Days went by in Aincrad.

By the time he got Kalaiet, Ilsamor had already tasted the relative freedom and he felt at home at the first group he had taken as students. Being called a sensei, teaching, and interacting with every student personally were things he was yearning for after months of being forced into a distant figure.

He knew he dropped a big payload on Rider though, and if it was anyone else, he was sure their friendship had already ended. But Rider was with them from the beginning and he had always known Ilsamor's dependency on Asemi. Also, Ilsamor had a point, in the end, Lady did know something to give him the aspect of illumination. As a Champion, he knew the rumors about Ilsamor getting a heart of stone lately.

In the end, Rider and Ilsamor were still meeting at least three times a week, usually alone for raiding dungeons for fun while discussing many things. Rider was asking his consul on guild management while Ilsamor was learning the groups need training and sometimes hideouts of orange players.

That day, they were once again farming the dungeon at the sixtieth floor called "Entrance of the Abbys," where not only they could use their sword skills with holy damage more often, but also they were farming some of the materials they needed for an event which about to happen three days later.

"Okay Rider, shall we?" Ilsamor asked, his sword Kalaiet was shining with the remnants of holy light he had used in previous skill. Rider simply grinned while preparing his high-hitting skills, Unfading Light. "Whenever you are ready, Boss!"

Ilsamor grinned too. "Okay then, let's execute "Two Knights Go for A Walk!" On three!"

Boss they were going up against was a demonic creature, who was stunned briefly by Ilsamor's Purging Strike. While he had not many holy damage dealers in generic 1H tree, Radiant Charge would surely work wonders in this situation.

The demon raised his head and screamed.

"One…"

His gaze wandered inside the room, deciding which player would be his immediate target.

"Two…"

Boss had decided Rider as a bigger threat, and it turned towards his direction.

"Three!"

They both rushed towards the demon and Rider was the first one to reach. His sword was shining in radiant green, and his greatsword was leaving a trail of holy light behind him.

Ilsamor did not leave him alone. As soon as their charge began, he activated Radiant Charge and used residual holy energy to add extra damage against the boss by follow-up attacks.

Finally, the boss screamed in pain and dissolved into the pixels, just like many times he and Rider defeated it.

"You are losing your form Rider. Left your left side too open for attacks."

"Yeah, sorry boss. I can't find time to practice my forms lately." said Rider with a hint of complaint at his voice. Ilsamor, while still feeling a bit guilty about it, patted his shoulder "Don't worry about it, we can cover it up in no time."

"It was not the point of my complaint," said Rider, then sighed. "I missed being in the action. I can certainly understand why you went a bit dull after all that."

Ilsamor smiled with understanding. "I know. It is a bit chaotic right now, but I promise, I will soon return to take a bit of the load from your back…" He looked up, despite still being inside the cave, and Rider knew he was looking beyond the cave. "67… Thirty-three to go, eh? Are you excited to go home Rider?"

When he turned around, he saw Rider, for the first time, with a sad expression. "Rider? What w—"

"No, Boss. I don't want to return home. Not yet at least."

Ilsamor was surprised to hear his own words from someone else. "No…" Then he corrected his thoughts, "Asemi did not want to return real world either."

"Why?"

Rider gave him a sad smile, and then sighed. "I know most of the players found nothing but dread and dead in these cursed lands, but what I found was something that I always yearned for."

"And what was that?" He asked though he was feeling like he already knew the answer.

"Family," said Rider before turning back and began walking towards the exit.

And for the first time in many months, Ilsamor thought if it was really a coincidence that three people which did not wish to return real world were bound together by Lady's will.

Days in Aincrad was getting better and better.

Ever since the Battle of the 4th Floor, life in Aincrad was developing. The orange and red activity was the lowest of all times, many new players had joined the front lines and Assault Team's progress was amazing.

And as a finishing touch, almost everyone in the Aincrad was talking about a rumor. The rumor that answered why seven male players were waiting inside Ashley's Shop.

"It is almost over," said Ashley while taking the measurements he needed. Ilsamor was forced to keep his arm in the air, but it was shaking due to tiredness. Seeing their invulnerable leader in such a position, Champions and Kirito were barely suppressing the chuckles.

Ilsamor gave them a glare "You know you will have to endure this too, right?" he asked. "Or the girls will kill you."

"Yeah, we know…" said Kirito "Still, this is hilarious."

"I think he is trying to say something."

"Like freedom at skies or something?" asked Warblade to Nautilus' question. Ilsamor took a deep breath to calm himself. "That reminds me, Nautilus did you ask what I wanted from you?"

"Yes Sensei…" said Nautilus, a hint of red did not escape from Ilsamor's eyes. "She said she would be honored."

"You seem quite honored yourself Nautilus." said Eurard with an amused face. Champions laughed while Nautilus grew even more flustered.

"Shut it."

"Aaand, we are done!" said Ashley finally, and Ilsamor arm fell down to his side limply. "Let me tell you, my dear, this will be my finest work yet. I will put my heart and soul in it."

"I am really grateful Ashley-san."

"It is nothing compared to what you and your friends did for us. All thanks to you that people can see their dream of getting out of this prison is not impossible, but a reality." Then she smiled and put her arm on Kirito's shoulder, which gained her a yelp from Kirito "Now, my dear Black Swordsman, it is your turn."

Kirito gave Ilsamor a pleading look "Do I have to?" Ilsamor forced himself to not laugh "You heard it, no suit no sandwich."

"Dammit!"

"You shouldn't give her such a powerful ace my friend." Ilsamor said while Sage seemed a little surprised "That sandwich really worth that much?"

"Sage," said Rider with the tone of a wise man "Asuna-san is the finest sandwich maker in all Aincrad, and you know how much I adore Boss' cooking skills."

"Then they must be truly wonderful. Can I—"

"No," said Kirito, giving no room for further discussion while getting ready in front of Ashley. She measured him like she did with Ilsamor and then thought a little while holding her right hand beneath her chin. "Hmm… I know just the thing for you. Considering what Asuna wanted, you would fit perfectly!"

"Wha—"

Kirito blushed while Champions laughed. Ilsamor patted his shoulders "Come on, admit it already! Kirito, there is not one person in the whole Assault Team that doesn't know the attraction between you two."

"Easy for you to say…" mumbled Kirito. "You are marrying with an angel, not the Lightning Flash!"

"Kirito, Kirito…" said Ilsamor while shaking his head. "First, you know there is a reason why Asemi is known with her alias, Spark. Have you ever seen her angry?"

"No, but—"

"And second…" interrupted Ilsamor. "Do you want me to tell this to Asuna?"

Kirito went pale. "You won't dare."

"Oh, but I think I will," said Ilsamor, and realizing what he was after Champions started a silent bet between them. Luckily, they were not the only ones.

Kirito seemed angry for a moment then he grinned "You only need to ask if you want a good beating Ilsamor, no need to beat around the bush!"

"Careful, maybe you can be the one that spanked!"

Like that, they exited from Ashley's shop for a brief time. Ashley just sighed "Boys…" and then approached to Rider "So, what are the rates?"

Match continued for a half-hour.

Next day continued with preparations.

Ilsamor controlled the house he bought for Asemi again and became sure everything was in place. He controlled his inventory and farmed some of the materials needed for the feast, then he became sure of the exact location of flowers Asemi wanted for her bouquet.

Of course, his enthusiastic behavior did not go unnoticed.

"It seems saying you are excited would be an understatement, eh Illy-boy?" said Argo while smiling towards him. Ilsamor shook his head "Well, I wasn't an easy guy, and we waited for so long. I want everything to be perfect."

"I can see that, but it would be good if you calm down a little."

Ilsamor stopped what he was doing and closed his eyes. He smiled a little "I can't."

Argo was surprised to see that Ilsamor was actually crying. She approached his friend "Are you okay?"

Ilsamor opened his eyes and looked away without losing the smile on his face. "I am. I have never been better."

Argo sighed, but she decided not to comment. She knew most of the hardships he had endured, and only a portion of them would cause most of the people to succumb into despair. And she was sure, Asemi had witnessed and accompanied Ilsamor in more desperate situations. They stood together almost since the beginning of this game.

First teacher and student, then as commander and vice commander.

Now as lovers.

Considering she was the one who gave the idea that made them a couple to Asemi, Argo felt like she was the architect of this happy occasion. "I guess marriage will happen on the 68th floor. Who will be—"

"Hikari," said Ilsamor without stopping. "She is the one with the most knowledge of the book after me in the guild."

"Makes sense, I guess…" said Argo, then her smile faded when she remembered why she had come here in the first place. "Listen, Ilsamor, there is something I want to ask you about."

"And which is?" said Ilsamor while looking at a list of the people they were thinking to invite.

"This may not be suitable for here, but what do you make of that silence of orange guilds?"

Ilsamor stopped and raised his head, and Argo saw the emotion behind his unending joy due to his marriage come forward.

Vigilance, a never-ending watch for the sake of his friends.

"I don't know to be honest, most of our undercover agents went silent," Ilsamor said, Argo could hear the worry in his voice. "Yet they are still not dead, which relaxes me a little. Though don't worry, while I am definitely hyped for my marriage, I haven't forgotten Laughing Coffin. We have an assault plan ready; we will deal with them once we return from our honeymoon."

"Honeymoon? Oh, you are a naughty boy Ilsamor."

"Nothing at all!" said Ilsamor with a slight blush. "Everything is almost ready, and I am still not allowed to see Asemi! How is she?" he asked which made Argo's grin wider "Come on, please?"

"Well, let's just say you will need to pass a will save check to be yourself at the wedding."

"Dammit, I knew I should let your rogue steal that diamond!"

"You are welcome revered game master," said Argo barely holding her laughter. Ilsamor just sighed in impatience "Well, let's handle the rest and be done with it. Tomorrow is the big day after all."

And that day had finally arrived.

68th floor was filled with many players, some came here to see the wedding of the famed couple, some came because of their obligation (diplomacy between guilds), and some were here to prevent a potential attack due to the high level of the floor, but many were here to see the happiness of their teacher.

Ilsamor was wearing a classic suit, made from the high-quality materials he had farmed and tailored from Ashley herself. At first look, suit seemed ordinary, but Ashley inscribed a barely visible elm tree on its surface, and buttons had lightning ornamentation on them. It was made from monstrous butterfly silk and his image was completed with shoes from black wyvern skin.

He was anxiously waiting at the altar, right next to him was Kirito, who had just recovered from seeing Asuna in her dress and was busy trying to get rid of the tie at his neck.

"Alright, stop it!" Ilsamor hissed "You know you cannot feel like suffocating in this game, right?"

"Yeah, but that asshole Kayaba modelled it far too good!" said Kirito, finally giving up from his war with the tie. "I bet he too hated them."

"Oh, how many common points you have."

"Shut it!"

Truth to be told Kirito was not the only one who had a mental shutdown after seeing girls with tailored dresses. Rider too was still acting like he was under hypnosis and Nautilus… Well, let's just say a person who met him at the wedding would describe his skin tone as pink.

Finally, one of the children under Sasha's care came running from a small sand hill. "Coming! She is coming!"

Ilsamor felt his tension hit the roof, he could feel the anticipation gathered in air.

At that moment, Life raised the hard-pounded blade from its anvil and looked at it.

What a fine blade it was.

Born from the holiest thing that existed in this world: love between man and woman and heated by the loss of a loving parent and paranoid fears of the remaining one.

Designed by the insights of a compassionate teacher who showed him a fraction of what he could be.

Hammered by all of the injustices he had lived, wishes he had heard and sights he had seen, by the delicate and careful hands of a second marvel: an AI gained not only sentience, but also human emotions to a degree.

And finally, the blade was cooled and hardened by the innocent and pure love of a woman.

And for Life, only one question remained.

Was it complete?

"No," Life thought unknown to the happy crowd gathered at the wedding. "His potential is far beyond what he is right now, but it is enough, for the moment."

And as the beautiful bride, a maiden of the sacred flame appeared while Agil was accompanying her, Life hanged the blade to its place on the wall, to show anyone who could see one of its master pieces.

But blades were not crafted to just show random people and soon Ilsamor would be used once more. For now, though, Ilsamor was busy with keeping his mouth from drooling and keeping his posture up after he saw the truly shocking wedding dress Ashley made for Asemi.

"Ilsamor… Right now, you are the luckiest man alive…" whispered Kirito. Ilsamor smiled "Yeah, I look forward to the day I will say that to you."

"Well, you may not need to wait that long," said Kirito, surprising both himself and Ilsamor. They couldn't talk more though as Asemi finally reached the altar and took her place near Ilsamor.

An utter silence occurred only to be disrupted when Hikari cleaned her throat.

"Dear guests, thank you all for attending the marriage of our commander Ilsamor and vice commander Asemi.

As Lady said to us in our book, "I have created many things ever since yoke of darkness was broken. Yet none of the metals I have created is stronger than love, none of the cloths I have created is softer either. None of the nectar I have bestowed to the land is sweeter and yet none is more bitter than it either.

By this, now under the gaze of her and all of the witnesses, I ask you…"

She slowly turned to Ilsamor "Ilsamor, do you accept Asemi as you wife, promising to see her as your equal and dearest companion in peace and war, health and sickness, in hope and in despair until the end?"

Ilsamor answered while opening his menu and sending a marriage proposal to Asemi "Yes."

Hearing his answer, Hikari turned to Asemi. "Asemi, do you accept Ilsamor as your husband, promising to see him as your equal and dearest companion in peace and war, health and sickness, in hope and in despair until the end?"

"I do…" said Asemi while pressing the blue button on the notification.

"Then, by the right Lady bestowed on me as her high priestess, I declare you man and wife." then she turned to Ilsamor smiling "You may now kiss the bride."

And he did, he could feel the rising happiness from his wife.

"And now, I invite all of you dear guests to the feast in honor of our new couple," said Hikari while Ilsamor and Asemi slowly walked on the carpet.

Just five meters away from the altar, long tables were set up on the grass, delicious smells were coming from them. Ilsamor had personally supervised some of their cooking processes and he too cooked many things for the feast.

Most of the guests moved immediately towards the table, so much so that it was like an assault. Luckily, there was enough food for everyone.

Asemi sighed and chuckled while shaking her head. "I swear, sometimes it feels like your unique skill is a mind-control one with cooking rather than the OP tank skill."

"Umm, Ilsamor-sama?"

They turned towards the girl who approached them from behind.

She was about the same height as Asemi, maybe Asemi was a few more centimeters longer than her. She had long brown hair and her eyes were carrying the color of amber. But the most interesting part about her was the weapon she was carrying because it was not a weapon, rather it was a musical instrument.

Ilsamor smiled, this was the person he was expecting. He slightly bowed to her "Yuna-san, I am honored that you accepted my request."

"Well, I couldn't deny it, not after everything you have done for us." said the girl with a cheerful voice. "I am happy to say that I memorized and practiced the song you wanted until I became convinced that it is perfect."

Ilsamor balled his hands into fists in excitement. "Perfect! Thank you so much!"

Asemi seemed confused about the talk those two were having. "What are you talking about? What song Ilsamor?" said Asemi, whose question only met a wink from Ilsamor. Then he turned back to Yuna "Then please tell me when you are ready."

"Alright, I will shake my hand when I am ready," said Yuna before bowing and leaving. Asemi could sense what was about to happen, yet she asked once more "What were you talking about Ilsamor?"

"I am sure you found out already my dearest," said Ilsamor. Lucky for him, before Asemi asked another question wedding cake was brought to the stage, and the crowd's attention once again pulled to the new couple.

Wedding cake was beautiful, with strawberry flavor and delicate decorations, it was a sight to behold. Asemi couldn't prevent tears from gathering in her eyes, seeing the care and affection from the man he loved once more.

Ilsamor really wanted to make this day as Asemi's best day of her life yet. Day itself (with few other surprises) was the wedding gift of him to her.

"Ilsamor…"

He understood what she was feeling as he slowly intertwined his fingers with hers. "All for you, my queen."

Then they proceeded to cut the cake.

The signal that Ilsamor was waiting from Yuna came fifteen minutes later. Asemi saw the shining of his eyes when he saw it, then he proceeded to an opening before talking to the crowd.

"Alright, everyone! Can I have your attention please?"

The crowd slowly turned towards him.

"Thank you all for being here on this happy day of ours! I hope you are enjoying the feast so far!"

Cheers were heard.

"Now, as a final surprise of the day, I would like to present you with an important guest who didn't reject my request and came here. Please, can I have applause for the Yuna whose voice has no equal?"

By the mention of Yuna, strong applause was heard and she proceeded to clearing as well before giving a bow towards the crowd.

"And now, in your presence, I invite my dear wife for the first dance of our new life!"

Crowd erupted in cheers and Asemi came forward, her face was red from embracement and happiness.

They took position for it, and Yuna began to sing the English song Ilsamor had requested from her.

"What day is it

And in what month?

This clock never seemed so alive

I can't keep up, and I can't back down

I've been losing so much time"

"Can I have this dance Lady Artemis?"

"Umm… Asuna, you know…"

"Yes, Kirito-kun?"

Soon after other couples joined the happy couple.

"'Cause it's you and me

And all of the people with nothing to do

Nothing to lose

And it's you and me

And all of the people

And I don't know why

I can't keep my eyes off of you…"

However both Ilsamor and Asemi were already lost in the song to notice anything else beside each other, just as it was said in the song.

Finally, at the end of the day, they were standing in front of the house Ilsamor had bought for them on the 68th floor.

House was a two-story building, painted with turquoise color, about two hundred meters away from the beach. Its garden was large, and had two trees inside it; one cherry tree and one daphne tree.

He and Asemi were standing in front of a white door.

Knowing she might want this, Ilsamor slowly turned to Asemi and curtseyed. "May I?"

She seemed to be didn't understand what he was proposing; thus, he took the matter into his own hands and suddenly took her for a bridal carry. She was blushing "S-Senpai…"

Ilsamor just smiled and opened the door. Then, carefully, they entered their house.

The living room had a refreshing air with its spring green colored walls. Two armchairs were placed to right and left of the chimney while a sofa was directly placed in front of it. Near the right-side window a bookcase was standing, Asemi noticed this was the one Ilsamor had in his office back at the temple.

Another door in the living room was leading to the kitchen, where Ilsamor had taken every measure to cook their favorite meals. Another door from the kitchen was leading to the garden, which Ilsamor decided to leave for later as they headed upstairs.

The second floor had three main areas: a bathroom, a wide terrace, a bathroom, and a bedroom.

The terrace had a beautiful view, it was looking towards the sea and had every necessary thing to feel relaxed, from a rocker to a small heater for cold nights, blankets, and even a stove for making tea and coffee.

Asemi was crying from happiness ever since Ilsamor started to show her the house. "It's… Beautiful."

"All for you," said Ilsamor, emotional intensity in his voice didn't go unnoticed, she slowly looked to him while Ilsamor's hug tightened slightly.

"Ilsamor?"

Ilsamor closed his eyes "I haven't noticed until it became already too late, but ever since the first day we have met, you have continuously grown in my heart. First, you were one of few people who ever entered it, but no matter how many entered you never got lost, only grew and grew. Finally, now and forever, you are the sole owner and ruler of my heart. It came to such a degree that I don't know if one day your wishes and the things I hold true clashes I will stick to my truths."

He slowly kneeled while still carrying her. "Now and forever. This life and any other lives. I will—"

He couldn't finish his sentence as Asemi leaned and kissed him, which made his mind go blank as he expected. After the kiss she put her forehead against his "Don't say things like that…" said Asemi, her voice was hoarse from emotion. "You have grown in my heart just as I've grown in yours. Your beliefs, your truths are mine too. We are in this together, not as master and slave or any other relationship about complete control. We are equals or at most upper and lower classmen about different experiences…" then she added with a whisper. "Senpai…"

Ilsamor sighed in peace and stood up to take her to the last room in the house.

Bedroom was large and consisted of a large bed for two people and a wardrobe for their clothes. The floor was covered by a soft rug, which was also ideal for keeping the room at optimum temperature. Ilsamor slowly put Asemi on the bed and went near the window to pull curtains. While he was at it, he could hear Asemi was busy with her menu.

However, just when he was about to turn he heard something. It was not the words but the tone which sent his mind into shutdown.

"Senpai…"

Is it just me or this was a bit… Seductive?

He slowly turned to his back and like that he lost the small portion of his mental health that he had gathered in a few seconds.

May Kayaba, Lady, God, or whoever is responsible for Ashley-san's happiness bless her with an eternal one!

Then Asemi opened a setting at her window, and Ilsamor knew where things were heading. With the last portion of his sanity asked "A-Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't want with anyone else, other than the man I love," said Asemi. She was blushing furiously, but her eyes were filled with determination and love.

Ilsamor gulped and deactivated the ethical code.

There is a quote that belongs to Tolkien, a quote that may explain why stories usually consist of hardships. He says, "Best stories come from the moments hard to live, while pleasant moments rarely make good ones."

This was why not many people talk about this portion of Ilsamor's life.

Still don't get it? Because he had no problems for that brief portion of time.

He and Asemi had taken their leave for their honeymoon and they were usually busy with mundane things. From enjoying each other's company to gardening to silent nights at the terrace, reading books and attending a few theaters (he was really happy that some players thought about it), gardening to swimming, pleasant walks to... well, passionate nights…

Of course, he knew he would face a huge operation once he was back and the couple was still making their war plans based on the intel Argo was providing to them. From the plan they were making, he was sure Swords could eliminate at least eighty percent of the remaining orange presence with the hope of capturing most of them alive (Still he would shed no tears if some of the red players were killed).

Besides that, he and Asemi visited many places and attended Hikari's speeches about the Lady. They were especially fond of visiting Sasha's church at Town of Beginnings, children were happy to hear their stories and spend the time with two of their heroes.

However, neither good nor bad things tend to last forever, and in their case, the curtain of the next stage of their lives opened towards the end of the second week of their honeymoon.

Ilsamor was brewing one of Asemi's favorite tea on the stove next to their rocker, while Asemi was wrapped up to the blanked, watching Ilsamor's work. It was night, a cool breeze was carrying the much-needed fresh air towards the land.

The sky was clear, and stars were a feast to watch.

"It is almost ready," said Ilsamor with a smile on his face. He was like that ever since their first day, always smiling and always in the mood. His joy was contagious, Asemi soon found herself smiling fondly. "No one brew this tea like you do."

"Believe me, I may not either if I didn't know I was brewing it for you," answered Ilsamor while sitting next to her. Asemi immediately wrapped the blanket around him and put her head to the grove between his neck and shoulder.

For a time, they did not hear anything but the slow boiling sound of hot water.

"Senpai, can you teach me cooking too?"

Ilsamor sighed "You know you don't need to ask. If you want it, then I will, gladly." Asemi chuckled at his answer "You need to learn saying no to me. What if I want the most expensive diamond when we return back to the real world?"

Ilsamor suddenly tensed. Asemi quickly added, "I-I was just joking…"

However, his tension was not eased and Asemi raised her head enough to see where he was looking at. And when she realized it, she threw the blanket immediately.

There was a big crowd of people coming towards them from the town.

"There is something wrong here," said Ilsamor, then he quickly equipped his battle equipment, soon Asemi followed him.

When they finally got out of their house, most figures had become discernible. From what Ilsamor could see, many members from many different guilds were there from KoB to DDA, and he could even see some members of Fuurinkazan. For the first time, Klein was not smiling.

What's worse he was not alone. No one was smiling and many had bowed their heads, even the ones leading them, Rider and Kirito. Especially Kirito's state scared the hell out of Ilsamor, he had only seen him like that once. He had both of his swords on his back, but he was also holding another blade, a very thin one, in his hands.

"I have a bad feeling about this…" said Asemi, preparing herself for the worst while Ilsamor could not bear to wait anymore, and he took a few steps towards Rider. "Rider, what is the problem?"

"Boss…" said Rider, there was no trace of his joy at his words "…they…"

"Blade-sama!" said a knight from KoB, Ilsamor had recognized him. He was one of his old students. "We… We…"

"Fucked up," said Kirito without raising his head. Ilsamor looked to Rider for an explanation. Rider took a deep breath. "Major guilds leading the Anti Orange Coalition decided Laughing Coffin and remnants of other orange guilds had been weakened, enough to handle by themselves. So, they had held a meeting approximately four days ago, deciding to end them."

Ilsamor's eyes widened with shock "Oh, no…"

There were a few reasons for his fear. While the rift between him and the Anti Orange coalition was partly closed, they were still not approving many of his tactics and killing. The unfortunate part was those tactics were the main victory bringers. Also, the fact that orange guilds backed into a corner was not making things easier either. He was getting angry "Why? I would return in a few days and we could end it together, we were planning this for weeks!"

"Exactly!" said one person who came out of the crowd with red eyes though Ilsamor was not sure was it due to anger or sadness, and grabbed him by his jacket. "Where were you?! Why you were not there!"

Ilsamor slowly held his shoulders and looked into his eyes. "What happened?"

"We were sold." said one DDA member. "They knew all of our plans and they just trapped us. We suffered horrific losses on each front…"

"We were wrong about their equipment level…" said Klein, his voice was hoarse from sadness. "Especially those two, Nocturn and PoH cut through our ranks."

Ilsamor turned to him "Why didn't you ask Argo? She and I were gathering intelligence about possible spies, their equipment level… Just, why—"

"Command did not want anything from you or her…" said a female player, her uniform belonged to Vengeance Spirits guild, she looked like a high-ranked member. "It was not unanimous, but most wanted glory for themselves by finishing a weak prey."

"Was this a time for glory?! Why none of you object it!?" said Ilsamor, but he could not continue as he saw what Kirito was carrying.

His eyes filled with tears.

A long, slender blade forged by Aincrad's most talented blacksmith and upgraded to +20 by her. It was one of the reasons its owner had her nickname.

Lambent Light, rapier of Asuna the "Flash".

Asemi too must have noticed it as she asked with a trembling voice "K-Kirito, where is Asuna?"

A tear was set free from Kirito's left eye.

"She… She…"

Ilsamor didn't wait for the rest of sentence. He hugged him, knowing his friend needed this right now. While Kirito was trying to stay strong, his body was trembling. Ilsamor knew very well what he was feeling.

Then the crowd parted and a small boy came forward. Ilsamor knew him too, as he was one of his oldest students. From the look in his eyes, Ilsamor knew he decided to do something unprecedented.

He slowly kneeled before him. "Blade-sama, please help us."

Then he said the sentence everyone in Aincrad was trying to remember. "Because we are at Sword's mercy."

Asemi gasped while Ilsamor felt the surge of surprise. Noticing their reactions, other players began to do the same.

"We are at Sword's mercy Ilsamor-sama."

"Put those bastards to their graves!"

"Enough is enough!"

"Only choice is Sword's Mercy Ilsamor!"

Ilsamor was not listening to any of them, as his attention was pulled back to Kirito once his grip on Ilsamor jacket tightened. " Help me to take her revenge Ilsamor. Because… I am too at Sword's mercy."

The next day, a crowd had gathered at the back of the 22nd floor's temple, or more specifically Sword's graveyard.

Ever since the Battle of Coral Fields, this area, unfortunately, got bigger as more and more Swords or their allies fell and their weapons were brought here, as a reminder of the cost of war.

Ilsamor stood near Kirito who was still refusing to sleep, and he was still holding Asuna's rapier tightly. Ilsamor had to talk to him for a long time to make him agree about leaving her sword here.

They were just waiting for Hikari's speech to end. Asemi, Lisbeth, and Argo were standing together while Champions were standing at the ready in their formal uniforms. In their eyes, Asuna was their comrade in arms who stood with them at impossible odds too many times.

"I couldn't even tell her 'I love you' Ilsamor…" said Kirito, Ilsamor did not answer. Then he chuckled self-deprecatingly "You were right. Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid."

Ilsamor didn't answer again.

Finally, Hikari finished her speech and signaled Kirito to come forward and stab the rapier to the ground.

"May her soul rest in peace and may she receive our Lady's eternal blessing," said Hikari, indicating the end of the ceremony, her voice was trembling too. Many players bowed their heads for one last time, then slowly started to leave the graveyard.

Kirito came and stood near Ilsamor one last time, only to notice he was murmuring a song.

He instantly knew which song it was. SAO may this century's most surprising development, but before that Kirito played many MMORPGs. This song belonged to one of them, a classic and an old king. While his English was not that good, he knew the meaning of the words Ilsamor was saying.

I heard, I heard

Across a moonlit sea…

The old voice warning me.

Kirito joined him at last part, both balling their hands into fists.

"Beware, beware the Daughter of the Sea."

Beware, beware…

Ilsamor raised his head and pulled his sword, only to raise it towards the air. Sky answered his call as sounds of thunder and war were heard from the clear sky.

of me.

The bloodiest campaign of Swords was about to begin.

A/N: Holy smokes, I didn't realize that much has passed! I am sorry for the long delay, school, anxiety about the future and my other story were a few things that kept me busy in my life. I think I can give this story more "regular" updates at least until the Crusade arc ends.

I hope you are faring well in your lives, until next time!

First song: You and Me(Lifehouse)

Second Song: Warbringers: Jaina