Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this fiction beside my OC and their story arcs. All other things related with SAO belongs to Reki Kawahara.

It was around the time of dawn…

In the morning stillness that covers everything, teleportation stone of fourth floor shone and with a teleportation effect, fourteen people appeared in square of fourth floor's town. Thirteen of these figures were widely known figures in Aincrad as twelve of the were the members of Eternal Champions, Aincrad's most specialized unit in PvP combat (of course that doesn't mean they were weaponless against monsters) and thirteenth of them was Argo the Rat, infamous info-broker of Aincrad. Last figure was a female with pink hair and blacksmith apron.

"It's freezing out here! What the hell does he think setting a meeting in here at this early in morning?!"

Rider slowly sucked his teeth "I have no idea, but I am worried about him. He is not around for a week after that crazy stunt he pulled, and he suddenly call us back to source? I smell trouble…"

Nautilus slowly took a few steps forward "Well sir, we won't learn the answers definitely by standing here, I suggest we keep moving." Rider nodded and group started to move to west gate of town.

Except being early in the morning, weather was clear, and sun was shining. Rider noticed the smoke that coming from temple's chimney once they got it in sight. "Vow, it seems boss is preparing the breakfast. Now I am both motivated and hungry." While Argo nodded with a smirk in her face many Eternal Champions turned to Rider with surprised face. "You've never told me the commander's cooking skill Rider. Is there a reason to keep such an important information hidden?" asked Artemis with narrowing her eyes as a result Rider nervously laughed "Hey go easy on me. It has been almost five months since I managed to eat something from him. Now we will all eat from his hand so… Truce?"

Still getting a few scoldings, group continued to move to temple with a slight increase in their speed. Once they have reached the doors Rider pushed wooden doors and yelled "Booosss! Are you there?"

From upstairs Ilsamor's voice came with a joy they didn't hear from him for a long time "Yep, I am here, and I hope you are all hungry. Come on up." Group moved upstairs with an increasing curiosity.

Upstairs was somehow redesigned to make sixteen people can sit and eat together. On the corner, Ilsamor was cooking their breakfast with the help of a certain silver-haired girl.

For most of the champions and Lisbeth, it was the first time they saw Ilsamor in casual clothes. Unlike what they expected, Ilsamor was wearing brown trousers and he had a maroon jacket on his back. From the opening of his jacket, they could see that he was wearing white t-shirt which could be the only part they were expecting to see.

When his face finally turned towards them his expression surprised many of the Champions. Despite surviving a near death experience and still had an escapee from last raid Ilsamor had a genuine smile on his face with his hazel eyes shining with their old light. Weighing multiple options in her head in her usual fast manner Argo looked to Asemi with an overly curious expression.

Asemi blinked to her with a mischievous smile on her face. Then Argo confirmed that their plan had worked perfectly well.

The old flirt tactic that never failed.

Their surprised state was disrupted by Lisbeth, who was probably the least happy person to be called into this meeting in such an early hour. "Okay if your drooling is over can we please pass to the breakfast? And I hope you have a good explanation about bringing us here this early Ilsamor."

Ilsamor's expression became a bit serious, and he nodded. "I wish this was just a Sunday breakfast, but we might have a problem and to solve it, I will need your help. Sit around the table, I will serve the food."

They did as they have told and with an increasing curiosity, they waited Ilsamor's serving to finish. When it finally ended Ilsamor slowly seated his place at the table and gathered his hands in front of him.

Then a short silence reigned, only broken by occasional fork sounds. After a minute Ilsamor raised his head and looked his guests "I am sorry that I have called you this early but after my seven days absence, it would be dangerous to delay it any longer, especially considering my plan…"

Nobody interrupted or asked anything. Ilsamor continued:

"In our last raid spamming the Adamant Believer skill caused Administrator system to find me and as a result I have been robbed both from Bastion of Justice ex skill and my equipment."

His words created a bomb like effect and caused guests' eyes to go wide. Sage slowly raised his hand "Sir, what do you mean by administrator System found me? Are you a cheater?"

Ilsamor slowly shook his head. "No, thing is a bit more complicated than that. That ex skill and equipment was created by system again, but SAO's autonomous system is not one core but actually made from two cores, one that governs over Aincrad with admin privileges 'The Administrator' and one that corrects its mistakes 'Cardinal System'."

Nautilus interrupted "So you say that skill was created by Cardinal System… Why?"

Ilsamor sighed "I got the skill and the equipment after a cover mission that has been set up to find most suitable player for that skill. What explained to me by Lady Cardinal was that Administrator system's block on one of the most important services that this game supposed to offer. She never told me what was that program but told me that she tried her hardest to release it,unfortunately ending in failure as she couldn't override the admin system. To cover the absence of that program she made two things: First she located a backdoor at Administrator's block and used it to contact with program. She had no idea about the human emotions and nature at the time, so with help of it, she prepared the set she later called "Emergency Hope Kit". Plan was simple and from different perspectives you could call it either a classic or cliché."

Eurard leaned back to his chair "Create a chosen champion and made him/her a beacon of hope."

Ilsamor nodded. "However, this was not limited by it. She also managed to connect a portion of program's original functions to herself and created several proxies to reach players like the book I am holding or the statues we have in temple. It was champion's mission to enable it to reach players in wide extents."

Panther spoke "But sir, it doesn't make any sense. Why not choose from players who are already on frontlines?" Ilsamor's answer was short "Because they cared a little about what happening on behind. I personally haven't heard the any leader of major guilds about lending a helping hand to them. In a few instances it happened but it was just to recruit new members to their guilds."

Then he lowered his head "And it was also easier to hold a leash on someone's throat if they are truly dependent on you." He chuckled "I could stand to loss of skill alone maybe but losing the items is the thing stings most."

No one opposed him. He took a deep breath and asked "Now, as always, I will give you choice."

Lisbeth frowned "What choice?"

"Now I have told you everything, so you know that I've lost all my power. If you want to leave, I have neither the power nor intent to stop you. It is only natural to seek a commander that you can go to death with-"

"Yeah, and we all looking to a commander just like you've described right now." was Rider's answer. As Ilsamor raised his head approving rumors ran around the table. Eurard took a sip from his tea "From what you told us Lady has done a lot for us… But it wasn't her that ordered you to rush to our defense at 25th floor. I still owe you my life…"

"Yeah, and it wasn't her that ordered you to give these lessons for free-"

"Or truly spend extraordinary amounts of times to train your fellow players-"

"Or give all the high-quality loot to ones really need it."

Nautilus raised from his chair and other champions, including Asemi followed the suit. "We have never followed you because you were carrying a bright sword, or you had a unique skill no one had. We have followed you because in different ways, you have pulled each and every one of us from a deep, dark well. If now is time to return to favor, Champions are ready and able for it. Also, with or without the equipment, you are still one of the best 1H sword users of the game."

Ilsamor looked to eyes of his brothers-in-arms and swiped a tear from his right eye. "Okay, thanks to each and every one of you…" Then he turned to Argo "What about you Argo?"

Argo raised her head from her plate "Well Illy-boy, don't expect me to stand up like others but I will not leave your side. I mean this has no harm to me and you are the second people in Aincrad to ever show some kindness and friendship to me. I am not leaving your side…" She took another bite from her plate "Though I must say I won't work free."

Ilsamor laughed "Noted. I'll pay what you earned at the end. The same goes for you too Lisbeth-san as in first stage of my plan I will definitely require your help. You can still walk away but I don't know any other blacksmith that I can trust."

Lisbeth crossed her arms "What do you mean?"

"Right now, I don't have any item on my name-"

Rider interrupted "But boss, loot vault is full surely we can find something that will suit you." Ilsamor shook his head "I will not take from guild Rider. It can attract attention. Also, it came to me as wrong, because I won't be always doing guild business with that gear. Anyway, as I said I don't have anything in guild's vault on my name except…"

He turned to Rider "Did you brought them all?"

Rider nodded and with a small manipulation he materialized something to his hand, which was looking like a metal ingot with a bright white color. Argo slowly leaned forward "Is that divine steel ingot?"

Ilsamor nodded but before he add any further Lisbeth butted in "Hold on, what is divine steel? I've heard it for the first time despite being the only blacksmith here." Argo turned to her "It is not surprising Liz, considering the very heavy trade-off rumor of this metal."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, according to rumors divine steel can be used to forge weapons with extraordinary properties but against this phenomenon acquiring it is really hard (if I remember correctly it is protected by one of the strongest boss of early floors) and it has an incredibly low chance to give a decent item, something like 0.0001 maybe?" was the Argo's explanation. Ilsamor nodded "Yeah, and at the level you can beat it easily, the floor you reach will be already giving you more powerful items, so it is almost like useless."

Lisbeth frowned "And you want me to make a weapon out of it?" Ilsamor nodded again "Yeah but not just any weapon, I want you to craft me one of the strongest weapons that can be crafted in these levels."

Lisbeth sighed in exasperation "If you think you can get such a weapon from this small chance you must be out of your mind Ilsamor." Ilsamor grinned for the first time and receiving at as a signal Rider answered, "Don't worry Lisbeth-san, each and Champion in this room carries around 110 divine steel ingots for this purpose."

"110! WAAH-"

Both Lisbeth and Argo gave screams of bewilderment and Argo turned to Ilsamor "What the hell?! How many times did you do that damn mission?!" Ilsamor were cutting his meal on plate eyes closed just shrugged indifferently "Does it matter? Anyway, with this many metals I believe I can get a weapon that would be enough to carry me around 60th floor. What do you say?"

Lisbeth thought for a moment then she grinned "Yeah I am in! This will be a good practice; good earning and I am pretty sure no other blacksmith worked with this metal before. My only condition is this: you will use the scabbard of my shop, okay?"

Ilsamor smiled "Deal."

With his first problem settled, second one laid on the table. Ilsamor turned to Argo "Argo, I want you to leak that bit of information about my Adamant Believer skill's trade-off with an imaginary situation I had to spam it."

Argo grinned mischievously "You've come to the right place. In next four days every player will know that legendary Silver Blade is the only one in Aincrad to feel physical pain."

Ilsamor smiled "I wouldn't expect less. However, that leaves us the bigger problem, the guilds." Ilsamor turned to Rider "How many messages messengers they have send while I was absent?" Rider answered without blinking "Four. Last one was from DDA and he wasn't a very kind type. Well at least he had a short but intimate moment with Artemis, that lucky bastard." Artemis answered while sipping her tea "Well at least he could see what was standing in front of him."

Ilsamor could swear that he saw a label on Rider with "apply cold water to burned area" instruction. Several laughters were heard from other Champions as he raised his hand to cease commotion "Okay, so they are getting suspicious. Did they fought with 43rd floor's boss?"

Argo nodded "Yeah, it was defeated two days ago."

"Good, this gave us a bit time. For a short time, I want you to join Assault team and help them for scouting. Once you discovered boss room, DON'T GO IN, lately I have started to encounter more and more anti-crystal zones. I want none of you to risk your life for my role, got it?"

"But boss, if what you said is true, then what will you do when you return? Next room might be your death."

Ilsamor just grinned "Don't worry, I have a possible trick up my sleeve, it is actually quite simple method, but I couldn't find a way to achieve it yet. When I do, I will tell you. Now the problem is explaining the absence of my unique skill. They will be expecting Adamant Believer on next fight."

Nautilus raised his hand "Sir I believe we can use the trade-off of Adamant Believer to our advantage. NerveGear can be affected from fears and this might disrupt our compatibility so why not pain do the same?"

Sage scratched his chin "It is possible, we can say that overuse created a conditional reaction in case of Adamant Believer is used. But your equipment change will definitely attract attention. You were wearing same armor since 20th floor. Most were believing your armor was levelling with you."

Ilsamor waved his hand "I think we can easily say that after the end of their maximum upgrade they finally reached their end and replaced." Eurard shook his head "They will want to know which blacksmith managed to upgrade your equipment that much."

Ilsamor smiled "Why, the answer is sitting in this table, if she wants of course."

Lisbeth looked like thunderstruck. "This can be a very good advertisement of your shop but also it will burden you with big expectations. What do you say?"

Lisbeth final recovered and thought his offer before giving an answer. "Then let's make a deal: If I can craft you something 'holy' from this divine steel, then you will both wear my scabbard and say this in meeting, deal?"

Ilsamor nodded "Deal. Now please eat your meal, we've got work to do."

Before starting however Lisbeth asked a last question "Hold on, Ilsamor where will I make that many crafting attempts?" He assured her "Don't worry, I have just the place."

"Is there such a place in here?!"

One hour later they were standing in front of a hole revealed after the statue moved. Ilsamor chuckled "To tell you truth I didn't know either. I have discovered it accidently while inspecting the statue. There is a hidden forge just beneath the temple, well I guess this also explains one of the earliest verses."

Asemi and Rider looked to him expectantly then Asemi's eyes widened "Oh, you mean 'End of Long Pilgrimage' verse 7, I forbid you to make my temples a just a place where you gather and cry in despair. You will learn, you will teach in there as they will be places where faithful can forge both their minds and weapons. You will work and you will produce to live honorable and just lives."

Ilsamor clapped "You've really learned it well Asemi. Anyway, don't know much but I think equipment is enough for task-"

"Are you kidding?! I am seriously considering moving my shop to here! This place is better than any I have seen!" Lisbeth shouted in amazement. Ilsamor' smile took a bit melancholic turn "A farewell gift from her it seems… Let's get to work. Lisbeth-san would you prefer to stay in temple during forging or you wish to return your home when you want to rest?" Lisbeth jumped to hole and took a divine steel ingot with clamps "I think I will stay here. It really feels like home when I will be this close to forge. Ooookkkaayyy… Let's get to work!"

Then she put ingot to furnace.

Champions saluted Ilsamor while she was looking with joy to enthusiastic Lisbeth "Sir then we take our leave as well, we need to get to work." Ilsamor nodded then his eyes widened with a sudden remembrance "Rider before you go, say this to no one until I personally inform commanders. Especially… Beware of Heathcliff."

"Boss?"

"You heard me. Now get going, be safe."

While he was confused Rider nodded and Champions left the temple. Watching them as they walked away Argo and Ilsamor also get out of temple to take a breather, then Argo asked the apparent question "Hey Illy-boy… What did you mean when you said, 'Beware the Heathcliff'?"

"Ilsamor's eyes were locked to horizon and he didn't answer at first. "Argo… I have spent enough time in front of statues of Lady and with her book. I have worn the armor made with a direct system authority… I know all too well how to recognize traces of a man who has this power in his beck and call."

Argo's eyes widened.

"I don't really know, maybe he is Lady's backup plan or something Administrator created for same reason. But until I understand it…"

Argo nodded. And when she was about to leave as well, he turned to her "Argo… I think it is time to bring that last ship to home."

It took only a moment of Argo understood what Ilsamor meant.

Time moved on as Ilsamor stood in front of temple gates with Asemi occasionally coming and accompanying him for a while. His eyes were determined as he knew a battle was coming which he will be forced to use both his strength and wits to win.

If he would fail, then he would lose one of his friends to this damned death game. Yet he has no idea how to win it either.

"So, I have come Ilsamor… You went to great lengths to call me here."

Ilsamor slowly raised his head from ground and opened his eyes. He was looking to a player with messy black hair and a black coat. His sword was dangling from his back as an unusual carrying style that many players didn't prefer, although Ilsamor found it most practical. Though his bangs were hiding his eyes, Ilsamor could see the deep sadness in his voice. "Still grieving huh?" he thought. Then with a composed voice he answered, "Yes Kirito, thank you for coming."

Kirito didn't raise his head. "Why did you call me here?"

Ilsamor sighed "First to offer my condolences. I am sorry to what happened to Moonlit Black Cats. You know, it was around battle so I couldn't meet with you, but I can see that clouds of these deaths still haunt you."

Kirito's face stayed the same "And the second?"

"To rid you of this cloud."

Kirito's body stiffened suddenly. Ilsamor continued to explain "I am sure you already heard the rumors of statue in our temple in 22nd floor. A similar statue is in this temple too. It can help you to move on."

"I don't want your help Ilsamor."

Ilsamor was expecting such answer, and with this they have entered the first state of the battle he was preparing "The Wits". He made his opening move with a simple question.

"Why?"

Kirito answered with his hoarse voice "I have killed them Ilsamor. It was my arrogance that led them to their deaths… If I only managed to stay away, if I didn't hide my level then they would still live. Sachi would still live."

"Survivor's guild, and a severe one at that…" Thought Ilsamor. But his mind was hooked on something "What arrogance Kirito?"

Kirito didn't answer him so Ilsamor persisted "What arrogance are you talking about? If you weren't the one led them to that dungeon while saying 'I am with you, nothing will happen!' or something like that you don't have an inch of guilt due to arrogance from what you say to me."

Kirito spoke again, but this time his voice was carrying bits of anger "Then what I am guilty of?"

"If you are seriously asking me, then you won't like the answer. You are guilty of nothing in my eye."

Kirito's slowly clenched his fists, and Ilsamor understood that second phase was approaching with hell of a speed "You wanted friends, so what? You know, I am not the kind of people who will try to make guilty innocent but if there is one guilty it is the people who forced you to lie just to make friends. You must stop blaming everything on yourself-"

"Shut up."

"What? Are you going to blame yourself for our stucking inside the SAO too? Or maybe you are the cause of global warming?"

"I said shut up… You cannot understand it."

"Yeah, I cannot, you are right… You know, you should probably speak with the leader of Sword of Mercy who just lost 25 people in the Battle of Coral Fields."

"THAT'S DIFFERENT! YOU WEREN'T THE-"

"THE F*CK IS DIFFERENT! I WAS THE REASON THOSE ORANGE PLAYERS TARGET US IN FIRST PLACE!"

Kirito shut his mouth. Tears were formed in the corners of Ilsamor's eyes "I was there, I watched the players I have trained, players I have trained to lead other players to better tomorrows were cut down in front of my eyes! Even after knowing their fate will be good in afterlife, you think it made it any easier?! But again, they were the reason that I cannot grieve more than enough… Do you think they would want their commander to rot in a corner and cry until his tears run out?"

Ilsamor prepared himself for the reaction he may get "Do you think living like this is the thing Sachi wanted for you?"

Kirito raised his head; his face was distorted with anger and he was crying "Don't talk to me about her! I… I let her die, after I promised her that she will live 'till end of the game! I let her down!"

Ilsamor's words were sharpening quickly "Forgive me Kirito, but you need this…" he thought. And he steered the direction of clash "So the punishment you give to yourself is letting every other player in Aincrad to die? All the other players who care for you… What about his ideals Kirito, Keita's ideals?"

"Stop it…"

"Have the worms of sadness completely eaten your brain Black Swordsman? Are you honoring their loss in this pitiful manner? I think you are using this just as an excuse to give up…"

"I said stop it!"

"If you would think you are truly guilty then you would try to atone by giving your best much as possible to clear this game and reduce to number of potential Sachis and Keitas as much as possible! Yet you spend your days by just thinking how guilty you are!"

"ENOUGH!"

CLANK!

With a sudden movement from Kirito two swords were clashed. Impact was so powerful that surrounding snow raised to air and blocked vision. At the same time Lisbeth's voice were heard from temple "A FAILURE AGAIN?! YOU DAMN METAALLL!"

When dust settled Kirito and Ilsamor was standing in a blade lock, with both swords were glowing in blue color. Ilsamor looked to eyes of Kirito. "Stop blaming yourself Kirito. Sachi would want you to be happy."

"DON'T SPEAK THEIR NAMES! It was your fault! You were their teacher! If only you trained them better-"

While his reasoning was illogical to suddenly try to blame Ilsamor at least his mind set was lowly changing. Ilsamor pressed on "Oh? Your mind is started to move, but you are still blaming the wrong guy Kirito. I am innocent in their deaths as much as you!"

"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!"

Their swords clashed again and again. It was an extraordinary duel between two people, both considered as a master of 1H sword technique. What' more incredible is that despite the loss of his equipment Ilsamor was still seemingly at par with Kirito.

"Stop pitying yourself! They didn't want you to suffer!"

"You don't know anything! I had no place in them, that's what they thought!"

"Then they would apologize from you just like you and I will after the end of all of this!"

They continued and continued; one sword skill followed other. At several points Ilsamor changed to his spare swords because level difference between his swords and Kirito's sword was too high, so they couldn't endure much.

"Kirito break that shell of your yet! Is wanting to befriend someone is that of a crime in your eyes?"

"It is for me!"

"With whose authority you declare yourself a being lesser than human?!"

They fought and fought; duel reached its fifteenth minute. Ilsamor knew that to gain his friend back he needed to beat him there. He prayed unintentionally "My Brilliant Mistress, please allow me to pull Kirito from dark well once you pulled me out."

He prepared as Kirito took stance for Vorpal Strike, his eyes were glowing with a faint golden light. He prepared himself to a maneuver he called 'Roll and Rock'.

Kirito released the skill. At the same time Ilsamor barely dodged it by leaping his left and fell to ground as ready to execute Sonic Leap. He released the sword skill as Kirito's skill cooldown began.

"AAAHHHH!"

With the effect of impact sword flew from Kirito's hand.

Two players look into each other's eyes while panting. Ilsamor slowly sheathed his sword back to his sheath "Kirito… I am sorry, I really am. But tell me, will blaming yourself bring them back? Or will it reverse time?"

Kirito continued to look at him though anger in his eyes seemed to diminish a little. He continued "I can understand that feeling of opening so many holes in your heart at once, I can feel that pain. But without doubt these people wouldn't want you to remember your moments with them with sadness."

Ilsamor's eyes filled with resolve "And I can't let you blame yourself while the real criminal of all this thinks he did a very fine job and sitting comfortably."

Kirito's eyes widened with surprise and anger inside them diminished. Ilsamor continued his words "You know, there was a very good quote from Dumbledore in Harry Potter 'Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.'… Kirito, in one way or another their problems have ended, how tragic it may be. But ours still haven't. There are hundreds of people out there Kirito, who counting on you, counting on us to get them out of this prison. I am definitely intended to give them their freedom, but I don't want to do this without your help."

"I can't do it Ilsamor."

"Once you have told me that when you look at me you saw yourself. If there is ever a guilt that you need to carry, then I need to carry it too."

Kirito gasped.

"I don't tell you to come and join my guild. But know that there are people who will walk with you against overwhelming odds… And I am one of them. So please, open your mind and let your scars heal but don't forget the pain."

After a brief moment of silence Kirito nodded and they turned towards to temple. At the moment they did…

"AHHH! YOU F*CKING USELESS HAMMER!"

Ilsamor chuckled softly "I should look into this, wanna come?"

"Sure… By the way Ilsamor, what happened to your armor and sword?"

"Well, it is a long story…"

Finally, night came after a very long time. Ilsamor's chores were ended at the moment he cleared last of the plates, and he sighed with the end of day.

It was certainly a very long one, and time felt like bended to last longer. He slowly opened the door of his room and heard the voice she was longing for whole day. "You certainly took your time Se- I mean Ilsamor."

Ilsamor smiled as he witnessed Asemi's try to call his name. Guessing what he thinks Asemi slowly blushed "Please don't mock me Senpai! It is not easy for me-"

"I am not mocking you; I swear." said Ilsamor with a sincere voice. He slowly approached her who was waiting him while sitting on his bed with pajamas. "While I prefer you to call me by my name, every word you used to call me is sacred for me, hearing them heals my soul, washes away the dirt of day and relaxes me."

Asemi's blush furthered "Senpai…"

Ilsamor understood what she wanted so he sat on the bed too and allowed Asemi to lean against his chest, then he slowly embraced her and started to caress her head. Asemi slowly whispered "Can you… Can you sing me a song? Please?"

He exhaled and slowly nodded.

"Yume naraba dore hodo yokatta deshou

Imada ni anata no koto wo yume ni miru

Wasureta mono wo tori ni kaeru you ni

Furubita omoide no hokori wo harau…*"

He sang and Asemi listened, slowly falling into sleep as Ilsamor's hand caressed her hair and he slowly sang the song. Yet she managed to tell one line of song "Ima demo anata wa watashi no hikari (Even now you remain my light)."

Ilsamor too soon followed her as her warmness slowly drove away his demons.

It had been two days since Ilsamor dueled with Kirito.

He had no intention to suddenly heal his wounds, knowing he had no such power. But at least he managed to convince him to use the power of statue to improve his mental condition.

He was slowly recovering from a pain worth of almost one year of fighting-to-death.

Meanwhile Ilsamor was still spending his days at the temple due to lack his weapon. Despite Lisbeth's hard work, they were still far away to produce a weapon that he can wield to close gap of power due to item levels.

She had used about 856 ingots so far. Actually, only sound they were hearing was her screams after certain number of failures.

However, despite that many negative aspects Ilsamor's mental state was getting better and better. Most part of this success was belonging to Asemi, as he was spending his days with her mostly sparring, walking around floors and (As Ilsamor's favorite) cuddling when no one was seeing them.

It was not unexpected as Ilsamor had literally hugged or embraced no one since his mother's death when he was four years old. Living in a cold environment, always suppressing his desires and cut off from outside, he was finding the peace he desired in her arms.

So, once more, he found himself in front of the statue with a more positive disposition. He looked down in front of the statue of smiling woman and with sudden decision he kneeled.

"I am sorry my Lady…"

After that he stopped, trying to decide what to say to her for a moment…

"I had thought that you abandoned me… Left me to my own elements while taking my unique skill and my items. I was angry for while I couldn't reach your calming hand many red players held it easily.

I felt that you neglected to give me peace after I lost twenty-five brilliant men and women to those monsters…"

He closed his mouth; his voice was going slightly hoarse at the same time.

"I was never wrong to this extent before."

He raised his head, looking the statue with eyes full of tears.

"You have given everything I needed before you 've sent me to my mission. You have trained me, not in the just terms of game combat, but real combat as well. True you didn't talk to me after the battle but then I understood why. Because I was already mentally strong enough to move on from it without forgetting the price we've paid. Thanks to you now I have friends, comrades that trust me with all their hearts, friends that I've never had before and a girlfriend whom I love more than anything and everything in this world and in the real world. I have everything that I can use it to get back up. You've given me everything.

And isn't that what gods do?

I don't know if you can listen this, or hear me at all but thank you my Lady… As long as I am breathing, I will always serve you and your aims. I hope I am still worth to call myself as your champion."

His heart found peace with this small prayer.

Then he turned to his back and saw Asemi was standing there with wide open eyes and a face red as tomato. With a certain level of nervousness, he went near hear "Asemi, what's wrong?"

Asemi stuttered "Y-y-you love me more than anything in both worlds?" Understanding the situation Ilsamor sighed with relief and slowly kissed her "Of course I do."

They stared into each other eyes until…

"AAAAAA! YOU STUPID, USELESS, UNHOLY METAAAALLL!"

Ilsamor shook his head "Better get something to calm her down. Do you think our eatery could package our meals if we asked them?"

Asemi happily shrugged and answered, "Only one way to find out." And they prepared to leave the temple and get packaged food for three of them. But when they got out of the temple…

"Oi, Ilsamor!"

Ilsamor turned towards to voice and smiled "Hey there Kirito. How is it going?"

"Fine I think, you know, same as always. We have found the labyrinth last night and today its mapping has started. I've just managed to get some spare time to come to temple."

Ilsamor nodded "You've done good my friend. Before that, would you like to take a walk with us? We are going to an eatery that we really love and get same packaged food. Maybe you can find something to your liking?"

Kirito grinned "If it is food Ilsamor, I am up for anything!" Ilsamor laughed to his comment "I can see that. Well let's go and bring some to Lisbeth before she destroys the temple."

And as if that's a signal she screamed once more "I HATE YOU!"

Trio left her to her own anger and began walking the teleportation stone.

"I cannot believe you haven't told me that place before!"

"Hey, I had my reasons! How can I know that you would like their ramen that much?!"

It was one and a half hour later; they had their lunch in the eatery. Ilsamor definitely never feared in his life more than the time when he saw Kirito's attack to his food. He later joked it by saying their duel's results would be different only if he had wearing a ramen costume. Personally, he had chosen a cheeseburger and Asemi had a pizza.

For Lisbeth he had bought a hamburger menu with King size fries and onion rings, hoping that would make the hardworking blacksmith a little happier. He could understand how hard it can be, facing that many unsuccessful attempts.

They slowly opened the gates of temple "Lisbeth! We are home! Come on up, I have brought you lunch!"

Lisbeth appeared on the hole leading forge with a grin on her face. "Well, I get that later but before that can you please come down? I cannot lift that sword; it is too heavy!"

Ilsamor's eyes widened "You have managed it?"

In a sudden lunch was forgotten and trio rushed to forge.

There it was.

Steel of the sword laying on the table was white as expected. It was giving a faint radiance in dark room, not much as the Sword of First Light, but still it was there. Its hilt was also white, but its tone was more a silver like one. It's grip was adorned with a tree by using small crystal particles and at the center of its guard a flower was inscribed, made from moonstone.

It was the most beautiful sword Ilsamor had ever seen. He could only speak with a hoarse voice while he shed a tear of happiness "It is beautiful…"

Lisbeth nodded with a smug statement "Of course it is! It was 881th ingot, and I was finally about the go crazy! But luckily I didn't and now we have the result."

Ilsamor approached and held the sword, and he felt a warmness passed to his hand. "Can you tell me the name and property of it?"

"Its name is Heaven's Grace. It has a property call Blood of the Goddess, according to inscription when you activate it with a phrase you have determined, swords durability declines significantly, but at the same time your next sword skill gains huge amounts of damage bonuses. It also says that this bonus applies to skills' other effects like stun, bleed, inflicting darkness and so on."

Asemi looked to Ilsamor with amazement "Senpai, it is almost the same!" Ilsamor nodded "I know. Then, no need it for a change, I choose the phrase as Enhance Armament."

Kirito approached the sword, his eyes shining with a bit of jealousy. "What are these symbols Ilsamor?"

"Flower is Aster Flower. It is supposedly a symbol of valor, wisdom, and faith. The tree is an Elm Tree, which is a symbol of Lady."

Lisbeth frowned "Why?"

"Well tree itself is a symbol of one's inner strength and it also represents the distribution of first light to world; two for skies as light that illuminates the world and lightning that strikes fear into hearts of dark ones. One to ground as flame, which gives warmth to faithful and punishment to sinners." He put sword in the scabbard Lisbeth provided while saying these. Kirito then somehow pulled himself from the trance and turned to Lisbeth "Umm, Lisbeth, can you forge me a sword from this metal too?"

"ABSOLUTELY NOT! I never want to use this metal ever again!"

"Hey I was just asking!"

"And, umm, Lisbeth, I will still bring you this sword for repair and upgrade you know."

"It is an exception! I will of course protect and develop my greatest creation so far, but I will never ever try to forge something from this metal! I thought I was going crazy!"

Ilsamor turned to Kirito with an apologetic smile "Say I owe you sword then?"

Kirito thought a little then grinned with a thumbs up "Deal!"

After that they chatted while Lisbeth was eating her meal. Ilsamor was happy to find out that not only Lisbeth forged the sword, but also upgraded it to +5.

He glanced at Asemi who in turn gave him a knowing look.

It was time to gather rest of the items.

25th December 2023

Snowy forest in 35th floor was silent and cold as ever.

In a perspective it was peaceful, one could stand in this forest for hours and can bathe himself/herself in total silence of forest.

Yet, that night, forest's peaceful atmosphere was disrupted by the footsteps of two players whom both were famous in Aincrad.

First player was Kirito, wearing a black trench coat and his other usual black clothes as he donned his sword in his back. Sword's black hilt and guard adorned with gold were the only parts can be seen.

Ilsamor, like Kirito, was also wearing his signature white color, but his equipment had changed much since the loss of his original ones 16th floor. His robe was changed into a cream white leather jacket with his guild's emblem was inscribed to both sleeves. He was wearing trousers with same color as his jacket and fingerless gloves with ivory white color. His boots were black and the t-shirt he was wearing under the jacket was also in a pure white color.

Some thought him as a superhero with really bad clothe taste from old movies sometimes, not he really complained. He knew that many vigilantes in movies and series were different in only color aspects of his clothes. He slowly pulled his sword's hilt to a position he could pull and swing easily while he was looking around with suspicious eyes "It seems we have come early."

"So it seems… Ilsamor, are you sure about that? You don't have to this-"

"I know, but I will. I know you want a closure, and this item is really whetting many major guilds' appetites. You won't allow me to participate in boss battle, but I will help you with this. Don't worry about me."

Kirito nodded "Thank you. How much do we have?"

"It must be around twenty minutes. Be ready."

Then almost as a signal a teleportation effect was heard, and six people appeared. Person who was standing in front was a player with hair bandana and a katana.

"Kirito you- Oh, Ilsamor is here too."

"Hello there Klein-san. What are you doing in here?"

"We, uhh, first you can just call me Klein Ilsamor. Second, I have seen that Kirito was forcing himself like crazy and power-leveling, so I thought he would come here. But it seems I didn't need to worry since you will help him."

"Yes, I will help him to get no interference when he is fighting the boss."

"Yeah I- Wait, what?!"

"Klein, I know you knew that already but there are some things in this world that you need to do on your own, otherwise they carry no meaning. This is that sort of thing. Kirito needs to kill that boss himself and acquire the item. I have complete faith in him so I will protect him from outside interference."

Klein frowned "Like us?" Ilsamor shook his head and pointed his back "No, like them."

As on cue multiple teleportation effects were heard and about thirty people appeared in front of them, all were wearing the armor of Divine Dragon Alliance. Ilsamor looked to Kirito and he nodded before starting to run deep into the forest. Ilsamor pulled Heaven's Grace from his back and stabbed it into ground "Klein, get behind me please." Klein groaned and nodded.

"Well, well if it isn't the Silver Blade himself."

Ilsamor didn't flinch his gaze and smiled a little. "Good night Corvus. I hope you are doing well."

"Same old you know. But I have to tell you, your old robe was better I think."

"You think so? Well I like both anyway."

Corvus approached a little "You know why we are here, aren't you Blade?"

Ilsamor slowly nodded. "Then will you let us pass?"

"I am afraid I can't. My friend has the line for this boss fight and until it's over, I will not allow anyone to pass from here."

Another DDA member with a smug face moved forward "Come on Corvus, don't listen what he is saying! He is a lone man, lost both his equipment and ex skill because he is a cheater! Who needs his permission anyway, we have the numbers?"

Ilsamor scratched his neck then spoke "There is two correction I have to make Nocturn."

"Oh? What are they?" he asked with a mocking tone. Ilsamor shrugged "Hmm, first one maybe not much of a correction but…" He whistled.

Snowy grounds around DDA members moved and thirteen people emerged "Really boss, it is freezing out here. You should have given us more cold resistance potion."

Ilsamor gave him an apologetic smile "Sorry Rider. Well to compensate I will take all the Champions to dinner tomorrow night, okay?"

Word he called caused them caused DDA members to shudder. Corvus looked Ilsamor with an easily noticeable unease "Champions? All of them here? All thirteen?"

Ilsamor smirked "Another reference from sci-fi genre and nobody around to notice it."

While unnerved as rest of them Nocturn still managed to keep a smug smile "And the second?"

Ilsamor slowly swiped his hand and sent a First Strike Duel request. "Come see for yourself."

Nocturn hesitated.

"What's the matter? Are you afraid to duel with a former "cheater" who lost his power provided him by cheats?"

Nocturn frowned and accepted the duel request. "When I defeat you, you will let us pass."

Ilsamor stood silent as he pulled his sword from the ground. Nocturn laughed at his silence "What's the matter? Don't have condition to offer if you win?"

"No. If they don't get the meaning, I am willing teach all of them personally."

Hearing that Nocturn grimaced a little.

Then countdown hit zero.

As soon as it hit Nocturn shot forward with his greatsword but Ilsamor just took a step and dodged from it. Nocturn turned around and tried to hit him but Ilsamor parried the attack and hit his face with his left fist. "This technique in this level? Honestly, Rider was a better fighter when we dueled first time."

Artemis snorted "You are flattering him sir." Several laughters heard from Champions.

Before Nocturn got up Ilsamor turned to Corvus "Hey Corvus, when did he get the sword?"

Corvus thought a bit "I think it was few weeks ago."

"I see… It is probably hasn't reached full upgrade limit. Then I will play to men himself."

"SHUT UP!"

Nocturn managed to get up and shot forward again Ilsamor this time countered his charge with sword skill Horizontal, which resulted in blade lock. Despite Ilsamor's calm face, Nocturn's face was distorted with rage. "YOU CHEATER! YOU- PUGH!"

Ilsamor closed on him and kneed his stomach. "It is time to finish it." He took position for four hit sword skill Purging Strike, while Nocturn took position for ultimate 2H skill Calamity.

Ilsamor's sword glowed with an azure blue while Nocturn's greatsword glowed with purple light. Normally Ilsamor had little chance of winning but…

"Enhance Armament."

As he said this his swords glow became stronger, strong enough that nobody can look at the sword directly, strong enough that surrounding area was no longer dark.

"HYAAA!"

"EEEEHHH!"

Their swords clashed and as a shocking development Nocturn's sword lost its place and therefore remaining of the sword skill. One of DDA members whispered "Impossible…"

Yet after his first strike Ilsamor stroke one more time before cancelling his sword skill with Tragic End skill cancel.

His second strike was more than enough to win the duel.

Nocturn was looking at him with eyes full of rejection. "NO! HOW CAN I LOSE?! YOU'VE CHEATED AGAIN DIDN'T YOU! YOU CHEAT-"

"I didn't cheat Nocturn. That thing was a sword property called Blood of the Goddess. You may find other weapons with that property, yet your chance is pretty small. Personally, the most talented blacksmith I know forged it for me from divine steel."

"But-but how you can be that strong without your-"

Ilsamor cut his words "In real world one of my favorite games was Witcher 3. In there there was a dialogue. A guard was praising the steel of Geralt's sword and then Geralt was answering him like "It is a matter of hand, not steel it is holding." I hope you get my meaning."

Before anyone say anything Corvus nodded "Yes, Ilsamor-sama. We will leave immediately."

Champions and Fuurinkazan looked behind of DDA members while they were retreating. Klein muttered "Corvus didn't seem angry or surprised despite many of them were." Ilsamor chuckled "Yeah, he was in the same situation once too. I taught this to him."

Klein scratched his head "Yo, Illy-boy, is there a chance we can get that dinner too?" Ilsamor smiled "Only if you take off that bandana Klein."

"First Kirito, now you! What do you guys have against it?!"

"Calm down, I was just joking. You can come too. Rider lead the group to a warm place…" and he leaned towards his ear "And spend some time with Artemis already!"

Rider blushed "Understood boss, we will be waiting for you."

Ilsamor watched them moving away as he continued to wait for Kirito.

"So is it over?"

"Yeah, I think so. Thank you Ilsamor."

"No problem, I was happy to help."

Ilsamor and Kirito were standing outside the temple at twenty second floor at night. Normally warm and green floor was covered with a thin layer of snow as a special event for Christmas. Inside of the temple, there were joyous voices coming.

It seemed like everyone was happy with Christmas Dinner Ilsamor had prepared. Most of the guild, Eternal Champions, Fuurinkazan and several other friends of Ilsamor like Argo, Lisbeth and Agil attended the feast.

Ilsamor noted to send a bill to everyone to a corner of his mind, then looked to Divine Resurrection item Kirito had in hand. "It is like a joke. Ten seconds? I mean, really?"

Kirito nodded "I feel the same, yet there is nothing to do. But, somehow, it helped me get the closure I wanted. You are right, I must not fall. Not before that bastard Kayaba is beaten."

Ilsamor gave an accepting hum and took a sip from his chocolate. While Kirito was sipping his own chocolate he got a message warning. He slowly touched to message alert.

And he suddenly dropped his glass. Ilsamor looked to him "Kirito, what is wrong?"

"Sachi…"

"What?"

"Ilsamor, message comes from Sachi."

He slowly touched again and this time a voice crystal materialized in his hand. Kirito slowly pushed the button.

"Merry Christmas Kirito…"

And they have listened. As they listened, thin snow layer beneath their ground was stained with the tears of two strongest men of Aincrad…

*: Lemon by Yonezu Kenshi