So, it's almost been a year since the last update. But, better late than never... please don't kill me.

Chapter 3: Illfang

"So we have a deal," Orelov asked the man next to him. He was impressive to say the least, one of the few people he's seen in game who could put up a fight naturally. His name was Agil. Through some profiling, done by Orelov, based upon how he carries himself. He came down to the conclusion that he had a store in real life. And judging by his voice Orelov could tell he was born American.

"Yeah, a sword for an axe, I'd say that's a fair deal," Agil said as he accepted the trade request.

"Pleasure doing business with you," Orelov looked around seeing more players joining the small group he was in. There were new faces and familiar ones, but all were here for the same reason. To clear the first floor. One month had passed and they were just now having this meeting.

"Okay people, now that everyone is here, let's get this meeting started!" The group's leader, Diavel, spoke in a cheery tone. "So anyway, I want to thank everyone for coming, good to see you. My name is Diavel, and the job I rolled is knight." This was met by laughter from the crowd, even a small chuckle from Orelov. "You guys want to hear this or not," his tone switched to a more serious one drawing everyone back to the matter at hand, "right anyway here's the deal. Our party found the boss room at the top of the tower today. First we need to defeat the boss and make it to floor two. The next step is to tell everyone waiting in the town of Beginnings that it is possible to beat this game." Orelov had to agree with that, telling the side liners that the first floor was cleared would boost morale. "Fact is, it's our duty as the most capable players here. Do you agree or not." Diavel finished, everyone began talking in their small groups, followed by applause and cheers for their new found leader. Orelov saw the gears finally turning, now all they needed was a plan. "Okay, glad to hear you're all with me on this. Now let's figure out how we're going to beat the boss. First up we'll team up into parties of six." Orelov heard a gasp of surprise from behind him, one look was all it took to explain why. Kirito was just a few seats behind him. "A typical part doesn't stand a chance against a floor boss. We need a raid group made up of multiple parties to do this."

Orelov approached a group of five and squeezed in just in time, "you guys need another?" He asked and was soon let into the group. The group was a mostly ragtag team of mixed fighters, but the majority focused on speed like him. He took one look back again and saw Kirito talking with another player who wore a cloak.

"Alright," Diavel began speaking again, "looks like everyone is teamed up, now then…" Diavel was cut off by another player who just arrived.

"Hold up a second!" The player yelled and he not so gracefully ran down the steps. "My name's Kibaou, got that. Before we take on the boss I want to get something off my chest. We all know about the two thousand people who've died so far yeah. Well some of you need to apologize to them right now!"

"Kibaou," Diavel spoke directly to the newcomer, "I think I know who you're referring too. You mean the ones who were ex-beta testers, right."

"Of course I mean them," Kibaou shot back, "the day this stupid ass game started the beta guys just up and vanished right! They ditched all us beginners! They snagged all the good hunting spots, and grabbed all the easy quests too. They were the only ones getting stronger in here, this whole time they've ignored us like we're nothing. Hell I bet there are some of them here. Come on out beta testers!" At this Orelov had enough.

"Oi!" Orelov yelled, standing up to show himself, "judging the many by the actions of the few isn't going to get you very far now is it?" He asked Kibaou. Anger clearly painted across his face. His experiences from Edward Kenway kicking in.

"We can't get that far to begin with!" Kibaou shot back with just as much anger. "We should make them apologize to us, and we should make them all give out the money and items they've got. They can't expect the party to trust them if they can't trust us. Why should we?" Orelov jumped from where he was and landed right in front of Kibaou.

"Because you little shit, they're the best chance we've got for getting out of this hell." Orelov said in a low voice.

"Can I say something?" Agil said from his seat. Most likely to defuse the situation before it got worse. He stood up and walked down to the two, staring down Kibaou once he arrived. Even Orelov had to admit, having someone like Agil standing above you was intimidating even to him. "Hey my name is Agil, Kibaou right?" Kibaou nodded in response. "I want to make sure we're on the same page, you say the ex-beta testers should be blamed for the rookies' deaths because they didn't help them, and you want them to apologize and give up their winnings, I leave anything out?" A smirk grew on Orelov's face.

"No, you didn't." Kibaou said, a hint of anger still in his voice.

Agil pulled out a small book showing it to Kibaou, "the item stores hand these out for free. It's a guide book, you got one didn't you?"

"Sure I got one, so what about it." Kibaou replied.

"You want to know who help make that." Orelov said, forcing his way back into the conversation. "The beta testers." Murmurs were heard from the stands in response of the reveal.

"Listen up," Agil spoke to the crowd, "everyone had equal access to this information. Even so, lots of players still died. Now I didn't come here to point fingers at anyone, I'm here because I want to learn from those people's deaths, I'm here because I want to find out how we're going to beat the boss." Agil turned back toward Kibaou. Said player walked off and took his seat, followed by Agil and Orelov.

"Okay," Diavel said as the three sat down again, "can we get back to the meeting now." He was met by nods from the majority of the players. "For info on the boss, it all in here." He held up his own guide book and opened it. "The latest issue of the guide book you just heard about. According to the book, the boss' name is Illfang the Kobold Lord. Also he'll be surrounded by his minions, the Ruin Kobold Sentinels. Illfang carries an axe and a buckler, he has four health bars. And when the last one turns red he switches to a curved sword type weapon called a Talwar. He can change his patterns of attack too." The groups talked to themselves again before returning their attention back to Diavel. "That's it for the briefing. As for the distribution of loot, money will be divided equally among everyone. The party that defeats the boss gets the EXP. and whoever gets an item, gets to keep it. Any objections?" Again, he was met by agreement. "Good, we leave tomorrow at ten in the morning. Meeting adjourned people!"

Orelov spent the next hour getting to know his party. They were diverse to say the least. But their skills complimented each other. Speed and agility to switch in an instant, coupled with the range of weapons to fit the situation. He even had a good laugh with them when he started speaking Russian, the game had lacked a translation system so they didn't understand a word he said. They eventually began going to their inns for the night. On his way to his own he spotted a familiar face, and old instincts kicked in. Slowly he crept up to said person, who in turn didn't even notice them until it was too late.

"So what's all this Liz?" Orelov asked. Lisbeth jumped in surprise turning to find Orelov looking at her straight in the eyes.

"Did you have to spec your self as an assassin!" Lisbeth asked in an annoyed voice. Truth be told, for the past two weeks Orelov has been using his above standard hiding skill just to surprise Lisbeth when she leasts expects it.

"Ain't my fault," Orelov said in an innocent tone, "the game just gave it to me. I am the dark."

"You're not Batman!" Lisbeth said, a smile beginning to form.

"A boy can dream can't he?" Orelov said, finally getting a reaction out of Lisbeth. Which was a weak punch accompanied with a smile. "Alas, the girl smiles! But really, what is all this?"

"I picked up Blacksmithing. That's not a problem now is it." Lisbeth said picking up one of the swords laid out. "I can't do that much, but it's something."

"Hey, so long as you're off the front lines, I'm good." Orelov smiled at that. "But you might want to get yourself a stand so people can see you better, selling from the ground isn't a sound business strategy."

"You're not the first to say that." The two talked for hours on end, only stopping so that Lisbeth could make one of her few sales. For Orelov it was very nostalgic, reminding him of the time before they were trapped. The same applied to Lisbeth as well. It was around midnight before the walked to their respective inns.

"Hey Liz, I've just got one favor to ask." Orelov said coming to a stop.

Lisbeth stopped a few steps ahead of him replying with a "hmm".

"We've found the boss room, I'm part of the clearing team." Orelov's voice dropped low, Lisbeth knew this was him while he was serious. "Our leader wants us to tell everyone back in Beginnings of our victory when we're done. Can you do that, wait in Beginnings and tell everyone once we finish."

Lisbeth looked lost for word. As far as Orelov knew, her only friend in this game just told her that he was going to do what many deemed impossible. "Hey, remember what I said at the start of this. I get us both out of here, whatever the cost." Orelov said with a smile, this brought Lisbeth back.

"Yeah, I can do it." Lisbeth finally spoke. "Just don't die, it's a boss battle after all."

"Hey, you're talking to the guy who beat Elder Scrolls seven without dying on the hardest difficulty. I think I got this." Orelov boasted as he began walking again.

"You used a bow most of the time!" Lisbeth shot back in her usual teasing manner.

"I still did it."

Everyone waited at the boss door. Orelov could feel how tense everyone was. It was a mix of feelings, excitement, anticipation, and a bit of doubt. But the players were good, the parties well organized, and the plan foolproof. He could already see the victory at hand. He was then brought out of his thoughts when Diavel drove his sword into the ground.

"Listen up everyone," Diavel said, nobody made a sound. Orelov figured he was about to deliver a speech to raise morale. "I've only got one thing to say to you. Let's win!" Orelov raised an eyebrow, it was quite an underwhelming speech. Diavel turned to the door and opened it as everyone followed.

Off in the distance Orelov could see Illfang sitting on what appeared to be his throne. The room was then lit up with various colors as the parties took up their positions. Illfang grabbed his weapons and leaped halfway across the chamber, letting out a roar as he landed. Three sentinels then joined him, each wielding a large mace. Illfang and his minions soon charged at the raid group.

"Commence, ATTACK!" Diavel yelled, the players obeyed letting out their war cries in the process.

Orelov rushed in with his team, listening in for Diavel's orders. Before their Diavel could issue any, the two forces met and the battle began. Orelov was the first in his party to make contact, sliding behind a Sentinel and delivering an upward slash.

"Squads A and C, switch in." Diavel shouted above the battle. Orelov followed his team, squad A, and went face to face with Illfang. Dishing out a fury of light strikes against the demon looking boss. This angered Illfang enough to prepare a high damage attack. "Here it comes, squad B, block." Diavel yelled. Orelov retreated out of Illfang's range and watched. Agil ran in, parrying Illfang's attack followed by Kibaou striking while the opening lasted. Diavel then ordered Orelov's squad to flank Illfang.

"Squad A," Orelov heard his party leader's voice yell, "we're going left!" Orelov followed in suit. He took of in a sprint, flicking his wrist and putting his sword in a reverse grip. With one leap, he drove his sword into Illfang's side. Causing the boss to roar out in pain. He jumped off and began hacking away at Illfang's health with the rest, until the final health bar went red.

"Stand back!" Diavel said as he ran right for Illfang. "I got it!" Orelov watched as Illfang drew his new weapon. Orelov's only instinct was to run in and pull the idiot out before he got himself killed. "What are you doing!" Diavel yelled at Orelov as he landed back with the other players. Illfang leapt onto one of the pillars and began rapidly jumping from one to another.

"Wait stop!" Orelov heard Kirito shout in panic. "It no good, get out of there!" Orelov watched Illfang closely, until the boss went right for him. Orelov attempted to block, but he was still thrown halfway across the room, his health pushed into the red. Kirito and Diavel running for him.

"Orelov." Kirito said as they finally reached him.

"What the hell was that." Diavel said in shock. Kirito offered Orelov a health potion and he gratefully accepted it.

"Saving your dumbass from getting killed." Orelov said as his health reached the yellow. "That wasn't a Talwar."

"It was an Odachi." Kirito finished for him.

Diavel stared at them, both surprise and amusement painted across his face. "So you both were beta testers too huh?" Orelov shook his head no while Kirito nodded.

"You were after the last attack bonus, the rare item." Kirito asked their leader.

"Yeah, guess I'm not getting it anytime soon now." Diavel said as he rose up and offered Orelov a hand back up. Who took it as he drank a health potion of his own.

"Hey, we still got an ugly looking bastard to kill." Orelov said as he picked up his sword. "And I'm not letting one good hit like that keep me down!" Orelov started walking back to the fight, soon followed by Diavel and Kirito. Finally joined by the cloaked player Kirito was teamed up with.

"I'll go too." The cloaked player said with an easily distinguishable feminine voice. Their walk soon turned into a jug, then a run, then a full on sprint.

"We'll hit him just like we did the minions." Kirito said as they ran.

"Make an opening and strike, sounds easy enough." Orelov said as he pulled ahead and parried one of Illfang's strikes. One that was significantly weaker than the one he just survived. The cloaked player ran in for the opening. Illfang adapted and readjusted himself.

"Asuna!" Kirito yelled what Orelov guessed was the cloaked player's name. Said played barely dodged, at the cost of her cloak. Revealing a slim female with long chestnut colored hair. After she was in the clear, Asuna delivered a powerful attack to Illfang.

"Here he comes again." Diavel shouted, Kirito charged in and parried an attack of his own. Orelov ran in for the opening and dealt a deep cut on Illfang. Kirito moved in again and blocked a full combo. Illfang, just as stated in the guide book, changed his attack pattern and knocked Kirito back into Asuna.

"Diavel, we're up." Orelov shouted as he flipped over Illfang's sword. Diavel rushed in in front of Orelov and block Illfang's sword, followed by Orelov jabbing Illfang and pushing the boss back. Illfang the jumped onto the pillars again.

"Watch out!" Kirito shouted as he struck Illfang back into the ground. "Come on, help me beat this sucker, one last attack."

"You got it." Asuna yelled back as she ran past Orelov and Diavel.

"No way I'm missing this one out!" Orelov said as he ran and coughs up with them. Out of the three he was the fasted in terms of running speed, leading him to run ahead and parry Illfang's attack. Asuna was the fastest in attack speed, leading her to follow up the opening Orelov created. And Kirito had the highest damage output of the three. Who followed up both their attacks with a stunning upward cut that ran Illfang's entire body.

The boss's body began to glow, eventually dispersing into numerous polygons. "Congratulations" appeared in the middle of the chamber. The group erupted into cheers, they did the impossible. The chamber then returned to its dull appearance.

"Well, that was fun." Orelov said as Agil approached the four.

"That was some fine swordsmanship, todays victory is all thanks to you four." Agil said, receiving mixed reactions. Diavel nodded with a small grin, Asuna simply smiled, Orelov smirked with a sense of pride, and Kirito only said "no". The clearers then started applauding their champions.

"Stop cheering," the mood suddenly changed once Kibaou yelled. "Why didn't you tell them huh, we almost lost two people today."

"Almost lost?" Kirito asked. This only angered Kibaou.

"That's what I said." Kibaou yelled back. "Admit it, you knew what technique the boss was going to use. You could have told us! Then no one would have been at risk."

"I know how he knew, he used to be a beta tester." An unknown player yelled at them. "Think about it, he knew the boss's attack pattern. He knew, but he kept it from us. And I bet he's not the only beta tester here. Come on show yourselves." The groups began talking amongst themselves. Thoughts turned into words, words into opinions, and finally opinions into anger towards the beta testers. Orelov knew the situation had to be defused now before something bad happened.

"Hey now," Orelov shouted to get everyone's attention, "we all knew the risks coming in here. So explain to me why two people almost dying is worth noting when two thousand have died already. You can't expect to go to war without losing a few people." Laughter was soon heard next to him. The source, Kirito.

"So you guys think I used to be a beta tester." Kirito said looking at his accusers. "It now cool putting me in the same class as those noobs."

"What'd you say!" Kibaou yelled back at Kirito. Everyone just watched as he began walking forward.

"You heard me." Kirito calmly stated. "Most of the people who scored a slot in SAO's beta were rookies, they were so green they didn't even know how to level up. Hell even you guys were better than they were. But me, I'm nothing like those guys man. During the beta, I made it to floors even higher than the other testers, that's a fact. I knew about the boss because I fought way more monsters with more sword skills on height floors. I know a bunch of other things too, more than you can imagine, more than any info broker."

"What the hell." Kibaou muttered. "If that's true than you're worse than a beta tester, you're a God damned cheater that's what you are!"

The room erupted in outrage. Orelov was about to say something before Diavel stopped him. "He's drawing the heat so that the other beta testers aren't put in the same position." Diavel whispered to Orelov.

"He's a beta tester and a cheater." One player shouted above the others. "He's a beater!"

"A beater." Kirito said even more calmly, ushering the room back into silence. "Yeah that's good, I like it. Okay, you can call me a beater. Just make sure you don't confuse me with those beta testers anymore." Kirito equipped a black trenchcoat and walked off towards the exit to the second floor. Leaving the rest of the players in shock.

"Alright everyone." Diavel shouted, attempting to draw everyone's attention back to their recent victory. "That aside, start messaging everybody you know. This game can be beat and we just proved it!" The mood changed once again into that of celebration. Orelov just typed in his one message.

To: Lisbeth

One floor down, ninety nine to go!

Catherine watched her brother, her hand holding his. Only recently had she heard that he was in the first floor boss room. And upon arriving, heard that he almost got himself killed saving another player. 'Just like him,' she thought. Concern in her eyes, she could handle him dying. But still, it was only him and Alexander she had left. And she wasn't going to lose any of them soon.

"Good news." Nicholas' monitor said from behind his computer. "First floor is cleared." Catherine smiled and left, now knowing that her brother was well on his way to his own freedom.

Necro update! As for this chapter, I spent most of my time writing this while watching the episode at the same time. Leading to very little change, the only big change was Diavel surviving. Figured why not have our residential assassin save somebody while on the job. Don't get your hopes up for him, Diavel isn't going to appear that often, he'll just become a side character who I'll pull out on occasion. That's all for now folks, Grimlock out!