Disclaimer: Inside this story only OC and story belongs to me. Everthing related to SAO belongs to Reki Kawahara, and every other pop culture reference belongs to their respective owners.

Inside the temple of 4th floor eleven people were standing, sitting or taking a turn while waiting.

Eight of these people were the comprising a big part of strongest players in Aincrad. Among them thirteen of them were called as "Champions", heavily PvP specialized section of the Sword of Mercy guild. One of them was a solo player, soloing the frontlines by himself, Black Swordsman or to those with more intimate terms Kirito.

Remaining one person was the reason why these people had gathered in this room.

Ilsamor or his famous alias "Silver Blade."

He was kneeling in front of the statue of Lady, his eyes were closed but his face was like a man who was suffering a great pain. His cheeks were marked by trail of tears.

Which was understandable since Ilsamor was constantly groaning and crying. And if he was not doing these, his expression would stay serious and bored.

Behind him, at the nearest seat Asemi was sitting, her eyes filled with compassion looking to Ilsamor, yet she knew she couldn't do anything. He was reliving his memories, something she cannot ease for him. Beside her Kirito, Argo and Nautilus were waiting near Ilsamor. Rider took five of the Champions to scout nearby area and the rest were at upstairs.

Beside Ilsamor's screams, temple was silent.

"It seems like he is passing from hell." Argo said, her voice was unnaturally serious. Asemi nodded "He told me that he despised his life in real world, but I never thought… It could be that bad." she said, her voice hoarse. Kirito stood up "We better leave him alone. Staying like this only make you sadder. There is nothing we can do, it up to Lady now." Asemi sighed "And thou call upon Lady once you find yourself in Hell since no light beside hers can illuminate, no fire beside hers can warm and no weapon beside hers can harm the creatures of wickedness." she recited, then stood up. "I suppose you are right. Let's get some fresh air."

"ENOUGH! I HAD ENOUGH, PLEASE! LET ME REST!"

Ilsamor screamed once more. Asemi closed her eyes "L-Let's go. I cannot stand to this much longer."

Then she and Kirito left the temple and joined the dark, cold night of 4th floor.

"Asemi, what happened, is Boss okay?"

Once they got out Rider asked these questions with a voice that Kirito never heard from his usual carefree attitude. Asemi nodded "He is okay, it is just… Hard for me to hear his screams. I got out a bit." said then she noticed there were more guild members around them than expected number. "Why some of the regular members are here? Something wrong?"

Rider scratched his chin "I don't know, but my senses tell me that this is a rare chance for LC. Boss is defenseless, Anti Orange Coalition went lazy and our relationship with many frontline guilds became sour over the weeks. I am really scared."

Asemi nodded, then it hit Kirito. While he never thought of it, Asemi was now the acting commander of SoM, and her katana had the same attack effect of Ilsamor's Sword of the First Light. He couldn't help but ask "Hey, do you have some authorities over the system like Ilsamor did at 22nd floor?"

Asemi looked to him with a momentary surprise then nodded. "Yeah. I have it too, although my version is a little different. Rider has something else altogether, which I think…" she looked at him as asking. Rider nodded "It's called Watchful Gaze of Mistress. Once activated it cancels all stealth effect of orange players, denying them making surprise attacks. Though we don't use them for now, after what happened to Boss, he forbade us unless it is absolutely necessary."

"So you, her and Ilsamor represent the three aspects of the light, as far as I understand." Kirito asked. Asemi nodded while a little smile formed on her lips "Your guess is true Kirito-kun. I represent the sacred flame that, and I recite, "Warms the good and punishes the wicked," while Rider is the "Luminous" that illuminates the path of faithful."

Kirito frowned "That leaves Ilsamor…"

"Thunder. Sword of the goddess that strikes fear and death to forces of darkness."

Kirito scratched his chin "Funny. I always though Ilsamor would be the luminous since he is the first knight and all."

Asemi's smile grew a little "Actually it was due to that he was bestowed with lightning." Seeing Kirito's expression, she explained "Kirito, in the Book, story of creation of three light aspects explained as this: "Once Lady managed to free her people, they needed to leave lands of shadow. To show way to her faithful, she pulled the Luminous from Light and gave it to her people. With its illumination, people travelled far and wide.

Then they came to another land, which was very cold. When they plead the goddess, Lady pulled the sacred fire from the First Light and bestowed it her followers. After it lost the flame, First Light remained as Thunder and seeing its power, Lady used it as her weapon." As you see, Thunder was the last remnant of First Light, and due to the technique Lady used, it is the closest form in all three aspects to its original."

Kirito once more asked "What do you mean?"

"Well, consider separating three different colored play doughs, which are stuck to each other from the edges and lines are blurred. If you want to achieve pure color, it is possible for one of them, but the remaining two would carry its color. Once you pulled second color, it would leave its mark on third while carrying the first. It is the same for Thunder. While neither Luminous nor Fire carry its impact, it carries the brightness and heat. That's why Ilsamor was bestowed with the Thunder."

Kirito nodded "It is amazing for an AI to construct such a mythology. Recreating stories, bestowing titles and sending a divine message… I wonder what would Kayaba think if he had seen it…"

Their talk was interrupted by someone who was approaching from the town. Asemi hailed her once she recognized the player "Good evening Hikari. What are you doing here?"

"Well, after I heard Sensei's condition, you couldn't expect me to stand and watch." Asemi's expression became serious "What do you mean? How did you hear it?!"

"Well, there are rumors all over the floor that Ilsamor mentally went to Lady to talk her and people are afraid that there might be a Laughing Coffin attack. I came here to see what can I do to help."

Asemi held the bridge of her nose "Wonderful. Well, if it is widely known, we have no reason to hide it anymore. Rider, put the outpost in alarm state for the duration of procedure, and tighten the defense of labyrinth entrance. If they will come, they can only come from there, otherwise NPC guards would tear them to shreds." Rider nodded and left to do necessary things. Kirito looked scratched his chin "Do these things are really necessary?"

Asemi had a grim expression "Kirito, if town knew this then it is almost impossible for Laughing Coffin to not to know. Then she turned to other Champions "Change of plans! Everyone, head to your command units and stay sharp. We may have a very long night ahead of us."

"Afraid I have some bad news…"

Asemi, Rider, Kirito, Argo and Asuna were sitting in the upstairs of temple at the 5th hour of procedure. Asuna was called by Argo after situation became serious.

They finally moved inside the building after Ilsamor's screams diminished, now he was just almost constantly wearing a bored expression, lightened by brief moments only. There were still tear trails in his cheeks, but his emotions were not that expressive anymore.

"I suppose either he got accustomed to what he is living, or he grew enough to suppress his emotions…" Kirito though, then continued to listen Argo's news.

"My sources tell me that there is a big orange movement form upper floors to lower floors. I don't think they will attack tonight but it is a safe bet that they will tomorrow night."

Asemi scratched her chin "Can we contact the Anti Orange Coalition?"

"Already did." said Asuna. "Commander told me that he will talk about it in today's meeting, but we should not have high expectations. You have a lot of opposition in front lines."

"Can we bypass them directly and call for help from players?" asked Rider. Argo shook her head "It is possible but requires an immense miracle. I will do whatever I can but don't count on this too much."

Asemi sighed "Then it is up to us once more. How is our situation?"

Rider opened his messages "Lisbeth and several of her apprentices are working on repairing and forging new weapons for members. Champions are gathering their units and preparing them right now. We are also using our undercover agents to ignite other orange guilds against Laughing Coffin, if it is possible."

Asemi nodded "Okay. Rider I want you at the entrance of Labyrinth. Since it gives them a bonus on stealth, I expect LC's attack will come at night. Tell Hikari to start producing poison resistance potions, batches of them! I want every Champion to receive a battle map Ilsamor prepared for this situation! Kirito, can you and Asuna scout a bit, see if they send forward teams in this floor?" Kirito nodded and they left the table.

Just Argo and Asemi were sitting at the table.

Argo nodded to her thoughts then she stood up. "I must say, you have grown Asemi. I am sure he's proud of you." While Argo leaving Asemi's side, Asemi glanced towards Ilsamor. "Hold on Senpai…" she thought. "We will survive through this."

At the 12th hour of procedure, command team was sitting once more.

News were not good so far. Any attempt cut incoming LC attack hit the wall. There was no way to stop them from using labyrinth to coming down and Coalition refused to give any help until leaders talk it through.

"Damn it!" Asemi yelled. "We are not getting anywhere with this! I don't understand, why they are refusing? Every time when one of them needed help, we answered! However, we saw nothing from except cold shoulders, I am really getting sick of this!"

Asuna sighed "I know personally that if it were up to commander, he would be standing with half of the coalition in fourth floor right now. But ever since Ilsamor-kun gave them the orange front, leaders have agreed to do every big operation if the majority of them give it a go." Argo nodded "Yeah, besides they do not exactly believe the scale of attack will be that big."

Rider scratched his head "But you said-" Then Argo interrupted "Exactly, I said. They know that we are friends and that leads them to think that I am lying them to get help here." She slowly shook her head "I cannot imagine what will Ilsamor do once he awakes, but right now, I really doubt that even if we get help, it won't be in a large scale."

Kirito tried to lighten up the mood "Everything is not that bad. Trainings of the companies are completed, and they have been placed in critical positions around the fourth floor…" at this point he opened a map of fourth floor on the table. "As you see, there are three ways that they can approach the church, since they cannot pass through the safe zones."

"We have placed five champions per road with their squads. While we are well equipped, those assassins are no joke too, what's more, they have stealth as an advantage."

Rider scratched his chin "I have an ace, but we may lose it forever if I use it carelessly." Kirito looked to him "Is there any update on Lady's power against Administrator?" Rider shook his head. "Boss said Lady was staying quiet about this, doesn't matter how or when he asked. But we took his skill's absence as a sign that tells us she is not ready yet. Which means…"

"Either we will wait a signal like 25th floor or we will try to avoid it until we cannot bear it anymore." Asemi finished his sentence, Rider simply nodded. After a brief silence, she spoke again "It seems we have nothing more to do. Rider, can you patrol the positions and reinforce the weak points you see? I… I need some rest." Rider understood the message and left the temple. Kirito, Asuna and Argo followed him.

Asemi was alone at the temple with Ilsamor. Unable to resist the urge, she slowly went downstairs and sit near Ilsamor. His face was showing the signs of a serious man, one that learned to hide his emotions. Fron a few distinct features only known to her and few other friends, she guessed he hadn't entered SAO yet.

His face relaxed a little. She couldn't help but think "Maybe he felt my presence…" She got closer without touching him.

"You have come for that?" he mumbled. Asemi was surprised as she didn't think any instances where such a question would be needed.

"I…see… Then I accept."

Asemi held her breath. Ilsamor slowly chuckled "I am fated, you say…" Then, for the first time during the procedure his face had filled with an emotion.

Hope.

"Then I… will wait. I will bear those shackles, bear with these bonds and bear with this damned guardian, for one day…"

Asemi held her breath. His speech was not like a sleeping person at all. But she was guessing that he wasn't even at the age of fourteen in his memories!

"…I will be so free that I will be sick of freedom. I will fight so long, that my hands will go numb and…" what he said next brought tears from Asemi's eyes "…I will love someone, and be loved by her, till then end of my days." Then he chuckled once more like he said a joke "That is, if my days ever ends."

Then, after that, he went silent, and procedure continued. This talk of his only left a very confused Asemi behind.

What did he mean when he said if his days ever ends?

Champions were gathered in front of temple at 22nd hour of procedure. Warblade reported "Everything is ready. All we got to do now is wait." Artemis nodded "Then excuse me, but I will go to front lines." Rider shook his head "I know you don't want to leave your men behind Artemis, but we Champions are not just commanders but also elite troops. We will be deployed accordingly to enemy movements when needed." Artemis was about to object, then she noticed Rider's tone was unnaturally serious. "What is that you fear that much?"

"It has been almost eight months since we were pulled from PvP. I fear that we might lost our edge. There are still many veterans in our ranks but most of the new recruits have no PvP experience. Damn it!" Rider yelled last part. "They all knew! Those leaders, they knew it wasn't important we were still fighting against the orange players or not! We painted a bullseye at our backs, did they truly thought that not fighting will solve any problems?! What was the Boss thinking?! This must be the worst plan since Trotsky's "No War No Peace*" plan!"

Asemi gritted her teeth and counted until ten to calm herself. "Rider… It was all a part of his plan."

Champions surprised gazes turned to her. She sighed "You have all received battle maps of fourth floor. When do you think he drew them? I understand your anger Rider, but please note that none of these were in his plans. This procedure, rise and unexpected strength of Laughing Coffin… It is not for me to continue; I think he will explain more once he awakes. For now, we have to survive until that happens."

Rider slightly bowed his head. "Then why didn't he say anything to us?" This time answer came from Asuna "Because he promised not to involve any of his guildmates in any counter orange activity. And, in a strange way, he really kept his promise."

Rider shook his head and opened his menu to look a message he just received. His eyes widened and his mouth opened. Sensing something was not right, Asemi asked "Rider, is everything-"

Her question was interrupted by sudden war cry coming from the three different directions. Kirito unsheathed his sword "They are attacking all three points at once?! A direct assault, no less. I thought Laughing Coffin would prefer a more subtle way!"

"It's not just them Kirito…" said Rider, his voice was hoarse. "We are up against Second Orange Coalition."

Champions' expression changed twice. First to horror, then to another one, that only hardened veterans in armies were familiar with.

Resolve against unfavorable odds.

Asemi spoke "New plan. Rider, Eucard, Nautilus and I will stay and protect the temple against a surprise Laughing Coffin attack. Rest of you, head to your units!"

She finished her sentence while yelling and unsheathing her katana.

"WE WILL NOT GONNA DIE TONIGHT!"

Soon total chaos followed the night.

Sword of Mercy members were forced to hold their ground against an enemy that was united against them for a second time.

Situations were changed. At Battle of Coral Fields, only a relatively small part of Swords was experienced about PvP. Chain of command was more like a council of teachers. They knew that AI could kill them, but they did not dream about the other players. Robbing sure, but murder?

Things had surely changed.

It was a certainty that orange players developed too, while their numbers were barely around First Coalition, Second Coalition was armed with stronger items, commanded by experienced players and they were using a "bait and switch" tactic, keeping Swords occupied at front while Laughing Coffin assassins using the cover of war to move towards to temple, and ultimately to the life of Swords' leader.

It will be an important battle for the anti-orange campaign.

On the Swords' side was Eternal Champions, survivors of Coral Fields that were personally trained by Ilsamor, Asuna the Flash and Kirito the Black Swordsman. Beside that, since Coral Fields, every Swords' member was carrying at least one weapon that had bonus damage against the orange players. Chain of command was the best in Aincrad, and players' combat training was more than a basic training for surviving inside the game.

So, the only thing that can tip the favor to either side, wheel of luck, started to turn.

Kirito started to became tired.

It was… How much time did pass since he first started to swing his swords? He had lost the track of time. It could be only one hour, or maybe he was fighting for three hours? He had no idea.

Around him, 4th floor was lit up with Alchemist's Fire, one of the few bomb-like items inside the SAO, and war was everywhere. Against orange players different colored gear, Swords were easily distinguishable thanks to their white colored ones. People were yelling war cries, attacking and defending. Sword skill effects were lighting up the night beside Alchemist's Fire with colors of rainbow.

Jack yelled to him from his right: "Kirito-san! We are pulling back to second line!"

"Why?!"

"Middle line will not hold! We are about to face a flank situation!"

Kirito gritted his teeth, but he was about to nod when he sensed his presence.

It couldn't be… What was he doing in the middle of the battle while he could sneak to temple with his skill level?

But it was unmistakable.

"Jack!" he yelled "PoH is coming! I will buy you some time, pull back right now!" Hearing PoH's name, Jack gulped and nodded. Kirito swinged Elucidator and Sapphire in his hands as he approached the leader of assassins' guild.

He was not mistaken.

"Oh? Who do I see..? Isn't it the "Black Swordsman" himself?"

Kirito took stance for defense "I would not expect to see you here tonight PoH. I though you would make your way to temple directly."

PoH shrugged "Well I could… Again, there were someone who was more interested with this and had personal reason for wanting Blade's head. I am here because… To be honest, there is nowhere better for me than the center of massacre. Besides…"

He pointed his chopper towards to Kirito. "I still want to have a taste of your skill Kirito!"

His mouth twitched upwards as he shot forward. Kirito barely managed to block his attack.

After the absorption of initial impact, they started to trade blows. Kirito was like a raging hurricane, using two swords with ease thanks to his training with Champions. However, PoH also showed that he was not a newbie in battle as he managed to keep up with Kirito while holding his ground.

Battle was so intense that other players around them was just acting like they weren't there, continuing the usual flow of battle.

After a five-minute initial clash, they retreated and breathed.

"Hahaha… You are not bad, Black Swordsman."

"Shut up!"

Kirito's blades glowed red. It was the eight-hit sword skill, Nightmare Assault.

"Oh? Then let's heat things up a little."

His chopper glowed orange.

Second part of their duel began once more, this time it was consisting mainly of chained sword skills. Kirito chained Nightmare Assault to Voltage Assault, then to Final Revolution. PoH countered his attacks with Pentagram, Descending Night and Upcoming Abomination.

Kirito changed his stance when they separated for second time and prepared his newly unlocked skill. His swords glowed light blue. At the same time PoH's chopper glowed with a dark blue one.

"Starburst…STREAM!"

He attacked PoH relentlessly, landing blow after blow, his swords constantly moving meanwhile PoH's sword skill was deflecting his blows, protecting its user from a certain defeat.

When everything ended PoH was still standing, his health bar was barely above red zone.

"Not bad kid…"

Kirito was surprised but managed to keep his face serious. "How did you…"

PoH scrathed his neck "Well, what did you call your skill? Starburst Stream, right? Mine had a name like Shield of Sky, you see… It is a good pairing, let me tell you."

Kirito gritted his teeth and prepared to answer back just before…

"KIRITO-SAN, RUN!"

Jack's voice interrupted him as a handful of bottles flew above him and soon battlefield was covered with black smoke.

Kirito heard a monstrous laughter while he ran to back "Wonderful! Run little Swordsman! We will meet again!"

Kirito had no strength to give an answer to him as he ran with his full spedd to out of smoke.

Jack was standing right there. "Thank you, Kirito-san. We managed to pull back and establish some defensive measurements at the second point."

Kirito breathed in and out. "I am glad. Let's return to them, they will attack again pretty soon."

Rider was standing front of the temple door.

From the distance, four champions were hearing the sound of raging war, observing the sword skills. And since lights kept approaching the temple…

"They are retreating bit by bit…" said Nautilus, his anger could easily be sensed from his voice.

Rider was about to comment when he felt something.

It was a feeling he never felt and (unknown to him) would never feel again. It was as if two same pole of a magnet that were about the size of a planet each, were approaching each other. He unsheathed his greatsword from his back "We got company, get ready."

Champions equipped their weapons and looked to darkest parts of night like wanting to pierce it with their gaze. Soon after Asemi yelled "Do not mock us by trying to stay hidden! We know you are there!"

A second later shadows moved, and twelve Laughing Coffin assassins appeared in front of the temple.

"My, my… You are not funny at all."

Assassin's familiar voice instantly caused Rider to grit his teeth. "So, you finally joined the scum you belong, Nocturn."

Assassin's leader turned his head toward him. "So, the lapdog can speak without order, eh? I though nothing in the world can surprise me even more."

"You-"

"I am bored already, so shut your mouthy while I talk with commander." said Nocturn nonchalantly and turned to Asemi.

Just as he looked at her, something happened.

The tension that Rider felt that was approaching to them exploded between the maiden of Sacred Fire and the disgraced traitor. It didn't cause any effect to outside just Nocturn held his head as if his head was assaulted by a sudden headache. At the same time Asemi moved her hand like she too wanted to hold her head, but she managed to control herself.

Then Nocturn raised his head, for a moment his looked around like a newborn baby.

After that, he laughed. He laughed manically with a laughter that resembles evil anything more than Rider had ever seen. A laughter that even Laughing Coffin members distanced themselves away from their leaders.

"WONDERFUL!" He screamed to the night. "TRULY WONDERFUL! You…" he turned to Asemi once more "It's you, isn't it? Then… It's him! Answer me! It's him, isn't it?!" He continued to laugh. "What a fortune that had bestowed upon me!"

"You will not lay a finger on him. This I swear on my honor!" Asemi answered to his delusional words, which made little sense to Rider. What does he meant when he asked "It's him"? It was clear that they were protecting Ilsamor, which was inside the temple. It was the reason they started their assault on this floor, and it was the reason that they were shedding this much blood.

Yet like he was asking something other than this.

Dammit, he cannot let his thoughts wander. They were in a battle now!

"So?" Nocturn asked. "Will you step aside Maiden?" And he laughed on more time without waiting her answer "Who am I kidding, of course you won't!" With these words he pulled a greatsword from his back "After he defeated me, I went by my own find another rare material. I think it was called Obsidian of Devil. Maybe I can thank him before I kill him. This sword is f**king brilliant!"

Asemi took a position which Rider recognized as Attack of Heaven's Birds. "You talk a lot Nocturn."

Her sword glowed orange as white flames engulfed it.

And then, in the blink of an eye, duel between the elites of Swords and LC began.

Knowing that they were outnumbered 3 to 1, Rider, Nautilus and Eucard took position before the temple door and stood back-to-back against approaching assassins.

About ten meters at their left, Asemi started to exchange blows with Nocturn. Her face was bearing no sign of her normal self, was tense and her eyes was constantly observing her enemy while her brain was constantly deciding new moves to make.

While she was a white wind dancing around the enemy, Nocturn was like an unyielding boulder against her attacks. While it was clear that Nocturn was not as fast as Asemi, his blocks were precise and with the effort that Asemi was showing, amount of damage she dealt was like a joke.

"You are not him Maiden. You cannot beat me!"

Asemi didn't answer him, but she retreated from her ceaseless attacks and changed her stance to one that will boost her strength. Nocturn grinned like this entertained him. "That's what I am talking about. Come to me!"

While Asemi charged to Nocturn, duel at temple's doors were coming to its first stop. After Rider's wide swing to send them away, trio finally managed to find a breather.

From eleven assassins, seven of them were still ready for fight, three of them had fallen to Champions' swords and one of them escaped by using a momentary confusion.

Still, their short victory was not for free, Eucard's health bar was around red zone, and Nautilus had to switch to his backup shield.

Rider prepared his highest damage output skill Luminous of Ancient as his greatsword glowed with a golden light, filled with holy damage while Eucard drank a healing potion to restore his health.

Their attention pulled to main duel after they saw a white flash from that side. Nocturn and Asemi were standing apart from each other by five meters and both were panting. Asemi's face was full of anger while Nocturn had a devilish grin. "Not bad, not bad… But you should have stuck to your-"

"Will you SHUT UP!" Asemi shouted while taking another stance. Rider noticed that her health was in yellow zone.

At the front, fires of war were approaching them in a fast manner. Rider knew that they could fight against them if they had a chance to regroup, but that could only be possible with a miracle…

And a miracle was given to them.

In far away, from a barely visible angle, Rider saw a lot of blue light pillars at the nearest town, and to his hope, they were very much like the teleportation effects.

What's more, he wasn't the only one.

Entire war slowly stopped, all looking towards to nearest town. Then sound of a lone girl was heard in the night of dead:

"Drive those orange ones from Aincrad!"

Rider smiled. It was someone who everyone thought let go of the fight long time ago. A kind priestess, a healer.

Hikari was leading the reinforcements.

Number of reinforcements were not that large, but they were fresh from a fight, and their position was putting a very big danger on the orange players who were robbed of using an advantage like teleportation crystal. Soon leaders of orange players called for retreat.

"Huh… That was something I suppose…"

Rider's attention pulled back to Nocturn. Supposed leader of whole assault was not affected by this sudden turn of events, on the contrary, he seemed pretty happy about all of this. "I couldn't call this a real battle if it hadn't been at least two days long. Well, it seems it is enough for tonight. See you tomorrow night."

Asemi shouted "Where do you think you ae going?! You can't-"

Nocturn laughed "I see, you are looking forward for our next match already. I give this battle to you, but this is all you can do. Tomorrow, or rather tonight, you won't be this lucky. And I will nip the bud from its base, once and for all." Rider couldn't hold himself "Boss had already affected many people's ideas and lives. You think ending his life will remove all of this at once?" At his remark, Nocturn smiled devilishly "No, but… Well, I think Maiden get that. Whatever, be safe… Until our next meeting that is."

After these words, he sped up inside the darkness and lost inside the shadows.

SoM command team gathered once more after sun rose up.

They knew that they had to gather right after war ended, but regardless of their PvP experience and skills, these people were not commandos still, they needed rest. Besides, no one was ready to face bad news while sky was still dark.

"We lost 51 men…" said Artemis with a hoarse voice. "And we lost almost all of our teleportation crystal stock. We will surely lose more people if they come to us once more tonight."

Asemi sighed "Thank you Artemis…" she said first, then she turned towards to one of the players who were tending to Ilsamor. "How is he?"

"I think he has finally reached Aincrad vice commander…" he said. "Last night, around four he said something about Kayaba and around eleven o'clock he said "My Lady" for the first time. If we are correct, he should awake around nine o'clock."

Asemi shook her head "I doubt that. That two-to-three-week initial training he got from the Lady was one of the most intense periods of his life, according to him. I too think that he will awaken before sun rises, but Senpai will need more time than your guess."

"So, we are fighting without him once more?" said Rider while holding the bridge of his nose. "Really Boss, you owe us a few feasts at least. Well, I think we owe Hikari a big thanks at least. She brought reinforcements."

Hikari blushed "I didn't do much-" but before she finished her sentence Argo hugged her from behind and caused her to jump in surprise "Really Hikari, you should know that lying is not a good thing. Neither the excess modesty. You have done a fine thing, so accept those praises already!"

Hikari looked to Argo while furiously blushing, Argo either didn't see it or she didn't care.

"I was there, let me tell you. Those leaders were trying to close even little amounts of help. Then she screamed "You two-faced hypocrites!" Then she continued like "What do you talking about? Balanced? Unfair advantage? Open your eyes! This thing is not a game! It never has been since a red-robed cultist announced us that we would be dead for real if we die in here! And in this state, we fought knowing damn well that maybe no other player will hold a weapon like ours or face a mission with good reward. And yes, he had an unfair advantage, an advantage that he never used for his sake! Are you that blind?! He walked here and offered you to be a boss-scout without wanting anything in return! Then he cleaned up your mess, looked after the people you have neglected after moving upper floors, trained people even when they were aiming to join your guilds… And you are abandoning his people when they are in need and facing an enemy that also an enemy of yours?"

Everyone was listening to Argo with a bated breath. Hikari had already become redder than a tomato:

"Then she said one more thing that destroyed their defenses. "If that is the case, then pray whatever deity you believe that orange players kill him. Because I know that he will come here after battle ends and will judge each and everyone of the leaders for such a mass homicide!"

Rider whistled "It seems I must stop stealing your pancakes at breakfasts."

"Shut up!" said Hikari, and with laughter from others mood on the table lightened up a little. After laughter diminished Kirito sighed "So how will we do tonight? I doubt we can hold our initial positions."

"You are right Kirito…" said Asemi. "We had determined three points for three routes, I believe it would be the best move to move our friends to thirds positions at each route."

"We have another problem too." said Rider as the eyes on the table turned towards him "According to reports, most of the attackers last night were from different orange guilds. I think Laughing Coffin didn't show their true power yesterday." Kirito nodded "Last night they tested our defenses, and also saw how much we can go. Tonight they will try to finish us off."

Mood darkened once more, just Argo's face kept a smug smile. Asuna asked "What is so funny Argo-chan?"

"Well A-chan…" said Argo "Hikari's coming with reinforcements was not the only miracle that happened last night."

Eyes once again turned on her.

"You remember that I said I tried to contact players directly, but it would be a miracle to reach a solid advantage?" They nodded. "Well, it seems such a miracle happened with the help of a certain deity, you know what I mean."

Asemi's eyes widened. "Argo, you don't mean…"

Argo looked the corner of his menu to check the clock when they all heard fast approaching footsteps. "Just about time."

"Vice commander! VICE COMMANDER!"

Asemi raised from her seat and looked to lower floor "What is it?"

"Ma'am, players! Many players are teleporting here! They said they want to see you!"

Asemi looked to Argo with almost teary eyes. "You sure know how to create miracles Argo…" then she went down the stairs after wiping her tears.

Unknown to everyone, Ilsamor smiled first time for hours while whispering "You have a very beautiful name Asemi…"

Night once more came to Aincrad.

Troops were gathered at the front of the temple, all of them were the students of Ilsamor at some point. Argo was right once more in her analysis.

Their teacher truly left them something that they answered to his call, even when he was unconscious. However, they do not carry the steel determination and the fire of anger of Swords. First, they targeted their commander, now they were wanting to annihilate them all? For just wanting to survive this game?

It was unforgivable.

In such an air, Nautilus approached Rider. "Will we say something to our friends?"

Rider looked around him. He though back then, when they were just three of them. He smiled that when he remembered the song Ilsamor singed every time they went to dungeon at night.

"Death surrounds, My heartbeat's slowing down…"

Nautilus smiled and joined him. "I won't take this world's abuse

I won't give up, I refuse…"

Other Champions who heard the song slowly started to sing.

"This is how it feels when you're bent and broken
This is how it feels when your dignity's stolen
When everything you love is leaving
You hold on to what you believe in"

Then everyone stopped as Hikari's sound heard:

"The last thing I heard was you whispering goodbye
And then I heard you flat line"

Suddenly all of the Swords began to sing it, as promising the Lady, or the Night or whatever they believe:

"No, not gonna die tonight
We're gonna stand and fight forever
(Don't close your eyes)
No, not gonna die tonight
We're gonna fight for us together
No, we're not gonna die tonight"

Kirito approached Asemi as dumbfounded "What's happening? What are they singing?" Asemi smiled "One of his favorite songs… He was always singing it unconsciously at dungeons."

"Do they know what it means?"

"To a degree…" Asemi said. "More importantly, they are promising him." With that she looked to temple, which was seeping dim white lights since seven pm. Kirito held her shoulder "Don't worry, he will come."

Asemi nodded, then turned to Kirito with a sly grin "That's why every girl thinks you are flirting with them Kirito."

Kirito was dumbstruck with this sudden change. "Hey, wha-"

"You noticed too, eh Asemi?" said Argo and he slapped Kirito's shoulder. "He really don't know how to control it."

"What are you-"

"Honestly Kirito-kun, how you can do it to Ilsamor-kun? I thought you were his friend." Asuna said with disapproving voice. As Kirito tried to defend himself, Champions laughed.

Then Asemi finally shouted "Okay everyone. You know where to go! May Lady help us all!"

Battle once again started with enemy's strike.

Finding suitable commanders during the war, Champions completely pulled to the temple for protection, since they were expecting the deadliest assassins to here once more. Rider thought this was necessary as they were almost overwhelmed yesterday.

This time battle was more closely packed. Having abandoned two forward positions at the temple road, Swords and Ilsamor's old students were holding last positions on the temple road. Orange guilds, with the addition of Laughing Coffin's reserve forces were fighting furiously to find a gap and leak through it. More skilled assassins were already on their way to temple doors.

"Don't give up! Swords will end tonight!"

However, this time things were a little different. Swords current number was outnumbering the orange players, at that was not all. Coalition's forces were strong, but Ilsamor's students from other guilds were even stronger than them. What's more, their fighting style was in sync with the Swords, so Orange players found a lot has changed from the last chance.

Thus, they knew that their last chance was to reach the temple before Ilsamor woke.

During all this, light coming from the temple were continuing to increase, and filling the swords with hope. They knew that their leader's arrival was near, and therefore the end of battle. That's why another team of strongest assassins were standing before the Champions.

Rider laughed before their clash began "You have changed all of your men! Do you think you can fight us even while not knowing who is the strong one within yourselves?"

And duel began.

Telling this duel piece by piece will require many words as each and every one of the Champions were a sight to watch. They all fought marvelously, as they danced with sword skills with magnificent colors around the assassins. To describe all these duels, a single sentence would be enough.

They made Ilsamor proud.

At the end, elites of assassins were either routed or killed by the Champions. Only Nocturn were standing still.

It was not that Asemi was powerless, but Nocturn was somehow standing still. His black blade was emanating a powerful aura against Asemi's white flame covered katana.

"You have grown weak Maiden. Why do you fight anyway, it is already too late."

Asemi's face was still furious, but she asked, "What do you mean "too late?"

Nocturn raised his head and looked at the temple.

At the first glance, everything seemed same. Temple was standing as always at the dark night, and its windows were emanating a white light still. There was no sign that someone, somehow, entered the temple.

After catching the weird thing, Rider felt like his blood frozen in his veins. He talked with a trembling voice "Light… is getting dimmer."

When they left the temple around seven, there were already visible lights seeping from its windows. Light casually gained strength till ten pm, and then once the war started no one managed to take a glance.

But now…

Nocturn shook his head in a disapproving manner. "Tch tch… You should have known better Blade. Trying to live through your whole life in just three or four days? The audacity! Especially considering your life was not a walk in the park…"

Champions froze, as they watched light became dimmer and dimmer.

"Sir… No… Sensei!"

"Sensei!"

"Ilsamor Sensei!"

Champions cried and tried to run inside the temple, but more and more assassins were coming out of hiding. So much so that they cannot go inside before killed by assassins."

Light continued to fade away…

Asemi was crying… No, it couldn't be… It shouldn't end like this…

Her cry ripped the night that even war couldn't managed to shook.

"Senpai! SENPAI!"

*: "No War, No Peace" plan was a Soviet plan to stop fighting against Germans towards the end of WWI. It was simply sayin that Russian soldiers would stop fighting against German soldiers yet since there was no formal peace treaty fight would also continue. Needless to say, one of the worst strategies of military history.

Lyrics belong to "Not Gonna Die" song of the Skillet band.