Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this fanfiction beside my original characters and these respective characters plot arcs. Other than these everything in this fanfic belongs to SAO; therefore Reki Kawahara.

Dawn was imminent for Aincrad. Most of the players were slowly waking their night long sleeps to spend another day inside this death game.

While most players were newly awakening, a player with white coat was wandering in the fields of fourteen floor, looking to ground continuously while wandering like searching for something. In some instances, he was crouching suddenly, then slowly rising back. After the fourteen floor, same player was usually visiting the second floor, which was famous for its large market for dairy products. At the end, he was always returning to fourth floor, back to his temple.

Passing days did little to Ilsamor's daily routine. Except that his increasing herbalism skill allowing him to find larger variety of herbs for meals and his cooking is getting better, he was continuing his daily routine. Yet this didn't mean that he was staying same.

It has been four days since he gave the necessary intel to defeat floor boss of 20th floor. Four days since Argo agreed to lend him a hand about finding the suitable groups for his education groups.

And three days since he opened the book.

Except the morning routine he was still training with Asemi about the sword arts. After a few days of intense training, Asemi managed to unlock a six-hit sword skill Tsujikaze. Yet for fighting she still needed more training, still Ilsamor didn't see any reasons to not take her to dungeons after she unlocked her second katana skill. That was why they did that dungeon raid yesterday. And it was the reason why Ilsamor was spending a bit more time for the breakfast today as he believed that Asemi definitely earned a small surprise like this one.

Only different thing that added to his daily routine was the constant reciting of the verses from the book from his mind. Actually, these verses were not that original in their messages, it's almost like The Lady searched the entire human literature, then recited the lessons with a more 'Lady like' approach. Still, most of them seemed familiar. Like one of today's verses "Time, my dear servants, are a currency that only a few have mastered on its control. First thing you must do to control it lies in the philosophy of never being dormant. Spend it with your friends, your families or your jobs but don't let it become worthless."

Still reciting it was giving him peace. He was really wondering how goddess's simple words had an effect on him like that. He was looking the answer of this question since he accepted the mission to no avail.

Realizing he was spacing out, he shook his head and returned to preparing their breakfast. This time beside the usual things, he finally managed to find some tea at the 19th floor, which he was yearning for a long time. It would be a good change.

Just before he was about the knock the Asemi's door, he got a notification. Curious, he opened his menu and realized that he got a PM from Argo. Guessing what it was about, he opened the message window.

"Hey there,

Managed to find a group of players interested in your offer. They didn't outright accept it, but they want to meet you. They will be waiting at the 'Warm of Home' inn around 1 p.m.

Good luck."

After reading the message, he was quite surprised. He didn't expect even great Argo to find a job like this in such a short notice. He replied the message "Thank you so much Argo-san. I will contact you again once the job is done, unless of course you don't visit."

He finished the PM, then knocked the door. "Asemi! Rise and shine, it's morning already and breakfast is ready!" He waited for a moment while sound of someone waking from her bed was coming from inside. He left the door after she said "Thank you Senpai, I am coming in a few!"

He placed the remaining breakfast materials on to the table while Asemi's door opened, and silver-haired girl emerged from her room. "Good morning Senpai. You early again I see." she said while yawning. Ilsamor chuckled to her words "Which is a trait that you must acquire in one of these days." Asemi blushed a little to his comment, yet still with her usual joy she asked "So what will we do today Senpai? The usual?" Ilsamor shook his head "No. I have received a message from Argo, she found our first training group. I will meet them at noon. You must work yourself for today, in the evening we can go for a raid if we find a good one."

Asemi pouted a little bit "Why I can't come with you Senpai? You won't do a different thing; we can continue my training there." Ilsamor smiled to willingness of her, then once again he shook his head. "Asemi, there is a really good quote from Goethe you know? 'I can promise to be sincere, but I cannot promise to be impartial' he says. If you come there with me, I cannot focus on that group properly, since you'll definitely attract much of my attention."

Asemi looked a little disappointed to his comment "Am I that bad, senpai?" she asked. Seeing the sadness in her face Ilsamor patted her head "No. You are very good believe me. Just… You are my friend while this new group is totally stranger to me. While you are there, you will be more important to me, got it? That's why you can't come. But as I said, I still won't let go of your training. We'll just continue this at evenings." After he said that, he returned to his breakfast. Because Asemi was calmed by his explanation, rest of the breakfast continued in silence.

Around the noon Ilsamor appeared in the teleporter of Town of Beginnings. After the usual light animation dissipated, he found himself staring to an old familiar view, a view that he used to see in the first two months of game.

He internally sighed. Being here was not a pleasant thing, still after all that has happened. When he closed his eyes, he can hear the GM's voice, saying players that they have been trapped in this game and an in-game death also means a death in real life. He could still hear the screams of thousands of players who felt the sudden horror of death. A death that doesn't even leaving your remains for your friends.

"Fear, as its name, is a cowardly emotion. It can't hurt you unless you let it come close."

He stood still while a verse from the book shattered the awaken horrors of the first day. His muscles relaxed and he breathed out, not knowing how long he was keeping it. For another precaution, he pulled his hood to his head. His gray cloak was already covering his equipment and now, with the hood, it will be very hard to someone recognize him. Not that he have close friends, but still he used to spend so much time here and explaining someone how he got out was a tiring process. No, he definitely wanted to remain hidden.

He finally moved, crossed the square made from cobblestone quickly. He knew the inn that Argo set up the meeting, luckily there is a way to reach that inn by using desolate streets. While he was walking, he could almost smell the destituteness from the place. People's gazes were dead, and as a contradiction to lively upper floors place was very much alike a European town in the middle of plague. He grimaced at the thought.

After a ten to twelve minutes of walking, Ilsamor came in front of a wooden door. Near the door a signboard was hanged, stating that this was the Warm of Home Inn. He lowered his hood before entering the inn.

With opening of the door warm air circulation hit his face gently as he smelled newly cooked meals. He savored the smell for a bit, then opened his eyes to look at interior.

It was a small tavern, probably one where a whole party can rent all of its rooms. Dining area was around 100 m2 size, its floor was made from oak wood. Tables in the area was mostly for four people, but seeing one group has merged them to sit together, they were not fixed. A small fireplace at the right wall was completing the image of dining area.

After his cursory glance Ilsamor moved towards the group that has merged their tables to sit together. Seeing his approach, a boy with red hair rose up to meet him. "Hello, you must be Ilsamor-san. I'm Jack, it's nice to meet you." Ilsamor shook his hand with a gentle smile "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." After the handshake Jack showed one of the empty chairs around the table "Please sit with us."

Ilsamor thanked him and took his place on the table. After that, he took a brief glance to party he will (probably) train.

It was a not a full party, consisting of six people. Jack seemed like the leader of the party. At his right and left two boys were sitting, one with green hair while the other one with blue and they had an expression that Ilsamor saw many times on movies, cartoons and animes, like a person who is very successful in school but almost had zero social life. By looking the similarities, he suspected these two boys are brothers in real life.

On the next side of boy with blue hair, a girl with dark long hair was sitting. Ilsamor was surprised as she was looking to him like trying to read his soul. If this girl was not an experienced player, then he was sure that she had a hell of a ride in her life to this point. Avoiding from sudden moves, he moved his gaze slowly to other two person sitting beside the boy with green hair.

Second girl of the group had shoulder length brown hair and she was looking to him with a shy expression, unlike the other girl. He sensed that this girl had a hidden power inside her, waiting to be explored. Satisfied, he turned his gaze to last member of party.

At the moment his gaze contacted him, he knew this guy was going to be a problem. His body was muscular, with a height probably around 1.8 meters. His yellow hair was gathered in a ponytail with his brown eyes were looking with a mixture of jealousy and superiority. Seeing his gaze, Ilsamor internally sighed, yet he managed to keep a calm expression on the outside. Finally, he returned to Jack again.

After they settled and stood in an uncomfortable silence for few seconds Ilsamor cleared his throat "Alright let's start. My name is Ilsamor and originally, I am a new member of the scout part of Assault Team. Out of this, I am also giving my services and expertise by teaching the groups in low levels. If you are willing, I want to give you first training in basic martial arts and after a brief training period, we will go to dungeons for raids, which I think it will take about 8-9 days. At the end of our time, I will take 20% of your loot in col, not in item-wise. Beyond that I'm open to suggestions or your offers."

Jack nodded and asked "Okay, but what about if we are already at a level that enough for you at proficiency and want to pass directly raids part?" Ilsamor thought this for a moment "It is a low probability but if that is the case then my part of the loot drops to . Beyond that, we can also develop a few things that I originally intended for first part, like creating skill chains for your group on the field." Jack nodded once again.

Girl with dark hair raised her hand "How wil we know that you are not some imposter? How will we become sure about your talent?" Ilsamor contemplated on question as it was a good one. Unfortunately, limitations Lady placed on him was preventing him from making a show of force by tackling a dungeon alone. What's more, his sword hasn't been calibrated itself to current floor, it was still as powerful as a loot from 21st floor's boss, and it seemed like it won't go down lower than that one.

"For the first part, I can duel against one or more members of your party inside starter quality equipment if you like. If you won't become satisfied by that, then we can try to tackle a field boss under my supervision. If you even take a slight bit of HP damage, then I would leave."

At the finish of my sentence muscular guy draw up. He gave Ilsamor a dirty grin. "I will challenge you. But just leaving is not enough, you will also give your sword to me." Hearing that Jack hissed to boy "Rider that's-" "I accept your challenge."

Whole table turned towards Ilsamor, even Rider looked like he was a little surprised, not waiting him to accept it that quickly. Ilsamor continued "This sword is not just a weapon. It has a meaning. And if I lose our duel, that means I am not worthy of it, so I accept your condition." After hearing this Rider gave his group another smirk like he has already won the duel. "Let's do this!"

They chose the location of duel as the meadow just outside of the city walls.

Ilsamor was wearing starter level gear he bought from one of the NPC vendors around the town, but he let rider to hold his equipment as it was just a few levels higher than starter gear.

They stood on opposite sides, length between them was around 6 meters.

Waiting Rider to be ready, Ilsamor looked at his 'customers'. They all have an excited expression on their faces (except that dark-haired girl maybe) and he couldn't blame them. If he would lose this duel, equipment they get worth maybe hundreds of thousands of col in case they decide to sell it. He hoped that he won't lose such a gift in a duel like this.

Rider stretched and opened his menu while giving Ilsamor a very arrogant smile. "Are you ready?" Ilsamor just nodded.

Ten seconds later 60 seconds countdown for a One-Strike Duel began. As soon as it started, Ilsamor locked away all of his thoughts and doubts to dark corners of his mind, giving just an open door to teachings of the Lady.

Rider continued talking to his teammates, or sometimes it was like talking to him, probably for mocking. Yet all he could hear was a beautiful woman voice in his mind once again, remembering the verses from the book.

Time slowed…

At the moment countdown hit zero Rider shot forward with a one-hit sword skill Avalanche. Ilsamor countered this with another one-hit skill Horizontal.

Their blades locked; however, Ilsamor knew that current situation was more favorable for his opponents STR build. With a fluid motion, he saved his blade from lock, then stroke with another one-hit sword skill Slant. Unfortunately, his opponent was fast for a man with his build. Blades are locked for a second time and Rider grimaced. "Yeah I get it, you got some talent."

Then lock ended again, starting a flurry of metal from both sides.

Ilsamor dodged and attacked once again, using his speed to force Rider into defensive position. Rider held his stance, using his two-handed sword as a partial shield, he made some critical attacks to disrupt his offense. Ilsamor saw the opportunity and stroke with Sonic Leap, only to be blocked by Blast.

Rider sword glowed in a dark blue color. It was a six-hit sword skill War Blade. His eyes were shining with an evil aura. "Enough games!"

Ilsamor knew that Rider forced his hand. He activated an ex -battle skill from his unique skill set, Redoubt of Faithful.

Redoubt of Faithful was one of the reasons that Ilsamor's suspicions for his unique skill, as it was a real game breaker. It could be considered as a 'copy-cat skill' because it was reading the sword skill enemy was using or about to use, then it would help Ilsamor to counter its attacks.

His sword glowed white as he countered Rider's attacks. Just then he thought "Why to stop here?", as they continued to trade attacks.

Finally Rider's attack has ended, taking him to cooldown, while Ilsamor's sword shone with a white light, brighter than before. It was from his unique skill again, Paladin's Strike.

His sword moved from lower left to upper right, sending Rider's sword away when he tried to parry his skill.

His sword stood still just millimeters away from Rider's throat. After his cooldown was over, his sheathed his sword "We will begin the lessons tomorrow, at 9 AM. I'll meet you at the inn for just tomorrow, then we will be meeting at the place I chose at the tomorrow's lesson. Understood?"

Jack nodded, still in shock he unknowingly added "Yes Sensei!"

Ilsamor returned to temple around 5 pm.

After the exhibition duel, he spent his two and a half hour in the field, looking for both sellable loot and edible loot. But in essence it was just a distraction to keep his mind busy. With becoming a teacher, he will also need to determine points to keep his students armed, at least for the starting dungeons he intends to raid.

For armor, he knew he can trust Agil. He helped him many times in the past, Ilsamor had no doubt about him. Yet he didn't know any blacksmiths, and a decent weapon is like an artery for raids. It seemed like he need to make a contact with them at once.

His thoughts interrupted with Asemi's voice "Good evening Senpai!" Her first words cleared the mist in his mind, and he smiled "Good evening Asemi. How are you, how was your day?"

"Boring in your absence senpai," Asemi answered to him, which made Ilsamor blush. Then he remembered, while he spent two hours on the field, he also told Asemi to do the same. Which means they have a lot of spare materials, materials that can buy them a decent meal in restaurants. He smiled "You know Asemi? Let's eat outside tonight. I think we have enough material to cover up our expenses." Hearing that Asemi's smile widened, the suddenly she averted her gaze from him shyly. "Asemi, what's wrong?" he asked, with a bit of surprise. Asemi blushed a little bit more "Senpai c-c-can we go to dinner without our gray cloaks? I know our reasons but… This coat is so beautiful."

Ilsamor stood still, thinking Asemi's proposition. Of course it was not forbidden to wander around with their equipment but Ilsamor was afraid that it will attract undue attention, especially today was the day of boss raid. So pretty much the reception he will receive depended on the losses, which hasn't been made public yet.

Still, he couldn't say no to her. He slowly nodded.

With Asemi's screams of joy, they left the temple and walked towards teleportation stone. In another fifteen minutes, they arrived to newly opened 21st floor's town.

As soon as teleportation effect dissipated, Asemi gasped in admiration. While doing a better job at hiding it, Ilsamor couldn't help but admire the view too.

Town of 21st floor was an elven city, streets and squares were elegantly decorated. Most of the houses were painted with open tones of various natural colors like blue, green and yellow. Roads were mostly made from cobblestone and various trees like linden, acacia were used to decorate streets.

After their initial shock, Ilsamor held his arm in a theatrical manner, which managed to get chuckles from Asemi. After she took his arm, they started to tour the town.

While town was very beautiful Ilsamor couldn't give himself to its beauty fully. Everywhere they went, he could fell the players gaze on them. It was natural of course, there were not many guilds around Aincrad that uses only white color in uniform, and their emblem was unique too. Not to mention there were clearers inside the town that has seen him in the meeting.

However, these causes did not make it easy to be under spotlight.

Finally they found a beautiful place, overlooking a lake at the west. Thanks to increasing prices of upper floors, Ilsamor got enough money to have them a feast.

While eating their meals, Asemi looked view, and she sighed peacefully. Ilsamor smirked "It is good to see you have liked this place. Since food is good too, we might come here often." Asemi noticed that she couldn't hider her relief, nervously scratched her neck. "N-no senpai! I mean yes but…"

She gave up her attempts with exasperation. "I've just… Missed moments like these senpai. It has been so long to eat somewhere this nice. Please don't understand me wrong, I like being with you, just… It would be nice to do these things more often. At least the temple could have been somewhere nicer, not in a frozen wasteland. I am sorry if I'm acting spoiled but-"

"No Asemi, I completely understand you." Ilsamor cut her self-punishment short. "I too have thought about many things that we are not allowed to as injustices. Why can't we carve our way to top alone while we have maybe the strongest equipment? Or why as you say we don't have a temple in warmer place?"

He stopped here to drink some water. Asemi was listening to him with her full attention.

"But in that short period of time, I have seen that some of the Lady's orders, while may seem nonsense are actually important. Let's take the example of equipment case. While this equipment is strong, this is also an anomaly for our level. Even worse, our sword has a feature that had been updated by developers if that incident didn't happen."

"You mean-"

"Yes, please don't say it out loud. Anyway, doing something like taking floor bosses single handedly would only attract system's attention, which mean we would either be banned or lose our equipment as a result, which would effectively ruin our any chance to help others."

Asemi nodded in a grim manner. Ilsamor looked to eyes of her pupil(?) and wished he could something, anything to cheer her up. He sighed.

Then it happened.

He noticed a glow was coming from his belt. When he looked closer, he saw the source of the glow, but it was…

"What is it senpai?"

Ilsamor made gesture to keep her silent, then he took the source of glow. It was the book Lady had sent to him. Asemi was looking to new item curiously "What is it senpai?" This time her sound was a bit more impatient. Ilsamor then noticed that he didn't mention Asemi about the book, which made him nervously smile "Well, this is the Lady's latest gift for us."

Asemi's eyes widened "When did you get it? Is it like a Bible or-"

"Yes, something like that." answered Ilsamor. Then he opened the page where he guessed as source of the light. "Strange…" he thought "I have seen these pages but nothing was written on them before." He briefly wandered his gaze on newly appeared verses, then he looked Asemi. Seeing that she was watching him curiously, he cleared his throat and began reading the book:

"As war was taking its toll against the forces of the light, situation looked grim. Darkness seemed infinite and all-powerful. Mutinies were started bit by bit and faith to Lady was decreasing, faithful were getting discriminated and harrased from the public.

Seeing these broke the pure heart of the mistress, and finally she stood in front of angry crowd. First, she addressed them with a harsh tone "You, who stand before me and blaming me for your problems… You are free to go whenever you want. I have given all of you free wills, which you may choose to act against me even. But if you leave now, besides the ones that terribly sick, old, underage or disabled veterans, my curse will be upon you as you will never find peace in the land of light, never use its blessings.

Then, this time with a soft expression she turned towards to faithful. "My dear servants, I know that this war, this waiting tires you, bores you, strips you of hope. Comfort, peace, welfare… You have every right to want those. But I cannot give them to you as I didn't bring this darkness on this land. One day, not you but any of my faithful may find himself/herself in a situation that requires hardest of the virtues: patience. If they indeed swallow this hard and bitter meal with best of their abilities, when bright days arrive, they will be the ones who will take most of my blessings. Their place is at my side, in life and in death. Most beautiful rewards were left only for them.

Ilsamor stooped reading "Wow, that is a very serious message for just a little talk about luxury food. What do you think Ase-" His words cut short as he saw Asemi was smiling as her eyes closed, with a calm expression. Ilsamor worried "Are you okay?" Asemi nodded "At first I was scared that she was telling things at the first paragraph to me. Then I realized that actually second paragraph was for me. I… I relaxed after that."

Ilsamor nodded as they returned to meal, this time was just about small talk. Unknowing to them, few tables behind a dark cloaked figure exhaled like her tense muscles suddenly relaxed.

Next day Ilsamor went to Warm of Home and retrieved his students from there.

A training place was a bit hard to found because Ilsamor wanted a place that meet three criteria: It had to be close to very easy mobs to test new sword skills and players aptitude, it had to be close to mid-level ones to work for team chains and lastly it must be in a position to where they can access one of field bosses easily, but not that close to it.

After a thirty minute, they found a good spot that meet his three criteria. After that, as a first step he told them to attack in a random manner to weak mobs. His aim was simple, he wanted to see a glimpse of player's skills.

In that half hour exercise, he found this team very good in starting terms. Jack was party's tank with his mace and shield. He immediately decided to put a part of his skills to stun and knockback skills, which will give the ample time team need to put a heavy-hitting skill chain.

After that, he found that two brothers Armin and Delgo were actually very good at finding weak spots in enemy's defenses. Of course, they were not perfect, this skill of theirs seems to be only working when they spectate a battle from a safe position. They needed to learn remain cool under stress.

Dark-haired girl, Hikari was a fierce spear user. It seemed like her only mistake was her relentless assault style. A clever adversary could easily exploit this advantage or in cases where they face more than one enemy at a time, this could be suicidal. He needed to tend this matter quickly.

Another shock came to him from brown haired girl, Artemis. Among the group, she may be the only one he didn't find any major mistakes in her form. If he could teach her properly, she would definitely be one of the best dagger users in the game.

Lastly there was Rider. His opinion on him didn't change much during that first lesson, he had seen most of his potential during their duel. He could be a great warrior, only if he can overcome his ego. His battlefield was a little bit different than others.

Overall, there was a great potential in team, but there was a lot of work required to bring it out.

He rolled up his sleeves.

First thing he did was to correct common mistakes he saw on the group, like late guard, sword skill spamming. To that extent he also began giving them a lecture about using sword skills during the motion, which to his opinion was one of the crucial parts of fight.

After the lesson he split party into two, sending three of them to farm mobs with considering the points he just mentioned. Remaining three would be sparring, one of the best places to learn mid-motion skills. While he was sparring, he would keep his gaze at health bars, ready to interfere at moment's notice.

Some time later, groups changed places. That went on for around two hours, with only interesting thing was Artemis's unlock of her sword skill Swift Assault.

After a lunch break which lasted around 45 minutes, this time Ilsamor took the party to mid-level mobs' area. This time he began to teach them about fighting in group.

Of course, Ilsamor didn't think party was that rookie in this case, they just needed to advance their knowledge. During past three weeks, Ilsamor had intense training (to extend that he cried several times due to intensity) and he knew that even that few seconds players use give commands like 'Switch!' was carrying utmost importance. They must be able to receive these commands without talking and even in more advanced levels they must know what to do in certain situations without ever receiving a signal. For the beginning, Ilsamor used his voice for appropriate commands with changing commands and names, both for increase the vigilance of group and to try different attack patterns.

After this part he concluded the lesson. Almost all of the members let a sigh of relief while Ilsamor turned to Jack. "Jack, I have gathered some data about you. From tomorrow, I'll take one or two people at a time after lesson to correct their errors. I think in a week we will be able to start tackling dungeons." Jack nodded enthusiastically to his claim "Yes, thank you Sensei!"

A smile crept to Ilsamor's face without his intention.

"Try again, come on!"

Ilsamor was standing near the Armin and Delgo while brothers were trying to defeat a tough mob.

"But it is too scary sensei!" said Armin while running from mob's attacks. Ilsamor facepalmed and sighed, then he switched tactics. "Okay, new plan. I will draw its aggro to me, you spread out and find its weak spot. Now, SWITCH!"

By the signal Armin and Delgo retreated and Ilsamor blocked creature's last attack with his sword. "You got three minutes max. Now, get to it!"

Brothers started drawing circles around the beast, while searching an opening for the attack. Ilsamor parried, blocked and blocked. Finally…

"Now, SWITCH!"

Brothers get into action and with a good synchronization they cut the wolf's nose as forming a cross. Despite their equipment and low-level sword skill that took a good amount of health from the enemy. Seeing their success, Ilsamor stepped in with his training sword and finished the wolf with another sword skill, Vertical.

After creature disintegrated into pixels he turned to brothers. "I think using one handed sword is not a good choice for your style boys."

Brothers bowed their heads, seemed like they were sad to hear this. Ilsamor continued "Your talent lies in your precision, not strength. Besides, you don't really want to get into the action, more like you are preferring to observe it. In short you play a style that wait until decides to strike where and when, then use this opportunity to get in and get out. A dagger would be more suitable weapon for your play style."

Boys seemed disappointed after hearing his comment. He added "If you really like to play with sword, then if you can advance in higher levels you could order a sword from blacksmith that have high agility stat. Or better, maybe just after a few dungeons later you would get such swords as a loot. Just hang on until then, alright?"

Boys seemed to lighten up a bit after hearing this. They nodded to his statement, and after changing their weapon to daggers until they get sword for their style, they continued their lesson, becoming better through the end of the day.

After accompanying them to their inn, Ilsamor let a sigh of relaxation.

It was the third day of their training, and results were good so far.

At the second day, he took Jack for his special instruction and he told him the build he thought for him. Jack wasn't sure about it first, then they did some mob farming. Then he accepted.

And today he designated the build for brothers, which was likely some type of assassin build considering their unique ability. He shook his head to get rid of train of thoughts, then he started walking.

While walking a strange sensation wrapped his mind, and he stopped short before teleportation stone. He looked around him, there was no one around. He shrugged and teleported to fourth floor.

He walked for seven minutes and at the doors of fourth floor's town, he sensed it again. He stopped, then he searched his surroundings. There was still no one in sight. He understood that at the moment no game skill or sensory organ could help him to find what is wrong. He tried to use his 'other' senses, waited until catching something familiar. After catching that familiar sense, he grinned and shook his head. "Well, I should have known…" He continued to walk through the temple. Path from town to temple would take another eight minutes.

When he reached the temple's door, he turned and looked back. Despite seeing no one, he could still feel the sensation, so he called "Hikari, its cold outside. Why don't you join me for a tea? Door is open." After that he entered the temple. Inside, hearing the door's voice Asemi rushed to door and bowed before him "Welcome Senpai!" Ilsamor smiled to her "Thank you Asemi. Can you do me a favor and start heating some water? I believe we have a guest." Seemed surprised, Asemi nodded and returned to upstairs while Ilsamor leaned to nearby seating with his arms crossed.

A few minutes later door was opened and as Ilsamor guessed Hikari was waiting on the other side. Ilsamor smiled "What took you so long?" Hikari seemed both amazed and frustrated "How did you know it was me?" Ilsamor calmly answered "There are only few people in Aincrad that has a probing aura like you, wanting to reveal even my deepest secrets. It was not hard to find." Girl sighed and shook her head as answer.

Ilsamor lead her inside "What do I owe the pleasure? Surely this has nothing to do with what you heard four days ago." Hearing this left Hikari dumbstruck "H-h-how-" Ilsamor didn't give her a second look "If I did not want to be recognized, I wouldn't be wearing my coat, would I? By the way, you should definitely tell me where you got that cape."

They got upstairs, where Asemi readied some snack type food and tea. After a brief greeting and introduction, trio sat around the table. Ilsamor took a sip from his tea "Well, you still didn't tell me, what do I owe the pleasure?"

Hikari looked like finally managed to gather herself "I want to ask you something."

Ilsamor folded his hand on table. "Go Ahead."

"Who are you?"

Ilsamor looked to eyes of the girl. "There are many me that who can answer this question Hikari. Which one is the one you are curious about?"

Hikari bowed her head for a moment. "I wanted the know about the one who carries the book."

Hearing that Ilsamor leaned backward and took the book from his belt. After spending most of his free time on the book, he found the verse he was searching almost instantly:

"And hear me, even as I descent to heavens, my eternal kingdom, I will never leave you alone. Whenever you found yourself in disarray, caused by the Eternal Darkness, I will send you my servants who are your friends, your brothers and fathers and among them ones with noble and pure-hearted ones.

Hearing that people feared, as they know darkness had many games, many cons. But Lady assured them "My champions will not be imitated, as they bear a mark that only I can bestow. Even its similar is beyond their power."

He raised his head to see both Asemi and Hikari relaxing as he read the chapters from the book.

Hikari continued to look at him, this time with a longing in her eyes. "Why and when?"

Ilsamor just shook his head "These questions are unfortunately beyond me. But I don't want you to force you believe something that seems like impossible. I wish you didn't hear me reading the book, but that can't be helped, I guess. Just know that I am a man, who has means and intentions to help players, both the ones who are racing to clear floors and the ones who just try to earn a living. And while you are here, I want to talk with you something, I was gonna do it tomorrow anyway."

Seeing the topic suddenly turned to her, Hikari was surprised "About?"

"About your fighting style. Tell me, why you fight like you want to die?"

Hikari averted her eyes away. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Yet you must, to a degree Hikari…" Ilsamor said to her with a calm voice. " Is it about trapping in this game?"

"Stop it."

"Or you don't want to return reality? Fearing for something when you returned?"

"I said stop it."

"Then I will stop, if you start talking."

"…"

Ilsamor sighed, then he got up, walked to window. "Once I heard a very good quote from a book I've read. It said 'I am me plus my circumstances'. I cannot say I know your circumstances, but you must know that in the case you die, you won't just simply erased from this world Hikari."

"…"

"People always claim old people are sentimental. I believe its true, but not something related to chemicals on brain or anything. They just… lose so many things, and everything they lost take a piece from their heart, leaving a hole behind it. When you grow old enough, you are finally left alone with a heart full of holes. That's why crying after death is actually a selfish thing. Because you are not crying for the person who is inside the coffin, you are crying for the hole in your life."

"…"

"So please… If it comes from ignorance let me teach you, if it is something else know that you still have connections. Connections that you build with your friends. And you are always welcome to come here, if you find solace in Lady's words."

"Then what about the hole in my heart sensei?"

Ilsamor returned with the question to see Hikari was crying. In fact, she was crying so bad that she was shaking. "What about the hole my mother left when she… When she…"

She couldn't hold any longer, Asemi went to calm her down. Ilsamor crouched near her "Fear, anger, sadness, happiness… All emotions are destined to fade away at the end. Yet regrets that came with emotional decisions bound to soul eternal."

Hikari's tears slowly faded. Seeing her just strengthened Ilsamor's belief on Administrator's false decision. Such a thing would not be happened if that block hadn't happened. But now, all the remaining power was standing at the hands of a eighteen year old boy, which he couldn't reveal it yet.

"Why sensei? Why, when you read that book I feel like my mom put her hand to my cheek and telling me it will be okay?"

Ilsamor silently opened the first page of book to show its purpose to girl. "You feel like it, because your scars were left from your mother, all good and bad memories. You relax because it soothes pain and helping you to recover. I believe if you live until we beat the game, you will recover from this pain when we reach it."

Hikari smiled to him. It was so warm that it was hard to believe that this girl was the girl with cold and inquisitive attitude. "Really sensei?"

"Yes, I am sure of it. Anyway, if you want you can stay here tonight. I can send a message to Jack, then prepare the meal, okay?"

Hikari nodded with a relieved expression.