Disclaimer: I do not own anything about SAO except my original characters and these characters' plot arcs. All rights of SAO belongs to Reki Kawahara.
Days at the Aincrad continued to move with same speed.
When someone looked to this iron castle, it would be hard to notice too much difference. Frontliners was approaching to the floor boss 25th floor with ever increasing resistance. Major guilds were showing their effects slowly, probably as an attempt to take the strongest potential of limited manpower.
In lower levels players were formed two unofficial groups by their habits. One group was trying to live as normal as possible and many of them were choosing safe jobs that ever needing to step outside the safe zone. Second group was aware that they live in a game, but they were not ambitious or determined like the assault team members. They were simply another version of first group, just a little bit bolder.
These times at Aincrad was also the times were orange guilds and players' slow rise. Even while these criminals don't dare to cross the last line, their presence was a nuisance at lower levels.
And then there was the place of eternal desperation: Town of Beginnings.
If someone would be able to look onto Aincrad, he/she wouldn't notice anything different. Because changes that was happening was more like ripples in sea, a cool wind at hottest summer days. It was hard to see but it was there.
In lower levels, players' equipment was usually in high quality compared to their levels. Desperation and unbeatable fear that players felt about the game was wavering, slowly but surely. Some of the players were searching for a certain player, who was supposedly giving training to players that need it with very reasonable prices. Some others were looking for the player who was like a wind, coming helping, encouraging and vanishing quickly. Only thing that these rumors were agreeing was his gray cloak. Nobody knew the face or equipment of the player.
And then there was a last group at Blackiron castle who knew the existence of a 'White Warrior' who started to keep sending orange players in varying numbers from corridor crystals, unusually unconscious. How he managed knock them out in a game where you don't feel pain was a very big topic of questions. Some of the most successful information brokers were searching for the answers of these questions. Interestingly most successful of them, Argo, wasn't the one of them as she was sitting right in front of him at a temple located in twenty second floor.
She grinned as she thought all the rumors she had heard through day. "You are getting more and more active Illy-boy." she said while looking her friend with his white uniform.
They were at dinner, a dinner which Argo found herself attending more frequent in every passing time. None could blame her because Ilsamor was really a great cook, with his high herbalism skill and unusual expertise about western cuisine was very attracting for meals. It was only natural, and then there was their agreement about Argo's place in their temple. Nothing seemed to indicate there was a higher cause for her visits.
However, there was. Since their first dinner, Argo felt herself warm and welcomed inside the temple, where she could also get away from the hundreds of players who kept running after her. Her first visit was about their new temple (finally they had moved to 22nd floor after floor found pretty much unusable for leveling and looting purposes) originally but three things made her wanted to stay and chat with the trio. One of them and probably last revealed one was Ilsamor's cooking skills.
Second one was finding someone in this game who keep reading even in-game novels without game purposes. Not just that but she found that Ilsamor was actually quite a bookworm and had information on many areas like philosophy, religion and science. While Asemi and Rider were not fluent in these areas as they were, they were showing a very high level of curiosity and intelligence to subjects they discussed. Argo found herself wanting that conversation atmosphere more and more.
Third reason was perhaps the most interesting one and it was about the scene she had witnessed when she came to visit their new temple for the first time. She saw that scene for the first time in Aincrad.
It was the figures of three players, all knelt and leaned to their swords, praying in front of a statue. Later when she asked Ilsamor about this, Ilsamor nervously chuckled and told her that this was some kind of superstition for them. It was hard to believe it, but Argo didn't pry the subject.
She later found out that what she felt for her first true friend was the same feeling he had for Ilsamor's gang. Not a single day she heard any compliments or negative things about her sudden visits, and she always treated with warm and kindness. It was… different for her.
And there was Ilsamor of course.
In her comparably long period of time in this game, she met just one person who was similar to him: Kirito. Both of the boys were carrying same type of burden on their shoulder, it was almost like keeping players safe and getting them out alive was only their responsibility. Both seemed to be carrying a power outside this game, in Kirito's case Argo witnessed it before; however, Ilsamor's power was still a mystery to her.
Only different point she could see was the aura they spread. Kirito, being a socially awkward nerd, was putting constant barriers around himself. He was usually alone and mostly soloing areas other players afraid to go with full parties. Contrary to that Ilsamor was calling people. It was not an evil effect; it is more like a beacon of hope for people who was in despair. It was almost like he was saying them "Don't worry, you are not powerless. You just need keys to unlock your potential and I can help you make them." Then after showing people what they can do, he was releasing them, and they were mostly flying away, hoping to make him proud one day. He was a good teacher without a doubt.
Argo thought these as she took another spoon of the delicious soup and savoring its taste. Ilsamor chuckled to her previous comment "I think you are right Argo-san. And I hope it is a good thing." Argo gave him one her signature grins "You can bet it is. It is still very slight, but people are getting happier somehow, thanks to no small part of yours."
She made another comment while taking another spoon "You guys should start a guild or something."
Her comment caused them freeze. She raised her head to see both Rider and Asemi was looking towards Ilsamor. She was about the ask what was wrong but Ilsamor smiled "Yeah maybe you are right Argo-san. Though time hasn't come for the guild yet."
Argo was surprised to his comment. She asked, "What is the wrong factor about time in this case?"
"Well, as you know I am a fairly unknown player at this point, maybe only known to Assault Team members. There are just rumors about my 'other' activities, which believe me should stay that way until the time has come. Another thing is related to this case, the guild I want to form is a lot different from the ones that already been formed. I want to use it not only to clear the game but help players both guild members and non-members from inspiration to equipment if really necessary. It is a bold claim, so I must be at least having some reputation to back this promise. Furthermore, if I start a guild people might become skeptical to my trainings, thinking it as a mean to recruit people."
Argo's surprise grew "What's the harm at that?" she asked. Ilsamor shook his head "Argo-san, just because you taught someone to walk, you cannot own all of their rights. I am not gonna ask people to join under my banner just because I am teaching them something essential like walking or breathing for this game. If I create a guild, maybe only some advanced training I can offer to ones who want to join, training that not necessarily needed to survive but needed to become a hardened warrior."
Argo blinked as he once more admired the boy in front of her. Not only he was refusing something other guilds saw normal, but he was also bringing another perspective. While his other ideas were good too, they were not original, there were guilds formed to share information, food and other sources. However, her gut was saying to her that Ilsamor will do a better job than them when the time comes.
Silence sat in for a few moments, then Rider spoke "Boss, what do you think about the upcoming boss fight of 25th floor?"
Argo barely held a chuckle when she heard Rider's calling of Ilsamor. At the beginning she was afraid, at her first visit to temple Rider pointed her after their prayer and said "Boss, we have a visitor." She thought "Wait a minute, is he going mafia or something?" then her doubts were cleaned after seeing Ilsamor's facepalm. "I swear Rider, Asemi first and you are the second. Please stop calling me by titles or something. Just call me by my name." Rider's answer was a sly grin and four words "No can-do boss."
After a while it seemed Ilsamor was getting used to it, still when he was called like that, he was frowning a little.
"I don't know Rider. We only recently discovered the boss room, and I haven't entered it yet but when I stood before its gate it felt more frightening than the previous ones. I fear a single mistake might cause us huge losses, if I can, I will spend more time on this one. Yet…"
Asemi spoke this time "Yet?"
Ilsamor thought for a second then sighed "I have feeling that somethings will go very wrong. And I got a new verse from Lady last night."
Asemi and Rider straightened their backs while Argo leaned with a renewed interest. She still couldn't find out who this 'Lady' was, but she was almost certain that she was an NPC. The point she did not understand was why they were caring what she says that much.
Ilsamor opened the book on his belt, and silence fell on the table. Ilsamor read the Lady's last message with a clear voice:
"'Tis not suicide to be in my service my heroes.' Lady said to them with a smile warm as the sun she created. 'I don't order you to throw yourself into fire and die as butterflies passes from flame.
'But my lady, we are forced to fight in desperate situations so often. If you forbid it, we might never take the fight to our enemy.' knights said, then they bowed their heads, afraid that they had said too much in presence of Brilliant Mistress.
Yet to their relief she smiled to them 'I don't order you to stop fighting when odds are against you. I want you to embody the three elements of the First Light. If its dark and clouded, shine like a lightning, too fast to catch and enough to blind your enemies so that they can't catch you. When you find fuel, burn like holy flames and when there is star or stars in the sky strike without fear because as long as darkness is powerful it will never allow even one of their bloom at the sky.
So, knights walked away from her presence learning when to wait, when to engage in guerilla warfare and when to engage open warfare."
After Ilsamor closed the book Argo blinked in surprise. Even in the verse there was nothing to make her feel like this, but somehow, she felt… calm.
Rider looked to Ilsamor "What do you think about its meaning?"
Ilsamor put his hand under his chin, and he was about the answer before Argo interrupted him. "Whoa, slow down. Illy-boy I understand if you can't but please can you at least try to tell me what this is about? I am curious over this topic for days!"
Ilsamor blinked in confusion, then he suddenly blushed. "Uh, sorry about that Argo-san. I've completely forgotten about it, your presence felt so natural. I suppose I can tell you what you want to know. But I must insist that until I revealed it to someone else, please don't tell anyone anything about it." Argo nodded, and Ilsamor began to answer her question:
"It was two or two and a half month later the game's start. I encountered a woman NPC who offered me a very long mission with a measly reward. I thought I should refuse it first, but my heart got the better of me, and I am happy for it first time.
Mission was long and we encountered many trials that supposedly not part of a mission. At the end of it, she turned into another form…"
He raised his head and looked directly into Argo's eye "And she told me that she was The Cardinal, autonomous system that its main objective was to correct the mistakes of Administrator System…"
Argo's eyes widened.
"…Then she offered me a mission. She said Administrator has blocked a very crucial power's communication with players. She said she couldn't override it, then decided to use its authority to create a unique skill, one that will perfect for supporting players in this power's absence.
At first, I thought it was rubbish, then she sent me a mission notification with conditions and mission equipment. Most of this equipment was thought to exist around 80th floor, so it was enough to convince me that was not a farce. Then she declared me her champion and bestowed the mission.
After a week of wandering around I found the temple in fourth floor. Inside it was a statue and this book. At that time, she was still talking to me regularly and my training was continuing. Soon after, I have noticed that statue had some sort of mental healing power, it was helping me to suppress my pessimism and fear, inspiring me when it is necessary until I learned to deal with these emotions myself.
The book has the same power of statue but not limited by it. Nowadays, for a long time, she is using this book to give mission directives in the guise of holy orders, which I think is kind of cool."
Argo shook her head "It is too terrible to be a lie, so it must be true. But still it is hard to believe it, that system is assisting us to beat it." Ilsamor sighed "It is not exactly helping and actually it is not the system itself."
"What do you mean?"
"Lady's help is actually a game function that all players should have had access. Yet, somehow, Administrator blocked its communication with us. I am just fulfilling its job, nothing more. And Lady Cardinal is not exactly the system itself, it is more like a repairman. And in that case, we are the tools that she use to repair what is broken."
Silence fell on the table for a few moments. Finally, Argo stood up "Okay guys, thanks for the meal and the talk. I have to get going, time is getting late." Ilsamor stood up with her "Okay then. Thank you for coming Argo-san. Would you mind if I accompany you to teleportation stone?" Argo shrugged "Okay but what is the point? This is one of the safest floors in Aincrad." When she put that way, Ilsamor laughed "Yeah, you are right. However, accompanying a guest to the door after visit is a rule of etiquette, especially if that guest is a beautiful lady." Argo giggled to compliment "Lady? Careful Ilsamor, there are a lot of people in Aincrad who don't share that sentiment." Ilsamor's expression didn't change ""Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect)" he recited. Argo nodded "I like this one, is it from the book?
Ilsamor opened door and stepped out "No, it was a quote of Mark Twain, an American writer."
"HYAAAH!"
Ilsamor unleashed another Horizontal Arc on the two-headed giant with another low-level sword. Creature's life fell to last bar, seeing that Ilsamor pulled his sword real sword from his back, throwing the one in his hand.
Creature screamed and passed to last stage. Ilsamor watched closely.
"Hmm… It is waiting about 3.7 seconds between that stomp combo. Signal is crack of knuckles from its right hand.
Okay, that was its swing attack, range… around 7 meters. Unblockable unless a perfect timed parry.
Now its calling adds… They are two levels stronger than the ones at first stage. Weak point still the same though, their right shoulder.
Ilsamor continued to analyze its movements until loop began again. With it, he sighed as his mission came to an end. He waited for giant to make an attack on him then he used the attack's momentum to knock it back. It would stay stunned for a good three seconds, which was all he needed.
He took his teleporting crystal "Teleport: Coral!"
As creature was coming to its senses Ilsamor disappeared into the polygons, barely escaping giant's last attack. When town's familiar view caught by his eye, he exhaled, relaxing finally after a good four to five hours of combat.
He actually didn't have to do this today (next meeting would be in four days later) but he as a rule he was doing these scouting missions as soon as room is discovered. He had to because when he finds another group it took most of his time. Also during this time frame, he was going over the battle over and over again, thinking if he missed something.
Looking to the only town of 22nd floor, Ilsamor noticed his assistants(?) were waiting for him near the small fountain of town square. He smiled to them as he approach "Good evening all." Seeing his approach both Asemi and Rider stood up.
Deciding to ignore it for now he asked "How was the raids? I hope your skill progression is increased as much as I told you." Asemi grinned "I managed to unlock Storm of Ruby Heaven senpai!" and raised her head in a proud smile. Ilsamor caressed her head "Excellent job! What about you Rider?" Rider scratched his head as an answer and nervously chuckled "I couldn't unlock Fortitude of Guardian yet, it seems there is a secret requirement for it, and for the Assault of Redemption, well I still need one more point to unlock it."
Ilsamor sighed and while he was shaking his head he couldn't help but smile. "Well, you are lucky that this time I won't give your detention."
"Oh, that's a relief."
"Because Sasha will."
"Go- WHAT?"
Sasha was the name of a woman player residing in the Town of Beginnings in lowest floor of Aincrad. They had contacted her approximately two weeks ago, after learning that she made watching over the children players of game her responsibility. Especially considering few people knew their existence, Ilsamor promised her to bring edible supplies twice a week, and also if she wants, spend time with children. Sasha thought this was an attempt to recruit people into a guild and it was hard to convince her. Yet, in the end, Ilsamor managed it and so far children started to become accustomed to see them every week. He was betting that none were in their beds right now, waiting the arrival of 'Three Musketeers' as they dubbed them. And one thing Ilsamor found funny in this whole situation was that it seems that young woman around age 25 was the only people in Aincrad that managed to scare Rider. Thinking that again Ilsamor heartily laughed to situation at the spot.
Rider flustered "It is not funny boss. That woman reminds me of my primary school teacher." Asemi gave him a teasing look "What is so bad about your primary school teacher?" Rider just shook his head "You wouldn't wanna know."
After another round of laughter trio stepped onto teleportation stone and teleported to Town of Beginnings.
As effect ended infamous town of despair once more laid before them.
The view of this town was filling Ilsamor with a desire to do something about its state, but there is still time for that. And he knew, as many times Lady told him before, a flower that blooms before its time cannot escape the fate of a freezing death. Grimacing, he pulled up his hood and began walking to south exit of the square. His companions followed his example.
As they walked in the street, they didn't come up to a single person which was weird. Even in night, there would be still at least some people who don't pursue upper floors but making enough money to live well enough in town. He slightly frowned, something was definitely wrong here.
Nevertheless, trio continued their walk. After moving straight to the south, they turned west and continued to church of the town whose tower was visible from the crossroad. Their approach approached to table until the distance between them fell to three meters. Then suddenly…
"Here they COME!"
It was a child's scream.
Now Ilsamor was definitely a man with good reflexes, otherwise his role as boss-scout of assault team would be pretty short. However, even he couldn't escape the charge attacks of a dozen children.
"AAHHH!"
Soon after he was under a human pile, only his face and limbs were outside the pile. Asemi and Rider retreated to a safe distance, barely holding their laughter.
"Do you surrender Ilsamornii-san?"
It was sound of a boy around ten years old. Ilsamor shook his head and said in a hoarse voice "Never!" The boy just chuckled to this answer "Okay then! Guys! Tickle attack!"
Ilsamor's eyes widened "NOOOOO!"
Soon he was laughing like crazy, children were laughing like crazy and finally Asemi and Rider laughing like crazy. Ilsamor was pleading between attacks "A-ASEMI! RIDER! HELP!"
That chaos continued for two minutes until a woman's voice interrupted it "Okay guys, if you continue like this his HP will drop. Come on…"
Children finally allowed Ilsamor to stood up, they were still smiling. Ilsamor panted "Come on Sasha, what are you feeding them? They are as strong as to tackle any boss fights!"
Children raised their heads proudly and Sasha smiled before returning her usual caretaker persona "Just with what you brought and no, they cannot tackle any boss until Assault team reaches 101st floor."
One of the girls whined "But Sashanee-san, there are only 100 floor in Aincrad!" Sasha smiled "That's what I am talking about, now go to your beds, all of you." Children whined but listened what she had told and gave a sad look to Three Musketeers before they went their beds.
After last of the children entered the church Sasha smiled "It is good to see you again Ilsamor."
Ilsamor raised to his feet and shook off his clothes first then returned her sentiment "Likewise Sasha-san. I see morale are high indeed." Sasha nodded "All thanks to you. But I must tell you, they are expecting a morning visit from you in near future. I know you are busy but can you?" she asked. Ilsamor smiled "It would be a pleasure. Now…" He opened his trade menu and drag the items he gathered for her. "Mostly meat I am afraid, but I have managed to find some vegetables too. I believe your cooking skill his high enough but if you have any doubt I can help. And beside that I think children will like this…"
While he was keep dragging a large number of items to trade menu, he noticed the shining of her eyes. He stopped "Sasha-san, is everything okay?" Sasha slowly wiped tear in her right eye, "Yes, I am. In fact, I feel calm after a long time Ilsamor. "
Ilsamor and his friends didn't reply. She continued "I am doing this almost since the beginning of the game, after I realized so many underage children were left to game's mercy. While I am not complaining about it, it is not an easy thing, carrying all this weight by yourself. Thus, until you come and took some of this weight, I haven't noticed how hard it was for me. Thank you."
Ilsamor stood there for a while then he smiled and slightly bowed, seeing this his companions did the same. "You are the one worthy of praise Sasha-san. We are only walking in the path you opened behind you. I just hope in the future you won't fell like this whole burden is yours only. Now then…" he manipulated last of the items and sent the trade request which Sasha accepted. After that she smiled "I think you deserved a tea. Please, come inside."
While calling this building a church it was more like a cathedral, even with a large Nave, there was still a large living area enough for a dormitory and dining hall. Ilsamor and his friends followed Sasha to far corner of dining hall. Suddenly Sasha stopped "Say Rider, Ilsamor told me you didn't do your homework…"
Rider suddenly stiffened "W-w-what?!"
"I want to hear it from you, did you?"
Sasha turned her head and looked Rider in the eye and Rider trembled "So, in real world we were learning how to take of students who don't do their homework. Now can you answer my question?"
Rider looked both of his friends which were silently chuckling "N-no miss, I haven't." Sasha shook his head dramatically while holding the bridge of her nose "Ah Rider, Rider… You are a frontliner, you should be more careful, shouldn't you?"
"YES! I am sorry miss; I will not do it again."
"Good… Now go to that wall and stand in one foot."
"WHAT!"
Hearing his punishment Asemi and Ilsamor collapsed to ground, holding their sides. Rider gathered his resolve "I will no-"
Sasha gave him a fierce look "Is there a problem?" Rider gulped in response and went to wall to stand in one foot. Seeing that finally Sasha broke into a laughter "Wow, you were right Ilsamor. I should note this for future." Then she approached to Rider "Okay, that's enough. Let's sit for tea."
While Rider still feeling a bit angry joined his friends and soon lost himself in the small talk. Sasha told them about the children's antics while Ilsamor gave news about upper floors. They also talked a lot about the town's situation.
During the talk Ilsamor remembered that he had seen no one in the streets. He asked "Hey Sasha, do you know why there is no one in the streets right now? I know all that despair psychology and all but…"
"Oh, you are right I forgot to mention it. Army put a curfew lately, I don't know the reason, but I heard if you violate it you spend a good five days in Blackiron palace." Hearing that Ilsamor frowned "Wait a minute, Army put a curfew? With what authority? And how people accepted that?" Sasha shrugged "Well the first answer is obvious. No one in the town is strong or willing to challenge the army, most of them obeyed without resistance. I think they would answer the question about authority with power."
Ilsamor was about to rebut but thinking that he knew the lower floors were usually turned into places that sometimes people were willing to fight each other for a slice of bread. Higher guilds were just focused on finishing the game so as long as Army do not lose to sense of power and turned into a dictatorship there was nothing wrong. "Well, you are right I think. But if they ever go crazy, tell me okay?" Sasha nodded while smiling. However, another point stuck on his mind as soon as first one is cleared "Then where are the patrols to ensure people are obeying the curfew?"
Sasha scratched her chin "Now you mention it… This is strange, I haven't seen one since the beginning of this night's curfew. Normally I would have seen four up to this point. I think one of the children saw a large group about more than 20 people was leaving just before the curfew started."
Asemi asked with a confused voice "Where you can go with such a big group of players?" Rider answered with almost a confused voice of her "I don't know, usually such big groups are just for raids, but except the boss raids not much of the dungeons require such raiding groups. Right boss?"
Ilsamor crossed his arms "You are right, actually I don't know any dungeon in our level that needs a whole raiding party except floor bosses."
Then he remembered something
It was few days ago before his scouting mission.
They were eating in a fast-food restaurant that has both western and eastern fast foods in its menu with Argo. Much to Ilsamor's surprise this place where he brought Asemi once to avoid a very expensive dinner had become her favorite. And personally, he was also on the side of fast-food over luxurious places. And their choice was solidified after learning Rider's appetite for fried chickens.
While they were eating Argo raised her head and asked to Ilsamor "Hey Ilsamor, have you scouted the boss room already?"
Ilsamor had raised his head from his ramen and frowned "No Argo, I haven't yet. Why did you ask?" Hearing that Argo shrugged "Well nothing serious, there were some rumors lately about information on 25th floor's boss. It was a bit detailed and was talking about some kind of gorgon monster. I assumed it was you but if you say no, then it seems it is bait some sort."
Ilsamor didn't answer while eating last of his ramen then wiped his mouth. "Argo-san please do me a favor and shut those rumors if you can." Then noticing his tone is a bit harsh he corrected "Sorry to say this like an order, please forgive me. Just… This is a dangerous topic. Some groups in Assault Team don't like me very much and these groups are prepared to do anything to acquire some intel about boss by bypassing me. I fear this may cause serious consequences."
Argo smirked to his comment and teased him a little "You've almost broken my heart Ilsamor…" Then she had became serious "Don't worry, I'll see what I can do."
"... Fools…" Ilsamor mumbled. Then his eyes opened widely, and he shot up. Rider was scared a bit by his sudden reaction, but he managed to compose himself "Boss, what is wrong?"
"THAT FOOLS!" Ilsamor shouted first but then he managed to control himself, yet his heart was still beating fast "That party went to tackle the boss of 25th floor."
Asemi stood up put her hand to his shoulder, trying to calm him down "But senpai, this doesn't make sense. You didn't rep-" Then she suddenly stopped, her eyes widened at the realization "Oh… That false rumors!"
Ilsamor immediately opened his menu and equipped his usual armor and sword. "Asemi, quickly write a PM to Argo and told her about Army's raid and alert the assault team. We have to move now!"
Two minutes later the trio were running to teleportation gate with their full strength. Ilsamor couldn't believe that idiot Kibaou risked the lives of his guildmates over a stupid disagreement.
Yet as they headed to 25th floor Ilsamor was aware of that their restriction was still continuing. Even if they get there in time, they still couldn't engage the boss. But then, what was the meaning of last verse?
"Here it is!" shouted Rider, pointing the gates of 25th floor's labyrinth. Without stopping for a second trio passed the gates.
Road to the boss room was frightfully empty, like correcting their suspicions. Ilsamor found himself praying from his heart for the first time, weirder part of this was the receiver of his prayer.
"My mistress who wields the power of light, grant us a chance to save our brethren before they commit a horrible mistake. If we are too late blind the darkness with the brightest of your bolts…"
He kept hoping until he heard a scream.
"AAAAAHHHHH!"
Trio looked each other in fear for a second, then rushed inside the boss room faster than before. View inside caused Ilsamor's eyes to widen and his fists to form.
Rider looked to Ilsamor "What will we do boss?"
"Grant us an opening please, you who have my heart and soul…"
"Boss?"
"Allow us to rescue our friends, who are innocent…"
"Boss!"
"ALLOW US!"
Then something happened.
In Ilsamor's eyes boss room suddenly disappeared, and a sky with black clouds appeared. Then he saw a brilliant flash and suddenly returned to boss room.
"…Five minutes…"
Rider was taken aback with his answer "What?"
Ilsamor unsheathed his sword "We got five minutes before Administrator system detects our interference with boss battle. Make it count, now begin: Ride of the Storm!"
Both Rider and Asemi nodded as they unsheathed their weapons. Ilsamor shot forward, his sword glowed with a brilliant blue color and gained an electrified aura. This was his jump and hit skill, Wrath of Heavens.
And he jumped as boss was bringing down its weapon to take another player's life. Ilsamor's attack managed to stun him momentarily. Using this window, Rider unleashed a three part sword skill Guardian of Gates which was a skill that inflicts both damage and movement penalties. Finally, Asemi hit the same spot for third time with another sword skill Valor of the Maiden.
It was enough to take the boss to down status. Ilsamor landed in front of raid group and shouted "Okay, I am taking the command here and if you have objections you can take your ass and leave through that door because we have no time." Raid group was so shocked that nobody said anything. Ilsamor briefly looked to health bars of boss and saw that he was on the half of second bar. "Okay, it is in the second stage. His screams can momentarily stun you so when you see it inhales deeply just close your ears. Don't try to block swings, just dodge them! And lastly when it raises one of its feet throw a stun attack to its other knee, otherwise it can hit us with a very strong AoE. Okay guys fan out, come on!"
Finally managed to think clearly, Army members nodded and obeyed Ilsamor's directives. Ilsamor himself seeing that players finally got a grip returned to its defensive role. He called to them "Gather around when I say!"
Boss raised its club, and Ilsamor held his sword cater-cornered, his sword glowed with a white light. As boss' club closed in he released his sword skill, Adamant Believer.
Their weapons clashed in the air, and Ilsamor gasped "NOW!"
Rider and Asemi stroke to its feet while Army members gathered around Ilsamor. With an agonizing scream he stabbed ground and a yellow circle with system commands appeared again. Under the surprised gazes of players, their health bars started to fill rapidly.
After circle disappeared Ilsamor screamed "Now fan out again! Strike it with your strongest sword skills while it is still stunned!"
Army members did what they have been told. Ilsamor panted a few seconds then joined the fray with another of his charge skills while taking a brief glance to time.
They got only two more minutes.
He gritted his teeth. Boss still had is last two remaining health bars. He raised his voice "Okay, new plan! We will mark three spots on the boss with our skills, when I say hit that spots with everything you got, okay?"
"ROGER!" Army members this time acknowledged vocally.
He though quickly, thinking about his fight with boss. Two of them were their knees obviously but the third…
Oh ****.
It was the place where two necks joined each other. Reaching there would be impossible. Unless…
"Asemi! When I say use me as a springboard and hit the point its two necks join with Storm of Ruby Heaven, understood?" While Asemi seemed scared by this idea, she nodded.
One minute
He saw the moment as boss raised its club to give a large swing. Ilsamor shouted "Get back!" and he moved forward. If he misses this one…
Boss initiated its attack.
Time slowed.
Ilsamor felt his hand moved just as he practiced over and over during his mock boss battle. His sword hit the exact same spot and boss bounced back…
"NOW, TO THE KNEES! ATTACK!"
Raiders charged while Ilsamor prepared to throw Asemi into the air.
In its stunned status, giant received a lot of damage from the attack to its knees. Then Asemi soared through it, her katana glowing with a red light and flames. When in range she unleashed her sword skill.
She spun around herself for two times, then using the momentum of last spin she cut the point from left upper corner to right lower corner and upper right corner to lower left corner. Then she stabbed, pulled and turned her back to stab it again.
Boss trembled and disappeared into polygons with a congratulation's notification as Ilsamor raced to catch falling Asemi which she fell directly into his arms. Seeing that she smiled "We did it."
Then she fainted.
Holding her tightly Ilsamor turned to Army members. Expression on his face made them took a few steps back. With a furious voice Ilsamor said "Tell that idiot leader of yours he won't get away with that stupid stunt he pulled. And next time, if you went to a boss raid without my report don't expect me to come and save your asses."
With that he and Rider walked to 26th floor, first time for opening. While he did not want to attract more attention, he didn't also want to be forced into a fight while Asemi in this stage.
Clearers were gathering around for an emergency meeting at 25th floor.
Nobody know the reason of meeting actually, planned one was still three days later. But at the morning especially the players with guilds received messages for an emergency meeting. With their connections to solo players, almost all of assault team had heard about this meeting and gathered in the meeting room.
Once become sure that a certain player wasn't in the room, Kibaou stood up with a proud smile on his face and talked to crowd "Thank you all for coming today!" Crowd slowly fell silent. Commander Heathcliff turned his head to Kibaou "I understand you have a good reason for calling an unplanned meeting Kibaou-san." he asked with a calm voice. Kibaou proudly stated "As you all know two days ago my guild managed to clear the boss of 25th floor," then he gave a sad expression "Sadly we lost seven members due to a false rumor that had been spread about the boss. And to honor our fallen comrades, I have searched the identity of the player who was responsible for this rumor. And I want to punish that player so that nothing of that sort can happen again."
Several approving murmurs heard from crowd. Kibaou continued "I am sure you won't be so surprised by her identity. Because it is infamous info broker Argo the-"
"KIBAOU! YOU STUPID SON OF A-"
Kibaou's words cut to half with sudden opening of doors.
At the doorway Ilsamor was standing, his eyes were almost glowing with a faint red and his face was distorted with rage. Behind him Rider and Asemi was standing, with a stern expression almost identical to their leader. Most of the room stunned as this was the first time three of them seen on the frontlines.
Ilsamor walked towards the leaders table fast, no one tried to stop him. Kibaou took a back step.
"HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE HER?!"
Then he did something unprecedented in the game. He punched Kibaou.
Then chaos erupted. Room filled with so much noise to understand anything at all until Heathcliff stood up and shouted "ORDER!"
Sounds slowly diminished and gazes turned towards to leaders' table. Kibaou was still on the ground, holding one of his hands on his cheek.
After order was restored, Heathcliff turned to Ilsamor "What is the meaning of this?" Ilsamor's rage wasn't passed yet, but he managed to calm himself a little "That human rubbish over there is trying to weasel his way out of the near-disaster he caused and blaming my friend for what he has done!"
Kibaou's face reddened "How dare y-" but he once more cut by another Ilsamor's movie references "Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth! I haven't pass through fire and death to bandy crook words with a witless worm! *"
Kibaou was surprised and confused enough to shut up. Ilsamor then returned to Heathcliff "It is true that two days ago Army managed to beat the boss of twenty- fifth floor boss, but it was nothing short of a disaster that barely prevented." Heathcliff raised his brows "And how do you know that?"
Ilsamor's answer would gradually increase the poularity of 25th Raiders. "I was there. I had done my scouting on that day and with a luck coincidence I learned that a very large raiding party left the Town of Beginnings on the evening. Me and my companions barely made it in time but I was too late for seven souls."
Ilsamor looked into eyes of Kibaou, still burning with rage "Robard, Balan, Alot, Humph, Ymenia, Anzai and Shime Kibaou. These are the people you send into a certain death with you arrogance!"
Kibaou stuttered "I-I-"
"You should have known that that rumors weren't originating from me. At very least you would just wait for a few more days for the meeting dammit! What was the reason to rush?! Why did you send forty people to a certain death?!"
Kibaou finally stood up "IF YOUR LITTLE B-" He couldn't finish as he took another punch, this time from Rider. He cracked his joined after that "I am sorry Kibaou but if you had finished that word, I would kill you. Please continue boss."
Ilsamor calmed a little and turned to Heathcliff "Argo was not the source of these rumors; I would put everything on it. And if you still doubt my word, maybe I shouldn't be a boss-scout anymore."
Several people in the crowd went pale by just the mention of this. Heathcliff seemed uncertain until one of the Army members stood and walked towards to table "Sir, a word if I may." When Heathcliff nodded Army member continued "Sir, everything Ilsamor-san said had happened. I was gonna stay silent but…" He turned to Ilsamor and he noticed the tears that forming around the man's eyes. "Anzai was a close friend of mine. Died just moments before you came to our aid. And hearing that you called his name… That day we were ordered for raid but something was off, you know, because were acting like in a hurry and commander Kibaou didn't partake in that raid."
Kibaou was shocked by this confession and crowd started to murmur. Man continued "We have wondered many times that day. Why, while Ilsamor will give us a full report on boss, why did we rushed, even stranger, why we didn't call fro help from other guilds and solo clearers?" Then he turned his gaze on Kibaou. "Now I understand. It was due to make a show about clearing a floor, eliminating or at least weakening potential opposition and monopolizing the gains of that boss, right?"
Kibaou was gaping and couldn't answer. Man turned to Ilsamor and with a swipe of his hand he opened his menu. "If you want to get rid of us that bad Kibaou I will save you from any potential crimes. If I am going to fight, I will fight for a commander who put importance on the lives of his men." He put his right fist on his heart "Like you, Ilsamor-sama."
You could hear a pin drop.
As player knelt before him, Ilsamor himself was dumbstruck by this sudden declaration. Still shocked from this sudden act of pledging, several other members from Army stood up and joined to their friends on the table.
Ilsamor stuttered "But I-I-"
Then then he saw a faint light once coming from his book. This time he didn't need to open it, he heard it in his mind. "Do not turn the faithful who are entrusting their very lives with you. Take them under your wings and teach them to ride out the storm. Be kind and gentle to them, like summer breeze. Let the lean on you when they need…"
Ilsamor thought to himself "But my lady, what about others? Who don't want to gather under my banner but still needs my, no our help?"
This time lady whispered to him directly, not reciting the from the book "I believe you are strong enough to carry the torch my champion. It is still too early, but you don't have a luxury to wait."
Ilsamor then suddenly noticed that was some sort of an elaborate trap to make him create a guild. He personally believed Lady was not that powerful but at the moment he went to 25th floor, clock had started to work for him.
His view changed once again. This time he saw a long tower, and he realized this tower was actually the tower of Aincrad. And its every floor had a pile of wood, waiting for a spark to burn. Before view disappeared, lady spoke to her for a one last time "Yet Administrator is still watching. Don't show off too much of your strength until I equal its power my champion…"
Ilsamor returned to meeting room and instantly felt the eyes of whole room was on him. His gaze hardened and he nodded "I accept your pledge."
Kibaou exploded "YOU BRAT! DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STEAL MY PEOPLE R-"
"These people are not your property Kibaou." Asemi answered to him, Ilsamor was actually a bit scared hearing her sweet voice taken a form so cold. However, he managed to gather himself "From now on, everyone who wants to follow me to the battle, who wants to learn from me and be our brother-in-arms, join me in the temple in 22nd floor."
Heathcliff scratched his chin, "And who will you be Ilsamor-san?"
Ilsamor answered after he walked all the way to door "Swords of Mercy."
*: Lord of the Rings, Two Towers(just to be sure)
A/N: Hello, I hope you have liked the story so far. Thanks to both who read and added this story to their favorites.