Floor 1, two months after the launch of SAO.
(Kirito's POV)
The trip to Tolbana was relatively quick and quiet, save a few monsters that popped up here and there.
Asuna and I reached the city gate by 3:11. We passed by the lone guard standing by the city entrance. He greeted us as we went, a typical generated reaction from an NCP.
The two of us walked among the populated streets filled with various NCPs and other Players probably gathered here for the meeting.
After a few minutes of walking, I turned around to face the red cloaked Asuna following behind me.
"We'll meet up at the Amphitheater at 4." I said to her before turning back around. I took a few steps away before turning around to face Asuna once more.
"One more thing..." I started but couldn't find the exact words. We awkwardly stared at one another for a few moments before I waved it off and continued on my way.
I could feel Asuna's gaze upon my back, probably wondering what the hell that was all about.
I couldn't exactly place it, but it seems that her desire to die has vanished. Still, its best to keep an eye on her.
And I knew just the person for the job.
I waited a few moments to gain some distance before I pulled up my messenger and quickly typed up a request to the person I had in mind.
A few minutes after I sent my message, I felt a hand grab onto my shoulder.
"Hey, thought that was you Kirito!" A familiar voice rang in my ear.
I turned my head around, surprise to see the red haired man standing there.
"Klein!" I said in cheery surprise.
Klein was the first player I interacted with on the first day of SAO. I spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon with the guy as I showed him the basics of the combat system.
He picked up what I taught him a few hours before Kayaba's speech announcing our imprisonment in this death game.
One I decided to leave the Town of Beginnings, I tried to take Klein with me. The latter decided to stay behind and help his friends left behind in the squire.
He's one of the few people I consider a true friend.
After we split up I haven't seen him since. Once I heard about all the player deaths I assumed the worst.
I know, I should've had more faith in the guy.
The latter smiled wide, grinning his teeth. "Long time no see, eh buddy?"
"I haven't seen you since the game started." I answered with a smile. Honestly, I was glad to see him still among the living. "How've you been? Did you meet up with your friends?"
"Sure did!" Klein instantly replied. "They're in town gathering supplies for the boss battle."
I let out a huff. "So you're here to fight too huh?"
"Of course! Why else would we be here?" Klein said before closing one of his eyes. He smiled wide, showing his teeth. "We're gonna show you how bad ass we really are!"
I closed my eyes, letting out a smile. When I reopened them, I look straight into my friend's smiling face.
"Just try not to slow me down, ok?"
A few minutes earlier, soon after Kirito left...
(Asuna's POV)
I continued to stare in the direction Kirito walked off to, despite him disappearing into the crowd around me.
What he tired to say a few moments before heading out left me in wonder. I couldn't quite figure him out.
If anything he seemed rather awkward when trying to talk to other.
"You concerned?"
I heard a voice say behind me. I turned my head, seeing a hooded wearing, scruffy green haired girl with 6 red striped whiskers (3 on each side of her face).
This wasn't the first time we meet, though I haven't learned her name from the last time.
This player is an info broker, one whom helped me out when SAO just started. Until I learned her actually name I simply called her Info.
Info stood uncomfortably close to my backside and, if I didn't know her beforehand I would've probably smacked her for startling me.
As I tried to process how exactly Info suddenly appeared behind me without my knowledge as well as the question she just asked, all I could do was offer these few words:
"Uh...What?"
After I spoke, she grabbed onto my shoulders with both hands shacking me to and fro.
"You've been hard at work I see." She said between the motions. "I heard this rumor about a certain red riding hood and a chivalrous knight hunting for 3 days straight in a labyrinth not too far from here, only to be saved by the Black Wolf, the Renegade and his band of adventurers."
Info stopped shaking me shortly after she finished speaking. I looked at her, knowing full well what she was talking about.
"Well...Yes that's true but I don't-"
"You know that guy you came here with shows up at the strategy meetings every so often and helps out by teaching the other players a few tricks." Info said, interrupting me.
"He and I know each other, so if u want I can pull some strings and-"
I twirled around, my cheeks starting to swell with heat as they turned red.
"Wha-wha-what are you thinking Info?!" I half shouted. "I just meet him and you're trying to hook us up?"
Info smirked. "Ah I see. So that's how you look at in huh?" She tilted her head slightly to the right, closing her eyes. "Well now, that isn't bad information to use for blackmailing."
I didn't understand what she meant, nor did I want to know.
"Forget it." I said, waving it off. I paused for a moment when a particular idea popped into my head.
"Info," The latter turned to face me. "Could you tell me about that player's history?"
"Oh?" Her face perked up in curiosity. "You just meet him and already you're asking about their history? Seems like I can't underestimate you Asu."
I decided to let Asu slide, not that I mind people I know calling me by some nickname long as it wasn't too weird.
Besides, the nickname was the least of my worries.
I raised a finger to my right eyebrow, pushing it up as I thought once again what Info is hinting at.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." I said, utterly confused.
"I don't mind sharing that info if you give me a good price," Info started to reply. "But just so you know, this action will count as new information to be sold and shared. Is that ok?"
It was at that moment I realized exactly what Info was implying.
"No thanks!" I shouted, crossing my arms as I turned my head away. "I have no interest in that guy!"
"Is that right?" Info replied with a sly smile.
"Rat!" A new, familiar voice called out. "Wait up!"
I turned my gaze towards the source, as did Info. Running towards us, panting were the siblings Alex and Tifa.
The two stopped in front of us a few moments later. Trying to catch their breath, Alex slumped over while Tifa collapsed on her knees barely keeping herself up right.
"I never...felt so...exhausted..." Alex struggled to say.
"Ssooo...Tireeddd..." Tifa added.
I felt bad for the two, though that feeling was soon overtaken by the realization of Info was Rat. The same friend Ryder mentioned.
I turned my head to her. "You're Rat? The one who asked Ryder to save me?"
"The one and only." Rat replied before crossing her hands behind her head.
She turned her attention to the siblings, staring down at them with a curious gaze.
"You two, we only ran a few dozen miles. How come you're so tired?"
I cringed as she said dozen miles.
"That's exactly why where so tired!" Alex managed to yell between breaths. "No normal person can run that much without taking a break!"
"My legs feel like they're burning!" Tifa shouted, tears starting to fall down her face. "It hurts oni-chan!"
"I know sis." Alex paused for a few breaths. "I don't think...I don't think I can move anymore."
"That's disappointing." Rat started. "And here I thought the guy calling himself Ryder's rival would have more to him than this."
"EVEN HE DOESN'T MAKE ME RUN DOZENS OF MILES RAT!" Alex replied, somehow finding the strength to scream.
This drew the attention of several nearby players, stopping what they were doing to see what was going on.
I decided to cut in at that moment, especially since a certain question came to mind.
"Speaking of," I started, ignoring the crowd. "If you are here, than where is Ryder and the others? Didn't they head off to meet you?"
Rat turned her head towards me. "Oh yeah, I sent them a message a little while ago." She bluntly replied. "They should be here in about 20 minutes or so."
"I see." I replied with a half hearted laugh.
I don't know too much about the others, but if I were them I would be mad doing all this pointless running. Would've save a whole lot of time if Rat had messaged them sooner that she was coming to Tolbana.
"Well we have a little under an hour before the meeting starts." Rat said. She edged over to me, gently tapping her elbow into my shoulder with a wide grin. "Wanna have some fun before then?"
I blinked a few times before offering my reply.
"Eh?"
Meanwhile, en route to Tolbana.
(Luna's POV)
Sir Ryder and his party had traveled some far distance from the place we parted ways with Sir Kirito and Lady Asuna before the mysterious Rat sent a message to our party leader.
"That's so like her." Sir Ryder sent with a grumble once he read the message. He turned, looking to his companions. "Looks like Rat's at Tolbana."
"Really?" Sir Titan said with disappointment. He let out a sigh. "Now we have to walk all the way back."
"We'd have to do that anyway." Sir June replied. "Or did you think we would simply teleport there?"
"Shut up shota." Sir Titan rudely replied.
After that bit of dialogue, we changed direction and headed towards Tolbana.
I walked close to Sir Ryder, occasionally glancing in his direction.
I choose to travel with this man and his companions to ask him how he and his fellows became so strong, yet here I have the perfect opportunity to ask such a question but remain silent.
Why? Why do I hesitate at such a profound moment such as this?
No matter how many times I ask myself, I failed to find the answer.
Moments continued to pass as I continue to waste what few precious time we had until we would reach the city of Tolbana.
"Something on your mind?" Sir Ryder asks me suddenly, glancing over his shoulder.
I blinked my eyes a few times, surprised at the question. I took the next few moments to regain my focus.
"What makes you believe so, Sir Ryder?" I asked in response.
"You've been glaring at me every so often." Ryder answered, turning his head back around. "The way I see it, either you're thinking about something relating to me or you're starting to develop a bit of a crush."
"Wha-why would I ever-" I hastily replied. I could feel my face turning bright red as I struggled to utter an proper response.
Sir Ryder laughed in response. "You know, it's that exact reaction that make others thing you're actually falling for me."
"Ah...well I..." I couldn't find the proper words to respond and denounce this accusation. As words continued to allude me, Sir Ryder let out another laugh at my expense.
"Sorry, I seemed to have caught you off guard with that joke." He said. "Here you have questions for me and I'm messing with your head. My bad."
I frowned, not in the normal way more like the embarrassed type of frown. "Well Sir Ryder, so long as you cease said 'messing with my head' I'll forgive you this time."
"How gracious of you." He replied with a hint of sarcasm.
I let out a sigh, calming myself down. Once I regained my composure, I readied myself for the question I desired to have answered.
"Sir Ryder, if I maybe so bold." I started. "May I ask how you and your companions are so strong?"
Sir Ryder glanced back at me, silently staring at me for the next few moment.
"Strong huh?" He finally replied. "You really think that?"
I nodded in response.
Sir Ryder turned his head back. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well...I'm not that strong."
"I beg your pardon, but that's a poor lie Sir Ryder." I replied in a serious tone. "You and your comrades are indeed strong, greatly so. In fact you are the strongest players I have seen thus far."
Sir Ryder shook his head. "We simply know what we are doing is all. Once the rest of you realize that and catch up we won't be all that powerful as we seem."
I frowned but said nothing. It was a lie, I knew that to be certain.
Why wouldn't he share the source of his power with me? Could he think I am unworthy of such knowledge?
Perhaps if I ask the others they would enlighten me on this mystery.
And so, the majority of the remaining time till we reached Tolbana I mingled with the others of Ryder's band. For the most part however, they replied to my question in the same manner as Sir Ryder.
(Sir Titan of course had to add in his poor attempts at flirting with me while Sir TJ simply remained silent.)
For the remainder of the trip I silently pondered this seeming mystery.
Could it really be as they claim? That these men and women weren't strong but simply knew what they were doing?
At the time, I couldn't answer that question.
All I could do was wait and observe to see if this was the truth or a test set before me to see if I am worth of the secret I all but knew they were keeping from me.
3:32 PM Shopping Square in Tolbana...
(Asuna's POV)
Rat held two different dresses in her hands. One a frilly pink one piece I've seen time and time again worn by usually cheery people in the real world., the other an elegant and oddly revealing one piece you'd see women wearing at an extravagant party.
One after another she held each directly in front of me, visualizing how I would look in each.
Off to the side, Tifa pulled dress upon dress she though looked cute. She cheerfully portray each to her brother, asking his honest opinion before shoving them back were they were found.
"Hmmmm... I can't see you wearing either of these Asu." Rat said more to herself than me. "That's disappointing. Plenty of players would've paid a nice price to know how you'd look in a dress."
"Good then!" I replied bluntly. Honestly, even now Rat couldn't think about anything else besides tempting information to sell to the leeches and pervs in this game.
Rat replied with a smirk, clearly finding my response amusing.
She turned around, placing the two items back where she found them. In a few minutes, she spun back around with two other outfits in hand.
As she held them in front of me, I decided to break the lasting silence between us.
"When you said you wanted to have fun this wasn't what I had in mind."
Rat looked up to me, smiling.
"Oh? Well Asu, just cause I look like a scruffy boy doesn't mean I don't enjoy girly things like clothes shopping." She paused a moment before smirking. "Sides, I thought this was the type of fun you'd enjoy."
"Yeah well, I don't." I replied, turning my head towards the two siblings off to my right.
Tifa held her hands up in the air, completely in awe over this sparkled covered blue dress with several bows down the center and frilly sleeve ends. She spun around, eyes all glittering as she shouted at her brother to buy the dress for her.
I smiled, warmed by the sight. Even through we were trapped in this prison, that little girl still held on unwilling to give into despair.
"Is that so?" Rat replied in a low tone. "I'll keep that in mind."
Before I could say anything, a small email icon popped up off the right side of Rat's head. Without wasting a second, she opened and read the message.
"Looks like Ryder and the rest have arrived." She said before deleting the message. "He wants my escorts back, so I guess I better go meet with him."
Rat called to Tifa and Alex, the latter finishing his purchase of the dress his dear sister adored.
When the two siblings neared, Rat looked at me once more. "See you later Asu." She said with a cheery smile.
Tifa and Alex added with their own goodbyes, I replied in kind.
I stood there for the next few moments.
Looking at the clock, I had about 15 more minutes before the meeting would start.
I let out a sigh, both enjoying these quiet moments and wondering what I would do for the rest of my free time.
I glanced behind me, looking at the racks of cloths when an idea formed into my head.
4:00 PM The Amphitheater in Tolbana...
(Klein's POV)
I sat next to my friends in the upper steps of the Amphitheater. A few feet down sat my buddy Kirito and some cloaked woman.
Most of the players gathered around wore basic armor and equipment. A few had rare weapons and armor, everyone here had fighting experience.
Those gathered here today are considered the front line fighters: Elite players (or at least those that knew what they were doing).
We have the best chance of clearing this floor if not the entire game out of everyone else trapped in this hell.
The Amphitheater was abuzz with the individual chatter of the players gathered here. I took another look at the other players around when my eyes settled on the single most gorgeous woman I had ever seen.
Near the top row sat a group of players of different sizes and styles, among them the gorgeous blond I spotted earlier along with a fairly pretty white haired female knight.
The one whom caught my eye sat cross legged, her head resting on her hand.
She looked completely bored, or emotionally detached. Whatever one works.
I studied the blond, loosing myself in her dark blue eyes. I noticed the beauty mark underneath her right eye, adding more of a elegant charm to an already memorizing woman.
Eventually I took in the cloths she wore; a green shirt with a leather vest a top it, grey pants that looked a lot like jeans and brown hiking boots.
Judging from the way she carried on, she had to be a fighter. A damn sexy fighter at that.
I had no idea how long I stared at the beauty before she turned her gaze to me.
My heart skipped a beat, I felt light headed like I suddenly launched off to the moon and back.
That or I drank 3 full 12 packs of soda.
My friends dare me to do the dumbest things sometimes...
"Look, someone's coming out." One of my friends said, snapping my back to reality.
I quickly turned around, silently cursing as I wished for a few more moments to enjoy the sweet bliss I experienced.
Coming on stage was a blue haired male with long bangs and blue eyes. He seemed to have PRETTY BOY written all over him.
He wore a set of bronze armor that covered his chest, shoulders, arms and shins and had a kite shield strapped to his back.
Honestly if he grew his hair out more or his face was more feminine I would've mistaken him for a girl.
"Before we begin, I want to thank everyone for accepting my invitation today!" The blue haired pretty boy said aloud. "My name's Diabel, and my class is Knight!" He finished the last bit with a slight laugh.
"You mean Hero right?" Someone from the crowd shouted.
"There's no class system in SAO buddy!" Another cried out with a laugh.
I smirked at the remark, as did the pretty boy below.
Diabel paused a few moments before continuing his speech.
"Well then, active front line fighters or rather top players of SAO. I think we all know the reason why we're gathered here today."
"The location of this floor's final boss has finally been found!" He said in an ecstatic voice. "The time to open the door to the second floor has come!"
'No crap pretty boy,' I commented mentally. 'It's about time we move up on our way out of here!'
"That said, it's important to let the others know there is hope!" Diabel continued his heroic speech. "It's our duty as the high level players to spread the world that this death game will end one day!"
Well I had to hand it to this pretty boy, he wasn't all looks after all.
Most of what he said made sense, after all if we can rally the others crying themselves to sleep back in the Town of Beginnings our numbers would flourish making our job all the more easy.
"Hold on a second Mr. Knight." A rough sounding voice spoke aloud.
A moment later, someone jumped down to the stage below.
The player, an dull orange-bond spiky haired rough looking man with a small sienna goatee and brown eyes rose up and took a handful of steps towards Diabel.
He wore a beige shirt with brown wrist gauntlets and dull grey fingerless gloves, khaki pants, brown boots and black scale mail armor.
"Before I go along with this game of teams you're got going on, there's something I'd like to say." The spiky haired guy said to Diabel, though it seemed like he meant that for the rest of us.
"Of course." Pretty Boy humbly replied. "All opinions all welcome, but first could you tell us your name?"
Spiky Hair let out a tisk. Looks like he wasn't fond of introductions.
"The name's Kibaou."
He said before suddenly twirling towards the rest of us.
"YOU COWARDLY BETA TESTERS! SHOW YOURSELVES RIGHT NOW!"
He shouted. I blinked a few times. An image of my good buddy Kirito popped up in my mind.
"What does this guy want with them?" I mumbled.
Kibaou's eyes slowly scanned the crowd. "There has to be a few of you in this group, I know it! Come out of hiding!"
He said, continuing what I started imagine as some rant or hate speech aimed at the beta players.
"Over the past two months, you bastards hogged all the resources here on the 1st floor!"
Yep. Hate speech.
"Come forward and apologies to those who died cause of your selfishness! While you're at it, hand over all the money and items you've gathered and give them to the rest of us equally!"
Some players in the crowd openly agreed with what the spiky hot head said cheering aloud, most mumbled to themselves questioning if this was something that should be said right now.
I grinned his teeth. "This guy has no idea what he talking about!" I said in a restrained tone. I clenched my fist, starting to rise when one of my friends put a hand on my shoulder.
"It's not worth it Klein." He said, trying to calm me down.
Not worth it?
Spiky Hair was bad mouthing one of my good friends, blaming him for the deaths of those that fell over these past 2 months!
How is defending my friend not worth it?!
Before I say anything, someone else beat me to it.
"Can I say something?" The deep, intimidating voice of a rather tall player said. The latter snuck down while Spike Hair was ranting, taking the bastard by surprise.
"The name's Agil." The tall, dark skinned player said.
Agil was a massive bulky bald guy with a brown goatee, brown eyes, two silver earrings on his left ear. He wore a white sleeveless one piece underneath dull black leggings and shoulder straps (even though they didn't cover his shoulders.) a bronze chest plate and brown hunter boots.
"So, Kibaou was is? What you're saying is that the betas should compensate for the other players who died cause they left us to fend for themselves right?"
"Y-yeah." Kibaou said, starting to renew his confidence. "Ever since the first day, most of us were left to fend for ourselves. They left without a word, leaving us to the mercy of this death game."
"Then those guys took all the easy hunting spots and easy quests, causing quite a number of low level players to get killed at dangerous hunting grounds."
Agil stared at Spike Hair for a few seconds before replying.
"...That's true. The SAO system has limited resources."
He paused long enough to cross his arms.
"However, when it comes to those players who only think survival what would you think they would choose between?" Easy quests or good hunting grounds?"
Kibaou raised an eyebrow. Seems like the hot-head is at a loss haha.
...Not that I had a clue what Agil was hinting at...
"What are you saying?" Spiky Hair replied.
Agil pulled up his menu, pressed a few buttons and spawn what looked like a notebook.
"If it were me, I would choose information."
He said, referring to the notebook in his hand.
"This guidebook is in the item shop of every town or city I've ever been to. Plus it's distributed for free, making it an extremely useful item."
Wait what? There was something like that all this time?
I smiled in an awkward manner. Hell me and my pals have been winging it outside what my bud Kirito taught me.
"However," Agil continued. "When you look at the continence of this guidebook you can tell this is too far advanced to be any ordinary guidebook."
"All the information on monsters and map data stored within these pages is information provided to us from the beta testers."
Huh...Well I would probably agree if I had a copy of the damn thing to read it for myself.
Agil looked from the left to the right, making sure everyone there knew he was talking to them and they were paying attention.
"This book is the best gift to us new players."
He turned around, looking at Kiabou. The latter looking half like he had been utterly defeated and half like he realized he made a damn fool of himself.
"While it's true that many people have died, that only because they treated this like any other MMO out there. Put simply, they were overconfident and paid for it with their own lives."
Agil spun back around towards the crowd.
"Now those of us gathered here, those of us who have read and learned from this guidebook are well and alive today. Remember that."
A few moments passed before Pretty Boy took his back his place in the spotlight.
Ha, I made that sound like he's a jerk.
"Kiabou," Diabel said, redrawing attention. "I understand how you feel but don't you think it's time to move forward?"
"As Agil pointed out, the betas repaid us by guiding those gathered here today. If they can help us defeat the bosses, however indirect, then why not have some faith that they have our backs?"
Before Pretty Boy or anyone else for that matter could say anything further, someone running down towards the stage shouted out to Diabel waving some book in his hand.
This player reached the ground level, Diabel and Agil approached the latter.
"Look, the new guidebook just came out! It has info on the 1st floor boss!"
Most players in the audience, myself included, were shocked by the news.
Some whispered among themselves, probably about how convenient this seemed to be.
"We just found the boss room, how did they make a guide so fast?"
I managed to hear from a nearby player.
Below Pretty Boy and Agil studied the new information about the boss.
I'm sure I heard "Boss name" and "Minions" among the words they muttered aloud.
It seems like whoever wrote this updated guidebook really went all out.
Of course, Mr. Spike Hair realized this too and came to an all to typical conclusion...
"What just one minute!" He shouted, fast stepping toward Diabel and Agil.
"Look at this!" Kibaou said aloud, pointing to some label or something in the guidebook.
I couldn't exactly tell what it was from here.
"This information show knows who the beta testers are!" He shouted before taking a few steps back.
"Actually no, this Rat person credited in the book is no doubt a beta tester." Spike Hair concluded in a lower tone.
He pointed a finger at Diabel, no doubt with a smug look on his fact to boot.
"Why didn't you ask about this in the first place?"
After that, a number of the players joined Kibaou and the others on the ground floor.
They started questioning the information, saying how they can't trust it without confirmation, that this is probably some sort of trap and once again repeating how betas only look after themselves.
It was all a bunch of useless bickering that made my blood boil.
As I felt my anger started to rise, these same bastards started calling out Rat saying how he should prove this isn't some sort of con.
These idiots started to piss me off beyond words.
We were all in the same boat here, couldn't they see that?
Why the hell would we stab each other in the back when our lives are at stake?
I felt the hand of one of my buddies resting on my shoulder.
"Calm down Klein. You'll only make things worse." He whispered into my ear.
"Why should I care at this point?!" I replied a little harsher than I meant. "Someone has to say something or-"
Someone sitting in the back rows threw something at the stage, aiming at Spiky Hair no less.
It was small, probably a rock or something similar.
I smirked when whatever was thrown hit the hot-headed bastard square in the forehead.
"WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM WITH BETA PLAYERS ANYWAY?!"
A young sounding voice cried out.
Every player bickering over the betas, every other player who knew better than to point fingers at people, everyone gathered there at the Amphitheater grew silent.
Our gazes turned to the young, brave and furious player who shouted a moment before.
Among the group of players I spotted the blond beauty stood a brown haired, black eyed kid.
He couldn't be any older than 12.
The kid stared at Kibaou with nostrils flaring and teeth grinning. He looked about as pissed as I felt.
"What you're problem kid?!" Spike Hair shouted back. "The betas left us for dead so-"
"That's were you're wrong! It's thanks to the betas that my little sister and I are alive today!" The kid anger replied, cutting Kibaou short. "So don't you dare make them out to be the bad guys here!"
Clenching on the boy's left arm was an adorable twin pig tailed girl, no doubt the younger sister he mentioned.
I had to hand it to the kid. He's braver than a lot of people here, speaking his mind and all.
If a kid's standing up against these idiots I sure as hell wouldn't let him fight alone.
"The kid's right!" I shouted, suddenly hoping to my feet. I looked at the faces of those turning their gaze at me below.
I could hear a few of my friends letting out regretful sighs, whispers asking 'what I was thinking' and such nonsense.
I didn't care, this had to be said and I couldn't restrain myself any longer.
"On the first day, a beta tester showed me how to fight in this game! I taught what I learned from him to my friends soon afterward and it's thanks to that we're still alive!"
I shouted pointing a finger at good old Spike Hair.
"While it maybe true some of the beta players are jerks and done wrong by us, others have been doing everything they can to help us survive! Besides, whether you're a beta player or not doesn't mean a damn thing!"
"Jerks are still gonna be jerks and good people are still gonna do good!"
"But in the end we're all in the same boat here, can't you see that?!"
Silence filled the Amphitheater as the various players whom supported Spike Hair looked at one another in doubt and confusion.
Even Kibaou himself remained quiet, which is surprising given his hot-headed attitude.
"He's absolutely right." Diabel said, breaking the lasting silence. "Our enemies are not the beta testers, it's this floor's boss."
"Agreed." Agil replied almost instantly. "Whether this Rat is a beta tester or not, he spared us from the dangers of gathering all this intel. We should be appreciative for this gift."
"Appreciative? Don't make me laugh." A new, menacing voice said aloud.
I turned towards where the voice originated from, spotting a well built, somewhat tall cloaked figure slowly approaching the Amphitheater's ground floor.
Well his cloak is technically a dark poncho but I'd still call it a cloak. I couldn't make out any details on his face, but I think I saw a stripe of purple or something on his right cheek.
A tattoo maybe?
Everyone watched in silence as this player approached the group gathered below.
The cloaked man took his first steps on the lowest level, turning slightly then continued at his slow pace heading towards Diabel.
Agil stepped between the two, crossing his arms as he stood head to head with the cloaked stranger.
The latter stopped a few feet from Agil, the two silently stared at each other like it those old western movies before the two cowboys started pulling out their guns and started shooting at one another.
"A number of you question this information, whether it's accurate or not." The cloaked man started, breaking the lasting silence.
"Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't. It is all uncertain, since this beta player Rat may have tampered with the information as a way to get back at those whom have discriminated against the other betas."
That last bit's probably aimed at Spiky Hair. Least that's what I thought.
A few players whispered among themselves, the cloaked man waited a few seconds before continuing to speak his peace.
"Let's not forget, this is all a game."
It was hard to tell from my angle, but I swear the cloaked man smiled as he said the last bit.
This got the crowd in a bit of a hushed uproar as doubt spread like a pledge. Even Kibaou, whom up till now was the one directing the hate towards the betas looked lost and confused.
The way the cloaked stranger's going it seemed like he wanted everyone to grow paranoid of everyone else. If he had his way, none of us would get out of this game.
I don't know who that guy is but he pissed me off more that Spiky Hair.
"Guys, come on! Don't listen to him!" A new voice belonging to a very, very devoted Diabel fanboy said. (This guy styled and dyed his hair and looks around Pretty Boy but you could easily tell it wasn't him.)
"Sure we don't know if the information's accurate or not but what choice do we have but to hope for the best and go through with it if we want to get out of this game?"
That..."well thought out" speech managed to snapped a handful of players out their doubt. Clearly it wasn't enough to get through to the more thick headed players.
I wasn't any good a speeches so I couldn't help, hell I'd probably make it worse.
I looked at Pretty Boy, the latter held a determined face like everything was gonna turn out just fine despite the ass hat spreading doubt among the masses.
I have no idea how he's so confident about all this or even find the restrain not to deck that cloaked guy.
A few minutes passed without anyone making a move to calm these peoples' nerves.
Despite my lack of public speaking skills, I was about to stand up and try to rally these guys anyway when another player beat me to it.
"I was going to stay out of this, but it looks like I have to stick my hand in it to get the ball rolling again." A new, dull voice sounded out.
A moment after, someone lazily flipped toward the ground floor landing hard but still on their feet.
Shooting up like the jump was no big deal was a black haired man that in all honestly looked like a shut in or at least someone who didn't care what he looked like.
He wore a short brown jacket that that cover up to his upper stomach, a dull light green undershirt, grey pants and tall brown boots that stretched up his entire leg and covered his knees with knee guards.
The shut-in scanned the crowd gathered before him, smirking as he looked at each one of their faces.
He set his gaze upon the cloaked man, then casually walked up to him all while keeping a smirk on his face.
Shut-In stopped a few inched from Cloaky, tilting his head a forward.
"Yo. How are we doing today?" Shut-In said in a slightly cheerful way. "Happy that their little plan of making everyone paranoid working out so far?"
Cloaky held his ground, silent.
"What? Did you think no one would figure out your little mind game?" Shut-In continued, tapping the side of his forehead for added effect. "Well it's cleaver enough for these idiots behind you but not for people like me."
"Hey!" Spiky Hair shouted. "Who you calling an idiot!?"
"That be you Spikes! Along with a number of you guys scattered around scared like a bunch of damn school kids." Shut-In playfully replied before chuckling.
I looked at the crowd below, they were getting pissed at Shut-In and well I couldn't blame them.
Yet at the same time I respected the guy. He might not have used the best method, but he did snap them out of the cloud of doubt Cloaky threw over them.
"In all seriousness, there's something I gotta get off my chest." Shut-In said when he finished chuckling.
"Now you can listen or completely blow off what I'm about to say, either is fine since I really don't care what happens to the lot of you. Though if you don't wanna be used like a tool by this prick standing in front of me then you might as well listen up cause I'm only saying this once."
He paused for a number of moments before continuing.
"It doesn't matter if the information is bogus or not. What matters is we act. Don't forget we need to free ourselves from this death game or are you all content with sit around with our thumbs up our asses as we rot away in this place forever?"
"Now I don't know about you guys, but I rather escape from this reality asap."
The majority of the players, both on the ground and still sitting around the Amphitheater nodded or mumbled in agreement.
Even I felt a little inspired from Shut-In's 'Down to Earth' way of speaking.
Cloaky turned toward the crowd behind him, standing there in silence.
Heh, must've realized that his plan totally went to hell and had no idea how to turn things back around.
Unfortunately I was wrong.
"Surely you must realize whether this information is accurate or not there will be casualties." Cloaky said in one last attempt to turn this into a 'doom and gloom' session.
Fortunately, we had one optimistic self proclaimed knight among the players gathered here today.
"No, no one will die." Diabel said, starting his counter against Mr. Doom and Gloom Cloakman.
...
Yeah I have to work on my nicknaming skills.
Diabel looked to his left and right, glancing at the players around whom turned to face him.
"If everyone is afraid about the intel being fake or flawed, then I'll protect everyone."
He slammed his right fist into his chest.
"I swear on my knight's honor."
A number of players broke out in applause, even Kibaou join in with a slow clap.
Diabel's number one fanboy was really going overboard on the clapping, you could probably hear his rapid clamming from a few blocks away.
Knowing defeat when he saw it, good old Cloaky turned and walked away.
Good riddance I say! Guys like him caused nothing but trouble.
Shut-In snuck away a few moments after that. I watched him for a bit.
Turns out he's apart of the group the brave kid and hot blond are apart of.
I took a few moments to study that group one more time, trying my best not to be memorized by the beauty among them.
Aside from the brave kid, his adorable sister and the amazingly gorgeous blond there was a massive bulky guy with a scar across his chin and seemed to have his eyes closed, a normal looking knight of sorts, some cloaked dark skinned kid, a female white hair knight who was easy on the eyes and of course Mr. Shut-In.
From the looks of it, Shut-In seemed to be the leader of the gang.
AW MAN! That means the blond's probably taken!
...
Whatever. I'm still asking her out after all this.
I turned my head back around. The crowd below settled down around the time I focused on Pretty Boy.
He clapped his hands together,making sure he had everyone's attention.
"Now, if everyone could start pairing up into raid parties of 6 that will be great." He said, giving his first orders.
Players began to move around, chatting with those they wanted to pair up with.
Most teamed up with people they knew beforehand, probably friends in RL or ones they made in the past two months.
My friends and I formed our team, since there were six of us to begin with we didn't have to hunt down another member.
I glanced to my buddy Kirito, noticing he sat all alone aside from this cloaked figure not too far away from him.
Seriously what was with all the cloaks today? Are these people really that shy over having their faces shown?
I stood up, about to shout to my friend when Mr. Shut-In came strolling down to Kirito. They talked like they knew each other.
Where they friends? I had to Kirito ask later.
I guess Shut-In could handle the whole "teammate" situation Kirito was having.
Once everyone seemed to have formed their teams, Diabel spoke once again to everyone.
"The boss battle will take place in two days time. We'll meet here at 8 in the morning."
"You can rest, practice, get to know you're party members, whatever you wish as long as you show up for the fight."
"Now if any of you want to practice in large scale battles stay here with my group, otherwise you're free for the next two days."
And with those words the meeting ended.
Tolbana. A few minutes later...
(Klein's POV)
My buds and I casually strolled through the streets of Tolbana after my failed attempt at locating the gorgeous blond after our raid group's meeting ended.
I slumped my arms over in disappointment as my friends tried to cheer me up from time to time.
They were used to seeing me down after trying to win a girl many, many times.
...
WHY CAN'T I GET ANYONE TO FALL FOR ME?!
"Man this sucks, and she was such a beaut too..." I said, letting my disappointment show.
"Don't feel too bad, least this one didn't smack you in the face like the last girl." One of my buds said, trying to cheer me up.
"Yo I remember that one! Man she hit you so hard your cheek stayed red for the entire day." Another of my buds added with a laugh.
"Eh yeah, I rather forget that one." I replied, rubbing my cheek. "I still feel the stinging every now and then."
"You just have horrible luck with the ladies Klein."
"Shuttup." I instantly replied.
Most of my friends chuckled, I let out a tisk in response.
A few silent minutes passed afterward as we continued through the streets. Well silent between us anyway as there were other conversations and noises echoing around us.
"You." A voice called out from behind.
I turned around, glaring right at me was the gorgeous blond I spotted nearly a half hour ago.
Blushing, my mouth began to move without uttering a sound. A few moments passed before words began to form.
"U-uh h-hi-hi! Yo-you talking to me?"
I said like a blubbering idiot. Not that I could help it, after all a stunning beauty appeared before me!
"You were the one staring at me before the meeting started, correct?" She replied after a few moments.
"Um...Y-yeah..." I replied with a laugh, rubbing my right hand behind my head. "Sorry...I couldn't help it since-"
"It's very rude to stare at a lady." She said, cut me off.
Before I knew it, she stood in front of me.
I took a half step back, surprised by her apparent speed when she delivered a right kick to my soft parts.
I reacted typically, moving my hands over the crown jewels as I bent down towards the ground.
This wasn't the first time I've been hit in the balls, even in this game world.
Last time I reacted the same way out of habit since it didn't hurt.
Yeah I get kicked in the privates a lot.
Yet somehow, some freakin how this beauty managed to break the system preventing that pain.
In other words; IT HURT A LOT AND IT REALLY SHOULDN'T BE!
As I hit the ground, the blond beauty causally passed me by without a second thought.
My friends rushed to my side.
I gave them a painful smile as they helped me up.
"I think...I'm in love guys..."
The next day...
(Ryder's POV)
A few dozen feet before me were my good friend Kirito, 'Miss Flash' Asuna, my self appointed rival Alex and his sister Tifa and lastly our proud female knight Luna.
I had the 5 of them practicing team maneuvers, particularly the Switch technique.
Switch is, as the name suggests, a move that switches a player with the another person on your team during an attack.
You use it when one player is about finished with a set of combo moves or one major attack skill and can keep up the assault by rapidly switching with another player.
It's like one of those RPG switch moves you see in old console games only you attack immediately afterwards which makes it possible to preform and endless combo.
Pretty overpowered but hey whatever you have to do to win right?
Kirito of course knew fully well about this but since he's usually a solo player hasn't fought in a party all to often so he could use the practice.
Alex already had the idea down from the beta from the times he tagged along with us. Now he's fine tuning it to perfection.
Everyone else never fought on a team so drilling this stuff into their heads is crucial.
Miss Flash quickly got the hang of it and Luna caught on soon after.
Tifa on the other hand...Well let's say I expect things to take longer with her.
"Alright, lets give it another go." I said aloud, clapping my hand together. "And try not to screw up this time."
"He means you shorty!" Titan added in.
"I'M NOT SHORT!" Alex's adorable sister shouted.
I watched as the 5 player team moved for perhaps the twenty something time today, each switching out after the last preformed a combo of at least 5 hits.
It wasn't the most perfect hit and switch run I've seen but it's good enough for the first boss fight.
Hell it's the only one Tifa didn't screw up so I'm taking it.
"YATTTAAAAA!" Tifa cheered, extending her little arms above her head. "I FINALLY DID IT!"
"Nice job sis." Alex added with a smile.
His sister looked at him with this cute smug look on her face. "Was there ever any doubt?"
"Yes! Yes there was!" Titan yelled in response, proving to be the ass I've come to accept. "Plenty of doubt! So much I could cut it with my sword!"
Tifa twirled around, snarling at Micky like some neko girl. "BITE ME JERK!"
"Maybe if you were older!" Micky replied with a laugh.
"You're such a pervert." My ma said. "Little wonder why all the girls here hate you."
"Agreed." Juno added. "Micky's destined to be forever alone."
"Shut up shota."
"And as unoriginal as ever."
"Shut. Up. Shota."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that little scene.
Even though two months had passed with little progress at clearing the game my friends could still bust each others balls.
One could say it is a miracle that despite all of us trapped inside a bastard's sick attempt at playing god we still held on to our sanity or rather our hope that one day we'd all be free.
As I laughed at my friends foolishness, my lovely knight in shining armor approached me.
Now I know I made that sound like I have a thing for her, but you couldn't deny the fact that she's lovely.
Doesn't mean I have a thing for her, though she might have a thing for me given all the teasing I've put her through.
"Sir Ryder," She started, drawing my attention. "I was wondering if I could have a moment for your time."
I smirked, already knowing what she wished to say.
I tilted my head to her four teammates. "Take a quick break everyone! We'll continue in a few minutes!"
With that, I directed my full attention to the chivalrous Luna.
"I'm guessing this is the same question as before." I said with a frown.
I always hated repeating myself almost as much as being asked the same question fifty times in the same day.
"If so, I've already told you what you've wanted to know."
"I refuse to accept that answer." Luna humbly replied.
I don't know how she got it in her thick skull that there's some secret to how strong I seem to be but she's determined to get an answer I just couldn't give her.
I let out a sigh before scratching the back of my head. "I don't know what to tell you then."
"The truth, if you'd please."
"I already have."
"And I say that you are lying Sir Ryder." She said with the cross of her arms.
That last bit came out with a bit of sass too.
Haha, maybe she is my type after all.
Either way, it's uncalled for.
I shook my head in disbelief. Honestly, how does one deal with someone so stubborn as this?
It's like trying to deal with mom on one of her bad days, only with emotions thrown into the mix.
Emotions...and she's acting like a knight to boot...
Heh, that might just work...
I smiled, showing my teeth. "Alright, you caught me. I've been feeding you a lie up til now."
Luna smiled with an 'I knew it all along' kind of face.
"Truth is, I can let just anyone know the secret of my strength. Only those whom have proven themselves have the privileged of that knowledge."
Luna's eyes brighten with interest. "And how does one go about proving themselves?"
Gotcha. Hook, line and sinker.
I smiled wide. "A test of course. One that will prove yourself worthy."
"Very well." Luna smiled. "What sort of test do you have in mind Sir Ryder?"
I placed my hand on my a few moments to consider what sort of test I should throw at the female knight.
"How bout this?" I said with a smile.
"If you can dwindle my health down to, say 50% I'll tell you everything."
Luna opened her mouth but I wouldn't end it there.
Oh no, I think I deserve a little something for all this trouble.
"However, if I hit you twenty times with my blade you have to do whatever I say. Deal?"
Luna's eyes widened for a brief moment before she let out a smug look of her own.
"I accept your terms Sir Ryder."
I smirked, glad that my plan had succeeded thus far.
"Alrighty then. Meet me in town an hour from now.
Luna blinked a few times, raising one of her eyebrows.
"In town?"
"Wouldn't be fun if we didn't have an audience right?" I replied, giving her a sly smirk. "Unless that's a problem for you?"
Now this was were she'd really get hooked. Assuming she's still so determined to gain the secrets she's so sure exist.
"Very well. One hour." She confirmed.
Clearly her overconfident will be her undoing.
I smiled one last time at my lovely white-haired knight
"Then I'll see you soon Lady Luna."
Ch 3: Gathering at Tolbana
END
Hey guys and girls! Dark here, thanking you all for reading this new entry of mine!
As you may have noticed, Klein has a bit of a bigger role than many might have guessed in the coming boss fight!
Now this isn't from the Progression Manga this story is based upon. (Klein has yet to make an appearance in it btw) This is an original course of action I wished to take.
I really felt bad watching the anime on all the wasted potential Klein had and instead watched him become a character solely for comic relief.
I wanted to expand upon his character, bringing him to fill the role that I and many others wanted to see him in. Of course he'll still be used for comic relief but not SOLELY for that role.
It's sad looking at a character specifically for that bit or one that fell into that role, like Yamcha or Tien from DBZ.
Threw in a certain villain whom will defiantly prove to be one of the greatest threats to the players of SAO. I placed some hints as to who he is so lets see how many of you figure it out.
Also have Luna trying to learn the secret of Ryder and the gangs strengthh. She did obtain an answer, but one she refuses to accept.
Well she's a stubborn lady, as what usually comes with pride.
Now Ryder's stirring up something to get back at her.
Hehe, well Ryder is a bit of a troll and can be a bit of an asshole when it comes to screwing around.
See what happen to her next time when the two of them fight it out on the next entry of Renegade.