Happy New Year, everyone. Hope you all are having a good, safe holiday season as we enter 2021.

Another double upload today to celebrate the new year, so be sure to check both chapters out.


Norlangarth, Rulid Village

"Jaymes, go now!" Once Tiese clears me a path between the swarm of monsters and the Clamp sitting outside Rulid Village, I hoist my sword up and let it glow red with the Vorpal Blade skill. Leaping off my right foot I fly through the masses and strike the fruit of the Clamp, shattering it and killing the Clamp.

I'm exhausted after several tough fights not only just earlier today at the castle but on route to Rulid. Eydis, Sortiliena, Ronie, and some of the wayfarers are holding off the beasts in the woods just south of here, but with the Clamps taken out, this fight should be over soon. With the last beast slain in my vicinity, I sheathe Falchion (still recharging its true power, and it will do so for a few more days) and look to Tiese. "You alright?"

"Yes, although I'm ready for a long sleep and a bath."

"I'll have to agree with you on that." I wonder if there's a place in the Underworld with hot springs, I'll kill for it. If there isn't, I know how to make one happen, if I can recreate such a thing like it was possible in ALO with fire magic. For now, the task at hand. I turn to Medina, who not only got to the village first but recruited the wayfarers Alice brought here just days prior. "Medina, you and the others help these people escape. When we make sure the area is secure, I shoot a flare in the sky."

"Very well. Let's go, everyone!"

"Yes, my savior! Obeying you is my one true pleasure in life!"

As Medina leaves, I spot Eydis and her group joining us. "Eydis, stay here with Alice in case something happens. Sortiliena, Ronie, come with me and Tiese. Us and the wayfarers will make sure the region is secure."

"Right!"


Eydis

"Putting us on guard duty, the nerve of that boy." Eydis sighs as she leans against the church window, then turns her head to see the door opening and the small figure walking out. "Oh, hello Selka."

Selka bows to greet Eydis and faces Alice, the one-eyed golden Integrity Knight's back to her. "Umm, Alice? Thank you for coming to save me."

Alice says nothing back, which quickly annoys Eydis for some reason unknown to her. She just has an inner feeling Alice should treat Selka better. "Alice."

"What is it," Alice responds.

"I know you mean well, but a friend once said you'll regret what you don't say."

"But I'm not Alice Zuberg...the sister that girl remembers."

"And? Who said that matters? You protected the person you cared about, Alice. If you didn't care, why keep your promise to Eugeo? If you're going to protect the body, protect the memories that body made as well."

Alice turns away, slowly nodding her head. "True."

"Alice," Selka calls again.

Alice faces her sister, kneeling down to her level. "Selka, I ant to keep you safe. Regardless of my memories, that will not change. Even if I'm not really Alice Zuberg, you are very special to me, Selka."

"But you are my sister. It's no big deal if you're missing some memories. So please come home any time you want!" As Alice thanks Selka, Eydis feels her eyes well up. She walks away to give the sisters some privacy and stares up at the starry night.

"Please spare her. She did nothing wrong…"

"Calm yourself. You're the only one I'm taking."

"Oh… That's good to hear… I'm sorry, sweetie… Stay well."

A streak of light illuminates the night sky. The signal from Jaymes meaning the area is secure. Eydis wipes her face and takes a deep breath. "Back to work, Eydis. Back to work."


Jaymes

"Good work tonight, Medina. Everyone's safe and sound."

Medina accepts my appreciation and turns to the wayfarers. "You hear that? Good work, everyone."

"Medina! What would you ask of us next?"

"Please stand by for now."

"Yes, my savior!" As Medina comes and joins me, the clinking of armor reaches ours ears. It's Alice, and as expected, she's unhappy. I was hoping to not get involved in this conversation, but it seems unavoidable now.

"Alice."

"There is something I need to ask you."

"About the wayfarers, I assume."

"These people didn't want to fight. They chose to find their Callings here. So why...why did you use your touch on them, and make them your pawns."

I sigh and face Medina. "Did you talk to them about it first, Medina?"

"No."

Alice lowers her brow. "You made them your pawns without asking?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I thought it was necessary. We need them to protect our empire."

"Because we cannot depend on the sentries?"

Medina nods. "The sentries neglect their duties, and don't even try to save the people! And the ACTF is chronically understaffed. There are never enough people to help us! I used my touch to 'ask' these people to patrol and protect Norlangarth because I determined that this was how I protect the people here!"

"Is that reason enought to twist another's will? I still cannot approve…"

"But you don't mind giving orders?"

I intervene. "Medina. You had a plan, didn't you? You did it to protect the village."

'And for your family's honor, right," Alice adds.

Medina scoffs. "Maybe the ACTF really is making a mistake. Just like he said…"

"What are you saying? Of course that man was in the wrong."

"Kirito killed the Pontifex, didn't he? If you're saying that was right, why hide it?"

"We explained there were reasons for that!"

"But neither of you told me about it? We're supposed to be friends, right?"

"I had my own reason for not telling you, and it almost went down that way. But I didn't intend to keep it a secret just because Kirito did it."

Medina steps back and turns away from us. "People are suffering all over this world! And your way isn't saving anyone! From now on… I'll keep fighting my own way. Come on." Medina gathers her followers and heads out.

"Where are you going?"

"To hunt beasts. I'm going to mop up any survivors you may have missed with my followers. As the current head of House Orthinanos, I will lead others to protect this realm."

As Medina leaves the village outskirts, I sigh and cross my arms. "Why are all redheads so difficult?"

"It would do no good to try to stop her now," Alice says. "Jaymes, if you feel I started…"

"it's fine. Let's worry about the village. Eydis told me you warmed up to Selka. That's good to know."

"Thank you."

"For now, let's worry about Medina in the morning. We'll make one last round, get some rest, then make way for Centoria in the morning."


Sustnel Mountains, Norlangarth

The following morning, we regrouped with Medina and her followers, though last night's bad terms still festered in the air. After two days passed and on our way back to base...well, at one point, someone started to become famished and wanted to make a food stop. Alice said it was impossible, since we should continue onward to Centoria and we've exhausted our expedition funds. But after much convincing, the hungry person got her to yield if we foraged for food, so I volunteered myself and Medina (due to her expertise on living off the land while traveling) to go search.

No, I am not the person who is hungry? I'm not Kirito, ha ha…

"I didn't ask for your help," Medina points out as we traverse the woods. "You got me away from the others on purpose because you're worried about me, right?"

Well, no, but actually yes. "I am actually hungry, and besides me, you're the only other person who knows how to hunt. But if there's anything you'd like to say, go ahead, speak your mind."

Medina clicks her tongue. "You piss me off."

I turn to her and smirk. "And the color of your hair annoys me."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Just something I've learned over the years."

"Whatever… Has Alice said anything about me since the other night?"

I shake my head. "No, not that I've heard."

"I see…"

"Things really have been awkward between you two lately. You should talk to her, you know."

"I know I should, but… I don't know what to say to her. The words just get stuck in my throat. And I can't apologize, anyway, because I don't think I'm doing anything wrong."

"I see."

Medina stops beside me, so I stop a few steps ahead and turn to her. She looks at me as she searches for an answer. "Do you think I'm wrong?"

"No. No, I don't think it's as simple as right or wrong. But there's no need to rush it. You can talk to her again later."

"Hmph. And here I thought you had all the answers, Lord of Knights."

I shake my head as we continue walking. "No, I… I'm no better than you are now."

"Oh?"

"There's...my ex-girlfriend back home. We broke things off some time ago, and are trying to be friends as we used to be. I've tried moving on, even with my best friend, but that didn't work out. Now I think it's for the best, but that leaves a very awkward conversation with my ex. I can't escape her, that will make things worse, but I can't form the words of how I feel."

"Because you're still in love with a dead girl?"

That...sounds hurtful coming from Medina, but I don't know if it is the truth. "I don't know if it is that, but the attachment is there."

"Hey! You there!" In the woods approaches a big man in noble clothings along with a pair of sentries. I guess we stumbled upon noble territory, but then again...how would I know?

"You're speaking to us?"

"How dare you speka to me so casually, commoner?"

I look at my clothing and Medina's. I'm not sure commoners could dress like us, and one of is a born noble. Medina, however, wisely speaks up before I make such an argument. "I apologize for his ill manners, but if I may be so bold as to ask--"

"Have you commoners seen my beautiful, refined Marlou?"

"Like your wife or daughter?"

"Neither! My cat!"

"Your cat?"

"You're looking for your pet?"

"Marlou is no ordinary cat! With her silken coat and voice like a ringing bell." Ugh, he sounds like Keiko talking about her cat. Difference is, I like Keiko enough to listen. "Ahh… What if she's abducted by a filthy commonr, just to be put on display? Marlou! My Marlou!"

Maybe a nobleman's cat might be nutrious… Nah, I'm not that desperate for food. "Hmm, good luck with that. Haven't seen her. By-="

"Please, calm down. What does your cat look like?" Oh no. Don't tell me we're going to help him? This can't be happening again.

"Marlou has fur like white marble, eyes like gold, and toes like pink peaches. And she's wearing a collar set with a jewel unlike any other in this world!"

"Where did you last see her?"

"I was inspecting my lands and looked away for just a moment, and she disappeared! If I'd known this would happen, I would never have brought Marlou along!"

Medina nods. "We offer our help, if you'll accept it."

"Huh?"

"Oho! To make such a noble offer...just who are you?"

"We're out hunting beasts for the Axiom Church's Anti-Cedar Task Force. This is Jaymes, and I am Medina Orthinanos."

The nobleman's face shifts from gratitude to hilarity as he repeats her name. "Orthinanos? Hahahahaha! No one from that family of defects could ever hope to find my Marlou! If you could, I'd pay you whatever you liked as a reward...but you can't!"

"I'll hold you to your word," Medina replies. "Now, then, we'll be off to find your precious cat. Jaymes."

Seeing no way out of it yet also seeing opportunity, I face the nobleman. "You can leave this to Medina. We'll be sure to find your cat."

"Hmph. Don't make me laugh! As if an Orthinanos could ever find her!"

I shrug. "Maybe, but two of them could. And could I ask your name, since you know ours? I'd hate to...call you what's on my mind."

The nobleman growls. "You little… Ah, well, I suppose there's no harm in it. I am Diamon Altimious, chairman of the Cat Lovers' Club."

Medina gasps. "The Cat Lovers' Club?"

Medina knows of it? "What's that?"

"Made up of cat-loving nobles, it has a long tradition in Norlangarth."

"Sounds stupid."

Altimious scoffs. "It's only natural to fear what you fail to understand. But yes, I lead tha esteemed company, and I am known as the 'Cat Baron!'"

Yep, I have to come to one conclusion after spending around a week in Norlangarth. Past or present, this kingdom is full of weirdos. "You sound too proud of that, sir."

"But search all you want, Orthinanos brat and her boy! And take this with you!" He hands me a bucket with a fish swimming inside.

"Favorite treat?"

"Only the freshest, plumpest blue sardines for my Marlou! Feed that to her if you find her! She must be hungry by now!"

Medina looks inside the bucket in surprise. "A blue sardine! You can't be serious!"

"Oho, surprised? I doubt a commoner or an Orthinanos could afford to eat one! Now you must realize just how highly I value my Marlou! Now then, hurry and search! My vacation home is nearby. Come if you find her!" The nobleman and his party departs, still calling out for his cat. I look at the pail again, just wondering if this 'quest' is worth the trouble… It was once before, back in SAO. It is how Koharu and I met Sachi, after all, over a meal and a little help in exchange

"What a haughty way to ask for some help."

Medina shrugs. "But if we find the cat, we can ask for enough shia to buy food. Let's go."

"Oh, was that your plan all along?"

"No. I was truly worried about the cat. I'd like to make that jackass pay us. Something I learned from an annoying redhead. But we can't hold that against the cat. Let's hurry and find her. And then… Forget it, I'll tell you later."

"Okay...so the fish?"

"Blue sardines have a strong smell, and cats find them additive. So if there's a blue sardines habitat around here, the cat will seek it out… Don't look at me like that. I just...love cats, that's all."

I laugh at Medina's embarrassed and cute expression and gesture for her to lead the way. "See, and you didn't want to come along."

"Shut up."


"So there is a blue sardine habitat," I point out as we cross a wooden bridge over a river. I can see similar fishes to the one in the bucket swimming freely in the water around the bridge. "That means "Marlou' must be nearby."

I hear Medina giggle at my impersonation of the Cat Baron. "Hehe… Yes. Wait." She stands still in front of me, and we both hear what is definitely meowing. "A cat! It came from over there!"

"I hate to say it, but it certainly doesn't sound like a 'ringing bell'. Sounds like what I hear whenever Eydis talks longer than two seconds."

"I am not going to agree with the latter half of that statement, but we should still go look." We run across the bridge and follow the harsh cat cries to a...poor cat stuck in a rock. If this is Marlou, the Cat Baron forgot the detail in which his cat is round.

"You don't think...this chubby cat's the right one, do you?"

"She's got white fur and a jewel on her collar. This is definitely Marlou."

"Not what I imagined."

"It looks like she's stuck here and can't get free herself. Here we go…" Medina grabs Marlou and tries to pull her out, but the cat barely bulges. Medina tries two more times herself to no avail. "Ugh! It's no good. I'm not strong enough to pull her out."

"I'll give it a go. Scooch over." Medina slides over and I take hold of Marlou, yet before I even get a good go at it, Marlou shrieks and scratches my hand. "Ow! What the hell? She scratched me really hard! You stupid cat!"

"Myahhhhh!"

Medina chuckles as she checks my hand. "Apparently she's quite shy. Or doesn't like rough men like you."

"...I don't like her either."

"Guess me and Marlou have something in common." Medina drops my hands and walks back to Marlou. "Let's try again. I'll grab her and pull. You support me from behind and pull too." I do what Medina says and go behind her. "Ready?"

"Ready.I'll hold you up." I reach down and grab Medina around her waist to her stomach, in which she lets out a light gasp. "What is it?"

"I d-didn't expect you to touch my stomach like that!"

Oh, here we go. "Let's remember that this was your idea, not mine. Where else would you like me to hold and support you?"

"Ugh… Whatever. Now then, I'll pull on Marlou. Jaymes, pull me back as hard as you can."

"Roger." Medina starts to pull on Marlou, and I pull on Medina. With our combined strength, we yank Marlou out and land on the ground. As I groan from my ringing head, I open my eyes to see Medina's face above my own. We stare at each other for a moment before she smacks the hell out of me with her gloved hand and gets up. I grit my teeth in pain but let it slide for the moment. "Good work...Medina."

"You too, Jaymes."

I look at the freed cat who meows at Medina's feet. "I'm not even hungry anymore. I just want to report our progress and lay down."

"I feel the same way, but since we've found Marlou, we should return her to the Baron." Medina picks her up with a grimace, but I'm not offering to carry that heavy demon nor do we have the unlimited Sacred Power to do so. Not even my Incarnation Alfheim gives me unlimited Sacred Power, just the ability to summon the arts anywhere I want. Once my stamina is spent, it is spent. So I'll make sure to let her rest when she needs too. "There, there. Don't worry. We're taking you back to your owner now."

I look at Medina, smiling to myself. Beneath all that hard exterior, she really does have a soft, cute side...just one of the many annoyances about redheads. "Give me your sword and bags. That'll lighten your load."

"Thank you. That's much better… Let's go."


We returned Marlou to the Cat Baron, and Medina even advised him to change Marlou's diet of blue sardines to something less addictive and hurtful to the cat. For once, Medina's words reached a nobleman. He took her words to heart and promised to take better care of Marlou. It even surprised me, after seeing how nobles regarded the defective House Orthinanos, that the Baron thanked Medina and offered to spread her good graces to the rest of his club.

So with plenty of money and food to take back, we make our way to our task force. "You really are great with cats, Medina. You saved Marlou. You helped more than anyone else could have. Thanks."

"I couldn't have saved her if you hadn't helped pull."

"True, but if that didn't work, I would have broken the rock, possibly hurting Marlo in the process… But not only did we get food and showed the Cat Boss--"

"Baron."

"--Baron some humility, House Orthinanos' reputation may improve a bit, too. He said he'd tell all those other nobles about your 'great qualities', right?"

Medina lowers her head. "Even if he and a handful of nobles change their minds, it won't restore our honor."

"Maybe, but it is a start. He realized that his beliefs about your family were wrong. Beliefs aren't always the truth. And he knows that now, right? If you keep gaining more people's trust, you can change that belief about you."

"By gaining people's trust?"

"Mhm. Take it from someone who saw it happen once before with an idiot swordsman who took on a burden for everyone just like him." I walk on, not noticing Medina lingering behind, nor not knowing just the effect my words had on her. If only I told her that she had already earned my trust right then and there, I could have prevented what is to come...