Ilsamor didn't sleep that night. He spent it on either looking the view from window or kneeled before the statue, leaning on his sword, his eyes are closed. His ideas wandered over the scene he had witnessed, and he doubted that whether he can keep his promise or not.

"I understand why you choose me for this mission, but it is hard to believe what you said at the end of your talk. To tell you the truth, I do not believe that I am the only person in Aincrad that can carry out this mission…"

Statue didn't answer him. He continued "Sometimes I think more than mission needed me, I needed this mission. Because I know, if I haven't found this mission, right know I would probably be waiting under a tree to drop its fruit. I would be homeless and helpless. Yet I cannot shake this feeling, feeling that this responsibility will bury me. And I am afraid. I am afraid that when it happens, it will take out all the things you have tried to build so hard."

He raised his head to look at serene face of the statue "When that happens, will you be able to forgive me?"

He didn't get an answer. He shook his head to get rid of train of thoughts, as he stood up and started to climb stairs. While he may be right to assume that these things may happen, he knew that he must do everything within his power to help while he can. Otherwise, his situation would be meaningless as the question 'Why we live knowing we will die and vanish?'

He sighed and just as he climbed the last step someone hugged him. He was so deep in his thoughts that he couldn't see the person standing before him at first.

"Wha-"

He looked carefully and saw Asemi in her pajamas. At first, he thought she was doing this intentionally then he noticed that she was still sleeping. An irrelevant question passed from his mind "Wait, can you sleepwalk in Aincrad?"

"Ilsamor-sama…"

Hearing that blushed his cheeks, even while he knew that Asemi was putting in him in very high regards. He called slowly "Asemi-"

"Why are you thinking less of yourself Ilsamor-sama? While you are the chosen champion of Lady, and my hope?" Ilsamor was taken aback by this confession, he slowly called her again "Asemi…" then he noticed she was crying in her sleep "Lean on me a little, please. Don't carry the guilt and hopes of thousands alone. I'm here notice me please. Here…" then she trailed off.

Ilsamor didn't know what to do with her confession. Yet there was a clear idea that who can have such an effect on Asemi, even in her sleep. He lifted Asemi to a princess carry then turned towards to statue before carrying Asemi to bed "Thank you."

At the darkness, for a minute he thought he saw the statue was smiling.

Next morning both girls awoke during Ilsamor preparing the breakfast. Sadly, Asemi woke in a place she didn't expect.

"Aaaaa-"

Next moment his room's door swung open and Asemi got out with a face that can be used even for blacksmithing. Ilsamor chuckled "Good morning Asemi, what is wrong?" Seeing him in front of her Asemi stuttered "Senpai! I-I-I don't know how I got into your bed! I am sorry, please-"

"Calm down Asemi. I didn't sleep entire night. You have nothing to ashamed of. I hope you had a good sleep." This statement seemed like both relaxed and disappointed Asemi. "Oh, I see. Thank the Lady. Then, g-good morning senpai."

Finally door of Asemi's room opened and revealed Hikari, relaxed and refreshed. She turned to Ilsamor, with a smile like the one she gave at evening. "Good morning sensei. That bed was definitely better than the ones at the inn."

"Good morning Hikari, it's good to see you awake and well. Okay, enough talk, you must be hungry. Let's eat, then Hikari and I will be going for the lesson. Asemi you should get going for some minor raids, because next time I will need my assistant for lesson." His last sentence caused a squeak of joy from Asemi, after that both girls joined him for the breakfast.

He was aware that biggest problem about this group was about the come.

"For the third time Rider, that was not I told you! Again!"

"Ah, shut up! I am doing just fine!"

Unfortunately, Ilsamor wasn't wrong about his guess at the morning.

Morning lesson was smooth as usual. All of the team was trying to adjust themselves on the suggestions that Ilsamor gave them.

Jack used most of his skill points on stun and knockback skills, and his STR stat was increasing. Two brothers showed up with two daggers this time, and their success confirmed Ilsamor's suspicions. Hikari's reckless assault style was showing slight changes, as far as Ilsamor can see. She was still reckless but this time at least she was not throwing itself to certain danger like a suicide bomber. Artemis was already very good and a lesson with her during morning session was enough for Ilsamor's idea.

However, Rider's arrogance was becoming a bigger problem.

During the morning lesson, Rider disrupted the team-chain part of the lesson by unleashing more than one skill on mobs, usually taking them himself. Despite Ilsamor's warnings, he was continuing his behavior. Ilsamor finally snapped. "Okay, break! What do you think you are doing?"

"What you are supposed to teach us. We are stuck here for almost a week and you are still busying us with stupid exercises. As you see, we are already strong enough."

Ilsamor's rage captured its voice "Strong enough?! Is this what you call strength? Unleashing a good three or four sword skill to wipe a simple mob?"

After he finished his sentence, he unsheathed his training sword without giving him a chance to answer. He ran to field, then activated a charge type sword skill, eight-hit skill Fire of the Damned. He moved, almost danced among the mobs. After his skill finished, eight mob dissipated into pixels. Then he returned, looking to faces of his surprised pupils. He looked directly into Rider's eyes." Is this what you call strength? Let me tell you, it isn't. You have an opportunity to become stronger than me, even the larger guilds. I do not say some nonsense like 'You will because of the power of friendship!'. You have a chance to become stronger, because unlike them you know each other, by your own choice. By time you will be able to fight in a perfect synchronization. But to fight in that extent, you must learn to hold yourselves."

He retreated a bit to see all of the group. "Have any of you heard of the Game Theory?"

Group shook their heads.

"It is a famous theory with uses in many areas. It basically states that if everyone in a group forsakes a little part of their gain, group's gain can be maximized. This is the logic behind team chains. You choose a skill that allows your friend with a heavier hitter than you to hit much more instead of the heavy hitter from your arsenal. That is the thing I am trying to teach you here; I hope that got in that thick skull of yours."

Rider continued to glare but didn't answer. Ilsamor turned to Jack "We are ending the lesson today, there is a meeting at the upper floors I must attend. Rest for today, and tomorrow we will start tackling dungeons, alright?"

Group dismissed after a round of joyous screams.

One hour later, he was standing at the teleportation stone of 21st floor.

After teleportation effect ended, he wandered his gaze on the town for a while. Town, of course, didn't change at all, but celebrations that were happening about a week ago had gone. It was just a town, and players had already 20 of them.

He stepped away from the platform, and immediately felt some eyes on him. It was natural as he didn't wear his gray cloak this time. His white coat was almost glistening under the sun with his sword's white scabbard. Deciding that attracting attention is a thing that he don't want, he sticked to streets that players don't use frequently. It was some sort of irony, wearing a coat with a very perceivable color and try to stick shadows to not be seen.

He walked under the linden trees, trying to savor the moment as much as he can, even tough there is a meeting that he must not be late. Yet these linden trees were like the ones back at home. One of the precious and few happy memories he had from his home. In his mind they were like a delicate link between Ilsamor and the guy who was probably lying on the gel bed. He shook his head to get rid of this thought.

Meeting area was an amphitheater, made from white marble. Some players were already in the area, sitting, reading or talking to each other. None made a sign about spotting Ilsamor, not that he cared. Thinking that caused him to ask himself a question; does the boy lying on the bed would care? He snorted to this question, "It seems I am a bit more sentimental today."

He wandered in his mind until a man called him to reality "Now, isn't this the man of the day!"

He turned to owner of the familiar voice, again with a smile in his face "Good afternoon Agil-san. It is good to see you alive and well." African American man smiled as he approached Ilsamor. Once he was in range, he slapped the shoulder of young boy "Now this was a major success Ilsamor."

"Wh-what are you talking about Agil-san?"

"About the Raid of 20th floor boss of course. You should be proud of yourself, not a single person has died! Even better, most of the assault team didn't even need a healing item during whole fight. That intel you give was really something."

Ilsamor slightly blushed to his statement "I only wanted to help. I'm glad that it did some good." Agil laughed to his comment "You can bet it did! Yet why didn't you come to raid? More than a pair of eyes were looking for you my friend, and let me tell you, it raised some questions. Be ready to answer them once the meeting begins."

Ilsamor sighed. He was expecting this, and of course there were some answers he will give to assault team leaders. He was hoping these answers would be suffice because, as always, his absence during the raid was one of the temporary conditions of Sword of Mercy mission. There was little he can do.

After that Agil left him to say hello to another group he saw. Then his second guest approached him "Good afternoon Ilsamor." He turned his back to see familiar black coat with his owner's messy black hair, he called back to him without his grin disappearing "Good afternoon to you too, Master Kirito. It is good to see you alive." Kirito smirked to his comment "You need to find a better comment for seeing people after raids. Saying this phrase too many people will lessen its credibility." Ilsamor just shrugged "I can assure you, there are only a few people who will hear this from me. Don't get me wrong, I don't want people to die, but it doesn't mean that when I see the survivors from last boss battle, I jump to air for each and every one of them. Anyway…" he turned his head to stage where table of the leaders was set up. "How was the last raid? I have talked with Agil but I want to hear your analysis too."

Kirito sighed to Ilsamor's comment. His gaze was fixed to stage too "To tell you the truth, it was very good. Very good to be true. During the battle I have seen that you literally told us everything, even some of the minor habits during battle. Tell me how much try it took you to notice its ear flinch just before he unleashes his four-hit sword skill?"

Ilsamor snorted "You wouldn't wanna know." Kirito continued "What I mean is, it was perfect, almost too perfect to be a handiwork of a player. Some people even said that only a GM may know such a detailed information about this boss."

There was a silence.

"What do you think about it?" Ilsamor asked to Kirito. Kirito shook its head "To tell you truth Ilsamor, I am still withholding my judgement. But this was really interesting. I hope your answers today will help me to tip the balance to your favor." He turned his head to Ilsamor. "Yet there is something I feel when I look at you. You carry an aura that typical players don't. Most of us here carry something like battle weariness yet also occasional joy, relaxation. But you…"

"What do I carry?"

"That is the interesting thing. When I look at you, in that sense, I feel like looking into a mirror. Yet it is not completely same. You seem to carry a responsibility, but it is bigger than the 'rescuing people trapped in this game', at least I think it is. While it is logical to think you as a GM suspect, I think a GM who trapped thousands of people to a death game wouldn't feel same as you do."

Ilsamor didn't respond. His gaze wandered from stage to view behind amphitheater. Then he smiled "Maybe you are right. I think that would make me happy." Kirito was taken aback from this statement "What?"

"Mirror metaphor you used. I think that would make me happy, that when you look at me, you see yourself."

Kirito's surprise increased "Why do you say something like that?"

Ilsamor answered before approaching the table "You may not remember Master Kirito but on that faithful day I remember a certain messy black-haired player set out to finish the game passed in front of me while everyone in the square were screaming in horror."

Meeting started after five minutes.

Ilsamor looked at the table. Everything seemed the same, on the middle 'Unyielding' Heathcliff was looking to him with his usual cool demeanor, but Ilsamor could swear that he occasionally felt the probing sensation that familiar from spending time with Hikari. At his left that spiked-haired man Kibaou was sitting as the current leading guild of clearers 'Aincrad Liberation Force', and his right leader of the Divine Dragon Alliance was sitting. Other small guilds' leaders were sitting near them.

It wasn't that crowded because meeting was about Ilsamor's position. While it was important, it didn't require that many players participation.

Finally, after everyone has settled, Heathcliff cleared his throat "Welcome again Ilsamor-san. It is good to see you once more."

"Likewise, Commander. I take it the raid was a success, giving your happy disposition."

"Indeed it was, probably the best since our fight around tenth floor. You've provided us wealthy of information. So-"

"Let's cut to the chase shall we?!" interrupted a rude voice from left of Heathcliff. Kibaou stood and glared to Ilsamor. "How did you acquire that information?"

Everyone stood silent. Ilsamor showed a calm expression on the outside, but he knew that trouble was approaching. "By fighting against it of course. Would there be any other way?"

"Don't play dumb with me!" Kibaou growled to Ilsamor. "Nobody could be fighting well enough to see that thing's final stage, let alone someone who was solo! You are either one of those filthy Beaters or something even worse."

Ilsamor bowed his head to hide the anger in his eyes "Kibaou-san, please don't talk anymore because it seems that in every word you lose another brain cell. Soon, I think, you would have none to spare."

"Why you-"

"To be fair, I have seen children who was more mature than you" Ilsamor continued without raising his head. "Really, calling someone cheater just because he or she does something better than you. How old are you, four?"

Kibaou's cheeks continued to redden. Finally, Ilsamor raised his head. "And I want to ask you something. How much time did it take, you think, for me to give you all the intel about the boss?"

Kibaou was surprised to this question "What?"

"You speak like I've just stayed in that room for twenty minutes, then got out there with all the information about boss…" Ilsamor continued. He opened his menu, then materialized some things near him, which were all low level, NPC-made swords. "Here. These are the weapons I've used to carve boss's health bit by bit to see its complete mechanism. And it took my entire day to figure out all of its moves. One time I was forced to exit from the room to get some rest, so you can imagine how hard it was during second time."

None answered him. He looked into the eyes of spike-haired man "You want to learn my secret, so there it is. Patience."

Heathcliff spoke again after Ilsamor shut down Kibaou "I understand. Please forgive our suspicion, but even with your patience, it is really hard to believe that you had something other than your patience to carry you through. We originally wanted to ask about this."

Ilsamor turned his gaze back to Heathcliff. "I have the same thing that made you 'Unyielding' Commander Heathcliff."

Heathcliff seemed to be surprised for the first time. "A unique skill you say?" Ilsamor just nodded to this statement. Heathcliff continued "Can you elaborate a bit?"

"I am afraid no Commander. Sorry to be this blunt but here, I am not exactly among friends. I hope you can understand, I want to keep my cards close to chest as much as possible." was Ilsamor's answer. Then he spoke to table as a whole "Look, the thing I ask from you is not because I want some rights or some other nonsense. It is for the protect the lives of scouts as much as possible. Even if you say no to me this time, I will still come here and give you the info I have. Nothing will change for me. But it could mean death and life for them."

Heathcliff pondered on his answer. Finally, the DDA leader who stood silent until now talked "What is the source of this confidence Ilsamor-san? What is your guarantee that you won't die next time?"

Ilsamor smiled for the first time "Simple. 50% training, 45% my equipment and 5% is the trust to power that provides remaining luck-bound factors once you done everything you can."

DDA leader simply nodded to his statement.

Then Kibaou made another attack "If you are so high and mighty, then why were you not at the raid? It seems too suspicious to me that giving intel about a certain success then not coming to see it."

Approving murmurs wandered in crowd. Ilsamor chuckled "You just gave the answer yourself Kibaou-san. I was certain that this was a victory. An if I remember correctly scouts don't have a mandatory participation to raids, am I wrong?"

"No but-"

"And to admit, we are in this game around for three months and still people who could call themselves 'front liners' are still few. Yet if you walk on lower floors, you would see a lot of people is looking for a way to advance forward, become a member of the assault team."

"This still doesn't-"

"And finally there is a problem that still minor today, but left unchecked, it will become our biggest headache in the future."

DDA leader persisted "Which is?"

Ilsamor's voice was cold as ice "Growing number of orange players and guilds. And I am afraid that we might start to see even PKs in close future."

Almost entire crowd gasped in fear. Kibaou gathered will to speak first "That's just nonsense, there can be nothing like that! Come on, we are just gamers." Ilsamor continued his sentence "Gamers who stuck in a game where in-game death means real death. Gamers who turned into war veterans after twenty floor and field bosses and uncountable number of minor bosses. Gamers who had a part of them turned insane with no one to look after him or her."

However even DDA leader seemed skeptical. Ilsamor just sighed while holding the bridge of his nose "I hope I am wrong but the day first PKing happens, I will remind you of this day, but now we are getting away from the topic. My offer stands, waiting for your answer."

Meeting ended with a vote that appointed Ilsamor as the sole boss-scout of clearers, much to Kibaou's dismay. Ilsamor took a deep breath.

His risky gamble has paid off.

He was not stupid and was almost fully aware of consequences as he walked to 20th floor meeting that day. However, if he remembered correctly, almost every great hero started his legacy by doing something crazy, not that he wanted to create one. With a relaxed mind state, he opened his menu to check his mission's progression. Meanwhile he spotted Agil with the corner of his eye, called out to him "Agil-san, a minute of your time please!" Agil nodded and approached him. He asked "Agil-san, I am looking for six armors, not necessarily high quality. Around level 20 would be enough. You have that kind of equipment in hand?" Agil looked around before answering and Ilsamor knew his reason. Outside his friend circle and low-level players, Agil was known to be a very stingy merchant. Fortunately, Ilsamor knew better.

Afer checking his surroundings Agil whispered his ear "Come to shop at tomorrow night. I will ready it, for base price, alright?" Ilsamor nodded, feeling a warm sensation in his heart for the man. "Thank you, Agil-san. Take care yourself." After that he left the amphitheater.

Naturally, he started to suspect what will go wrong to balance all the good that has been done today.

Answer came with a PM.

"That unbelievably arrogant stupid-"

"Easy there Artemis…" said Ilsamor, calming the girl with a touch to her shoulder. "You can scold him however you like, but first we need to get him alive."

After he calmed Artemis, he turned to rest of the group waiting at the entrance of the dungeon that he was planning to tackle at the third day of raids.

Rider… It was about him, once again. After that display of power from Ilsamor, he somehow got the idea to clear an entire dungeon to prove his actual power. He might even impress Ilsamor only if he had chosen a suitable dungeon. After he left for early for some 'special business' around three PM, party didn't suspect anything until dinner, two hours passed. To see where he was, Jack used friends menu and result caused him to jump.

After they sent a message to Ilsamor as they also prepared and ran to the dungeon entrance. Ilsamor caught them only after a few minutes later.

While he was looking calm, Ilsamor's head was working at a speed that would cause heart attack at normative teachers, traffic cops and even a part of the NASA scientists, though he wasn't sure about the last one. He shook his head "We have to move quickly. Normally this dungeon would take around one hour to complete for a full party. I suspect he must be close to the boss. We have to stop him before he gets there."

Jack raised his hand like he was in a class "Uh, Ilsamor-sensei. I don't see any monsters around here; it seems Rider cleared them. Maybe he can take the boss down himself." Ilsamor shook his head once more "I wish but no. This dungeon is actually a trap."

Team looked to him with clear ignorance. He continued "Dungeon itself houses mobs that can be easily cut down with a level and skill like yours. However, boss is the hardest boss from 8th floor to 14."

Team gasped. Yet there was more.

"And worse, when boss appears, dungeon monsters spawn again with increased parameters this time, effectively making it near impossible to escape. Now, get ready for anything and stay close." With his sentence ended he, for the first time before the team, unsheathed his Sword of the First Light. He also equipped his usual armor.

Then they plunged into the dungeon.

They were mostly running. Running with a hope that they can reach Rider before he activates boss fight. If they fail, not only Rider will face an almost certain death, but team will also be caught in the middle of spawning monsters.

He knew he had the authority and permit to use his sword in a time like this considering this was not a floor boss, but he still wanted to keep it minimum. 21st floor boss didn't fall yet, and his higher damage output can attract system's attention.

Their race for life came to a critical point when they all heard the sound that appeared when monsters came to life in fields. Ilsamor swore under his breath. They still had almost eight-minute road, without monsters. He raised his voice "Alright, new plan. Most of the mob types are same around here. Armin and Delgo, I want you to find their weak spot in one minute. Rest of you, cover them and once they figure out, hit monsters from that spot by sword skills. Try to use one-hit skills with powerful effects like Sonic Leap. Okay, let's go."

Like this Ilsamor's pupils' first test began.

To his proud, they were holding really good for their first dungeon under his supervision. While Armin and Delgo was trying to find weak spot, team had already finished two of the mobs. Then finally brothers spoke "Sensei, it is a point on their back, about fifteen centimeters down from their neck!"

Ilsamor nodded and called the team they had decided with Jack, it was somewhat cliché, but…

"Alpha Team! Straight forward, me, Jack and Artemis on the front while rest of you flank and strike at the weak points. CHARGE!"

With his word, team rushed forward. It still took more time than expected but difference was around five minutes. Ilsamor's fear was that five minutes might cost the boy's life.

"Here, it's here!"

Artemis's scream brought her back to world, they had the boss room in their sights. Just then something flew from the side of the room they can't see and hit the wall.

It was Rider.

Even in that deathly situation Ilsamor admired his resilience. Although his health bar was almost depleted, he was still alive. Then something appeared from the corner of room and almost all hope was lost.

Boss was a black knight with around six meters height. Its black helmet was covering his face, only an endless darkness could be seen from open parts of helmet. His sword was made of black metal, filling Ilsamor with an emotion that he didn't know what to call.

It raised its sword. Artemis closed her mouth with her hands.

Ilsamor knew that Rider's only chance was him. He took a stance that he unlocked a few days ago. His sword shone with a white light. This was his one-hit charge skill Creed of Vanguard.

Time slowed…

He shot forward, faster and stronger than Sonic Leap would make him. Black sword continued its descent slowly, closing the gap between death and Rider millisecond by millisecond.

KLANK!

Team's eyes went wide, as impossible happened.

Ilsamor managed to divert the black sword, then he stood between Rider and Black Knight as he smiled "I think it is time for a cinematic reference. It is a bit common; I apologize for that but…"

He took a stance as he held his sword cater-cornered. "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" His sword glowed with another skill from his unique pallet.

Dark Knight didn't budge, as he stroke another blow, but this time stake was up. Ilsamor countered Knight's skill with one of his ace's, Adamant Believer.

This skill was one of a kind, especially among defensive sword skills. When it contacted with another sword carrying sword skill, Adamant Believer would absorb all the damage and hit number that skill would hit. Then it would use it in one of two ways.

As his maneuver absorb the damage from Knight's sword, Ilsamor gritted his teeth because of the mental toll skill was putting. As soon as Knight bounced back, Ilsamor stabbed his sword to ground. Under the team's surprised gazes a yellow circle with codes appeared under him, enough to cover Rider, and Rider's health began to increase gradually.

And finally he recovered a bit. "Ilsamor, wha-"

"CAN IT RIDER!" Ilsamor answered, still panting from the skill. Then he turned to Jack. "Fan out! Don't get hit and find his weak spot. I'll be with you in a few."

Team nodded and finally entered battle mode.

Meanwhile Ilsamor was calculating best possible attack plan. Once he decided he turned to Rider. "Rider…"

"It is all my fault… I brought them here."

"I would bring you here eventually, this is not the time to give in self-pity. When I say hit the spot Armin and Delgo mark with one-hit sword skill Avalanche.

"No Ilsamor, I-I cannot do it. I am not strong as you."

"Don't give me that crap Rider! There are countless types of power in this world and I know that you have one of them in very large amount. It is not what you want maybe, but it is time to use it! Or face a dire situation."

Rider seemed afraid for a bit, then he gathered himself and resolutely nodded. Ilsamor stood up and called the captain "Jack! Execute 'Where the Pirates Bury Treasure', now!" Jack nodded, and turned to Armin and Delgo "You guys know what to do! Be ready!"

A second passed.

Then Jack shot forward with sword skill Heart Strike, which stunned the boss for a precious few seconds. Then Armin and Delgo took his place with one Horizontal and Vertical.

"NOW RIDER!"

Hearing that Rider charged with all of his power, striking the cross with Avalanche. As he stepped back Artemis took his place, connecting a series of sword skills to already damaged area. And finally just before boss managed to get back at them, Hikari stroke the middle of target area with her highest skill Tripping Swing.

Boss' health dropped to red zone, but it didn't die yet. Then Ilsamor took his place once again, ending its health by Horizontal Square.

As the tired team was watching Congratulation's notification, Rider finally passed out.

Next morning Ilsamor woke up late than usual.

After they cleared dungeon, Ilsamor told Jack and his friends to take a rest tomorrow for both recovering from today and waiting for the armors. Sure, there were some precious loots had dropped but it wasn't armor, it was a greatsword, one dagger and several rings.

Even tough he woke up late, it was still earlier than usual waking time of Asemi, so it would be a good surprise to her if he prepared the breakfast and told her that they would spend the day together. As this thought energized him, he got up and donned his equipment before opening the door.

Once he opened the door, he saw a scene that surprised him.

First part of his surprise was seeing Asemi awake. Not only that, Asemi also prepared the breakfast, which was waiting for him on the table.

Second part of the surprise is seeing another man in kitchen, and while this is surprising enough, he knew the name of the boy whose back was towards him.

"Good morning Asemi. And good morning Rider."

As soon as his voice heard both Asemi and Rider stood up and turned towards him. After that (much to his dismay) they bowed their heads "Good morning senpai"

Ilsamor sighed "Okay, for the last time, please stop doing that. Yet despite my insistence you seem the spread that habit of yours to even others Asemi." Asemi chuckled to his statement. He approached the table smiling "Okay please sit down, and let's enjoy this delicious breakfast."

After he sat, he turned to Rider. "Oh, I almost forgot. Welcome Rider, I hope you are feeling better today." Rider's eyes filled with an emotion resembles fear, but he managed to answer calmly "Yes senpai, thank you for all you did yesterday." Ilsamor nodded and relief in his eyes managed to calm Rider's fear. "It is good to hear. I reckon you want to talk somethings with me, but first let us eat, then time of talking will come."

So, they just ate and made occasional small talk while eating for almost fifteen minutes. Then, after their glasses filled with black tea, Ilsamor turned to Rider. "Okay, I'm listening you."

Rider steeled himself for the approaching talk then spoke "Senpai, I want to apologize from you."

"You don't have to apologize for anything to me Rider. It was your friends who risked their lives to pull you out of that dungeon alive. For my case, you didn't do anything wrong."

"B-b-but I-I mocked your teachings! Disrupted your lessons!"

"Second part is again requiring an apology to your teammates. At the end, I would take my part and walked away, but any information they failed to learn properly might cost their lives. And again, you need to apologize from yourself for the first part for refusing to develop yourself."

Rider stared him with confused look. Ilsamor explained "In real world I had a teacher, maybe the only decent person I have known in real life. He once told me to listen everyone, no matter their religion, their philosophy or even their dark-light alignment. Of course, he cautioned me, especially about the dark areas, but he told me that if a man is evil, it does not necessarily mean that everything that he believes is wrong. Sure, sometimes these truth grains are not worth your effort to uncover and can be easily obtained from more decent people, but still, they are there…"

He took a sip before continuing "I understand that you have your own principles and values to uphold, and I know that you don't like me so much, but that doesn't necessarily mean I have nothing to teach you."

They stood silent for a time. Then Rider asked again "What did you mean about the types of power that night?" Ilsamor thought for a few seconds "When you look at literature everyone says something about what is power or what is strength. In my opinion beside two general class, there is no other classification for these terms." He raised one finger "First one is the outer strength. It is basically your capability to do things in the world from beating bad guys to solving your physics homework. Every factor that you use to do these jobs (your muscle power, your wit, your skill with talking…) belongs to first category." He raised his middle finger near his index finger "And second type is basically the fuel for the first type. It forces you to acquire first type of power, it gives you why and how. Not only that, sometimes factors in this category may enhance the first group in critical conditions. It is basically the thing people would call 'your motivation' It might be an idea, an emotion, a promise. I believe you have that second type with vast amounts. Enough to drive you to do crazy things."

"Crazy things?"

"Yes. Like suspecting a possible con artist to very limits, fearing he may hurt your friends or checking dungeon for a possible trap before your teammates come."

Rider's eyes widened to his statements and his voice trembled a bit "No, senpai, I-"

"It is okay Rider; I forgive you. My point is this, between these two classes of powers I always value the second type higher. Because if a man has the second type, he will eventually acquire the first one. Yet if he/she doesn't have the second one, no matter how much he/she got from the first type, he/she cannot escape to lose it one day." He held Rider's shoulder "You are newly starting to this game in true manner. I have faith in your team, and I am sure one day you will become very valued members of Assault Team if you decide to move upper floors. If not, then at least your remaining time in the game will be enjoyable."

Rider smiled as tears were forming around the corners of his eyes. With a trembling voice he thanked him, then after emptying his cup, he left the temple.

Rest of the training went smoothly after Rider's arrogance seemed to be eroded in big amounts.

Ilsamor took the team to dungeons. Sometimes they were just straight hard, sometimes they had some interesting mechanisms. Ilsamor was always with them but he only used his sword to protect members from likely fatal attacks they are not prepared to.

At their second dungeon Ilsamor's sword was almost on a constant roll.

At their fifth he used it for ten times

At seventh that dropped to five times.

And finally, during eleventh raid Ilsamor didn't even unsheathe his sword. With the Congratulation's notification at the end of raid he knew that his job was done. He stood before them "I am proud tell you that this day, after an intense fifteen days later, you have taken enough training to stood up by yourself and more importantly train yourself. I have nothing left to teach you."

First joyous screams have erupted from the team. Then, as they realized something, silence fell onto them.

It was time to part with Ilsamor.

Seeing their sadness Ilsamor told them "Hey, we are not leaving yet. Let's go to 23rd floor, I heard a restaurant in there had excellent beefs. Dinner will be on me!"

With their morale rising again, group enthusiastically followed Ilsamor to teleportation stone with a twenty minute walking.

23rd floor's town was unlike 22nd and 21st was looking like an ordinary town from medieval Europe, not that it means it didn't look good. City was designed beautifully, so they decided to tour it before eating their farewell dinner.

While walking Ilsamor approached and held Rider from his arm "Rider, can we talk for a minute?" Rider was surprised but nodded, then Ilsamor turned to team's other members "Guys Rider and I have a little thing to talk, you continue to tour town we will be back." While seemed confused team nodded as he and Rider walked away. After they got out of the hearing range Ilsamor turned and faced the Rider "Say Rider, what is the equivalence of all the items we have looted from the raids?"

Rider was taken aback from this question but recovered quickly "I think around 30.000 col senpai. Why did you ask?" Ilsamor made a quick math in his head "Okay, this might be a little awkward, but can you give me 1200 col as debt? I told Argo that I will pay her part today, but I have barely enough money to cover our dinner." Rider seemed more confused than before "But senpai, you already have a part of 6000 col from the loot. Why do you want to borrow from me?" he asked but then gears started turning.

Ilsamor smiled to him "Rider… I won't take any money from you. In fact I never thought and never will think of getting money from this training I give."

Rider felt something stuck at his throat. He knew that he was not swimming in col, Asemi and he talked a lot that morning before Ilsamor wake "B-b-but senpai, our agreement?"

"I present it only to gain your trust and I am sorry for that…" Ilsamor answered to him, smiling apologetically. "If I told you that I would be doing this for free, then you would suspect from me, and you would have a good reason. But now, my mission is completed, and I will just walk away after dinner. Please, tell your friends that you gave me my share during our talk."

Rider once again tried to talk "Senpai…"

Ilsamor just patted his shoulder and started to walk to catch their group. Meanwhile a lone tear from Rider's left eye managed to free itself as Rider was looking behind the man he used to hate so much.

Night was unusually calm at fourth floor.

It was two days later the graduation of Team Alpha. Ilsamor was spending his time with Asemi as they stormed through raids, taking loots to either Agil or Auction Houses depending on the loot's strength. To their luck, their last raids gave them quite a bit of valuable item that even after he separated Rider's part they were able to eat in a fast-food restaurant (that last part was still embarrassing hell out of Ilsamor even tough Asemi didn't mind) and they were returning from teleportation stone.

Ilsamor's cheeks were red, though he wasn't sure if it was due to cold or his pupil holding his arm. He felt himself at peace, not just a relief but a joyful, happy memory. All they were doing was walking and making small talk.

Until they become able to see the temple.

Between them Asemi was the one to first notice it. "Senpai, there is someone standing at the gates of temple."

Ilsamor focused and he saw what Asemi told him. They carefully continued to approach him.

Figure was around 1.8 meters, from the length of hilt at his back it seemed that his choice of weapon was a greatsword. Ilsamor noticed that his hair was gathered to form ponytail.

Ilsamor surprised as he wasn't expecting to see him here. He approached the man "Rider?" Figure turned towards him, and Ilsamor gasped. He didn't know how is this possible, but Rider's face was red due to cold, and his legs were shivering. "What are you doing outside? And coming here like this? Come, quick get-"

"You are kind senpai… But I need to tell you something. I-I-I got a confession to make."

Ilsamor tried to keep his voice calm "We can talk it inside-"

"I DON'T DESERVE YOUR FORGIVENESS SENPAI!"

Ilsamor was stunned by his claim and the emotion at his words. Seeing the situation Asemi slowly opened the gates and got inside, leaving to men alone.

"Have I ever told you how I met the team?"

Ilsamor didn't make the connection. "You can tell me ins-"

"No senpai, please. I met them around four weeks after the game started. I was solo farming some mobs outside the Town of Beginning. When I saw a group who pulled more mobs than they can handle I drew my weapon and helped them. I know, it is a silly tale, but it is how we started to become friends."

He sneezed after his sentence was over. Ilsamor was about suggest once more to get inside but Rider saw the look in his eyes "No senpai. I…I deserve it, Every last bit. Anyway... That was the reason I hated you, that was the reason behind my jealousy. I thought, I feared once they learn to take care of themselves, they would just left me. That's why I went to that dungeon, to prove them I was still strong enough to protect them, stronger than them if not from you."

Ilsamor stood silent and finally Rider fell to his knees, bowed his head and started crying. "I am unforgivable."

Ilsamor had nothing to say. But luck was with Rider this time.

Ilsamor saw a light was again seeping from the pages of book. He slowly opened it.

"What gives you right to convict yourself while you are in my presence?"

Rider's sobs stopped like cut with a knife. He raised his head to see Ilsamor reading a book which was carrying the symbol at his back.

"Knight raised his head, with his eyes full of tears. 'But my Lady I-' he said yet Brilliant Mistress once again cut his words. 'You have trusted my judgement before, trusted my words. Yet you dare to sentence yourself in my presence without hearing anything from me. Why?'

Knight didn't talk for he was quite surprised with the warmness of Lady's words. He slowly spoke 'My Lady I…I have fallen. I committed great mistakes, and I have fallen into darkness.'

Lady answered him with her eyes full of mercy 'Yet you came back. You still have a heart; you feel the heaviness of the sins you have committed. This means you are not yet lost…'

Knight looked her with eyes full of hope 'Am I not lost?'

Lady caressed Knight's head with her right hand. Then she looked all the people standing before her. 'All of you hear and tell my words. In this world, threat of darkness is always present, even to my strongest servants especially the ones with faith whom their faith put steel into shame. Yet in this world, you must understand, there is difference between failing and losing. And you don't lose to darkness if you never stop trying."

Rider felt relaxed, more than ever since the game began. He… He almost felt the Lady's hand on his head. He felt calmed.

Then approaching footsteps disrupted the silence. "Senpai!"

Door swung open few seconds later, revealing a panting Asemi. "Senpai, the statue… Statue is glowing again!"

Rider didn't understand what she meant but Ilsamor raised his head to look to sky and recited from memory "…And they saw the throne of goddess was unlike anything they have seen. It was standing on top of three fulcrums. A priest asked, 'My lady, why three?' She smiled and answered to him 'Because three is not much like four and not less like two."

After that puzzling statement Ilsamor held his hand to Rider. "Come on. We have a lot to talk."