Floor 1, in the city of Tolben…
The night before the raid battle, the first ever to be attempted in this death game, all those whom planed on participating tomorrow were at rest for they knew the battle ahead would determine if they can ever escape this prison.
Well most everyone.
Some, such as the warrior Klein, had trouble sleeping.
Others, like the noble knight Luna, got in some late night practice.
A few strolled about in the nighttime air, which is the case with a particularly mysterious cloaked man.
And even some, like info broker Argo aka Rat, were conversing as the clock crept ever closer to sunrise.
However they passed the time, each warrior would find themselves ready to face what was to come on the following day...
Floor 1, outside the Boss Room...
(Ryder's POV)
I, my friends and family, and the rest of us players whom made up the raid party stood before Diabel and the giant doors leading to the 1st floor boss. For the past few minutes, Diabel had been given the others a rundown of the plan for those of us whom missed out on the joint practice.
Most tanks take the blows from the boss, the majority of our forces support the tanks and strike whenever there's an opening, and 2 or 3 teams stand at the rearguard to keep at bay the boss's minions that periodically spawn at set intervals.
It was a straight forward plan. Simple usually works the best.
"-that's all I have to say." Diabel stated, finishing up his debriefing speech to the raid party gathered before him. "Before we begin, are there any questions?"
A single hand rose out from the crowd. Diabel acknowledged the individual whom wasted no time afterward. I turned my head, half-smiling as I knew the man in question.
"Just one." Kirito said. "What if a different situation than what the guide book explains happens? What do we do then?"
There was a pause as everyone waited for our "leader's" answer.
"Our lives are the highest priority. Should such a thing happen, I'll call for a withdraw." Diabel soundly answered with a serious smile. "That said, the scouts we sent to test the Boss's patterns say it follows the described battle patterns so I don't think we need to worry. I won't let you guys die."
"Don't you listen to old'Black Cloak here Diabel. They would've already realized your amazing leadership skills if they stuck around for team training." Kiabou threw in his two sense. "There just anxious for no good reason cause he was too busy flirting."
I let out a laugh at that, which rewarded me with an elbow from Luna standing next to me.
"That's for the vote of confidence, but if it wasn't for you all I'd be pretty anxious too." Diabel said all humble like. "We gathered the best players around, or at least that's what I think."
Had to agree with the crowd here, this blue haired, self-proclaimed knight's not only likeable but has the feel of a natural born leader. I like him so far, that said I wasn't gonna go easy on him should I chose to follow'em after this.
Renegade for life.
Our leader glanced at the faces of those gathered before him once more before letting out one last hora.
"Let's win this together."
And with those words, Diabel turned around and opened the doors.
The light inside crept out, blinding most of us for the first few minutes before our eyes adjusted.
There was a malicious aura in the air, like that creepy yet serious feeling you get if you ever stared down a tough foe you weren't sure you could win against or at least sure that guy was gonna do everything it could to kill yeah.
OK, so outside of video games not many individuals around here could say they ever experienced that kind of feeling but ya'll know what I mean.
Diabel called out the floor boss's name as I managed to catch a glance at it over the shoulder of the guys up front.
This giant red, fat, rat-dog looking thing standing in the center of the room is our target: King of the Kobolds, Illfang the Kobold Lord.
I could tell by the reactions of the first few guys that they started to lose their nerve looking at such a monster. I would laugh, seeing as I've seen much more uglier foes that that, but I didn't want another elbow blow from Luna.
It's that armor she got on man. Really adds to it.
While those around him started to grow fearful, Diabel drew his sword determined to do what we came here for.
"It's main weapon is a Bone Axe! Secondary's a Talwar! It already has three Sentinel guards with more coming as the fight drags on! Everything's like what the guidebook says, carry out the plan!"
He ran forward, shield in front as he held his sword in a striking stance.
"Follow me! CHARGE!"
A battle roar from most of the raid party replied, quickly following their leader forward.
I smirked as I signaled my party forward, drawing my twin blades as I ran forward.
I noticed Kirito, along with Asuna stayed behind. Luna turned to see what was wrong, Tifa and Alex stopped as well, but by that point I was already veering off from the main group with my team and moved to the left flank.
Diabel stopped, allowing the others to catch up as he barked out orders.
2 teams rush off to fight the boss, another stood in the rear ready to switch at a moment's notice while a fourth remained for support. Surprisingly, this team was commanded by our favorite spikey haired hot head.
Another team, dressed something like samurais, made a beeline for the Sentinels standing at Illfang's sides.
"Hey, hey. Can't have you hugging our warmups now." I muttered, turning my head to face my team. "Get one of them Sentinel's attention Juno!" I called to the tan shota. The latter swiftly drew his bow and fired at the closest target.
The arrow pieced something inside the creature's protected head, for it screeched something fierce. It turned to face us, pulling the arrow from the gaps of it's helmet.
It charged at us, well more specifically Juno since he hit'em in the first place. With it focused upon my friend, it never saw what happened next.
Before the Sentinel knew it, my ma was beside it. With her spear, she tripped the kobold off it's feet. Micky didn't miss a beat once the thing hit the floor, stabbing it in the back of it's head.
"Nice." I said with a thumbs up, turning my gaze to the other two Sentinels. The samurai guys managed to defeat one just as I turned my head, with a shrug I decided to let them have the last one. They are working hard after all, it feel bad to steal their thunder now.
Sides, more of these fodder should be popping up shortly.
Like it was timed with my thoughts, more Sentinels began to spawn in. I signaled TJ to draw a few of them over since none of us were warmed up yet.
As the big guy carried out my order, I took a moment to watch my boy Kirito and his party fighting two of the new arrivals. Good to know whatever bothered him at the start seems to be settled.
If I had to guess, he probably wanted to make sure these guys got their act together and so far they did.
So far.
Asuna seemed to hesitate a moment at the Switch moment, fortunately Luna and Kirito had her covered.
Luna simply overpowered her foe after a single lock of weapons, pushing the kobold off balance as she swiftly delivered three powerful sword swipes.
Kirito pelted his target with rapid sword slashes before rolling around it and placing his sword up the back of the Sentinel's head all casual like before walking off like the showoff he was.
I noticed the looks on a few other players faces after watching the same thing I witnessed, most were shocked at the seeming amount of skill Kirito and Luna had while others nodded, whistled, or smiled in approval.
I chuckled all the same as the difference between us top rank beta players kept showing though for all to see.
"Next wave of Sentinels should be high leveled." I said, returning my focus to my teammates. "Those should suffice for a proper warm up."
My friends each replied in their own way as we charged in formation against the new wave. Kirito's party joined in on the fun, along with the samurai guys and one or two other squads.
Everything was going well on the boss end too, as spear users and bowmen kept draining it's health at a distance while other tanks took turns parrying blows and striking when the time was right.
But you know what always happens when a plan goes too well.
It's only a matter of time before it all goes to shit.
(Klein's POV)
The Kobold Lord roared as it's health dwindled halfway down it's last bar. I turned and noticed this after striking the last of the new wave of Sentinels. According to the intel we got, those pesky minions shouldn't be popping up anymore now that the boss had dropped to this level.
Finally, we have a chance to catch our breaths.
I'll admit, I push my friends a bit too hard trying to keep up with Kirito and his friends.
Seriously. They're so freaking badass and make it look easy.
People are so lucky sometimes...
"It dropped it's axe!" Diabel proclaimed. "This is the final stretch people!"
"Remember that it's skill changes once it switches to Talwar. That said, just stick to what we've been doing and we'll get through this!"
Slowly, Illfang wrapped it's hands around the hilt of it's secondary weapon: A seemingly long sword wrapped in bandages.
"Party C, up to the front!" Diabel ordered, taking formation with that same team as they set to charge forward.
The boss pulled the weapon out, sending the bandages scattering in the air as it held the sword about his red head.
"Hey Klein, that Talwar sword." My friend, Dale, called out. "Isn't it an Islamic blade?"
He askes cause out of the six of us, I'm the one who knows about blades the most. I'm a bit of a medieval history nerd, though I like samurais the best I find a bit of an appreciation for all other cultures during those harsh times.
I mean, it's not like video gaming is my only hobby ya know?
"Yeah it-" I cut myself off, realizing the point.
The sword Illfang held above it's head wasn't Talwar.
It was something else.
A giant black bladed, long katana, poised to sweep the six players now charging at it's master.
While it could've been my imagination running as my mind processed the "oh shit" moment, but I swear I saw a big old evil grin pop on the boss's ugly face.
"Get out of there! Fall back now!" I yelled, mouth moving faster than I could think. "That sword at Talwar, it's something else!"
"Klein's right, retreat now!" My buddy Kirito added in. "That kobold lord has a katana! It's different from the beta!"
At that point however, the boss was already in motion. It was starting to sweep it's long blade forward when Kirito and I both yelled at the top of our lungs, with little doubt in that we were probably too late anyway.
"DIABEL! RUN!"
A bright light enveloped the six players before Illfang as it striked them without mercy. I had to close my eyes cause of how bright it was. As the light faded, I hesitated to open them back up.
As much as I didn't want to admit it, I'm afraid what I would see next would be terrible.
I chanced it anyway after a few long minutes, and soon after realized my fear came true.
"Diabel…"
(Kirito's POV)
I dashed forward once the light stated to fade, catching up to Luna and Asuna whom also found themselves running forward.
Most of the players of Party C were thrown clear after that last attack. However, there was once standing dumbfounded before the boss and now the only target within range of the beast.
"It's too late!" Kiabou shouted, voice filled with dread.
As much as I hated to admit, he was right for once.
The boss prepared to thrust it's sword through the kid, and the latter was too petrified with fear to move.
We weren't gonna make it!
Just as Illfang threw it's sword forward, another player threw himself before the blow and saved the other man's life.
"Diabel!" Kiabou shouted as our badly damaged leader somehow managed to absorb the strike.
"Tanks! What the hell are you standing around for!?" Ryder shouted, throwing his arm forward as his party members TJ and Titan rushed forward. "Do your damn job and block the next attack!"
The player known as Agil replied with slight hesitation before stirring the other tanks into action.
"Alright! I'll go for it's throat!" Diabel shouted, blocking the next attack the boss sent it's way. "Repel the next attack for me! Time to end this!"
He must feel assured now that help was on the way, but that's the wrong call.
"No Diabel! Focus on defense!" I called out, trying to run even faster toward the man. "Diabel please! Don't do it!"
Illfang swung it's sword from across it's back. Diabel charged forward, raising his sword up to his head.
I realized with the next step, that no matter what I nor anyone else could do now...
I stopped, grinning my teeth in anger. I grabbed Asuna as she passed by, pulling her down as Illfang's katana cut across Diabel and a wide range of space behind him.
Luna ducked for cover as she was within the attack range. Everyone else was out of the area of effect and were the first to see what the three of us saw next.
Half of Diabel's face was...gone. No blood, no gore of anything of the sort, all there was is an emptiness inside what was left of his head.
"Diabel..." I heard Klein mutter as all witnessed the sight before us.
I noticed our leader's sword in Illfang's mouth. He somehow managed to strike at the boss during that massive attack. Too bad it really didn't do anything other than allow the kobold lord to test it's sharp teeth.
Diabel turned what was left of his head back to us, extending his hand with his crumbling shield affixed to it.
"Don't...give...up..."
He managed to mutter, before his body shattered just like any of these typical monsters anyone can fight disappear when they die.
(? POV)
This was the first time many of those gathered here today saw a person die. Not in the usual fashion of course.
Not watching the light fade from their eyes.
Not watching a pool of their own blood appear underneath them, gasping for air before their body turns cold.
And certainly not with them pleading for their fleeting life as they pass the point of no return.
No, this death was no different than that of any monster in this game: A simple shattering into fragments of light, never leaving a trace behind to prove what you once were.
This is not the way a human dies. Not the way they should die anyway.
And yet in this world we find ourselves trapped in, the concept of death is still the same. The great equalizer, the answer and question of all things eternal.
While most of the other players of the raid party stood petrified over the death of their leader, fear holding them in place, I smiled as exhilaration coursed through my body.
This is how a game should be played; at the highest stakes with no safety guarantied.
That fool Diabel dared to state how he wouldn't let anyone die and his was right, no one but himself died!
I heard a scream from someone in the back and turned to find a group of Sentinels freshly spawned began to surround our "brave" group
Apparently the intel was wrong on that account as well, stating that they stop spawning once the boss is almost defeated!
It looks like our progress ends here, and while that's far too soon for my liking I'll enjoy seeing the desperation on these idiots' faces as they are taken out one by one!
This is what happens to those who forget that death is a very real concept in this game.
(Ryder's POV)
I cursed under my breath. Everyone's been demoralized by our commander's death, scared shitless cause they're reminded death is a consequence in this game.
I heard Kirito yelling at Asuna to run, even asking Luna to take her by force if need be. Hell I'd probably do the same in his shoes, just add in Alex and Tifa too cause you know kids.
Kirito, being the stubborn hero wannabe he is, started to exchanged blows with Illfang with the two slashing at each other in a flash of combo hits. He managed to parry almost all the blows thrown at him, but that seemed to piss the kobold off.
Lucky for the Black Swordsman, his cute little side kick managed to save his ass from that nasty attack that shot his way.
With a smirk, I shouted out orders to Agil's team to withdraw with Party C, to the samurai group to back Kirito's group up, and for the others to hold of the Sentinels long enough for the rest of us to kill this SOB.
Luna formed up with Kirito and Asuna at that point, together the three of them began to clash with the boss. Tifa and Alex popped up, maintain a fair distance as they stood by with potions.
I turned to my own party, cracking my neck as I smiled toward them. "OK people, time to use that. Just like we practiced."
They all acknowledged my meaning, moving into formation all around me.
To be specific: Micky and TJ stood a little bit in front on my left and right, my ma stood behind me while Juno behind her.
We all crouched down a bit, ready to pounce forward all at once when I gave the word.
"Wolf Formation!" I shouted, crossing my arms against my chest. "Execute!"
With TJ and Titan leading, we all ran forward in formation watching as Kirito canceled out another blow from the boss. It prepared to attack once more, but as my friend moved to counter yet again it turn out to me a feint and changed the angle of attack.
With no time to do anything about it, Kirito's eyes went wide as the boss's attack connected. Though not with him per say, no it connected with Miss Lady Luna whom moved in at the last second to act as a shield for the guy.
Both were sent flying back and crashed upon the floor a few dozen feet away. Alex and Tifa rushed to their side as the samurai group rushed in to aid Asuna and just in time to block an attack aimed at her too.
Seeing that all happen lit a fire in my body, meaning I was super pissed at this ugly ass brute now.
Micky and TJ closed in on the boss, both blocking and dealing damage when they could but mostly focusing on defense.
I closed in, landed three simple swings, then jumped aside as my mother came charging in. She stabbed the boss about 5 times before ducking under several of Juno's Three Arrow Shots.
Illfang roared in pain, or annoyance, whatever works honestly.
My mom and I backed up a bit as Asuna and the samurai group assaulted the monster a bit more.
Then the boss took a familiar stance, my eyes widened as I yelled to the others to back off from the damned thing.
They managed to get outside it's threat range, meaning it was solely focused on my group now.
"SHIELD!" I yelled at TJ and Micky. The two stood before myself and my mother as Illfang unleashed it's all round attack. The force of the blow forced us back a few feet, but it took a toll on my tanks' health.
"Get healed up fast." I told them before glancing at the boss's health. There was maybe 1/8 of it's health remaining. One last push was all that we needed. "Juno, keep annoying it from range. Ma, help Asuna and the others stay alive for a few moments longer."
I turned around as they went to carry out my orders. Kirito and Luna were back on their feet thanks to Alex and Tifa. The other players were doing good against the Sentinels, however a few of them started to say they should retreat.
Course Kiabou was one of those saying they should leave us "greedy betas" to die.
I let out a tisk. These idiots don't realize that if we don't win now we'll never get out of here. So yeah, the guy running the show died. Death is a concept here, ok? If you bastards don't commit now we'll all die anyway!
Fucking idiot!
"SO YOU BASTARDS ARE PERFECTLY FINE WITH LETTING DIABEL DIE FOR NOTHING HUH?!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. "
You are all fucking idiots! Ungrateful cowards! Wake up and realize this noobs! If we don't commit here and now, we will never get out of this level! If we can't get off this first goddamn floor, then we can't get out of this game, AND THEN WE ALL DIE ANYWAY CAUSE YOU FUCKERS CAN'T GROW A PAIR AND RISK YOUR LIVES FOR SOMETHING GREATER THAN ALL OF US!"
I took a moment to take a breath, calming myself a bit.
"OK, I get it. You're all afraid of dying. I mean, who isn't? That's understandable, but you all need to risk it all to gain any ground here. Now I'm not saying be a reckless asshole, far from it. Just commit to the goal of freeing ourselves from this death game and returning to our normal lives."
I glanced at their faces, trying to get a feel for the mood before continuing.
"You know what Diabel's last words were?" I paused for a moment. "Don't give up. We can't give up, not if you all want to return to the real world. Those of you still willing to put your lives on the line, stick with me and together we shall overcome any foe!"
It was hesitant at first, but a fair number of players roared their approval before the other joined in. Each partly leader gave each other status updates as they organized themselves.
It was then that I heard a scream from the group. Charging out from them was the Diabel-look alike with tears running down and anguish all portrayed on his face.
Agil and his group, along with that player's party charged behind him, mostly to try and snap the guy out of it but that wasn't gonna happen anytime soon. This guy's consumed by anger and grief, no getting him out of that with words alone.
"Three teams, stay behind as rearguard to keep those damn minions off us! Another stand between them and the front line for support!" I shouted, pretending everything was going according to plan. "The rest of you, form up with tanks at the front!"
I waited a moment for them to comply, "Alright men! FORWARD!"
With a collective battle cry, we ran forward in a wave of bodies.
"Whatever you do, do NOT attack it from all side!" I shouted as I took the lead. "Tanks focus on defense! Everyone else attack in Switch volleys! One last effort is all that remains!"
The Diabou-look alike, after glancing at his HP bar I now know his name is Lind, reached the boss and started to thrash upon it. As expected, Illfang turned and swung it's katana at him.
Lucky, not one, not two, but three tanks (Agil included) saved his life by blocking the blow and so, Agil and his team focused on protecting Lind as the latter and his squad whom just caught up attacked the boss.
The rest of the assaulting players reached the boss a few moments after, carrying out my instructions to the letter.
But like all plans, something was bound to happen.
In this case, one of the players holding off the Sentinels drifted close to the boss. Normally this would be ok if four others didn't take up places around the red freak. And so, Illfang activated his all-round attack skill once more blowing everyone close enough flying into the air.
I let out a tisk, glancing at the thing's HP bar once again.
Hopefully, it should die with one last effort.
FOR REAL THIS TIME.
"Kirito, Miss Flash, and anyone else fast enough to keep up! Follow my lead!" I shouted, rushing forward to face the beast. "When just gotta be fast! Fast enough to beat him before the next attack!"
Kirito called out something but I didn't hear it, too busy focusing on the task at hand.
I closed in on Illfang, narrowly dodging a side swipe aimed at my head. I unleashed a series of combo moves, staggering the creature back. I moved past Illfang, waiting to hear the follow up from Kirito, Asuna, hell even my mom when none came.
I turned my head around, only now did I realize what Kirito was trying to tell me.
Move of those damn Sentinels came swarming in, overwhelming the teams tasked with holding them off. Kirito, Asuna, Luna, and the rest of my friends had to rush back just to keep those guys from dying.
Only guys around the boss now are the Samurai Squad, Agil and his team, and the Diabou-look alike Lind. Few others in between the two, mostly those who were blow away by the last attack, but right now I'm all by myself.
I glanced over at Illfang, it snarled as drool ran down the side of it's face. It one-HP left.
This damn thing just refuses to die! Like it had some goddamn Endurance skill that lets it use up every last damn heath point far past the point of frustration!
Illfang threw it's sword around again, this time three times as fast as before. Gotta be some Last Stand type deal or something...
…
WHY THE HELL IS THIS FIRST BOSS SO FING BROKEN?!
I let out a curse, knowing there was no way in hell I could dodge this next attack. So I let out a sigh, accepting what came next but knowing I'll regret not killing the son of a bitch that trapped us in here.
"It was fun while it lasted..."
I closed my eyes, swearing I heard a number of people I know screamed out my name as I waited for the end.
Instead, I heard a metal bang. The kind when metal hits metal. I quickly opened my eyes, whirling around to see a rather unexpected figure standing beside me.
With his bronze shield supported by his sword, he managed to block the boss's attack all by himself.
This figure turned his head to my, smiling as his arms seemingly trembled under the weight of the heavy blow.
"We meet again." He said before shrugging off Illfang's sword.
Heathcliff, smiling as he turned to face me, extended the arm holding his bronze shield and clenched his fist tighter before slamming it against his chest.
"Now go, end this fight."
I've a surprised as any by this, I mean I haven't seen this guy around since the other day. Hell I never seen him at all aside from when he interrupted that duel.
Heathcliff...just who the hell are you?
No matter, I just got extended play. Wasn't gonna waste it now.
"Of course!" I shouted with a smirk. "Now, give me a boost will you?"
Maintaining his smile, Heathcliff crouched down and angled his shield to act as my spring board.
Without wasting another moment, I stepped up and launched off the bronze shield and up to the celling itself.
I angled my twin cutlasses at my sides as I hovered for a moment before falling down toward the boss.
It roared at me, one last act of defiance I guess.
"YOU'RE DEAD FREAK!" I yelled as loud as I could, swinging both my weapons in an X-shaped strike.
The blow cut Illfang apart, white light glowed from the newly formed wound as it started to deform like it was trying to regenerate or something.
If this damn thing had something that gave it a second life or something I swear I was gonna off myself then and there. Now way in hell can we beat a game when the FIRST DAMN BOSS IS THAT BROKEN!
Like he was reading my mind, or perhaps for good measure, Juno stuck an arrow in its head and with that Illfang dissipated into a million or so light shards.
The rest of the surviving Sentinels disappeared in a similar fashion. Result stats appeared in front of each member of the raid party as the entire room grew silent as everyone digested this shocking result.
Once a few moments passed, the majority of the players roared with cheer over our collective victory.
Each celebrating in their own way, some making fools of themselves as the room filled with joy.
"It's over..." I collapse on my knees, closing my eyes as I chuckled in exhaustion. "It's finally over..."
"No." Heathcliff stepped up beside me. "This is only the beginning."
Of course, but for now they took the first step forward.
The first step toward freeing themselves from this death game.
And toward killing Kayaba with my own two hands...
(Alex's POV)
We finally did it!
We defeated the first boss!
My rival, Ryder delivered the final blow and showed everyone here that we can beat this game!
My sister jumped up and down, cheering in that typical cute girl fashion as she yelled out various phrases she picked up from anime.
I watched as the big guy called Agil and the samurai leader, Klein I think his name is, slap the Black Swordsman on the back in cheerful sport as the other members of their teams surrounded him yelling in joy.
I turned my gaze to Ryder, standing beside him was the guy whom helped him out in the critical moment.
TJ, Micky and Juno were making there way over to them. I couldn't hear, but it looks like Micky said something as he waved his hand to his friend. Whatever it he said was completely blown off as Luna and Rebecca dashed passed the trio and tackled Ryder to the ground.
I could hear Luna sobbing, barely making out words she somehow managed to say admits her crying. Something about how she's glad Ryder didn't die at the last moment or something.
Seems to me that she does have feelings for my rival.
Rebecca, keeping to her character, maintained her cool, emotionless personality as she stroked her son's hair a few times whispering something in his ear.
I chuckled, returning my attention to Kirito. He was slowly approaching Asuna, after almost being shoved in her direction. The two looked like they were awkwardly trying to give each other a high five.
Just when they were about to do so, the player known as Lind stepped in between them.
"If you knew about the boss's new patterns, why didn't you say anything earlier?!" He shouted, pointing a finger at Kirito. "If you spoke up, Diabel would still be alive!"
The room filled with joyous laughter was once again thrown into silence as this obviously upset man decided to spoil the mood and take it out on someone else.
I clenched my fist, turning my head to my left when I felt my younger sister wrap her hands around it. I let out a sigh, being angry wasn't going to help things.
The man was grieving, blaming his friend's death on the wrong person, but still grieving. Sides, it turned out I didn't need to step in as Klein moved his way between Kirito and Lind.
"If you remember, we both called out to him trying to save him!" He said, glaring at the grieving man with intense eyes. "If you're looking for someone to blame, why don't you take it out on me?"
"You're not a beta though." Kibaou added in, crossing his arms. "Kirito here knew what the boss would pull, you just knew the sword's different that what it should be. No need to blame you there."
A number of the players around started to mutter among themselves, most questions as to why Kirito would do such a thing. They are all so wrong, so gullible, it's rather annoying.
"The last attack bonus." Someone said from the back. "You knew about the last attack bonus and didn't want Diabel to have it. That's why you let him die. Isn't that right, Beta Tester?"
Lind lowered his gaze. "So...you're a beta tester. Is what he's saying true?"
Kirito simply stared at him.
"Why aren't you saying anything?!"
Asuna stepped up, defending Kirito by saying how the guide book we received before was provided by beta testers and how we all had the same amount of info coming into this boss fight and how he was one of the guys who helped everyone out when shit hit the fan.
"You're missing the point." The same voice from before stated. "Who's to say that this information we received was accurate now that we witnessed how wrong it was? For all we know, that Rat who wrote the book and Kirito here are working together to fool us all. They allowed Diabel to die, what despicable people."
I wanted to shout at that point, but Asuna beat me to it once again. She stated how Rat wasn't that kind of person as she started to look around for this coward.
"You've quite supportive of those two." The man spoke once more. "Could it be...that you are one of their accomplices?"
"Enough." The voice of the man whom I respected the most called out. I felt his hand on my shoulder as he walked past me. "You snake, hiding in the crowd, you're pulling the same stunt that last bastard pulled."
"You're trying to warp the crowd against the beta players, trying to force a conflict against players." He let out a chuckle. "What's it with you people anyway? Trying to make us fight one another and shit."
Ryder scanned the crowd quick. "And what's with it and you dumb, gullible ass hats changing your opinions every time someone opens their goddamn mouth? What are you, sheep? Like being guided to whatever path whoever has the balls to speak leads you even if that path is wrong?!"
Lind took a step forward. "Ryder, I respect you for how you honored Diabel with that speech of yours. That said, I think I speak for everyone when I say that this has nothing to do with you."
Ryder smiled, shaking his head back and forth as he let out a few low laughs. "Nothing he says..." I heard him mutter underneath his breath.
"We then, let me enlighten you all on how this has everything to do with me." He placed a hand on his chest. "You wanna talk shit about beta players? Fine, but you best know then that I am a beta. Most of my party are betas, hell even Diabel was a beta player!"
A collective gasp sounded out from the crowd, followed by the shocked looks of many including Kibaou and Lind.
"Yeah, shocked me too when I first realized." Ryder continued. "He went by a different name and a different face back then. We were only in the same area a handful of times, didn't interact much. You know what tipped it off?"
"Stubbornness. His absolute refusal to back down in the face of a stronger foe. I remember seeing him in a few join raids. good leader, decent tank, and he always had a habit of fighting whatever foe one on one when the thing was about to die. Most of us let him have his fun, seeing as he usually died during those stud stunts or whatever he calls them. The few times he did pull it off however, he was a smug little shit who rubbed it in everyone's face."
"So don't go calling shit on beta players when you don't even know the one you respect the most was one of them."
He paused a few minutes before continuing.
"While I'm at it, you know all those players that died in these last few months? Well a whopping 300 of those guys were beta testers, all killed checking out information leaned during the beta so they could inform your dumbasses where some real useful shit was."
"We betas are all trapped in this world, same as the rest of you. Why the hell would we, the ones actually trying to make it out of here alive, purposely trip you guys up when we need everyone we can get? If you guys actually use your brains it would all make sense."
Ryder smirked, crossing his arms before adding what I believe was his last jab at the crowd. "Oh, and just so you all know, Kirito here is the best solo player from the beta and made it the farther than anyone else during it. My group is the best squad from the beta, and we're leagues above you fools in turns of skills and smarts apparently."
As everyone digested this sudden swarm of information, personally I was semi-occupied trying to recall someone from the beta like my rival described, Ryder pulled up his menu, typed and pressed a few buttons, then a new message alert popped up before Kirito.
Kirito opened up the message, then looked to Ryder with shaking eyes.
I don't know what was in it, but whatever it is made even the likes of Kirito hesitant.
"I gift the last attack bonus to you." Ryder answered with a nod. "It's more your style anyway."
Kirito paused for a moment before equipping the bonus: a new jet black cloak that quite frankly did suit the Black Swordsman.
Ryder turned a full 180, signaling those from his party to follow as he headed towards the sky staircase that recently appeared. I took my sister's hand and followed after the group.
"Why?" The voice belonging to the coward spoke out once again. "Why did you give him the last attack bonus after all this?"
"Why? Ahahahahaha! Looks like I need to spell it out for you." Ryder turned his head to look back at the crowd. "I gave it to him cause I can, cause I felt like it. I don't need any other reason than that."
He turned his head back around, waving a hand above his head.
"We're renegades, we do whatever the hell we please."
And here ends another entry to SAO: Renegades!
So most of this battle follows the Progressive manga, as I stated before, just that I thrown in a number of instances that seems suiting.
Prime being, giving Klein a chance to shine in this battle. I'm all good for having comedic characters but again he had potential to DO SOMETHING ELSE AT LEAST. I hate wasteful elements like that, leave a lot to be desired.
Anyway, so this is how the frontline players manage to defeat the first boss with only one casualty.
Also where Ryder speaks his piece and establishes how he gives zero fucks about almost everything haha.
Thanks for reading folks and as always look forward to the next entry.