some spots for material gathering or good offers on the market, so you can get materials for crafting exercises.
Lisbeth nodded timidly. Considering how hostile he had been so far, this was surprisingly obliging.
However, while Akinym realised Lisbeth's importance as a blacksmith, he also made a mental note that her crafting skills would probably occupy most of her skill slots, so she would probably need a lot of support in combat while not being able to provide much support herself.
Akinym: It feels kinda futile to ask a blacksmith this question, but may I take a look at your equipment as well?
Lisbeth obliged, and just as Akinym had expected, he couldn't offer Lisbeth anything that was better than her current equipment.
He could only offer rather mediocre items after all. He had brought them with him for those who had really bad equipment.
Seeing that Lisbeth wouldn't need anything, he continued with Leafa.
Akinym: Leafa-san, one of our… new players.
He took a look at the elf ears of Leafa's avatar. He had heard about it, but he wasn't sure what to expect of a player from a different "world".
Akinym: I've heard you've come from a different VRMMO. ALO, if I'm correct?
Leafa: Y-yes, that's right.
Akinym: Is this also a combat-based game? If so, am I right to assume that you have fighting experience in VR environments?
Leafa: Well, yes, it is, and I do. However, I've only played ALO for a relatively short time. Since spring this year, to be precise. ALO also has a lot of stuff like flying and magic. It's a huge deal over there, but these features don't exist here, so…
Akinym: I see. It's still good to hear. Since you're from outside of SAO, I was afraid that you might not know anything about the mechanics, so I'm glad to hear that's not the case. It makes my task a bit easier. You should be fine with the right training. Your equipment?
Leafa opened her menu and searched for the status window.
Leafa: R-right. I could transfer some of my equipment from ALO. My old weapon didn't seem to cut it, though. Klein-san gave me one of his spare weapons. I'm actually kinda glad that katanas exist here, too.
Akinym took a look at Leafa's equipment while thinking about who this "Klein" might be.
He was sure that he had heard that name back in the days when he was part of the Assault Team. In the end, he vaguely remembered a small guild among the Assault Team that was led by someone with a similar name. It probably was the same person.
In that case, the weapon he had given Leafa should be fairly good. Akinym didn't have a katana he could offer Leafa anyway, so it was good that Klein had given her a decent one.
Now it was time to move on to his last "disciple" for today.
Akinym: Sinon-san… To my knowledge, you're also from outside SAO. [glances at Leafa, then turns back to Sinon] I doubt that you've come from ALO as well. Maybe another VRMMO?
Sinon [slightly nervously]: No, I… There's a... different background.
For a moment, Sinon was worried that Akinym might ask her to explain herself, although she'd rather not talk about what she had done when she had suddenly been trapped in SAO.
Akinym: I see… So you don't have any experience with fighting in VR? Or even playing a game such as SAO in general?
The momentary relief was quickly cast aside by different worries.
Sinon: No, I… [hesitantly] Frankly, I've never really been into games at all. Is… that a problem?
Akinym: Well, it is. However, it's nothing that can't be solved. I've worked with newcomers before, it's just that this was years ago when SAO started. [contemplatively] I'll need to adjust for this. Might need a lot more work than I anticipated. [calmly] It won't change anything in the long run, though. Now for the equipment check, could you open your status window, please?
Sinon needed a moment to find the right command in the menu. Asuna had explained the menu to her, but she still wasn't used to it.
Sinon: Agil-san was kind enough to give me some equipment, including a dagger. [mutters] Although I think he made Kirito pay for it…
Akinym: Agil-san? I see, he runs your inn and the shop there, doesn't he? I'm not sure if it's good or bad that he's here on the upper floors. He has been a huge help for mid-level players. Although he has a bit of a bad reputation among high-level players for it – at least as far as I've heard – he buys used equipment from front-line players to redistribute it to players on lower levels. He doesn't pay much, but he can provide players on the middle floors, who usually don't have much col, good equipment at an affordable price that way. Even if he doesn't offer the most lucrative deals, I'd advise you to sell items you don't need anymore to him. It's better for the entirety of the Assault Team and the players in general, at least in the long run.
The girls were a bit surprised that Akinym knew exactly who Agil was, what business strategy he had and why. They couldn't help but notice that Akinym was well-informed, although that wasn't that much of a surprise given his… occupation. Of course mid-level players could need that kind of information.
But still… It gave them hope that Akinym might be able to help them.
While they were thinking about the situation in general, Akinym checked Sinon's equipment. To be honest, Agil had given her good equipment, but Akinym actually found something that could be improved this time.
He sent Sinon a trade request. Apparently, he offered her a different weapon.
Akinym: Your equipment should be fine for the time being, but try this dagger instead.
Sinon looked back and forth between the trade window and her status window. The dagger Akinym offered her had higher Durability and Attack, it had also been enhanced a few times already. On top of that, it had bonuses for Dexterity and Vitality.
Agil had given her a good weapon… with respect to his stock. Unfortunately, he hadn't had many daggers at the time.
He could've given her a different kind of weapon, but Sinon wasn't comfortable with the idea of carrying around a large, bulky weapon, and most people around her agreed that it didn't seem to fit her, so she settled for a dagger.
Sinon accepted the trade and changed her weapon. She took a look at it. It seemed a bit… weird to her, almost like a tusk. However, that didn't really matter as long as it made her stronger.
Meanwhile, Akinym stepped back and eyed the girls contemplatively, especially Sinon, while rubbing his chin.
Letting Sinon take on one of the others would've probably been a waste of time at this point. She needed to know the basics of fighting – and probably some experience – in order to put up an actual fight against anyone.
He decided to postpone the test duels a bit.
Akinym: Okay, a little change of plan: We'll do the duels later. Sinon-san, for now, I'll give you a quick rundown on the general aspects of fighting in this world. You can observe how to use that in the duels later.
Sinon just nodded firmly in response. Akinym turned around and began to walk to a certain spot on the open field.
Akinym: Follow me!
Leafa [hastily]: Um, Akinym-san, what about us? What should we do in the meantime?
Akinym: Do practice swings for your Sword Skills! It's not the best training, but it's the best you can do for now.
Lisbeth [slightly annoyed]: Hey, isn't that a…
Akinym [yells]: Practice swings!
Lisbeth [defensively]: Okay, okay! [mutters] This guy is no fun at all…
With that, Silica, Lisbeth and Leafa walked over to a spot that seemed suitable for practice swings while Sinon followed Akinym.
This concludes part one. Stay tuned for part two with a few duels and a nice fetch quest exercise.
Also, when I wrote this chapter, I didn't know that Suguha canonically starts playing ALO in January 2024, and I didn't bother to check SAO Wikia for the time when she begins to play VRMMOs. Well, I've changed the supposed time frame from "end of summer 2024" to "spring 2024" in this story. I've still wanted do "delay" her debut a bit, so she hasn't played ALO since almost the launch of the game.