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

It was nighttime for Aincrad.

After a long day many players were slowly retreating from dangerous plains to safety of towns in order find some food, shelter and maybe some fun. It was quite ironic in a way, trying to have some fun inside a game.

But Akihiko Kayaba had managed to make this irony real.

It has been a year and a half since players' imprisonment in Aincrad had started. Since some player had taken a heavy responsibility to clear the game and set people free. But while the lines were continuously moving forward, it eventually created a power gap behind them.

And as in real life, this power gap and lack of strong players at behind lines allowed the rise of orange guilds, guilds formed by orange and red players to rise. However, until last year's September there was a certain guild that was keeping them on check, though, like every other aspect of society, players were divided in three groups about Swords of Mercy.

One group was appreciating the service they were providing but they were not approving their justice mechanism. They were believing that either they did not have the right to take a human being's life, especially when you are trapped inside a game that damages your mentality or no matter the crime this was just plain murder.

Second group was hating their guts, for different reasons or just plain jealousy. They were the ones making things difficult for them. And the last group, which can be easily guessed, was their supporters.

On his trials to acquire decent items after he lost Lady-given ones, Ilsamor heard many opinions and rumors about the guild and himself. It was almost like things were starting to turn into a political conflict.

Lately things were getting hot, after the formation of Lady's Believers among the refugees in fourth floor. Haters were thinking that soon Ilsamor would declare a crusade and sweep all of his opponents, fighting with DDA and KoB if he must. For some others Ilsamor had lost his mind and mixed the reality with game.

That was the situation when date was 23rd of February.

At the Lost Forest in 35th floor, Ilsamor and Kirito were walking together. Ilsamor's clothes were white as usual, with different boots and trousers. His sword Heaven's Grace was hanged on his back and he was looking to a map.

"I have to make a serious talk with Heathcliff…"

"Don't worry, we'll find them."

"I am not worried Kirito. I am furious! They are stopping and stealing from people under my guild's name and supposedly by my order! What's more they knew it all along but now informing me about it?! I am sorry but I cannot find nothing but ill intent behind this."

Kirito shook his head "Well, I cannot defend him on that part. At least wear your Saint cloak to hide your face."

Ilsamor sighed but he knew Kirito was right. When he learned the situation, one of the DDA leaders showed the audacity to remind his promise to him. It would only further increase the friction between guilds if he continued to search for these criminals like this way.

"Fine, I will. Then we must-"

His words were cut by a scream. Kirito and Ilsamor looked each other.

"Sounds like a small girl."

Both unsheathed their swords and ran towards the direction of the sound.

When they reached its source, they saw a very dire situation. Three ape or baboon like mobs were approaching on a little girl with brown pigtails. Ilsamor dashed forward and blocked a strike just before a baboon's club hit girl's head.

"Wha-"

"Kirito, now!"

While mobs were still confused by their sudden appearances Kirito struck two of them down. For the last one Ilsamor took the scene and turned it into pixels. After things have settled, he turned towards to little girl "Are you okay?"

Girl's horror remained same. Noticing that he was still using his ventriloquism skill he deactivated it, then asked again "I am sorry, are you alright?"

Girl burst into tears while tension was slowly leaving her body. "Pina…"

Then Ilsamor saw it, a single feather standing on her hands. Kirito came near them while sheathing his blade and Ilsamor asked to little girl "Umm, I hope I am not being inconsiderate but what is it?"

"It's Pina… My familiar."

Kirito joined to their conversation "Familiar? So you are a beast tamer? Sorry, we couldn't save your friend."

"No, I-I really thank you. It was all my fault; I shouldn't storm into forest like that. And now… Now…"

She started sobbing again.

Ilsamor knew he wanted to, no had to help this girl. His first priority was not beat orange players to a pulp but help players. And as an interesting coincidence he saw the same look in Kirito's eyes.

They nodded to each other.

"Please don't cry. There is a way to bring your friend back."

Girl swiped her tears from her face, when she talked her voice was carrying a slight bit of hope "There is?"

Kirito nodded "On the 47th floor there is a field dungeon called "Hill of Memories". It is said that Pneuma Flower loot of that dungeon has an ability to brought back familiars."

Girl seemed to be fired up for a second, then her mood fell again. "47th floor… It would take weeks to reach it, but-"

"There is no need for you to afraid because I and I believe my friend will accompany you here…" When he saw girl's expression he added "Because you don't have weeks, it can only be revived in three days following familiar's death."

Girl's expression became hopeless for a second, then it lit up again. Kirito attempted to open his window "I can give you some items that will compensate your lack of level for 47th floor-"

"You don't have to Kirito. I believe Swords have a loot distribution center in town square, we can look for a variety of choices from there."

Silica stiffened a little when she heard "Swords" name, Ilsamor didn't miss it. "What's wrong, is there some problem?"

Girl looked embarrassed for a moment "I… I rather take nothing from Swords." Kirito asked the reason for it and girl explained "They… They are killers! They are no different than Laughing Coffin! And there is a rumor around the town saying that they started to taxing people with the order of that "Silver Blade!""

It took all of Ilsamor's self-control to not give an emotional response. "Alright, if you don't want then we can give you something I believe. Let's see, Kirito do you have a ring that will give her vitality?"

And for three minutes he and Kirito created a list of well-balanced items to give to girl. When they opened the trade menu girl opened her menu too "I know it is not too much but-"

"Oh no, we won't take any money from you. Please accept this as our gift." said Ilsamor. Then Kirito added "Besides, travelling with you is not entirely take us away from our way too."

As they said their piece Silica held out her hand "Then I am Silica, nice to meet you!"

"I am Kirito."

"And I am Saint."

After they made their handshakes, Silica looked to them with a serious expression "Say, Saint-san, Kirito-san, why do you help me?"

Girl's question made boys to look each other. Kirito escaped his gaze and scratched his neck nervously. "I will tell you if you don't laugh."

"I promise."

"You really look like my little sister."

His answer was unexpected. Both Ilsamor and Silica couldn't hold their laughter as Kirito blushed "Hey, you promised! And Saint, you too?!"

"I am sorry Kirito, but this was one of the sincerest and most honest answer I have ever heard."

After Silica managed to control her laughter, she turned towards to Ilsamor. "What about you Saint-san?"

Ilsamor shrugged "I can give you more than one, pick you want. Because it is right, it is decent, and it is kind. Because I feel a terrible pain when I look at your tears. Because I know the value of a close friend and I don't want you to experience something like losing it. Because I know if I don't help you and leave you here, I will not be able to think anything else… Is it enough, or would you like me to go on?"

Silica was at a loss for words, and she just managed to shake her head, which made Ilsamor to smile under his hood. "Good, then let's go to town and rest. We can continue tomorrow."

And like that they turned towards to town and began walking. Ilsamor reactivated his ventriloquism skill after he told Silica about it.

And like that trio moved through the Lost Forest. Normally it would be a suicide for Silica but Ilsamor and Kirito was stronger than anything in the forest, so they had nothing to fear and with a touch of luck they did not encounter another mob on the way.

And when they approached the gates, they saw a crowd of people arguing about something. Silica slapped her face and shook her head when she saw the situation "Not again…"

Ilsamor asked "Silica do you know what it is?" Silica nodded with a bored expression "They are supporters and haters of Swords. I don't know why they are always arguing in here, but it really started to get boring." Her words caused Kirito to give a nervous glance at Ilsamor's side. Ilsamor formed a fist at his left hand and turned to Kirito "Silica must be hungry. Please enter city from another gate and go to town's inn. You know my appetite well enough to order for me, don't you?"

Kirito nodded but his eyes were still carrying the nervousness his face was hiding. Ilsamor gave him a reassuring pat on shoulder then started to walk towards the crowd. When he came to hearing range, he leaned on a tree and started to listen them:

"You are all a bunch of killers! And dictators to boot!"

"You don't know what you are talking about! Half of lives in Aincrad has a debt to pay to Swords! Assault team would be stuck at 35th floor if Silver Blade were not risking his life!"

"That "Silver Blade" is a lunatic who cannot distinguish game from reality!"

Tension continued to increase and swords were slowly pulled. Just before things turned out ugly a flash effect created from somewhere and everyone in the area lost their sights for few seconds. When they were able to see again, they all saw a man with a dark green robe was holding a dark blue sword at his hand.

"Now if you all calmed down, get the f**k out of here."

Leader of the opposition's face was distorted. "Who the hell are-"

"I am Swordsaint and you are a bunch of barking dogs, whose barks are disturbing the peace here. I have no business with your discussion or either of your groups, but you have no right to create such a commotion in such a late hour. If you really want to argue that loud, you are free to do it in open plains."

Leader of loyalists snarled "For a single man you are awfully confident with your power to lecture us all."

Ilsamor just raised the tip of his blade and turned it towards them. "Anyone is free to try."

Standoff continued for a few seconds until someone finally spoke from opposition "Wait, you are the Swordsaint! The one who soloes the Laughing Coffin raids!"

That reference caused an uneasiness in both groups. And with the help of that uneasiness both groups slowly scattered until just Ilsamor and Kirito remained. Ilsamor sheathed his blade while Kirito sighing with relief "Thank the god it has worked."

Ilsamor's eyes drawn into something loyalists dropped. He kneeled and picked it up. He scanned it for a few seconds then smiled "Hımm… That explains it."

Kirito approached and looked to item he was looking. It was a flag of Sword's emblem. "Ermm, what does it explains Ilsamor?"

Ilsamor just folded it and put it to his pocket. "Things are going deeper areas Kirito. I will explain it all later, I think when we find those bandits things will become crystal clear for us."

They found Silica waiting for them at inn's door. "What's the problem Silica?" Ilsamor asked, and she looked to the ground with an embarrassed expression "It's just… Saint-san went to fight with those people alone, then Kirito-san went to join him and I…" Ilsamor patted her head "Well, I am sorry that we scared you. Can I make it up to you with something from inn's menu?"

Silica mumbled "I-if you buy me a cheesecake then we are even." Ilsamor smiled "Deal. Sorry Kirito but I am not paying yours." Kirito groaned "Oh, come on!"

They entered the inn and ordered their food while sitting in a corner table. Noticing that Ilsamor hadn't taken off his hoody Silica asked him "Saint-san, why don't you take of your hoody? Is there some problem?" Ilsamor sighed "Silica-chan my face is burned because of an accident I had in my childhood. And believe me, it is not a face you want to see right now." he answered her. Seeing her mood went down he changed the topic "So, can you tell us what you were doing in the forest alone?" After he finished Kirito added "Especially without special map of forest?"

Silica looked to table "I had an argument with my group and got trusted myself too much. My group's leader treated me like… like he was master! Why they do such things?" Kirito and Ilsamor looked each other, then Kirito looked to Silica "Well, games are places where you can be someone you can't be in real world. Some people like to play the hero…"

"You are telling my story."

"And other like to play villains." Kirito finished. Then Ilsamor sighed "Normally playing villain wouldn't hurt, if this was a proper game, at worst they would be violating some game ethics. But in this game, in game crimes may directly or indirectly cause a person's death. Hence this brings us to previous topic." he said. Silica muttered "Orange players… I can understand why they are such a big danger but why do Swords went far as killing them?! Can't they just throw them into jail and be done with it?"

Ilsamor shook his head and told with a low voice "Only it was easy like that…" When he saw Silica didn't get his meaning he explained "In real world, police and law enforcements have several means to neutralize their targets and take them into custody. But we are in an RPG game, longest stun duration is 3 seconds, and it is not enough to handcuff someone. And even someone is handcuffed, it doesn't make them desperate since they can still reach their menu. One other way is poison, but it is usually not considered appropriate, because orange players usually have high poison resistance and most of the poisons have DoT effect, so it is not different than killing them" Silica argued back "Bu that doesn't excuse them from killing the people they have already captured!" Ilsamor calmy nodded "You would be right if Swords were deciding this themselves."

"Huh?"

Just before Ilsamor continued and NPC waiter came near them "Sorry for waiting, here is your orders. Enjoy your meal!" With smell of the food, topic was forgotten, and rest of the meal went with small talk and funny stories. And after that, they decided to spend night in there.

Kirito and Ilsamor would be staying in one room while Silica was staying on one of the other rooms. Before they went into beds Kirito turned to Ilsamor "I almost forgot, what did you find at the ground after that two groups left? I mean I have seen it of course but what does it mean?" Ilsamor closed his eyes and swiped his right hand to materialize a piece of cloth in his hand. "Look closer."

Kirito approached and gave a closer look on it, only to turn its surprised gaze back to Ilsamor "It is Swords' emblem. So?" he asked. Ilsamor just sighed "If they managed to fool you too that means either they are really talented, or you just look but do not see. The name Kirito, can't you see it?"

"What are you talking abo-" Kirito started then his eyes widened "Oh, that! But it is so small, and which idiot leaves his name on such an evidence?" Ilsamor nodded "Exactly Kirito. I told you, did I not? Unfortunately, all my "pessimistic" guesses about Aincrad have a habit of becoming true it seems." Kirito's gaze turned on Ilsamor once more "You are not thinking…" He just shook his head "Yes I am. But don't worry, I have no intention to giving an active response to them. Though, this does not mean that I will just sit. As I said "Just because I am gentle don't think me as a docile sheep…" Well, this is a matter for morning, let's get some sleep."

Kirito briefly nodded then scratched his head "Hmm, I think before that we need to give some basic info about the dungeon we are going to Silica. Coming?" Ilsamor shook his head "Silica does not want to see leader of Swords Kirito. It is best you went near her." he said with a slightly hoarse voice.

"Ilsamor…"

"Go now, I will be fine. I just need some rest."

Kirito looked to his friend while he was preparing to sleep and left the room with a grim expression after his friend closed his eyes.

That's why he didn't see one tear drop falling from his left eye.

"So you have been heard you say…"

It was around 11 at morning and they were standing in front of teleportation stone at 47th floor. Kirito and Silica were explaining what had happened previous night. Ilsamor gave them a calm response "We have nothing to do. We just have to be careful, changing the day of raid will not change anything. I think they can wait for three days for their prey, but we do not have such a luxury." Kirito nodded "You are right. Well, let's start and hope for the best."

They stepped out from the safe zone and made their way into field dungeon. They walked on the road, surrounded by stars of earth. Ilsamor had tried to scout most of this personally as he was secretly hoping to find an estate he can buy as a house. Maybe, just maybe one day…

He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He knew he was falling to his old mistake, a mistake that nearly cost him his love but he couldn't stop worrying about the current developments. It was one thing to have an emergency plan against his guild but using their absence (which was unofficial for morale reasons) to tarnish their reputation? Who would go low as that?

"…Saint-san? Saint-san?"

Ilsamor blinked and turned his head towards Silica. "I am sorry Silica; can you repeat your question?" Silica looked to him with a concerned expression for a minute then "Umm, is the flower on your sword here too?" Ilsamor chuckled while shook his head "No Silica, this is a lotus flower. It is a water plant; I think I had seen few in 22nd floor."

"Whoo-WHAAAA!"

Ilsamor and Kirito's gaze quickly turned to her direction and saw one the flower monsters had caught Silica and lifter her up with its tendrils.

"Kirito-san! Saint-san! Help me! Oh God!" She noticed her underwear was about be seen from below "Don't-Don't look and help me!" Kirito closed his eyes with his hand "It is impossible." Ilsamor moved under Silica "Silica first calm down, if it makes an attack, I will deflect it okay? Now, I believe you are strong enough to take it down. First try to cut its tendril then try to make a clean fall, don't worry I will catch you!"

Silica looked to Ilsamor like he went mad, but she listened his advice. Striking the tendril wrapped around her right angle, she managed to free herself while plant released her left foot in agony. While she was falling, Ilsamor kept his promise and caught her before she touched the ground. "Now, let's do it together. This type of mob usually makes a whip strike with its tendrils. When it does this I will parry it, and you will kill it with your attack okay?"

Silica was slightly confused but she nodded. Ilsamor rose up and deflected the incoming blow just like he said "Silica now!"

Silica attacked with a five-hit sword skill Infinity. Creature took a big amount of damage but still held its ground and made a counterattack while she was still in her cooldown. Ilsamor blocked the strike and pulled Silica from there "Not bad…" he said "But rather than unleash a one sword skill try to unleash a couple of them by choosing the correct order. Assistant teacher Kirito, can you give her a demonstration?"

"Hey, why I am the assistant teacher?!"

"First come first served." Ilsamor answered him with a chuckle. "Now, same rule, ready? Go!"

Kirito started with Horizontal Arc, then chained it with Slant and Sonic Leap. Creature dissipated into pixels, as Ilsamor turned to Silica "See? If you chain them, you can be quicker and deal more damage."

Silica looked to ground "B-but I don't know how to chain them." Ilsamor laughed and kneeled a little "Okay, we have time. Can you show us all of your sword skill set?"

Kirito and Ilsamor watched her while she showed them her skills. Ilsamor noticed that she almost opened all of the skills but her use of them was very… unrefined.

"Okay, how about this…" Ilsamor approached Silica. "Try to stop your Infinity skill here, it will allow you to chain it with Side Bite."

Silica tried. While they were trying mob that Silica killed spawned for a few more times only to be killed by either Kirito or Ilsamor. Silica tried hard but Ilsamor was not expecting a quick success from her of course, chaining sword skills was a hard thing, it was paying at the end, but this does not make the process less tiresome.

"I did it!"

Silica looked to Ilsamor with shining eyes "Saint-san I did it!" Ilsamor chuckled "I saw it, good job! I am proud of you. Now, shall we continue and try this on field?" Silica's expression became a bit hesitant but only short after she regained her resolve and nodded.

Trio continued their dungeon.

While they were walking Silica asked Kirito about his sister. Kirito explained them that her sister was actually her cousin, and since the day he found that out he felt really awkward. He told them about his grandfather's forcing them to kendo and when he wanted to quit it how his sister prevented his grandfather's beating by saying she will work on his behalf too.

"I always felt guilty about it. Wondered if she hated me for this."

"Can I ask how your sister's kendo training went after that Kirito-san?"

"Well, she worked really hard, and she made it into nationals."

"Then she must really love kendo Kirito-san! You cannot work like that for something you don't like."

Kirito scratched her neck while a hopeful glimpse appeared in his eyes "I hope you are right. I think that was the reason why I wanted to help you, to atone for what I've done to my sister."

"I hope you can make peace with her once you get back Kirito." Ilsamor added as they finished the topic. Silica looked towards him "Do you have a sister or brother too Saint-san?" She asked. Ilsamor slowly shook his head "No, I don't have one…" then he chuckled suddenly "I don't know if it would be a good or bad thing if I had one." Silica looked to him with surprise "Why?" she asked. "Because either he or she would live the same hardship I have endured, or we could lean on each other in those tough times."

Silica wanted to ask more but air around Ilsamor prevented her from asking and they closed the topic of real world.

They moved through the dungeon while Ilsamor and Kirito continued to tutor Silica about fighting with occasional small talks and teasing between Ilsamor and Kirito. Silica laughed a lot and asked many questions while getting better and better at chaining.

After a long three hours they managed to reach the end of dungeon and they saw an altar. Silica looked to altar with widened eyes "Is revival flower in there?" and she looked Ilsamor for answer. He slowly nodded.

With an outburst of joy, she ran towards to altar and watched as a flower bloomed inside a water filled pot, her amazement was clear from her expression. When flower completely bloomed, she held it and it turned into an item. She turned her hopeful eyes to Kirito "This will revive Pina?" she asked. Kirito nodded "Yeah, but let's not revive her until we return to city. I bet that's what she would want."

Silica managed to nod while tears of joy were forming around her eyes. While she was busy, Ilsamor and Kirito looked each other. Both knew that danger was approaching.

And Ilsamor knew he could lose Silica.

However, he was prepared, if losing her would mean protecting her from witnessing a highly possible massacre. At least this way was less likely to cause such an outcome. He steeled himself.

"Let's go back before it gets darker."

Trio turned away from the altar and began walking from the way they came. Sun was slowly setting, and sky had a beautiful orange color. Silica's mood after all that happened that day was pretty high, and she was joyful.

That was until they reached the bridge. Ilsamor's and Kirito's gaze met once more time and they nodded to each other as Kirito held Silica's shoulders. She was surprised to his reaction then Ilsamor spoke "You there, whoever behind that tree, I know you are there! Come on out!"

They waited a second when a player with green cursor came out behind the tree. His hair was black, and his face was full of scars which only gave his smug expression a more dangerous tone. "My my, you got a pretty high search skill, don't you?"

"Piers-san…" Silica spoke. "What are you doing here?"

"Ah, you know Silica-chan, when you left the group yesterday, I was so worried, so worried that I followed you. When you find these two… gentlemen, I didn't know they were good or evil, so I continued to follow you. Thank god you are okay…"

Of course, no one in there would believe such a lie. Beside the smug expression he was still wearing, they could almost feel the dark miasma spreading from him. Ilsamor didn't make a move.

He was still waiting for the big prey.

Pier turned his gaze to Silica, his eyes were full of greed "So, Silica-chan, how will you apologize from me?"

"Huh?"

"I mean yesterday you broke my heart by running away, then you found yourself another group and made me follow you all day… I think I deserve an apology and thanks!"

"Umm…"

"Oh, I know! What about the flower you gathered today?"

"HUH?!"

Pier slowly started to come closer to them "I think I deserve such a flower for my efforts, you see… Now-"

An unsheathing sound was heard, and a dark blue blade blocked his way "Step back."

Piers' smile became almost devilish "Oh, you see Silica I haven't done anything but-"

Ilsamor's voice was like ice "I haven't done anything either. Now will you kindly step back or do you need some persuasion to do it?"

Pier's eyes were briefly lit with anger, but his smile widened. "So, you want to do this like that? Then your choice." he said then he whistled.

Several other players came out behind trees, most of their cursors were orange.

Ilsamor looked towards Piers "Where do I know your face?"

Apparently Piers found it so funny that he started to laugh, several other orange players joined him too. "Did you hear that, he thinks he saw my face before! Let me give you a hint tough guy, I am known as "Black Death" around here, so it is impossible that you have seen my face before because if you had…Well you wouldn't be here."

While they were laughing Ilsamor looked to their guild emblem more closely. "Oh… So that was that huh?" he thought, but before he voiced them, they heard a second set of footsteps approaching behind them. Ilsamor didn't look towards there but he heard Silica gasped in horror "S-swords…"

Her tone shattered Ilsamor's heart but it was still not the right time. He gave a quick look to Kirito who understood the message and took position at the opposite side of bridge while unsheathing Elucidator.

"Hey you there! This is Sword's territory, and you are trespassing!"

Ilsamor heard Kirito's rebuttal "Oh really? Do you have any sort of document or rule that tells this is your territory?"

"Only rule I need is my sword punk!"

After that there was a short silence and Ilsamor guessed this was the time where their commander stepped forth. When he spoke Ilsamor barely managed to hold himself not to snort. "So after all we have done, you still think yourself strong?! We are the ones who protect you! Without us you are only prey waiting to be taken! You all owe our commander Silver Blade a tribute! Pay up or taste our steel!"

Kirito shook his head "I wish you had a little photographic memory like the one you used for learning your lines Nocturn."

"What are you- Wait, I know you! You are that beater soloes the front lines! What are you doing here?!"

A brief silence followed then Ilsamor spoke to Piers "Now I remember… 22nd floor, you were one of the eight people got spared after the battle, Rosalia's right hand."

Piers took a few steps back "What the f**k?! How do-"

Ilsamor prepared himself and simply swiped his right hand to put his default setup on him. With a light effect his clothes changed back to his white leather jacket, t-shirt and trousers while sword on his back turned to a metal with heavenly white color, an aster inscribed on its cross guard.

Silica's eyes widened as Piers took a few steps back in horror. "S-S-S-Silver Blade!"

Groups on the either side of bridge took a few steps back.

"It always amazes me; I mean the brain of orange players." Ilsamor said sarcastically while unsheathing Heaven's Grace. Then he turned his head to right, just enough to get a glimpse of supposedly Swords commander. "I am afraid I cannot say it is nice to see you Nocturn. When this is over, you know the consequences of this don't you?"

"I wouldn't be so sure about that…" Nocturn said, his sound while trying to be sarcastic was still full of fear "You have just exposed that you and the Saint are the same people! This will-"

"Your stupidity and lack of imagination never ceases to amaze me Nocturn."

"Huh?!"

"Saint is a friend of mine. He just helped me to get a disguise while he continued to act on my behalf on the guild. I am sure your "real leader" had a meeting with him, did he not?"

Nocturn went pale. Ilsamor inwardly laughed, he developed his ventriloqism skill with Nautilus and he left him in his place with a hooded cape similar to his own. Anyone who could ask about the removal of the hood would be repelled by saying this cape is a quest item and I cannot unequip it. While he was inwardly laughing his face was cold as ice and he returned to Piers "You know the drill as always. If you surrender, I will just take you to Black Iron Palace, if there are red players among you then they will be judged by victims' friends after they had therapy. If you resist, then I will be forced to use poison against you, and finally, if you are unlucky enough to have a high poison resistance, then you all know how this will end."

Orange players trembled in fear. While Kirito was a very skilled swordsman Ilsamor had a reputation to boot. That's why he gambled Saint identity on this because he was hoping that his reputation would be enough to yield them. And luckily for him, it worked.

Slowly all orange players in the area threw their weapons and kneeled hands above their head. After that Ilsamor pulled a corridor crystal from his inventory and activated it "Now, move inside. I hope you will realize the path you were walking." he said as prisoners moved in a single line and disappeared into Black Iron Palace's prison.

"Now the real matter…" he thought and returned towards to Nocturn. Kirito's eyes were hard as steel and Silica was still like trying to grasp the situation while Ilsamor moved against Nocturn. "You do know the meaning of such an action, aren't you Nocturn? Only question in here is did your leader know this?"

Bandits went pale. Ilsamor took one more step "What kind of idiot are you?! Because you are, you are a three-dimensional idiot! First for trying to cause a war between two frontline guilds, second is for the guild you are trying to anger is the guild with highest PvP experience and most talented duelers in Aincrad and the third is by tarnishing its name you are preventing hundreds of people to reach our supplies, supplies that we gather with our own force and give it FOR FREE!"

Nocturn gritted his teeth "Do you think yourself a saint BLADE?! You are just a nerd, a player and a killer! At least Laughing Coffin is not acting like a hero you murderer!"

Ilsamor's expression was cold as depths of hell "I agree on that, at least they do not act as our friend only to stab us in the back." Ilsamor approached "Do you know why angering us is a bad idea? Because they were here all along and none of you have noticed it."

Nocturn's eyes went wide "Wha-"

Ilsamor whistled and just like that five people appeared almost from thin air, all holding high level camouflage cloaks in their hands and expressions on their face were so cold that saying "hate" is an understatement.

"YOU SON OF A B***H! YOU SON OF A-"

"Rider, language! We have a guest I remind you. And speaking of her…" Ilsamor turned to Kirito "Kirito rest is guild job, can you accompany Silica back to town please?"

Kirito nodded "Come Silica, let's revive Pina." he said, but Silica's eyes were locked to Ilsamor "Saint-san…"

Ilsamor gave her a broken smile "I am sorry Silica, for everything." And just like that he turned his back on her, but Silica continued to watch him while walking towards to 47th floor's teleportation stone.

Champions tightened their circle. Ilsamor pulled the cloth from his pocket and threw it to Nocturn "Next time when you tried to copy our flag, don't forget attempting to make a forgery of our banner will leave the creator's name on it and our banner cannot be properly faked. Now I will tell you what will happen…"

Ilsamor took another step forward "I will also talk with that leader of yours but from now on DDA will not receive any supply, any help from me, I will not share the boss room's details with you and you have lost your permission to enter any dungeon we control. This is just a warning, and if DDA does not come clean about this, I will share everything I have on this matter will people. And if you still determined know that I don't need an open warfare to finish you guys off. Yet if things come to that… Well, I think you saw Piers' reaction, didn't you?"

Nocturn gritted his teeth but didn't answer.

"I'm glad we understand each other." Ilsamor said as a last word and turned his back on him and walked away.

Five Champions were following him.

"Ilsamornii-san, I am hungry!"

"Hey I came first!"

"Okay, okay everybody calm down, it's rude! Sorry Ilsamor-san."

"No worries everyone, it is almost ready!"

These sounds were coming from ground floor of a two-story building in fourth floor's square.

Building was painted with green color, and therefore showing itself between usual dark colored buildings of the floor. Lower floor's windows were wide like a restaurants and upper floor' window was more like the ones at houses.

Windows were not the only thing that resembled the ones in restaurant. Whole ground floor was designed like an American style café and inside around two dozen children were sitting around the bar watching Ilsamor as he was preparing western style fast food for them. Ilsamor's smile was clearly showing that he was enjoying this.

Sasha sighed "I swear you are spoiling them too much." she said while Ilsamor laughed "I think they deserve it. You know better than me Sasha-san, they are, in fact all kids are, like flowers in millions of different colors. You, I and many other players in Aincrad have already reached the age where they had chosen a life path and began walking on it. But they… They are at the beginning! Say, for example, Arna what will you be when you grow up?"

"I will be a Samurai!"

"I am sure you will be one of the bests then." said Ilsamor while smiling. Then he looked to Sasha "Even the impossible jobs mirror their desires. I am sure he will be an honorable and hardworking man, who doesn't give up under hard conditions." Sasha smiled while rubbing her eyes "Not always but I think you are right."

Then another door opened and Asemi appeared with a tray full of glasses "Okay, who ordered some drinks?"

A chorus was heard from children as Asemi laughed and began disturbing the drinks. Meanwhile Ilsamor victoriously shouted and turned his back, beginning to distribute meals to kids. Unknown to him exterior door opened, and Silica entered with her feathery dragon near her. As Ilsamor was busy Asemi noticed her entry and went near her "Hello, can I help you?"

"Umm, I…"

"Oh, I see, are you hungry?" Asemi asked, she had encountered children before who was hungry but also too proud to seek help. "Don't worry, you can come in. We have hot meal for you and your friend, specialty of chef."

"Umm thank you but I-"

Asemi smiled and kneeled to her eye level "Look, I understand but please relax. If you are really embarrassed, we can come to agreement later alright? You must be hungry, please sit, I will inform him." With that she led Silica to one of bar chairs and shouted, "We got two more Senpai!"

"Oh? I knew you would want it eventually bt are you really that hungry…" Ilsamor said while laughing then he saw Silica sitting near Asemi. His brows were raised a little while his smile turned into a gentler one. "Okay then, is there any specifics?" Silica was blushed but she managed to say "Umm, can I take extra pickles?" Ilsamor nodded and began preparing her hamburger.

Sasha also noticed the newcomer and her age attracted her attention, so she slowly scooted near her. "Hello, I umm, can I sit here?" as she pointed empty chair near Silica. Silica was blushing for the sudden attention she was getting. "My name is Sasha; I am the teacher of this group. Can you tell me your name?"

"Umm, Silica."

"It's a nice name. Nice to meet you Silica-chan." Sasha added while smiling. Sensing the direction their talk would go Ilsamor intervened with a laugh. "I know you have best interest in your heart Sasha-san, but Silica is a hardened warrior already. I had a chance to travel with her four days ago and far as I can see it was successful."

Sasha was surprised then she looked to Silica with awe "Oh, sorry I thought-" Then children literally shouted in awe.

"You travelled with Ilsamornii-san?!"

Much to her horror she and Pina became the center of attention in no time. Children asked her many questions about her adventure with the Blade and some children complained to Sasha about not letting them to join the game. Sensing Silica would explode if he did nothing, Ilsamor shouted "Okay everybody, anyone who wants a dessert after meal must return to their seats immediately. She is hungry too, please consider this."

Children slowly returned to their place and waited as Ilsamor first served Silica and Pina their meal, after that he started to prepare desserts for Sasha's group.

"Ilsamornii-san, have you done something heroic lately?"

This was an expected question, every time they meet children were expecting some stories from him. He smiled as he continued to prepare pies "It is not me that decides whether action is heroic or not. Some events can be looked from different ways and interpreted differently, like Battle of Prokhorovka in 1942."

Children entered the story mode immediately "Why, what happened there?"

"You see, as far as I know, it was one the biggest tank battle in military history. Tactically it was a German victory while when you look on operational perspective Soviets were the victorious. Because while Russian forces managed to hold town and did not let Wehrmacht in, they suffered heavy losses. I heard that nowadays it is considered as a fiasco for Soviet forces actually."

Children slowly nodded while Sasha chuckled "Really Ilsamor, using a World War 2 battle to exemplify your point? What kind of mind you have?" she asked and Ilsamor teased her back "It has been one year and now you are seeing this? You should really look carefully to your surroundings Sasha-san."

Like that their talk went on with a lot of laughter and smile from children. Silica just sit silently and observed and didn't talk unless she was asked.

Sasha's group left one hour later, leaving only Ilsamor, Asemi and Silica behind. Ilsamor finally cooked something for himself and sit near Silica while Asemi sit near him. Before he began eating, he turned to Silica "Sorry to keep you waiting, but welcome. To be honest I was not expecting to see you."

Silica looked to ground like she was embarrassed. When she spoke, her voice was like a whisper "Why?"

Ilsamor took a bite from his meal and thought before answering. "I think you had lots of reasons."

"But you could answer to each of them!"

"Could I? I don't think so, as I said many situations and cases have more than one truth. It is just a matter of perspective and while some can become mutually exclusive, this does not make them wrong. Besides would you believe me, if I had told you?"

"O-of course not! You lied to me about not taking your hood at the first place!"

"I did not lie to you really."

"You said your face was burn and it was not a face I want to see right now…" she began angrily but towards to end her voice weakened and turned a mumble. Ilsamor slowly nodded "See? I think you understand now. Though after all I am sorry for the whole farce, I really am."

"Was decisions to executions part a lie?"

"No, it wasn't. I had and I hope always will leave this decision to true victims."

Silica's expression steeled "Then why did you accepted that you are no different than Laughing Coffin part?"

Ilsamor stopped as Asemi's eyes widened "Senpai… Really? Why did you-" she began but Ilsamor cut her words. "Because he was right. At least in my case."

He took his last bite from the burger and his expression resembled a horrified man's, at least a little. "I have never told you did I, why I have left the front lines to other guilds. Truth is…"

Asemi held his hand and persisted with a gentle voice "Yes?" Ilsamor gulped as this was the first time he was confessing this "I was starting to losing my mind."

There was a brief silence.

"It was approximately three weeks after I acquired Heaven's Grace. I had finally caught up my normal stats and joined a raid on orange players. It was the usual you know, we had surrounded them and demanded them to drop their weapons. They refused and battle erupted…" He stopped here and took a sip from his drink "I was dueling with their leader. He was actually pretty weak, continuously spamming sword skills on me but that day I did not fought to take him alive. I had fought for… Fought for…"

His lip was trembling, Asemi held his head and leaned it to her chest "Shhh… I understand, you don't need to continue." Ilsamor nodded and remained like that for almost a minute. Then he pulled himself back and wiped tears from his eyes "Sorry… But really, sometimes I don't know what would I be doing without you Moonshine."

Asemi blushed furiously "Y-you supposed to say that only when we are alone!" she mumbled which made Ilsamor smile. Thanks to this he found the power to tell the remaining of story. "After that I remembered something, in certain countries they were allowing only six months of work per year for butchers, to prevent atrophy of conscience. I thought that maybe some rest would do me good, help me to regain my senses."

Silica asked "But then why were you dressing as a another man and still involving in this?!" Ilsamor closed his eyes and just before answered Asemi scolded him "You what? Senpai!"

Ilsamor sighed "Really Silica, you keep digging up my secrets today. To answer both of you, one month ago I met with Laughing Coffin leader. His aura and his words caused a fear in me. "What if he is right?" I thought, "What if we lost many players just because I quitted?" And I hate to admit it but so far I was right. In most of the raids I was the one prevented a complete failure of operations. True, some of the commanders really began to catch up but still…"

"But senpai what if that is their aim? To convert you to one of them? Have you talked to Lady about it?"

"No. In our last talk he told me I was strong enough to shrug of any mental damage in the end so I though I would heal in time. Besides when we talked with her it was already three months after I let go of orange players. I am feeling better now."

Asemi looked worried "What if it relapses?"

"Then I count on you to guide me towards to light."

Asemi was clearly not convinced but she didn't argue. Seeing their talk is over Ilsamor once more returned to Silica "Is there any other thing I can answer for you?" But before Silica answered him, he got a PM and he stood up "I have to go. You are welcome to stay Silica and if you have further questions I can answer them when I return."

Like that he left the house.

Seeing Silica's confused face Asemi sighed "I am sorry, I don't know why he acted this way. Actually he was really sad for four days."

Silica looked to her "Why?" Asemi looked towards to door "He is not like a heartless executioner. He does what he does because he wants to give victims something to console themselves. Still people pressing him up like he was a fascist dictator, his supporters sometimes acts as zealots much to his dismay. Still, even after all these people calling him murderer and this really breaks his heart." She giggled at there "You know, actually he isn't something like a popular boy in real world. From the parts he told me he was a forced introvert in real world."

Silica asked in an innocent tone "Really?" Asemi nodded "Silica-chan, I don't force my opinion on you, neither I believe I can do it. But all I want from you don't listen only one group, try to listen all of them. And create your own judgement about him, please. Because in the heart, I know it doesn't seem like that but he's like a newborn infant, especially lately. Not like hardened veteran who just laugh at opposition, their words actually hurt him. He has an adamant mask that he puts in front of them but in the end I am the one that removes that mask, clear his dried tears and console him, at least I'd like to think it like that."

Silica thought her short time with him. Thought how he dismissed that two groups even told his own supporters that he has nothing to do with them. Then she remembered what she called him.

"Newborn infant huh?" She mumbled.

Behind her, beyond the window, Swords were teleporting in masses to fourth floor, all carrying supplies that were separated for aiding players.

That day Ilsamor would announce that Swords stopped all item donations and pulled from the orange front completely. First information broker that would receive this new would be Argo and this info would be spread as following:

"Hell's gate is opened while heaven's shut closed."

A/N: Hello and thank you for reading. Lately I started to think would it be good to shorten chapters and maybe split a chapter into two. Since this is my first fanfic I don't have much experience so please let me know which one would you prefer?

I hope everything in your life goes well, see you at the next chapter :D