Panic and fear have arisen in the hearts of those in the world of sword art online. What was supposed to be a nice, welcoming virtual experience quickly became something entirely different after Akihiko Kayaba, the creator of SAO, decided to turn the tables on unsuspecting players such as myself and kirito. Realizing our grave situation, I immediately began to lose my mind and abandon all rational thoughts. " That animal, I'll rip him apart in pieces for this ! " I said in fury, completely forgetting the fact that he was the creator of the game and I was a simple noob. Kirito tried to be the voice of reason and calm me down. " You'll only get killed, do you really think you stand a chance ? You almost died to a level 1 enemy " He stated calmly.

Despite knowing he had a point, I refused to believe that I couldn't win, letting my anger take control of me. " I'm going after him with or without you " Just as I turned to leave, I felt a strong force grab me by the hand. I struggled to get free, but the grip was too strong and maintained complete control over me. " Let go of me, This isn't your decision" I said harshly still struggling to leave his grip. " It is my decision, It would be a decision that I would have to live with for the rest of my life knowing I could have stopped you ." I thought I saw small trickles of water in kirito's eyes, but he quickly wiped them away before I could question him about it. Seeing this instantly made me calm down and to approach the situation in a new light. " Well then what do you propose we do ? " I asked curiously, fully aware that he probably had a plan up his round blue linen sleeve.

" I say that we go on a raid " He grinned early at the word. A raid ? I thought to myself, What does he mean by a raid ? I was well aware of what the term meant by a video game standpoint, but due to the circumstances I didn't consider this a game anymore. Kirito seemed to know exactly what I was thinking because he preceded to inform me about the raid in this game. " A large group of people team up in multiple parties to take on various quests or bosses together to clear the game in a more effective way " He imputed casually, as if he were a dictionary. " Cool idea, but one question ? " I said still not fully convinced. " Where the hell are we going to find a large group of people to team up with ? "

Instead of being stumped like I thought he would, Kirito simply shook his head in confidence knowing exactly that I would propose a question such as that. " There's one run by Diavel, the leader of the 1st floor boss raid party, he can help us advance through at least the 1st floor. " Although I found the information extremely helpful, I was curious and a little concerned on how kirito was such an expert on the game despite him being a new player just like me. " Say Kirito, how did you discover this information ? " I question inquisitively intending to catch him off guard. Kirito's pupils seemed to increase a bit as he struggled to come up for an answer. " Well you see, I heard it from a group of players a while ago after Kayaba made his entrance" He explained, satisfied that his answer would suffice.

" Good looking out kirito" I patted him on the back in admiration, although I was still a bit suspicious about his forced answer. Before I could question him further, he proposed that we get some rest to prepare for the big raid tomorrow. After coming across a nearby inn, we checked into our rooms and went to our beds, before falling asleep. " How he is so knowledgeable ?" I muttered to myself, the question refusing to leave my mind. Those were the last thoughts on my mind before falling into an abyss of sleep. I awoke the next morning to the smell of smoke and a loud shriek that pierced my ears. I opened my eyes to see a blazing fire on the stove and kirito desperately trying to extinguish the fire. " What the hell happened ?! " I screamed dashing over to the kitchen in terror.

" I was trying to make us breakfast for the big raid " He said smiling sheepishly holding a burnt piece of bacon that soon disappeared into ashes. " Yeah man, stick to fighting because cooking is definitely not your forte " I uttered scoffingly at his failed attempt. He sighed heavily before taking out a teleport crystal and said in defeat " Starling City " before vanishing into light blue pixels. " Hey wait up, I still need something to eat can we order out ? " I announced before taking off with my own teleport crystal. I shortly arrived at another busy environment similar to Tolbana. I quickly scanned around for kirito, eventually noticing him in blending with a large group of people which I assumed was the raid party.

I found an available spot next to kirito on the bench unaware of what was happening. A blue haired male player with a silver chest guard similar to kirito was in front explaining the various rules and regulations of the raid. " Good morning raid players, my name is Diavel and I will be hosting the 1st floor boss party raid. Under this circumstances, I know that all of you are eager to begin this raid but before we begin, I must go over the rules of how a raid operates. " " Eager ?! " I commentated to myself, how in their right mind would be eager to purposely put their life on the line ? I was already having my doubts about this guy, but he was our only option so I just had to bear with it.

Diavel began to rant on about rules and other useless crap that I didn't even bother to pay attention to and by the looks of the other players, no one else really did either. Until a certain requirement came out of his mouth that made me and kirito's ears perk up. " Finally you must and I repeat must have a party of at least 3 players to qualify for this raid. Me and kirito instantly looked at each other wide eyed in bewilderment. " Crap I completely forgot about that " Kirito cursed to himself for his mistake. I on the other hand was completely unaware of kirito's feelings and was focused on the situation at hand. No one else seemed to care because they already had 3 or more players in their party, but it was a different story for us.

Kirito and I intensely stared down the audience, seeking for an available third party member only to be left disappointed. " How the hell going to find a third party member on such short notice ? " We repeat one after another as if we rehearsed it. " I think I can help " A timid voice peeps. " Huh ? " Kirito and I turn our heads to find-