Okay, new chapter...
This one is somewhat shorter than I planned initially. Well, upon realising that the word count is already nothing to sneeze at, I figured I might as well cut it short and post the rest of the initially planned chapter later as an additional one. At the very least, this proves that I can write and publish a chapter in less than a month.^^
Funnily enough, as a result, this chapter almost feels as if it's about the DDA... which it isn't, but I'll let you see that for yourselves.
Regardless, speaking of the DDA, they previously set off on their own mission, namely to open a second front against the goblins, so let's see how they're doing.
Well, it should've been a fairly straightforward mission, right? All his guild had to do was to use their battering ram to breach the wall at another point in order to open a second front. For now, they simply had to wait for their allies to take out the Goblin Archers that were eager to foil that plan. Afterwards, everything would go perfectly smoothly.
These were the thoughts Lind was having at the moment. So how did it come that Yamata made a show of jumping back and forth around the archers' shooting range? This was quite dangerous, yet – judging from the cocky grin on his face – Yamata seemed to have a blast dodging the volleys the archers were firing at him non-stop.
Well, technically speaking, the answer to that question was simple: Lind had wanted more information on the archers on the wall. In particular, after a few minutes had passed, he was curious as to how much progress the "archer clearing squad" had already made. However, as the players had taken a safe waiting position, they also couldn't see the monsters on the wall, so Lind had had no choice but to send a small recon squad closer to the wall.
Yamata was leading that small group. Due to the barrage of arrows, he had to put immense effort into dodging, that much was to be expected. He took a similar approach to what Akinym had done earlier: By feinting repeatedly and moving unpredictably, he tried to confuse the AIs so that they couldn't take aim effectively.
Okay, that much was to be expected… and honestly fine. However, Lind's order had absolutely not included putting on a show. Yamata didn't have to jump around as much as he did in order to dodge the arrows. In fact, his movements were over-the-top and inefficient, and he jumped back and forth much more than he actually had to. Rather than retreating quickly, he made it as flashy as possible, showing off how little all these attack were bothering him. He even kept shouting all the time.
Yamata: What, that's all you've got?! [does a cartwheel to the side to dodge] Man, the Assault Team sure is going downhill if [leaps forward and ducks to dodge] they couldn't deal with just that! The Knights' Heathcliff-downgrade should probably take notes!
Lind could only shake his head.
Lind: Just what is he doing again?! He ought to just do his job, yet… Ugh, why can't we have a single day without Yamata going off the rails?!
Sunny Tzu [reassuringly]: You need to calm down and see things from the larger perspective, Lind-kun: Yamata-kun is doing his job! In fact, he's fulfilling his true role as he always does!
Lind: How so?! If anything, as one who is fighting to clear this game, his "true role" should be to fight purely for our success, so that everyone – including those who can't fight – will be free. All he does is to satisfy his childish need for… vainglory!
Sunny Tzu [shakes his head]: Far from it, Lind-kun, far from it! Just look!
Sunny Tzu pointed at the large force the DDA had sent to this raid. Aside from the leaders, the DDA players had taken a back seat and enjoyed the show Yamata was putting on. They cheered him on and honestly seemed to have the time of their lives watching him.
Lind [facepalms]: God, they're actually enjoying it! Why are they enjoying it?!
Schmitt [seriously, slightly exasperatedly]: I've been wondering this every time I'm on some sort of mission with Yamata. Most of the time, he just makes our tanks' job harder, yet the rest of the guild seems to love him.
Sunny Tzu: You're looking at this from the completely wrong angle, Schmitt-kun! What you probably perceive as recklessness is, in truth, heroism!
Lind and Schmitt [doubtfully]: Heroism?
Sunny Tzu: Indeed! Our men joined a great and noble cause: freeing all the players. They are the heroes who answered the call to save others, so it's only natural that they want to be recognised as such. It's good that there's a… symbol of this heroic ideal of fighting the monsters of Aincrad for the greater good. Just by witnessing what Yamata-kun does, everyone has indeed the feeling to be part of a great, heroic endeavour!
Schmitt [looks at Yamata]: I'm not particularly sure how "heroic" this… guy is.
Sunny Tzu [shrugs casually]: What is a hero other than someone who's revered for their deeds? The point is that most of our members joined the Assault Team because they dreamt of clearing this game, of grand adventures… and of being recognised as saviours. Many of them could only dream of that, though, so in order to not get discouraged, they at least need the feeling to be part of a force to be reckoned with, so that their contribution to said force – however small – may still feel as if it has some weight. Well, and an embodiment of their dreams among their ranks doesn't hurt, either.
He did have a point. Two thirds of the DDA's members were – despite officially being part of the Assault Team – far from capable of taking part in floor boss battles or similarly difficult battles. The DDA consisted mostly of supply or scouting parties, craftsmen or other supporting players. Yet all these people had been unified by the dream to become "the heroes who would free SAO's victims", a task that had to be completed by fighting the aforementioned difficult, dangerous battles.
So, how did the players who couldn't participate in those battles still feel like they were part of these "heroes"? Well, for the most part, it was the fact that Yamata kept this dream alive, leading by example. Whenever Yamata shared the stories of his "exploits", he inspired the DDA members who listened, especially since he never failed to highlight not such his own deeds, but also the contribution of any of his guildmates who shared his attitude and his dream of becoming a hero.
Lind knew that very well. For as long as the DDA existed – even back when the guild was known as the DKB – they had never had any serious issues with troop morale, and as not just Sunny Tzu but also Shivata had pointed out at multiple occasions, this was in large part thanks to Yamata and his unwavering confidence… although Lind couldn't help but think that this confidence wasn't so much a manifestation of iron-clad conviction as it was just Yamata's blaring inability to recognise a dire/dangerous situation even if someone put a huge neon sign right in front of it.
Sunny Tzu, however, didn't seem to share that sentiment. Alas, that was only because such notions would distract from Yamata's more… useful traits.
Sunny Tzu [pridefully]: Just look at him! That is the kind of figurehead they need in order to feel head-to-head with the KoB: Strong and determined as the Black Swordsman, swift and fierce and unwavering as the Flash, agile to the point of being nigh invincible as the Grey Eminence. What could be a better way to show off the prowess of the Divine Dragon Alliance!?
Lind [shakes his head]: He's still neither as strong as Kirito, as fast as Asuna nor as nimble as Akinym! Just look!
Lind was right about one thing: Regarding these various skills, there was still a gap between Yamata and the players Sunny Tzu had mentioned. Right now, this was shown by the fact that Yamata – for all his impressive dodging manoeuvres – got hit by multiple arrows nonetheless, which probably wouldn't have happened to Akinym to the same degree if he had been in Yamata's situation.
Alas, the most noteworthy difference was that Akinym wouldn't have been in that situation to begin with. In Lind's opinion, the reason for that was fairly simple: Unlike Yamata, Akinym wasn't a boastful moron.
Sure, in terms of individual overall combat skill, Yamata was the strongest member of the DDA, but what good did that do if his team play was just plain terrible? No single player would clear this game. The three renowned figures among the Assault Team who Sunny Tzu had compared to Yamata were far better players just by virtue of working better in a team, and two of them had been solo players for a long, long time!
Frankly, while Lind understood Yamata's importance within the guild, he was far from happy about it. He, too, had a dream. It wasn't to be a hero, but a unifier – to unite the players under a single banner so that they could focus on the thing that truly mattered: clearing the game and saving those who couldn't save themselves. Therefore, a guy who only truly cared about his glory wasn't the figurehead Lind wanted for the DDA… he was merely the figurehead he got.
In light of that, it came as no surprise that Lind greeted Yamata with an annoyed glare when he finally returned to the other leading figures of the DDA. Well, even though Yamata wasn't the least bit bothered by that.
Yamata: Man, after not getting a real turn all day, nothing beats some light warm-up!
Lind [exasperatedly]: I have way too many issues with that statement, [seriously, slightly exasperatedly] but I rather get straight to the point: What about the party that's supposed to deal with those Goblin Archers? How's their progress?
Yamata [flatly]: Huh? Ah, right, these guys. When I checked it, they were about to enter the area above the front gate.
Lind: When you checked it…
Yamata: Geez, Lind, don't make such a drama out of it! Give these guys – well, and the chick – five minutes or so and they'll be done!
Schmitt: Well, as long as we can complete this battle without major trouble, that's all that matters. What's waiting a few minutes? Besides, won't Asuna-san contact us anyway when it's our turn?
Yamata: Yeesh, why are you always such a downer, Schmitt!? Look at you, leaving handling this whole battle to the Knights! Show an attitude that fits the Impenetrable Wall, or people will get the impression that you're actually just a scaredy-cat!
Schmitt: It's not my fault that all it takes to count as one in your books is to exercise due caution.
Yamata: Well, at least you can still act all stoically and whatnot, but come on! Due caution?! Where's the spirit of adventure in that?! Rather than dancing to the Knights' tune, we should take matters in our own hands!
Lind [very annoyed]: Yamata…!
Yamata: What?! It's true! Can you imagine the Knights' faces if we pull off what their Wannabe-Heathcliff and his group couldn't do? If we head out now, we might be on the other side of that wall before the party that's supposed to clear the way even reaches it! It sure would be nice to wave at them and their stupid faces when they see that we don't need them! All we'd have to do is to protect our ram from these archers, right? How hard can that be?! Man, with Schmitt here reunited with his old team, I bet there won't be a problem at all!
Schmitt: Don't drag me into your crazy ideas, Yamata!
Yamata: Why so cranky? It's true! What can a bunch of lousy archer monsters do against the DDA's finest tanks, led by their Impenetrable Wall!
Schmitt could hardly suppress a groan, even while mustering every ounce of restraint he had. This title… Why did people have to go and call him "the Alliance's Impenetrable Wall"? Well, the members of the DDA themselves usually left out the "Alliance" part, but that wasn't the one that troubled Schmitt. Sure, he had boosted his defensive stats and skills beyond those of anyone else in the game, but why did everyone – even among the Assault Team – put such ludicrous expectations on him? For instance, was it really necessary to go around saying stuff such as, "If Schmitt falls, everyone is doomed to follow!"
By the way, Schmitt's "old team" Yamata had mentioned was the former defensive unit of the DDA. Before reaching the 76th floor, the DDA had been divided into specialised parties for varying functions. The guild's tanks had formed the so-called "defensive unit", which had been led by Schmitt. Back then, the DDA had quite successfully completed quests and cleared dungeons by throwing small raid parties at any challenge they'd been met with.
Well, after the chaos that had followed the boss battle on the 75th floor, the Assault Team had lost its momentum – along with many, many of its members, so completing quests more efficiently (while focusing on quantity just as much as on quality) had become much more important. Therefore, the DDA had been restructured, and its members had been split into parties that could operate on their own. Schmitt had taken command over the strongest of these parties, the DDA's elite unit.
For this particular raid, however, the DDA was using the "old formate" in order to support the raid party with "specialised expertise", so Schmitt found himself heading the DDA's tanks once more. That, however, didn't mean that he entertained the idea of running deliberately into unnecessary danger.
Thankfully, he wasn't the only one to think that way.
Lind: For crying out loud, put a sock in it, Yamata! Just where do you always get these…
Sunny Tzu: Wait a moment, Lind-kun! He might actually be on to something.
Lind (and not just him) turned towards Sunny Tzu in surprise. The DDA's strategist appeared to be pondering over something.
When Yamata had begun to bring up the idea of changing the plan and attacking the castle wall before the defending archers had been dealt with, Sunny Tzu had been just as thrilled about it as Lind or Schmitt, but something Yamata had brought up had caught his attention, and after giving it some thought, Sunny Tzu had changed his mind about the idea.
Lind: You can't be serious! Why should we take such a risk?! When the raid party attacked earlier with the first ram, it resulted in a disaster!
Sunny Tzu: Lind-kun, that's why we should try to! As Yamata-kun pointed out, it would give us quite a lot of prestige to succeed where Asuna-kun and the KoB failed. If you've already been looking forward to helping the raid party out of the current stalemate by means of a simple diversion, just imagine what it will be like if we also manage to do breach the wall spectacularly – in a fashion the others evidently couldn't. Nobody could deny our prowess!
Yamata: Yeah, see?! He gets it!
Lind: But that's the problem! It didn't work the first time, so why should it work now?
Sunny Tzu: Just because the rest of the Assault Team can't pull it off doesn't mean that it's impossible! We, too, have a very capable team of defense-oriented players, and – unlike the first time – they'll know exactly what to watch out for. While there's a remaining risk, the potential benefit seems more than worth it.
Lind turned around and thought about Sunny Tzu's arguments while looking at the goblin HQ in such a stoical manner that it was impossible to tell what was on his mind. Yamata became impatient pretty much immediately, but Sunny Tzu was actually quite positive that Lind would agree… and Schmitt was worried that he'd really do that.
Alas…
Lind: No, we'll go with the original plan.
Yamata: Huh?! But why?!
Sunny Tzu: Indeed, why? What's the problem, Lind-kun?!
Lind: You said this might earn us "prestige", but what else is there to gain by this change of plans?! The current plan has been laid out to guarantee success, so any risk that's taken by deviating from that plan is just not worth it! We only have this one ram left, and I think I don't have to explain what this means! Going with that crazy idea might ruin the whole raid if it doesn't work, and that might easily happen! What if we misjudge the situation by overestimating what our members are capable of or whatever else we might mess up?!
Sunny Tzu: Well, if we play our cards right and arrange things carefully, we should be able to avoid the blame to a certain extent: Let's claim that we've noticed the party on the wall reaching the designated area, so we started our part, trusting that they would do theirs in time, but due to poor coordination…
Lind [upset]: That's not the point, dammit! All the recognition, power and whatnot we might gain will be meaningless if it doesn't serve one purpose: to rally all players to a common goal, unifying them in their desire to escape this god-forsaken prison! How can we do that if our actions towards that goal jeopardise the success of that very effort?!
This whole discussion had brought back memories Lind would've rather not dwelled on. Back when the DKB and the ALS had clashed on pretty much every occasion, hadn't it been the desire to stand atop the Assault Team that had caused this rivalry? Alas, where had this led? The ALS had been more or less wiped out on the 25th floor in an attempt to be the ones – the only ones – to make the push past this rocky milestone.
It had taught Lind an important lesson, though: No matter how much he wanted to unite the players under one banner, there were more important things than to be the one to wave that banner. Therefore, Lind had no intention to go against a plan that was obviously for the best of the Assault Team, even if it wasn't his plan…
...and even if neither Yamata nor Sunny Tzu liked that decision. Well, in Yamata's case, Lind didn't even care. If anything, he considered it a good sign that Yamata got agitated while Schmitt seemed to relax a little upon hearing his decision.
Lind [determinedly]: If you want to prove yourselves for the sake of the players, do so by carrying out the plan we've forged, for that is our way forward! Now then, we have a mission to fulfil, so get ready! We will head out – as soon as we get the signal!
Minutes later, Asuna was eagerly and somewhat tensely waiting for any news on the DDA's success – well, or failure. Thus, it didn't really come as a surprise that she hurriedly reached for the first message notification that popped up in front of her without batting an eye.
Asuna: So, let's see... "The DDA has just breached the wall successfully." That's good to hear… "They're already heading towards the central building while taking different routes..." [slightly confusedly] Wait, why are they referring to themselves as "they"? Huh? It's from Akinym-san?!
Kirito: Well, he's with the party that's supposed to take out the Goblin Archers, isn't he? Of course he'd take notice of the Alliance's actions, and I guess he's simply had time to report them to you.
Asuna: Well, yes, that should be the case. I was just surprised that I've got that report from him. I expected one from Lind-san… [another message pops up] Oh, and there is his… [reads Lind's message, slightly awkwardly] He certainly gets to the point… He only says that their plan to break through the wall succeeded, so they're moving on to the next stage… and that's it. In comparison, Akinym-san describes almost every detail. Honestly, he even points out that the DDA didn't wait for them to finish the archers before they launched their own attack. [slightly exasperatedly] Here he goes again…
Kirito [slightly confusedly]: Is that… normal?
Asuna: It kind of is… [seriously] That's not important, though. At this point, it should be safe to say that everything is going according to plan, so…
Without finishing the sentence, Asuna deactivated the Mirage Sphere and stored it in her inventory before leaving the tent. Guessing her intention, Kirito followed her. Outside the tent, Asuna wasted no time to address the few parties that had been remaining behind so far.
Asuna: Alright, everyone! I just received a message that the DDA's plan was a success, so it's almost time for us to storm the goblins' castle! We'll head out to reunite with the rest of the raid party, so get ready: The real battle is just about to start!
The "reserves" under Asuna's direct command joined with the front-line force led by Max just in time for the final push.
Just as planned, a part of the goblins had withdrawn in order to intercept the DDA players, but that had opened a path for the rest of the Assault Team. They had been able to attack the remaining defenders in the flank, which had overwhelmed the monsters to the point that the players could push them back all the way to the entrance of the main building – or to be more precise, to the gateway through the inner wall that led there.
There, the goblins had formed a remarkably solid line of defense. Max led his own party and some others personally in an attempt to breach that line, but they couldn't put enough of a dent in in it to open a gap some of the remaining players could push through, and envelopment didn't seem to be an option this time.
Well, and then, Asuna and the others arrived. She immediately turned towards the nearest guild leader, which happened to be Klein.
Asuna: Klein-san, what's the situation?
Klein: Ah, Asuna… As you can see, we've made good progress. Say what you will about the DDA, but they did a good job this time. [slightly worriedly] Right now, however, we're kinda stuck, but see for yourself!
Klein nodded towards Max' group at the front line. At the moment, Max was trying to shove several Goblin Guards away with his large shield, but at the same time, he was hesitating to do so. There were just so many monsters that he had to watch out for any sudden attacks from the sides (especially if he'd advanced too fast), so whenever Max saw some unexpected movement out of the corner of his eye, he stopped and took a step back. The rest of his attack unit didn't do much better.
Kem'Pal: Indeed, these Scaleless Turnips put up such a valiant fight!
Lizardman NPCs: Scaleless Turnips!
Quite a few players winced at the sudden, well-synchronised shout from all these lizardmen. The standard reaction to Kem'Pal's words was usually met with annoyance, but in Asuna's case, this irritation almost immediately gave way to a sense of epiphany. The shouts of the lizardmen had brought her attention to them, and she noticed how close some of them stood to the line of goblins.
Asuna: The lizardmen… They're standing pretty much right in front of the goblins.
Klein: Well, they kinda ended up there.
Kirito: Yeah, sure. [slightly confusedly] Wait… Wasn't there the issue that goblin monsters lunge at lizardmen whenever they get a chance?
Klein: Well, now that you mention it...
Asuna: Exactly! So… What's going on here?
Kem'Pal: It appears that they've been driven back so badly that they lack the spirit to fight us to the bitter end as they used to.
Kirito: Yeah, maybe… There's probably been a change in their aggro patterns, and now they're focusing on defense instead.
Asuna: I suppose so… [slightly determinedly] But that gives us a chance! These cautious attempts at attacking the line of goblins won't get us anywhere. Max-san and the others are just too tentative.
Kirito [taken aback]: Well, charging into a mass of monsters isn't exactly smart, Asuna.
Asuna: Normally not, but as it seems, being timid isn't the right call here. I want to try a frontal attack, but maybe the NPCs would be the most suitable for this job. Kem'Pal can you give your soldiers the order?
Kem'Pal: Naturally, Asuna-dono! We lizardmen won't hesitate to fight! Men, listen up! It's time to show your bravery, so go and give…
Asuna: Wait, not yet! I want them to just get ready for now! Let them form a phalanx that can charge at the goblins on my signal!
Kem'Pal: Very well!
As Kem'Pal went on to give the lizardman NPCs their orders, Asuna rushed through the crowd, Kirito following her as closely as he could.
Asuna's plan was to use the NPC's rather mechanic fighting attitude, which allowed them to dive into a swarm of monsters as if it was nothing, as well as their damage bonus against goblins. According to her plan, these two things combined should put so much pressure on the defenders that their line should at least waver.
However, it might not be enough to completely break the defensive line, and Asuna had no intention to sacrifice any of the lizardmen in this attack, so she needed some… backup. Therefore, she wanted the players to launch a second wave right after the lizardmen had thrown the formation of the defenders into disarray.
In order to do that, she had to gain their attention first, though, and that might prove difficult. The eyes' of the players were basically glued to Max' group and their attempts to break the stiff resistance they were facing. In other words, in order to get everyone's attention, she had to get the attacking players' attention first.
Asuna: Max-san, stand back and just hold the line for now!
The familiar voice certainly reached Max, and it made him prick up his ears. He may have been too focused on his battle to catch the first part, but he heard one command clearly enough: just hold the line for now. Thus, he turned towards his comrades next to him.
Max: Everyone, cease the attack! Fall back and hold them off! The Vice-commander's here, so let her come up with a plan!
One after another, the players heeded his command and stopped trying to force their way through the goblin wall in front of them. In turn, the spectating players in the back noticed this change and turned their attention towards its origin: Asuna. Speaking of her, she took position between Max' group and the rest of the raid party, turning around to face the latter.
Asuna: Everyone, the lizardmen are about to launch an attack on the left flank!
Asuna pointed at the line the lizardmen had formed, which all the players turned to for a brief moment. Sure enough, the NPCs looked as if they were raring to go.
Asuna: If we want to break the goblins' ranks on that flank, we need to do so quick and decisively, so I want you to support them! Charge in right after them and kill any goblins that survive the first wave! To avoid hitting any of the lizardmen, you have to attack through the gaps between them, so use only thrust attacks! I want especially the spearwielders among you to do everything in their power to break the enemies' defense!
The addressed Assault Team members wasted no time to get ready… or to step aside to let others pass by. After about twenty seconds, more than a dozen players stood ready to enter the fray with spears, rapiers or whatever other thrust-oriented weapons were present at the ready.
Asuna: Kem'Pal, now!
Kem'Pal: Alright… Men, fight valiantly! Charge!
With a loud roar, the lizardmen ran forward. Naturally, the goblins noticed the incoming attack, but they made no move to disperse, keeping their defensive line intact… for now. The lizardmen rammed their halberds into said line… which – despite sustaining some damage – absorbed the charge almost like a sponge. Some goblins got pushed back, but those that hadn't been hit took a step forward and got ready to slip through between the lizardmen's weapons and to counterattack…
...only to be hit by the second wave the players had prepared at Asuna's command.
Speaking of her, she noticed how one lizardman had swung his weapon at a goblin which had dodged the attack, and now it had got too close to the lizardman to be hit by its polearm. As the goblin readied its sword for a counterattack, Asuna reacted instinctively: This fight occurred only a few metres away from her, so she swiftly took the starting stance of Linear, making sure that the lizardman wouldn't accidentally get in the way of the straight strike. She couldn't stop the enemy monster from hitting the allied NPC in the shoulder, but her attack knocked the goblin back before it could deal any more damage, and it allowed the lizardman to follow up with another strike, this time hitting the goblin and killing it.
However, Asuna's intervention didn't come without a risk. The attack left her exposed, and before she could regain a steady stance, another goblin leapt at her from the side. Asuna noticed that barely in time to brace herself for the hit, only to see a black shadow jumping between her and her foe.
Kirito: Asuna, what are you doing?! Don't just jump into the battle so headlessly!
He parried the blow with one sword before using the other one to counter with Vertical. The attack repelled this goblin monster quite successfully, but two more showed up immediately, one attacking Kirito from each side. Thankfully, he had deliberately chosen a weak but fast Sword Skill – the one with the shortest post-motion delay among the suitable options in this situation – against the first goblin, so he was able to move again in time to narrowly block each strike.
Well, he was still up against three monsters at once, so Asuna wanted to assist him, only to realise that even more goblins would join the attack. The players' attack on the flank had indeed put a lot of pressure on the defenders, and as a consequence, the remaining goblins had begun to move to this side to bolster their defenses.
Asuna: Hold the center! Don't let up now!
Max: Understood! Give them hell, guys!
Max led his own party forward again, crashing into the now rather feeble wall of goblins in front them without remorse. The rest of the players was quick to follow suit, and with the additional pressure, the goblins stopped regrouping towards their damaged right flank in order to withstand the attack at the center.
Alas, the Assault Team still had difficulties breaking through. The goblins even managed to score some points of their own. When the supporting players drifted towards the sides, the goblins could kill two lizardmen in the middle of the Assault Team's left flank.
This left a gaping hole in the players' formation, but ironically, it was this very gap that would help them to decide this skirmish in their favour. Why? Because a group of six players stood ready to charge through that gap.
Agil: Okay, guys, let's finish this our way! But don't you dare do anything reckless!
Two-Handed Builders Member: Wouldn't that mean to sit idly by?
Agil: Touché, but at least don't do anything stupid, got that!?
The rest of the Two-Handed Builders replied with a battle cry before charging forward. Unrefined as it may have been, they simply tackled their way through the goblins, who were still in disarray and therefore vulnerable to such a brash move.
Once the Two-Handed Builders were on the other side of the goblins, Agil gave the next command.
Agil: Good, and now, let's clean up!
The Two-Handed Builders fanned out while turning around to face the goblins again. They all got ready to use AOE Sword Skills. It should be noted that they left just enough space between one another that they could attack so recklessly with their polearms without getting in each other's way, so when they unleashed their attack mere seconds after breaking through, it was as if a sudden wave of relentless destruction descended upon the goblins on a broad front. The sheer force of the attack from behind sent at least two dozen goblins flying, killing most of them in the process.
Asuna: Good, that should crush their resistance here, but we're not done yet, you hear?! Everyone, get around the remaining goblins and encircle…
Asuna didn't finish this sentence, letting out a gasp of surprise instead when the rest of the goblin monster just… vanished. She exchanged surprised glances with Max, Kirito and even Klein and Kem'Pal, but… well, nothing came off that.
Asuna [mutters]: Okay, let's just not think too much about this… [yells] Alright, everyone, I suppose many of you might be confused. Who knows what just happened – hopefully, we've simply cleared the next stage, but remember to stay on guard in case something else is going on! Now, we'll advance towards the main entrance! Move out!
Well, and who else was waiting for them at the great gate to the main building but Yamata. He had rammed his sabre into the small slit between the wings of the gate, where it had got stuck, and now he was leaning on its hilt in a manner that was… probably meant to look cool. In his defense, some people actually thought that it did.
Yamata: Hey, look who's coming! Got held up?
Asuna: We had to deal with stiff resistance on our side.
Kirito: The remaining monsters actually disappeared all of a sudden. Did you do anything here that might've triggered a flag to signal conquering the yard or something?
Yamata: Could be. When I came here, the first thing I did was to swipe at the door – you know, just knocking since it's the polite thing to do! That might be it.
Asuna: S-sure… [seriously] Anyway, I'll take that as a sign that we've indeed cleared this stage of the siege.
Yamata: Hmph, and it's all thanks to us! Not only did the DDA make it to the next stage first, we even helped you Knights out of a tough spot!
There were several people who barely managed to suppress a groan. Max was one of them, and he suppressed that urge simply because it would've humoured Yamata. Then again, something had to be said in response, so…
Max: There was hardly a tough spot, to be honest. We were about to wrap things up on our side, too.
Yamata: Is that so? You sure are curt, though.
This time, there was no response whatsoever, which made Yamata smirk and chuckle presumptuously.
Yamata: What, cat got your tongue? Is it really that bad?
However, contrary to Yamata's expectations, Max looked at him with an utterly unimpressed stare.
Max: Hm? You were expecting a reaction? It's not as if you asked me a question or anything like that.
Yamata [angrily]: Hey, what are you…
Asuna [sternly, slightly upset]: Enough! We have more important concerns than this bickering! For starters, [to Yamata] where's the rest of the Alliance?
Yamata: They? [looks over his shoulder] I guess they've got held up somewhere. Probably gonna be here any… Ah, there they are.
Indeed, the DDA arrived through the gateway that led to the part of the stronghold's yard on the other side. Lind was the first one to appear, followed by Schmitt and the latter's party. The rest of their forces lagged a bit behind, but were led to the main gate by Sunny Tzu soon enough.
To get back to Lind, though, the reason why he was the second DDA member to arrive was that he'd sped up to catch up to Yamata as quickly as humanly possible, and judging from the livid expression of his face, it was certainly not so that he could praise his subordinate.
Lind: Yamata! What the hell were you thinking, running off like that?!
Yamata: Geez, chill! I saw a chance to get here faster to secure us the first place, so I took it – that's it! Why the fuss?
Lind: Because you acted completely on your own again! The plan was to push the monsters back steadily, not to slip through and then run ahead without backup!
Yamata: It worked out in the end, didn't it? Besides, when I got here, it apparently sent all the monsters away, so it only sped things up! [to Schmitt] Or did it not make things easier for you, too?!
Schmitt [flatly]: Leave me out of this! It's not as if any of that had been planned. Also, when the goblins suddenly vanished, we had no way of knowing why that had happened, and it was more confusing than anything else.
As this astonishingly fruitless bickering went on, more and more of the remaining players looked on with exasperation as it became awfully clear why exactly Yamata was the one to reach the entrance to the main building first.
Amidst all of this, Schmitt took a step back, distancing himself from Lind and Yamata's argument not just figuratively. Max walked over to join him.
Max: So, Yamata's one-man-show caused trouble again?
Schmitt: Hm? Oh… Yeah, it did. I still can't believe that this guy broke through the line of enemies pretty much due to sheer luck, and instead of staying with his party and restoring our formation, he just made a run for the central building.
Max: Sounds like a classic Yamata.
Schmitt [exasperatedly]: You have no idea…
Max: Maybe I have. It's not as if I've never watched him go off the rails, you know? Say, did he almost get himself killed again?
Schmitt: Well, he might've. When he got separated from the rest of our group and ran off, he also ended up drawing the aggro from way too many goblins. [slightly annoyed] I can't believe I had to lead my party to charge into their ranks to keep those monsters from chasing after him… and none of that would've been necessary if Yamata had just stayed put for once.
While people were discussing Yamata's newest "exploits" left and right, Asuna was much more concerned about an entirely different matter. She eyed the large entrance gate quizzically. From the looks of it, it was shut tightly.
Asuna: Now that we're here, there's the question how we actually get into the dungeon… [to Kirito] Is there a special gimmick to this door, or…?
Kirito: Actually, this is the first time I see this entrance being blocked. The doors were always open so far, but I guess it makes sense that they're closed now, so that they serve as another obstacle. [slightly exasperatedly] Well, that doesn't mean that I have any idea what to do right now.
Asuna: Hm… I suppose the solution might be… well, quite obvious. Let's see if we can just open it!
So they did that. Kirito and Asuna pulled on each wing of the gate, and seeing that, a few other players came to help, but the huge, iron gate didn't budge in the slightest.
Their attempts to open it drew everyone's attention, though, so this did at least make Lind, Yamata and all the others stop their off-topic discussions and focus on the matter at hand instead.
Lind: It seems that gate won't open just like that.
Asuna [seriously]: Indeed, which is all the more reason to focus on finding a way in. So, does anyone have suggestions as to what to do about [taps the gate behind her] this problem?
Klein: Well, maybe this is like in those stories where someone leaves a key under the doormat?
Assault Team Player 1: What doormat?!
Assault Team Player 2: That's what you have a problem with?
Klein: Geez, I don't mean that literally, guys! I'm just saying that there might be a key hidden somewhere around here!
Kem'Pal: I'm quite astonished that you know tales of people engaging in such idiocy, Klein-dono. Who would do such a thing?
Klein [awkwardly]: W-well, let's not dwell on such details now, okay? S-so… [slightly awkwardly] let's just consider the possibility! I mean, are there any places around here where you could hide a key or anything else that might help us?
Issin: I hate to break it to you, Leader, but the better question would be where they've hidden the keyhole.
Klein: Huh?
Sunny Tzu: He's saying that there is no keyhole. [mutters, exasperatedly] That really wasn't that hard to understand…
Asuna: I doubt that the goblins left anything out here that would help us open a door they're keeping closed. While we admittedly can't rule out the possibility, let's find other options!
Sunny Tzu: Well, in the first place, you'd normally jam the gate from the inside! You know, the place we can't reach!
Kirito: Well, but the solution can't lie at any place we don't have any access to. That would make this an impossible challenge.
Sunny Tzu: Nobody says that this is such an "impossible challenge". After all, warriors and generals had to deal with such problems at real sieges, too.
Max: In that case, maybe we should apply their methods. So, how about some brute force to break this gate down?
Assault Team Player 3: Sounds like a plan, and it won't require any special tools we might have to find first.
Yamata [casually]: Doesn't mean it's gonna be that easy… Ramming a sword into it didn't make that oversized door budge, after all.
Lind [slightly exasperatedly]: That not, [seriously] but how about we try our ram again? We still have it, after all, and we theorised earlier that it could break open the main gate just as it could blow a hole into the walls.
Asuna [contemplatively]: That sounds like a promising idea. [calmly] Alright, we'll try that. Everyone, step aside and let the DDA try to clear the way!
As they proceeded to put Lind's plan into action, Kirito didn't fail to notice that Asuna watched the DDA getting ready with a pensive frown.
Kirito: Is something wrong, Asuna? You don't look very… confident, and now that I think about it, neither did you sound so earlier, even though you called this idea "promising".
Asuna: Well, it's just a gut feeling, but I have this strange, persistent doubt that this won't work. I know it's basically just paranoia, but after everything that has happened so far, this seems too easy – too straightforward. I mean, using the rams again doesn't even come with any risks or countermeasures from the goblins. Would they really throw in another obstacle that's just a watered-down version of a previous one?
Kirito: Hm, I can see what you mean, but there might be a reason behind it. Maybe it's supposed to be a punishment in case we'd recklessly wasted our rams earlier right until we eventually managed to get into the yard?
Asuna: I don't know… Yeah, maybe that's it, but that would aim at something awfully specific.
Kirito: For now, let's just see what will happen!
Sure enough, the DDA was bringing their battering ram into position at that very moment. They swung it at full force against the sturdy gate several times, but just as Asuna had feared, it didn't seem to have any effect. On the other hand, no "Immortal Object" warning appeared as it normally should if the ram had no effect on the gate, so it was impossible to tell if they just had to keep at it a bit longer.
Needless to say, Asuna didn't count on that, though.
Asuna: No, I'm not confident that this will work.
Kirito: So, we're back at finding alternatives?
Asuna: About that, do you know any other way in, even if it's a peculiar one? [exasperatedly] I hate to say this, but you're usually one to come up with the strangest solutions, but they work, so I'm willing to take any clues right now.
Kirito [mutters]: That doesn't sound like the voice of trust to me… [says aloud] Well, this is the only entrance we've found, [slightly contemplatively] but…
Kirito remembered the dungeon raid he'd gone on with Silica, Lisbeth, Leafa and Philia the day before. Back then, they had found such a "strange solution", so…
Kirito: ...there are the windows on the upper floors.
Asuna: You want to climb through a window?!
Asuna was a bit taken aback, but she also figured that this was essentially what she'd asked for, so she considered the idea. Thus, she took a look at the windows. However…
Asuna: They're really high up. I reckon that's at least fifteen metres up there… Even if some people here brought ladders or some sort of climbing equipment, getting up there might prove to be difficult, not to mention that these windows might be sealed off… or worse: heavily guarded.
Kirito had thought of the same problems, but he also remembered something else that might help, and he was searching on his map for something in particular.
Kirito: Yeah, but there's another, similar way we might get into the dungeon. If I can find… Ah, there it is!
Kirito pointed at a specific spot on his map, which indicated a certain area at the main building's walls.
Kirito: There is a network of tunnels that are used as hiding places, as air ducts or for maintenance. Well, that's not so important anyway. The point is that it leads to various rooms on the ground floor.
Asuna [interested]: Okay, that sounds like a good lead, [seriously, slightly curiously] but is it accessible from the outside?
Kirito: It is, namely exactly there [nods towards his map window]! There's ledge protruding from the wall, which is easily big enough for people to stand on it. Well, and there's a shaft leading into that tunnel network right there.
Asuna: I see. How much space are we actually talking about? First and foremost, how big are these tunnels, in particular?
Kirito: Hm… Not very big, to be honest. Three people can fit into it and walk side by side, but not more.
Asuna: That definitely doesn't sound like the way to go for a whole raid party… Well, it would've been strange for this battle to lead us here – to the obvious entrance – and to even deactivate the yard defenses the moment we got here, only to have us take a completely different route in the end.
Kirito: Well, yeah, you'd normally not place a checkpoint far away from where the player is actually supposed to go. Although we had to deal with misleading scenarios before, this one might go… a little too far.
Asuna: Then again, this would mean that we'd still have to find a way to open the main gate.
Kirito [contemplatively]: Actually, this might still help us to do just that. I remember there being this suspicious room on the other side of the complex. It looked like a control room with God-knows-how-many levers. However, when I tried pulling some of them, nothing happened – well, nothing but a system message popping up, saying that "the event hasn't started yet".
Asuna: Yes, this might be the place to go! If one of these levers controls the door… Say, can we get to that room?
Kirito: Well, the very reason I thought of it is that these tunnels lead directly to said room. You can probably send a small force there – two, maybe three parties – to secure the location if it's guarded by the goblins.
Asuna: Yes, that's true. However…
Weighing her options, Asuna wondered what numbers would really be suitable to deal with this particular task, and the conclusion she arrived at was…
Asuna: I don't think it's good to send many people. Whoever we send might need a while to rejoin the rest of the raid party, and I don't want to task more players with something so specific than I have to. Besides, the terrain seems to call for a small, specialised team rather than a heavy force. Some people who know how to handle dungeon explorations in small numbers, and who know where to go… Yeah, in fact, it would be ideal if they were familiar with this specific location.
As Asuna said that, her eyes wandered over to a certain group of girls.
...who will get their turn next time, when we'll get to the (hopefully) rather short part about clearing the last stage before the boss battle.