Chapter 8
Wednesday Nov 30th, 2022
Sachi's drowsy conscious awoke slowly surrounded by warmth. "Kazuto…" Sachi quietly murmured feeling his breath tickle her face. Moving her face close, Sachi felt their noses touch. Mustering her courage, Sachi opened her eyes before kissing him. "Huh?" Asuna's face greeted a startled Sachi. Where was Kazuto? No matter how much she was supposed to think of him as Naruto, Sachi refused to do so.
Not backing away in time, Sachi stared into Asuna's confused gaze. As their breaths mingled, Asuna flushed and shot out of bed.
"S-sorry… I wasn't trying to um…"
Asuna simply sat on the floor, face bright red with a hand covering her mouth. While she felt bad for Sachi, Asuna hadn't been expecting her to wake up and immediately go to kiss her boyfriend. "Let's not talk about this again," Asuna pleaded quietly, hoping to avoid any more awkward questions.
Giving Asuna a vague nod, Sachi escaped to find out where Kazuto had gone. Mouth gaping, Sachi had to stop herself from screaming. Kazuto was in the other bed… with Argo. Blood boiling, Sachi took one step, and hesitated. They had almost split up over her jealousy, but this time, Sachi was pretty sure it was deserved. Argo's head rested comfortably on Kazuto's chest. The sly smile on the girl's face made it apparent that she'd won this round.
"Oh…" Asuna exclaimed, apparently shocked by the event as well. "I wonder when she got there…"
"Do you know how this happened?" Sachi asked forcefully, hands starting to shake from rage.
"W-well… Argo went to your bed, so I was by myself, then Naruto told me to take his position… and well, I just woke up."
Relief that she'd asked Asuna first before yelling flooded Sachi. Argo had set this up brilliantly. By coming into her bed, Argo was relying on Asuna's desire to be included to trigger Naruto's kindness. This would then get Naruto into a bed by himself that Argo could take advantage of. It was mind-boggling that someone could come up with a scheme that complex. Biting her lip Sachi stared silently at the sleeping couple with Asuna.
Naruto's mind slowly rose out of the river of dreams due to a strange sensation. It felt like he was being stared at. He tried to pass it off as simply an overactive conscious, but the feeling wouldn't disappear. He could feel his arm around Sachi's slim body, no one else should be here, right? As the sensation refused to fade, Naruto wrapped Sachi closer to him. Was Sachi's body really this small? Anomalies growing too large to ignore, Naruto opened his eyes.
"W-WHAT!?"
"Ah!" the ear-splitting shriek caused a scream of surprise from the three girls in the room. Sitting bolt upright in the bed, Naruto gaped like a fish at the recently awoken Argo.
"Well at least I know you're innocent," Sachi sighed shaking her head. The rage flowed out quickly upon seeing Argo's face. The abashed girl was clearly repentant.
Naruto's eyes scanned the room frantically. Sachi appeared confused about how she should act, Asuna stood a few steps back silently observing. Argo however… Argo sat on the ground attempting to look like she regretted her actions. Naruto's first thought was that Argo had been wrong to put unnecessary stress on Sachi. Especially a Sachi who Argo knew had issues with jealously. His second thought was guilt. Could he really blame Sachi when he'd enjoyed waking up next to Argo? As part of his mind analyzed which one he had preferred sleeping with, another part interjected the forbidden thought: why not both? Immediately derailing that train of thought, Naruto focused on what seemed to be the safest subject, Asuna.
Seeing Naruto focus on her made Asuna aware of her circumstances. "Oh, should I leave?" Despite offering, Asuna's heart wasn't in it. Instinctively she knew she didn't have a place in this conversation, but for some reason she wanted to be present for it.
"Ah, yes please…" Sachi began.
"No, you can stay." Argo contradicted.
Staring at each other, entire conversations seemed to pass through the two girls.
With a sigh, Argo seemed to back down. "I know I shouldn't have sneaked into his bed. I wasn't planning on it."
"You weren't?" Sachi asked doubtfully.
"No, I wasn't. I was planning on sneaking out earlier and getting some work done. But when I turned back and saw Narboi's face I couldn't leave." Looking at Naruto, Argo evaluated her next words. "He looked confused, and you and Aa-chan were fast asleep holding each other."
Blushing, the girls in question each took an unconscious step away from each other. Sachi waved a hand to indicate Argo to continue.
"So, I crawled into bed. When I smoothed his hair, the confusion faded. I guess I drifted off to sleep while doing it. And I mean if you think about it, I wasn't doing anything that you didn't do with Asuna, so really, I kept our contact between that of friends."
Briefly baffled by Argo's logic, Sachi had no immediate response. "H-hey! I'm not letting you off that easily! Asuna's a girl, it's different."
"Oh? But what if she's lesbian? Then where's the difference?" Argo snidely responded.
Sachi and Asuna locked eyes, memories of the almost kiss flashing between them. Blushing Sachi gave up the fight. "I realized yesterday I don't deserve Kaz, uh Naruto, so I'll take whatever love he gives me. Feel free to make whatever moves you want."
"Sachi…"
Naruto's pained words were too much for Sachi. Turning around she couldn't look at him. No matter how much the words hurt, they were her only option. It hurt, but Sachi was desperate. If Naruto also wanted to date Argo, what could Sachi do? Break up with him? It was only because of their past that he was still here anyways. She knew it made her dependent on him, but it was a decision she was comfortable with. To be the opposite of what she had been. To be supportive, loving, and most of all giving. Her role would be to make sure Naruto had what he needed in order to beat this game. If sleeping with other girls was something he needed, then she would etch the pain into her heart and push forward. A pain she had earned by undermining him.
"This is because of me, Isn't it?" Asuna's quiet voice was accompanied by a supportive hand on her shoulder. "I should have realized the pain my actions were causing you, I'm sorry."
"How is this your fault?" Sachi asked surprised.
"I self-destructed. I was over reliant on Naruto's kindness. But, I think I speak for Argo too here, when I say I want to be your friend. Last night… Not even in the real world have I experienced something like that. For all of you to accept me… it means a lot."
Staring at the gently crying auburn haired girl, something in Sachi's heart melted. The pain that been there whenever she thought of Naruto with another girl faded. His love for her wouldn't disappear, it would just grow to include another. Sachi realized how blessed she had been, to have been able to meet him first, well second she amended, and to have shared so many incredible adventures with him.
"I want to be friends with you too Asuna. You're so strong, and so beautiful that I had to confront my own insecurities. With a little bit of help from a brave girl, I'm here. I can't promise I'll be perfect, but I'll try my best, for all of us."
"That's all any of us can do, Sac-chan." Inserting herself into the conversation, Argo grabbed Sachi's hands. "Sometimes we all just need a little warmth in our lives."
Wrapping the girls in her arms, Sachi brought the three of them together for a hug. Inside, small issues seemed to disappear. Together they could face anything.
Held by the other girls, Asuna let herself admit it. She enjoyed it. The feeling of executing a perfect sword skill, of having a bath after a long day. Most importantly, she enjoyed them. The constantly teasing info broker, the shy spear user and the mysterious black haired boy. Argo had regaled her yesterday during the bath of the tale of how he had dissected everything about her from their short meeting. How he had convinced everyone to come back and rescue her. Smiling into the shoulders of the other girls, Asuna allowed herself to admit that as well. She liked being cared about. Not just whether her studies her going well, but that she was doing well. Closing her eyes, Asuna silently apologized to her new friends. Sorry, I'm falling for him too.
Naruto watched the girls with a smile. He had been worried about this blowing up, but… all things considered this was the best possible outcome. Opening his menu Naruto quickly equipped his gear before the girls realized he was shirtless.
Klein's shocked face greeted Naruto as he tramped down the stairs followed by the three girls. "All of them? Really? At the same time?"
"Shut up," Naruto growled, too tired to care about niceties. His conflicted feelings had left him in an uneasy sleep. It wasn't until Argo had joined him that he had gotten good sleep. At that point it was an hour at most.
"Yeah, Klein," Argo smiled nastily, "Sachi just invited us to watch."
Chocking on his breakfast, Klein cast an incredulous gaze at Naruto's exhausted face. "R-really?"
"You know," Naruto sighed. "If you weren't so easy to tease, she wouldn't do it as much."
Laughing nervously, Klein nodded his acceptance. "so, what are we doing today."
"I don't care," Naruto replied apathetically, resting his head on the table.
"Come on, dude," Klein whined, "there has got to be something fun to do."
"Actually, I got something for you," Argo interrupted.
"Oh, yeah? Klein here will take care of all your problems."
"Did he just refer to himself in third person?" Asuna whispered to Sachi.
"He did indeed," Sachi agreed.
"What do you have, Argo?" Naruto asked, trying to keep the conversation from being derailed.
"Impressive," Argo murmured. "Even in this state you act like a leader. Anyhow, Diavel sent me a message, let me read it to you. Dear Argo, I hope this message finds you in good health. Since my party and some others are approaching the top of labyrinth I will be hosting a meeting to organize a raid to fight the first-floor boss. I would appreciate your assistance in notifying people of the meeting. It will be held on Dec 3rd at the central square in Tolbana at 2 pm in the afternoon. The plan is to fight the boss at noon on the fourth. This way, we will end our fourth week in the game on the second floor. Sincerely, Diavel."
"So, you're supposed to spread word of this meeting?" Naruto asked intrigued. "Have you replied?"
"Yeah, told him I sent messages to the ones I knew." Argo nodded. "Also told him how to post notices so everyone else will see it. Would imagine most of everyone in Tolbana will show up."
"Really?" Sachi asked surprised, "but a boss is a lot scarier than normal monsters."
Argo smirked at Sachi's naivety, "Come on girl, you know enough about video games to know why they'll show up."
Looking puzzled at his girlfriend, Naruto had no idea where Argo was going with this.
"They don't want to get left behind," Sachi asserted after thinking for a few moments.
"Got it in one."
"Can you elaborate?" Asuna asked, more willing to get involved in conversations now. The previous conversation had solidified the girls' camaraderie.
"Well you see, miss," Klein interrupted grandly, "gamers have a massive inferiority complex."
"You're still here?" Asuna asked surprised.
"Ah, well uh…" Bowing his head, Klein trudged out defeated, to find the rest of his party.
"He was kind of right," Argo supplied, once his form receded.
Nodding her head in agreement, Sachi picked up the point, "I've played some MMO's, they tend to be the friendliest for a group of people to play together. However, if you fall behind, you tend to stay there."
"The older games are nicer for that because there are online guides you can look at and extra copies of rare gear you can get."
Looking at each other, neither Naruto or Asuna were fully following the conversation.
"Is it kind of like wanting to stay in the top ten of your grade?" Asuna asked, grasping at straws.
This time, it was Argo and Sachi's turn to look at each other, "I guess?" Sachi admitted.
"The desire to be the best is a pretty common trait," Argo shrugged, "if you aren't at the boss fight, well then you aren't the best."
"Ah," Naruto and Asuna echoed simultaneously. That was indeed a desire that both could comprehend. It had fuelled most of their lives. For Naruto, dominating sports took his time, and Asuna, school.
"So, anyways, what was that about earlier Sachi? Did something happen between you two yesterday?"
Blushing, Sachi hid her head on the table. "I don't want to talk about it."
"You know, I think I deserve to hear it at least." Naruto commented.
"Fine, I'll tell you, alone." Sachi grumbled.
"Hey now," Argo complained. "We're your friends, we need entertainment too."
Scanning their faces, Sachi saw unanimous agreement on their faces. Even Asuna, who tried to hide it, looked interested. Sighing, Sachi spoke, "Alright, alright, you win. I'll tell you guys."
"So, a cutie with pigtails," Argo sighed, leaning back in her chair. "sounds like someone Naruto will easily charm into joining his harem."
"Hey," Naruto weakly protested. "I am not assembling a harem!"
"Hopefully," Sachi muttered under her breath.
"Keep telling yourself that." Argo laughed.
"I'm worried about the girl," Asuna frowned, ignoring the previous discussion. "She seems too young to fully comprehend the dangers. She will get in trouble one day for underestimating them."
"There isn't much more we can do for her though," Naruto countered, "the information is out there, and Sachi warned her about assembling a proper party. I mean, there's only so much we can do about fixing mental states and outlooks."
"You fixed mine," Asuna shot back.
"I disagree, you fixed yours. I pointed out the facts, the logical side of your brain did the rest. I doubt this girl will have the maturity to change her methods."
Pulling her hood lower, Asuna didn't reply to Naruto's comment.
"Also, she hadn't actually fought a monster," Argo pointed out. "Once she fights one, I think that maybe she will start to respect them a bit more."
"Agreed," Naruto nodded, "We'll check up on her after we clear the first floor. For now, though, what should we do for the rest of the day?"
"Sure," Argo agreed with a yawn, "the seventeenth floor has some grindable mobs that drop items for a repeatable. Might be able to hit level nine off it today."
"Sounds good," standing up, Naruto lazily stretched to ready himself for a day of fighting. "too bad it seems impossible to hit level ten on this floor."
"Nah," Argo disagreed, "just boring. There are enough small quests scattered around the floor to manage it. With enough prior knowledge and exquisite planning, it would have been doable for the boss fight."
Snorting, Naruto said, "maybe in another universe. Let's see who wants to come and get going then. That is if you guys want to come."
"We're girls silly," Sachi reminded him, "and yes we're coming."
"Meh, guy is a gender-neutral term."
Rolling her eyes, Sachi sighed one word, both a curse and a blessing, "men."
Saturday Dec 3rd, 2022
No one had gone to the labyrinth today, there was no point. It had been mapped to completion ages ago. Filing into the tiered amphitheatre five minutes before the meeting time, Naruto led his group of fifteen to sit on the first two rows on the right side. Nodding sagely to the blue haired knight, who sat front and centre waiting for everyone to arrive, Naruto walked silently past him to his seat.
Glaring briefly at his party's high-quality equipment, Diavel quickly refocused his attention on his teammates' words.
Sitting down on the first row, Sachi sat on his right, and Arthur on his right. Moving quickly, Argo sat directly behind him with Asuna on her right. Essentially surrounded by the only women here, Naruto could sense the jealous glares sent his way. Dividing around him, Klein's group sat on Naruto's left while Keita sat down beside Sachi, his party following.
Not joining in in his teammates' conversation, Naruto attempted to keep track of the number of people entering as the start time drew closer. Including his group, the number exceeded fifty. Relaxing, Naruto faced front again. With more than forty-eight, they would have a full raid party.
It's good to see you all here!" Diavel's voice cut through the din, starting the meeting. "In this game, I rolled as a knight!"
While the comment caused the girls present to roll their eyes, it seemed to ease tension throughout the people assembled.
Ignoring the jeering cries of there not being a class system, 'obviously', Diavel continued. "Earlier this week, my party discovered the boss room. The plan is to meet here tomorrow at noon and set out to the labyrinth in order to defeat the first-floor boss."
"Shouldn't we scout it out first?"
"What about party makeup?"
Addressing the nervous voices in the crowd, Diavel was interrupted by a new figure leaping down the tiered benches.
Greeted by a mixture of impressed voices and grumpy complaining, the man turned around. Hair resembling a cactus, the man had sharp eyes on a hard face; overall, he looked like a soldier. However, he also looked like a bully, Naruto thought. His fears were confirmed as the man opened his mouth.
He introduced himself as Kibaou. Following it with essentially propaganda against beta testers, forced Naruto's hand. "Shut up."
The scathing comment caught cactus-head off guard.
"How dare you stand there and accuse someone else of your troubles."
"Y-you're just saying that because you're one of them!"
Seeing Kibaou's finger pointed at him, Naruto had a desire to reach out and snap it. Unfortunately, this wouldn't work in game, yet alone inside city limits.
Sighing inwardly, Naruto reined in his anger. "No, I hadn't played until four weeks ago. But, one of my closest friends is a beta tester. They have worked themselves to the bone attempting to save as many people as they could. How dare you stand there and accuse beta testers of not helping, when you've done nothing yourself."
"W-well, I don't know the game as well as them."
"Hmpf," Naruto snorted. "So, you don't know how to fight? That's the only thing required to help a party out. Keep them alive. If you can't do that... well, then you can probably leave the meeting right now."
"Bastard," Kibaou growled angrily. Hand on his sword Kibaou was ready to challenge Naruto to a duel. Looking forward to knocking this bloated menace down a peg, Naruto's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
A hand on Kibaou's arm and a whisper from Diavel stopped it. Face blanching, Diavel had most likely informed Kibaou of how strong Naruto was.
"I'll drop it for now, but don't think this is the end of it!" Sitting down with a huff, Kibaou looked like a child pouting that their favourite toy had been taken away.
Extending a nod to Diavel, Naruto returned to his seat. "Thanks Nar-boi," Argo whispered into his ear from behind.
Turning his head to brush it off, Naruto saw tears at the corners of her eyes. Swallowing his previous words, "anytime," was all he could come up with. Facing back towards centre stage, Naruto was keenly aware of the contact between his back and Argo's legs.
"Yes, well, getting back on topic, the boss. We don't have to do a scouting run because of this." Holding one of Argo's distinctive guidebooks, a hush fell over the crowd. Stealthily reaching his hand back, Naruto touched Argo's foot to comfort her. Argo acknowledged the contact by pressing her legs harder into his back.
Clearing his throat, Diavel continued, "yes, the same Rat who published guides to this floor, has now released a boss pamphlet. It has everything, from moves to a health estimate. The boss is 'Illfang the Kobold Lord'. Possessing four health bars I estimate a fight time of around forty minutes to an hour. Also, when it hits its last health bar it will switch from an axe and buckler to a Talwar."
Naruto was surprisingly impressed. Diavel was commanding the meeting with a charisma he hadn't shown during their previous encounters. Hopefully, this was a sign of good things to come.
At the command to break into parties, Naruto looked at his group. Seeing their confirming nods, Naruto knew the parties they were going with. Their first party was Klein, his five friends, and Arthur. The group that, coincidentally enough, had to learn how to fight and survive together after Naruto left them. The second party was then everyone left over.
This combination Naruto and Klein had come up with during the time between hearing about this meeting and attending it. By putting Arthur in as Klein's second allowed for easy communication between parties. Additionally, this kept the more vulnerable elements like Ducker and Sachi under Naruto's protection.
Signalling Diavel, he came over to observe the fifteen members Naruto would be bringing to the battle. Lips pursed, Diavel's eyes settled on Argo. "So, you'll be joining us then?"
"That I will be." Argo smiled, "can't leave poor Nar-boi all alone. He's so helpless without me."
"I see. Currently my plan is to have your two parties deal with the mobs."
"Why?"
"You have the largest group that has worked together before. Ideally, your two parties will swiftly deal with spawns allowing the rest of us time to adjust to fighting together."
Noticing the flaw in Diavel's logic, Naruto nodded magnanimously. "If the beta information holds true, we will have a lot of extra manpower. Keep that in mind."
"I will." A final curt nod and Diavel was walking off to visit the other assembled parties and rearranging them.
"How arrogant," Asuna sniffed. "They should leave the boss to us and just keep the little guys away."
Naruto couldn't help but nod in agreement as his party members continued to express their displeasure. "It's Diavel's boss raid. We would have needed to organize it in order to determine party roles. At least he didn't try to reorganize our parties."
"He knows we'd make better parties than he would," Argo snorted.
Laughing in agreement, Naruto waited for the meeting to continue.
"After talking to everyone, I have decided we will only be taking forty-eight members on this raid. Level sixes will not be permitted." Arching his eyebrows in surprise, Naruto looked at Klein, they both understood what this would mean. He was getting another party member.
Indeed, after the ones Diavel deemed, 'not worthy', had been sent off, he brought over a new face. With bright eyes and a mouth on the verge of a smile, Naruto's first impression of their sixteenth member was promising enough. He introduced himself as Coper and carried an 'Anneal Blade' on his back, same as Naruto.
The meeting ended shortly after. Diavel dismissed them with instructions to meet at the northern gate at noon. Naruto led his party to a restaurant for supper.
"So, how's Coper fitting in?" Sachi asked curiously.
"Pretty good," Klein commented amiably enough. "It's nice to see a one-handed swordsman who actually uses a shield."
Coughing, Naruto bowed his head to avoid Klein's pointed stare.
"He's only staying for one fight though," Sachi commented, "or do you plan on asking him to join?"
Nodding at each other, Klein and Naruto were on the same wavelength. "If he performs well and gets along with the guys, then most likely."
Supper was in a word, solemn. There was no tangible fear, but also a lack of boasting. Everyone knew how important tomorrow's fight would be. Sitting quietly off to the side, Argo observed the strange group she had joined. It was illogical for her to officially join, yet she had. Any semblance of impartiality had been stripped away. Most of her clientele would drift away to seek out more independent brokers to buy sensitive information. Even now, however, Argo couldn't bring herself to regret her decision.
Eyes drifting around the room, they were always pulled back to a single point, him. Argo had never fully comprehended the term magnetic personality before. But ever since that fateful meeting a month ago, something kept drawing her back to him. Before she'd even realized it, she'd fallen for him. The Argo from the beta test would laugh at Argo now. But... Argo didn't mind.
Staring at Naruto, her mouth slid into an unconscious smile. She had something precious now. Even if she had to give up most of her duties as an info broker, getting to stay beside him was worth it. Perhaps, it was also why she kept pushing the 'harem' idea. It was generally reserved for men to write cringy novels or manga around, not something actually done. In general, having multiple partners wasn't something one found in most of the civilized world, and definitely not in japan. But this wasn't the real world, this was Sword Art Online. If she kept pushing the idea, then maybe she would get her chance with Naruto. As a first choice, Argo doubted her chances. But as one of many, then perhaps.
Groaning inwardly, Argo knew she should stop this. Stop her obvious flirting and suggestive jokes, but every time she didn't. Every time the chance came, she pushed it further. Crawling into bed with Naruto had finally reached a limit. The idea had been to get in and get out, but she had been unable to leave. Laying her head on Naruto's bare chest, Argo's hidden worries had seemed to flow away. Peaceful sleep had consumed her. Just the thought of it awakened the flames of desire in her.
She wanted to do it again.
She wanted more.
She wanted him.
"Argo."
"Ah!" Argo yelped indignantly.
"I was wondering if you wanted to come to the farmhouse tonight with Asuna and I," Sachi offered. "We thought we could have another sleepover, just in case, you know?"
"I-I see. Is Naruto coming?" Argo asked hesitantly.
"No." Sachi answered with a light blush. "That would be too embarrassing."
"You said just in case, didn't you?"
"W-well we may die tomorrow." Sachi defended.
"That's my point!" Argo insisted forcefully. "You want to spend your last night without him?"
Looking down, Sachi bit her lip before answering. "Of course that would be nice. But I'd feel bad leaving you and Asuna."
"Who said anything about leaving us?" Argo smirked. "I meant all four of us."
"A-all four!? B-but the bath and..."
"He doesn't have to bath with us." Argo replied quickly, face going red at the thought. "I just thought about how much closer the four of us got during the last one..."
Eyes narrowing, Sachi stared hard at Argo. "I respect the fact that you like him as well as Argo; however, are you just using this as an opportunity to take your relationship to the next level?"
"Would you be mad if I did?" Argo asked quietly.
"I'd have no room to complain," Sachi admitted with a sigh. "As I mentioned last time... I'll take whatever love he gives me. I'd prefer if it was you over another girl, if it has to be anyone."
Humming to herself, Argo's mind whirred. Despite pretending to think it over, Argo knew her heart was set. She knew what she wanted. She'd known for awhile. Grabbing Sachi's hand, Argo spoke intently to the black-eyed girl. "Tell Naruto to meet us at the farmhouse in an hour. Us girls are going to talk in the meantime."
Nodding her head reluctantly, Sachi felt that she'd set off down a path there was no leaving.
"I'm not sure I should be here for this..." Sitting uncomfortably in the bathtub, Asuna had left her underwear on. The soggy feeling was infinitely better than bathing naked in a small tub with two other girls. Argo apparently, didn't have the same reservations putting all she has on display.
It was Argo's previous statement, however, that made Asuna feel like she should leave.
"Y-you can't be serious, Argo!" Sachi rebutted. "Confessing? I mean..."
"Why not? He knows I like him. I just wanted both of your permission before doing so."
"Which is why I don't think I should be here!" Asuna broke in angrily. "Sachi is the one dating him, it's her permission you need."
"Please," Argo scoffed, "like you don't have an interest in this."
"I don't!" Asuna all but squealed, the lie heavy in her throat. Her stomach had sank when she heard Argo's plan. She knew that Argo and Sachi both loved him, but somehow... it was different when the moment came. She had practised her smile for when that relationship had been sorted out, but now... that smile wouldn't come. The calm words of congratulations so meticulously mapped out. They remained out of reach. Bowing her head, Asuna watched the water lap around her legs. The slight incongruities reminding her this wasn't the real world.
"I know you guys are against it..." Argo began slowly, "but this isn't the real world. We will be in here for years if we stay alive. There is a chance we die tomorrow. There is a chance Naruto dies tomorrow. Do you really want your feelings to stay left unsaid?"
"I... I don't think I know my feelings well enough to say what they are." Asuna murmured. "But if you have, I wish you luck in sharing them." Finally staring at the constantly teasing info broker, Asuna found that smile.
"I must sound like a broken record at this point... If that's what your set on doing, you should go and do it. With or without my blessing." Sachi agreed with a smile.
"Thank you." Drawing them into an uncomfortable hug, Argo let a few tears leak from her eyes.
The rest of the hour was spent in a nervous, albeit companionable silence. Small talk started and quickly died multiple times. Despite still feeling like an outsider, Asuna was more comfortable here now. This is what it meant to have friends. To talk through your problems together. Argo's feelings weren't her fault, and Sachi had matured enough to appreciate that. The solution they had come up with however... Asuna was much less sure about. While Argo was right, this wasn't the real world, what about when they did return? She was raised to constantly think about the future, and if you looked past the end of SAO, this strategy did not seem viable long term. Repressing her doubts, Asuna waited with the others.
"Eep!" the knocking at the door elicited a dramatic response from the strung-out Argo. "Can you get that?"
Nodding sagely, Asuna felt bad for the poor girl. The thought of confessing to a boy was scary enough. When that boy was Naruto the concept was downright terrifying. The one topic the girls had avoided was what if Naruto said no. Asuna thought a downright refusal was unlikely, but if it happened, the raid tomorrow could get extremely awkward.
Opening the door, Naruto's face contained hints of strain, almost as if he expected something bad to happen. Bowing politely, Asuna showed him to the main to the main room where Argo and Sachi sat, a spot between them the only space available on the sofa.
Pushing a hesitating Naruto, Asuna guided him to his preordained spot.
"Why do I feel like I'm being interrogated?" Naruto complained after taking his spot.
"Well, you kind of are," Sachi told him with a smile. "I just want you to know, that I'm fine with whatever you say and I want you to say what you're really feeling."
"Uh... OK?" Naruto agreed confused. "I'll play along. Ask your questions." Deciding it was a game of sorts, Naruto relaxed a little waiting for whatever bonding exercise the girls had come up with.
"Nar-boi..."
"Huh? Argo?"
Having his hand unexpectedly grabbed by Argo, Naruto released too late he had misinterpreted the situation.
"I also want to be your girlfriend."
A sentence that was probably never seriously said. Naruto barely restrained his laughter at the impossible sentence. Not 'I want to be your girlfriend' or 'I want you to leave them for me'. No, this was an acknowledgement of the previous partner and a desire to share in that status. Not as a mistress or an affair, but a second romantic partner.
"I know you already have Sachi, but over this month, I've come to love you. I wanted you to know before the boss fight. I understand if you say no, I'm sure it goes against all of your principles, but..." words failing her, Argo fell silent awkwardly.
"But the rules of this world are different than the real one." Sachi finished for her. "I want you to try."
Head falling, Naruto contemplated the words that had blindsided him. He had convinced himself it wouldn't happen, but here it was. "Why Sachi? You were dead set against anything like this a couple of weeks ago."
"A couple of weeks ago I was arrogant. I thought you were my fairy tale prince. Now, I'm realizing something I should have a long time ago; you're too special for someone like me. You need more than just me. I will always fight for my place by your side, I've just come to accept that it might not be just me there."
Nodding vaguely, Naruto focused on the final member in the room. "And you Asuna? What's your role in all of this?"
"I'm here to support my friends of course."
"So I won't get another confession from you immediately after?"
"W-who do you think you are!?" An offended Asuna scoffed. "Keep dreaming." Turning dismissively Asuna hid the building blush.
"Ah, sorry." Naruto apologized scratching his head. "Got carried away there."
Sniffing condescendingly, Asuna kept her face pointed away from Naruto.
"Well?" Argo pleaded, desperate for an answer.
"Right..." Naruto spoke slowly. "This is certainly unusual... but I'll speak the truth."
Nodding quickly, fear flashed across Argo's face. The possibility of rejection was slowly stealing confidence from her. Body shaking, Argo was on the edge of a nervous breakdown. She had never opened herself to someone like this before. She wasn't supposed to be the vulnerable one...
"Calm down, it'll be alright."
"Huh?"
Naruto's warm arms encircled her, replacing her stress and nerves with warmth. "I'm sure this sounds awful, but... I like you too Argo. I have no excuses but I like Sachi too. I don't know why I feel like this, but you wanted the truth."
"Awful? That sounds amazing." Argo purred, burying her head into Naruto's chest.
"For some reason... I'm happy too," Sachi agreed joining in the hug.
Standing awkwardly off to one side, Asuna looked on enviously at the girls hugging the boy they had clearly both fallen head over heels for. Part of her wanted to go over there, but the other part knew she didn't deserve to. For if the world isn't real, how could her feelings be? With this thought plaguing her mind, Asuna accepted the isolation that it brought.
Chatting aimlessly with his girlfriends, Naruto's mind wouldn't release from this point. He had multiple significant others. No matter how he phrased it in his mind, it always sounded wrong. In today's societies, no respectable member could say that in everyday speech. And yet, the thought didn't bother him as much as it used to. Now he was more preoccupied with the thought of how Asuna must feel. He had effectively ostracized her by dating her only two friends. What about telling his parents, or Sugu? For some reason, Sugu seemed the scarier of those options, his parents would laugh at him and tell him he had double the problems.
"So, what are the sleeping arrangements?" Argo asked out of nowhere.
"Same as last time. Naruto and me, then you and Asuna." Sachi answered smartly.
"You wish," Argo dismissed with a snort. "You've gotten more than enough time. It should be me and Naruto!"
"The beds fit three..."
At Naruto's logical comment the girls went red.
"Ah, yeah, I'll take this room then. See you guys tomorrow." Exiting the room with a sad look, Asuna retreated into one of the bedrooms by herself.
"Poor girl..." Naruto whispered sadly.
Sighing, Sachi decided this was something she needed to relent on. This was Argo's night. "I'll stay with Asuna, have a good sleep." Giving Naruto a parting kiss and Argo a trusting smile, Sachi followed Asuna into the bedroom.
"Alone..."
Peering curiously at Argo. Naruto silently inquired after her comment.
"Umm... I was just wondering... Were those your true feelings? You weren't just saying that, were you?"
Chuckling at the strangely defenceless girl, Naruto decided it was time for some payback. "And if I was?"
"I-I well..." blushing, Argo had no reply.
Patting her mossy hair, Naruto relieved her doubts. "I do really like you Argo. Although your teasing self is definitely more fun."
"Ah... that. I'll be back tomorrow Nar-boi, but it seems like you win today."
"Oh, I don't know about that," Naruto denied with a malicious twinkle in his eye. "I think your all bark and no bite. You talk a big game, but you can't follow it up, can you?"
Sputtering indignantly Argo shot to her feet. "I'll show you bite, mister!" Hand pausing, Argo's mind went to Sachi. Argo could show Naruto the ethics code and, due to how sound worked in game, Sachi would be no wiser in the morning, but that smile... Closing her menu, Argo sighed. "Let's just go to bed, alright?"
"Sure..." Naruto relented, not teasing the strangely put-out girl.
Crawling into the bed, Naruto pulled the small info broker close to him. Her small frame fit perfectly in the groove of his body.
"One last thing Nar-boi," Argo whispered from beside him.
"Yeah?" Looking at the girl, Naruto felt her lips close on his. Enjoying the taste of her lips, Naruto was disappointed when she broke it off. Leaning in for another round, he was blocked by Argo's finger.
"Not without Sachi." Argo teased.
Grunting, Naruto backed off disappointed. With Argo's body pressed tightly against him, Naruto's desires tempted him, but he couldn't do anything about it. Deciding he was definitely going to survive tomorrow, Naruto buried his desires and went to sleep, thoughts of the boss chased from his mind.
Sunday Dec 4th, 2022
"They're…"
"...Really bad," Arthur finished. Shaking their heads, most of Naruto's group was disgusted by the lack of ability being shown. An over-reliance on sword skills combined with a disregard for footwork led to the raid group having an overall sloppy appearance. There was some talent in the group, having reached this point, but not as much as Naruto was expecting.
"They could benefit so much from your instruction," Argo sighed, watching yet another player get dragged around by their sword skill.
"Most likely," Naruto agreed, "you were very impressive without it though."
"Why thank you, Nar-boi. But I've always been slippery."
"A trait you took with you into the game," Naruto murmured thoughtfully. "It's surprising how much translates into this world."
Naruto's contemplative mood was cut short as the raid group entered the twentieth floor. The shortest floor, a few fights later and a pair of great stone doors stood in front of them. Pausing, a nervous chattering descended on the raid.
Clearing his throat, Diavel drew everyone's attention. "Finally, it's time for the boss! Let's fight hard and end today on the second floor, charge!" Pushing open the stone doors himself, Diavel led the forty-eight members into the great hall.
Torches held in brackets along the wall flickered on one at a time, casting the room in an ominous glow. When the torches reached the end of the hallway, a throne appeared with a seated figure. Slowly standing up, it's red skin and lizard like face identified it as a Kobold. True to Argo's information, a light red cursor, indicating a lower level, with the name 'Illfang the Kobold Lord' appeared.
Brandishing an axe and buckler, Illfang let out a terrifying shout. As if in response, the floor itself lit up, swirling with rainbow colours. This gave the raid group ambient light to fight with.
Charging further into the room, Illfang and three 'Elite Kobold Troopers', met them. An advanced version of the Kobolds roaming the upper floor of the labyrinth, each Kobold was meant to take three people or more to deal with.
Advancing in a triangle surrounding Illfang, Naruto called out, "Asuna, Argo."
Dashing forward himself, Naruto outpaced the raid group and targeted the leading Kobold. Dodging its hastily swung mace, Naruto swiped it with his sword, drawing aggro.
Splitting, Argo on the left, Asuna on the right, they hit their respective kobolds and darted away. In one coordinated move, Naruto's party took away Illfang's protective formation. Jumping into the space created, Diavel led his party against the floor boss.
After some confusion, a gap had formed between the two groups. Naruto's sixteen fought the troopers off to the right of the throne while the other 32 were duelling Illfang in the middle of the room.
Passing his trooper off to Klein and Arthur, Naruto stood back and observed the fights. Coper was staying next to Klein and fighting extremely well. The three of them were decimating their trooper as Arthur landed heavy criticals on the kobold's throat.
The second one was similarly being dismantled by Asuna in tandem with Sachi and Tetsuo. The third Argo had given to the trio of Dale, Harry one, and Issin. Everyone else stood back and waited for either mistakes or the spawn of the next set.
In under two minutes, Naruto's party showed their dominance over the rest of the players. A 'Linear' from Asuna and a 'Thrusting Strike' from Arthur brought down the first two. While slower, the third one joined its companions in death not long after.
Snorting in derision, Naruto looked over at the main fight. Illfang still had three quarters of its first health bar, if Argo's information held true, then another three wouldn't spawn until Illfang dropped down to its next health bar.
"Well, at this rate, I think I may go take a nap."
"Same," Naruto sighed. Looking over at Argo, Naruto thought about the conversation he'd had with her last night. He hadn't said anything about them dating, and Argo hadn't brought it up either...
"Thinking about what you're going to do to me during the victory celebration?" Argo teased, meeting his gaze.
Blushing lightly at the thought, Naruto looked back at the fight. "I was just thinking that I was glad you're joining us."
"Anytime Nar-boi, anytime."
"They're done already?"
"How strong are they?"
"Did you see their speed?"
The parties not actively fighting Illfang were all murmuring to each other about the same thing. The first health bar hit half in about four minutes. For most of that, sixteen people had stood around lazily chatting waiting for something to do.
Gritting his teeth, Diavel called for a switch, "Party A out, B take over." Leaping back, he drank a potion in two swift gulps. Wiping his mouth, Diavel stared over at where Naruto stood, idly chatting.
Trying to centre himself, Diavel couldn't help but hear the whispers. The focus was supposed on him, he was fighting the boss, he was the raid leader. But no, all the talk was on Naruto and co. Dispatching the addons effortlessly, they looked bored.
Hearing the gasps of surprise, Diavel refocused on Illfang. Agil was currently tanking as his party surrounded the boss. They could surround it safely due to Illfang having no AOE moves.
The murmurs were due to Agil sidestepping Illfang's most powerful move, 'Descending Death'. Straightforward and to the point, the one hit sword skill did immense damage. The primary tanks up until now, Diavel included, had been taking it on their shields. Sidestepping it cleanly, Agil responded with his own sword skill, his giant axe tearing chunks from Illfang's health.
"Well done," Diavel acknowledged. Happy that attention had finally returned to the boss, he continued to lead the fight from the back as his health slowly ticked up.
Ten minutes later they still stood there, arms crossed observing. It had been almost unfair when Illfang had summoned another set of elite troopers. As the boss went invincible to call them, they spawned by the throne. Easily intercepting them, Naruto's party cut them down in record time.
Sword sheathed, Naruto sighed as he watched yet another tank absorbed an easily dodged sword skill. If this was a floor boss, he wasn't impressed.
Its axe skills left a lot to be desired. Cuing up its repetitive vertical skills, Illfang could be tanked more easily, but dangerously, by an agility build.
Naruto couldn't stop himself from shaking his head as the tank met the diagonal slash head on and fell into the yellow. Seeing this, Diavel promptly switched out the parties and sent the next one forwards.
Given time to think, Naruto looked at Illfang's armour. Decked out in leather armour from the waist down, Illfang had a bare chest.
"If you put him together with Kroil, you'd get a full set of armour." Asuna commented stealing Naruto's thoughts.
"I wonder if there's any significance behind it."
"They're the only two kobolds without helmets as well." Argo added.
"I can't believe we're standing here talking about the bosses gear," Klein complained. "I thought it would be way more stressful, and well…"
"MMO-like?" Sachi helpfully supplied.
"Exactly!" Klein crowed. "In those games it was constant movement and fighting. Paying attention to spawns, and boss skill cooldowns and your parties' cooldowns. Here it's like a bunch of guys from the same class in a game with friendly fire turned on."
"Removing magic and ranged attacks in general definitely changes the feel of the fights." Argo replied.
"I can't speak about these… MNO's or whatever. But from what I understand, this is more reminiscent of what a battle was like in the old days. Establishing lines of combat and cycling soldiers to prevent fatigue."
Most of the group expressed physical pain at Asuna's MNO comment. Despite this, the logic of her statement rang true. There was a certain beauty to the art of close combat warfare. Exchanging blows with an enemy, a threat of death looming at any mistake. Trust in those fighting beside you essential to continue.
"Even then they had bows," Klein complained.
"In most games, Archers are all well and fine, but in something as realistic as SAO, they present a lot of issues." Sachi commented, taking up the mantle. "Can you imagine trying to fight something like those wolves with a bow? Especially if they ambush you?"
"W-well."
"And even in a fight like this, with free rein to attack, you risk hitting teammates. It's illogical for the most part."
Sighing, Klein couldn't reply to Sachi's vicious dismantling of his point.
"Focus," Naruto called, "Spawns coming."
Tearing his 'Anneal Blade' out the dying Kobold., Naruto looked towards the main fight again. He was bored, his party was bored. One more set of kobolds and he would be onto the second floor. However, his party would have been denied a true place in the raid. They were outsiders looking in.
Trying to keep it together, Naruto stared at Illfang's back and the sheath that lay there. Held horizontal across his back, the gently curving sheath was clear in Naruto's view.
Gently curving… the words sat wrong in Naruto's mind as he thought back to what Argo had told him at supper last night.
A Talwar was an Indian sword that curved near the end. With only one cutting edge, the thick blade dealt powerful blows. Falling in line with Illfang's current strategy of powering through the assailants.
The almost delicate sheath with a more consistent curve did not fit into this description. Calling Argo over, Naruto pointed out his misgivings.
"What do ya mean, the sheath ain't right," Argo grumbled. "I'm sure it's a Tal…" trailing off, Argo blanched as she got a good look at it. "A nodachi…"
Seeing her eyes filled with fear, Naruto didn't wait for an explanation, he ran for Diavel.
Screeching to a halt next to the commander, Diavel glared at him. "Don't think I'm letting you rotate in on the boss, so you can steal the glory."
Taken aback by his frank comment, Naruto briefly forgot what he came to say. "The boss has a different weapon."
"What are you talking about? It clearly is using an axe and buckler."
"It's back up you idiot! It has a nodachi."
Face slack with surprise, Diavel was unsure which point he should address first; the idiot comment or the weapon. "How do you know the weapon has changed?" Diavel asked, finally deciding the weapon was more important.
"It's on the boss right now, in its sheath!" Naruto all but shouted.
"Oh."
The conversation drawing the attention of the nearby raid members, Diavel tried to save face.
"You may return to your party now. I will keep the information in mind."
Clenching his jaw, Naruto whispered a parting. "Your ego better not screw this up."
Face blanching, Diavel faced back towards the fight with the boss as Naruto stalked away.
"You told everyone?"
"Yes," Argo confirmed.
"Good, you all understand the situation, we're moving." By changing the groups location to the middle of the room, Naruto guaranteed that retreat would be possible. Bringing Asuna and Argo with him, Naruto stood by the spawn point for the next wave.
If they didn't, the troopers would run to Illfang and interfere with the boss fight. By standing here they could aggro the mobs and train them back to the main group.
A nervous whisper fell over the raid group. The unstoppable addon killers were changing position. Something was wrong, but what they don't know. Growling, Diavel knew he had to address the raid.
"The boss is now wielding a nodachi for the second stage, not a Talwar, the plan stays the same."
Discontent quieted, the group waited for the third health bar to empty.
Almost before it had finished spawning, Naruto's sword contacted the elite trooper's helmeted head. Dashing back, Naruto found himself running alongside the higher agility girls. Reaching the rest of the party, Naruto quickly switched places with Arthur.
Looking nervously at the main fight, Naruto was just in time to see Illfang come out of its final invincibility animation.
"Party A, surround it!" Diavel's shout contained no trace of fear. Face full of confidence, Diavel drew aggro of the now katana wielding boss. His party closed in simultaneously, a picture of coordination. However, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The steel katana gleamed with a deadly light, the quality of the weapon apparent at first glance. Higher than anything Naruto had seen before, from either monster or player.
As one, Diavel's party moved into striking range. Roaring, Illfang leapt up, his blade emitting a violent red light. Heart sinking, Naruto knew the raid was doomed.
Creating a circle of steel, Illfang stunned all eight members of Diavel's party. Not breaking form, Illfang chained it into another sword skill.
"Retreat!" The damning word was out of Naruto's mouth before Diavel hit the ground. Giving the airborne figure one final glance, Naruto dashed to the boss. Leaving his party behind, Naruto was confident they could manage a safe retreat despite the kobolds.
Skidding to a stop, Naruto was too late as Illfang's blade downed another of Diavel's panicking party. Recovering, Illfang turned to find his next victim. Cursing his luck, Naruto jumped in front of the blazing blade. While the start-up animations were slow, their actual speed was unparalleled. Supporting the blade of his sword with his left hand, Naruto accepted the three-part sword skill on his blade. Unable to withstand the skill, Naruto was blown back.
"Run you idiots!" Naruto screeched at the remaining members. Of the original eight, Diavel had been blasted away, another was killed, and Naruto saved the third. Another three had finally crawled to safety. That left the last two, standing awkwardly on the backside of Illfang, unsure how to get out. At Naruto's words they stepped forward, fear making them screw up. Detecting multiple members around him, Illfang leapt up once more.
Breath hitching, Naruto could only watch as Illfang's merciless blade stunned them again. As they fell to the ground, Naruto locked eyes with their frightened faces. His body screamed at him to rush forward, to try and save them, but he knew it was useless. This weapon was too strong. Naruto's greatest strength was being able to read opponents. Coupled with an insane reaction time, Naruto was undoubtedly a great fighter. Illfang, however, didn't have cues that Naruto could read. The strange pre-motions left no indication as to where its blade would fall. In short, Naruto was defeated by a lack of knowledge. The skills could be cancelled, but only if you knew where they were coming from.
Scanning the room, Naruto saw his party steadily backing away. Nearing the door, an elite trooper broke away and ran for Illfang. Growling angrily, Naruto peeled himself away from Illfang and ran for the door. As he left the room the great doors boomed shut behind him. What had once been forty-eight upbeat players, were now forty-four who slunk away in defeat.
Trudging down the stairs at the head of the raid, no one fought him for leadership, they were all too stunned. Diavel, the first death. It had rattled everyone. Even though he had stayed cool, Naruto knew he had failed everyone. He wasn't prepared for that weapon, he had been outclassed. Cursing himself, Naruto hung his head in defeat. The first deaths were due to his failures. He should have been more assertive, he should have led. No more, he swore. No more would he sit by and let others dictate the life and death decisions. Either he would rise to the challenge and lead them to victory, or he would follow Diavel into the cold embrace of death.
"What a nightmare," Sachi whispered fearfully from beside Naruto.
All he could offer her was a nod and a rub on the back. Sachi's words echoed in his head, a nightmare. That's exactly what Akihiko Kayaba built, a world of nightmares.
Author's notes:
Thanks for reading to the end of the World of Nightmares!
I'd like to thank you all for the kind words and reviews I've received!
I realize the story has started pretty slow, but the pace will pick up in later parts.
The timeline for when I start posting chapter 2 is undetermined. Hopefully early January.
As for the story itself, Argo took her shot when she saw it :P Anyways, something major I wanted to do was highlight the imprtance of Kirito in clearing the game. Illfang did get a minor buff, he pulls out the weapon earlier, but really, that's a minor change.
I'll see you in part 2,
Later!