The Captive Swordsman

Chapter 16— Somewhere Else

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Original Title: Sword Art Online(ソードアート・オンライン)

Original Concept by: Kawahara Reki

written by: wrathie

Author's Notes: Thank you bowpurity for the beta!

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'Look, there's Lugru now.'

Leafa pointed out the city nestled within the dungeon from a distance even as she pulled Asuna to the side of the road to have a better overlooking view of the town.

'We'll have to cross the bridge to get to the town proper as it's surrounded by a moat. It's a neutral city and so we won't be attacked even if we enter it. One thing we have to check out is the weapons that are sold here, there's a lot of blacksmiths who set up shop here after all.'

Leafa explained even as she smiled at feeling Yui fidget on her shoulder as she tried to have a better view of the place. She could fly but perhaps her heart wasn't in it.

That was also not a surprise seeing how Leafa admitted that she had been more than a little cold to Asuna after listening to her talking and explaining to her how exactly she could be called weak by SAO standards.

She had never taken a person's life, a person and not a player's life but Asuna had almost did so with her own hands before she had gotten cold feet. By doing so, Asuna herself was almost killed by the player that she had spared and she had to watch her onii-chan kill someone instead.

Asuna would never tell Leafa, but she had swore that she would give everything she had to give Kirito-kun, she was prepared to die for him, to do anything and yet at the most important moment, she hadn't.

She had to be saved, and in order to save her, Kirito had to fight against his worst fear and complex, that of seeing someone die in front of his eyes. Asuna had in her moment weakness, hurt Kirito even more than she had ever imagined even if she had saved him.

This was a game to Leafa, every failed dodge, every failed parry or every accidental death to a monster or a player was just that, a mistake, an error, something to learn from and not be too bothered by it.
Even if Leafa herself had admitted that she took ALO seriously, she couldn't deny that she had that mindset at the start and to some extent, even now.

ALO wasn't just a game to her, well... maybe it was as there were times when she had to dedicate herself to her kendo practises a little more, times when she would do silly things and not go on with the plan set by her party members because it seemed more fun that way. Days where she would take reckless risks because of being goaded to do so, like infiltrating Salamander territory by herself or even to fight losing battles due to pride.

Maybe the last one wasn't that good of an example, but Leafa understood that in SAO, retreat was more than a viable strategy, it was something that was actively encouraged as better to return with limbs intact than being dead.

Information on boss raids and how to win the subsequent battles were obtained with these methods as well as the lives of countless players.

There was nothing fun about SAO, it was a way of life, it was life for all that had experienced it. If you died, you died and so every attack must be made with the intent to kill, to survive and even though taking risks were not forbidden or discouraged, running from a hopeless situation wasn't the sign of a coward.

One must know what fights one could pick to survive, and surviving was the key word here.

One couldn't hesitate, couldn't because if they did they'll die. They can't just take it easy, it was just that simple.

ALO players had nothing on SAO, they were like players on an insane difficulty where one death would lead to the end of the game, or their lives. Leafa had heard of such players before, but they were a hardcore group that rarely made headway into the game due to careless mistakes before they deleted their account.

For a player like Asuna to be this skilled while in that difficulty/mindset, they were probably justified to say that the ALO players were weak and not serious enough.

Maybe, but even if Leafa wanted to dispute that, she couldn't exactly prove it with her words. She had to prove it with her actions.

..

Thankfully or perhaps depressingly for Leafa, Asuna didn't seem to be too affected by her own speech even if Yui definitely had been. Her niece, gods that was weird to just say it out loud, had visibly flinched when Asuna went into details on what went on in SAO on a daily basis. The desperate struggles of the weak, how the strong oppressed them and the many nameless 'clearers' who had done so much to get them so far, many whom had paid the final price in their efforts.

Even though none of them would be remembered by the the society that had deemed them lost, Leafa told herself to view them as heroes from the way that Asuna had described their deeds and how they had been selfless and courageous in a duty that could possibly be done by someone else.

'Mm! I guess we might be able to look around a bit... we can't exactly just log out in the middle of the forests, could we? I mean, I didn't see any sleeping bags available in the shops... Maybe I should have checked harder.'

Asuna wondered to herself even as Leafa shook her head and said that they had to log out in at least a town or it would be dangerous, in more ways than one.

'The last thing we need is to log-in in the middle of a fight or in the middle of a swarm of monsters, right? I don't think we can make it to Alne Plateau and to the World Tree today, but we can gain some levels after we get some better gear, kay?'

Leafa explained even as she tapped Asuna's elbow, hinting that they should be going now when Yui suddenly cried out in surprise.

'Mama, Leafa onee-chan, there's something... around! Again!'

Yui sounded both confused as well as distraught for tiny girl suddenly pointed at something, or perhaps someone that was hovering a few feet in the air behind the three of them.

'What is that?'

Asuna looked confused even as she drew her rapier before jumping to the air in an attempt to try attack it. Asuna was too slow, and perhaps too optimistic in her attempts however for Leafa was already done with her incantation for the spell of her choice, a magical blade of wind that sliced the thing that was spying on them easily before Asuna could reach it.

'Leafa?'

'That's a tracer... and, I might be wrong but it's fire element. That means that we've been followed by the Salamanders.'

Leafa bit her lip nervously before saying that they should start running.

'As in right now. They must be close if the tracker's trying to get closer to get more information.'

Asuna blinked before narrowing her eyes in understanding. Seeing that Yui had only just managed to detect them, which was a terrible failure on their part for not even noticing, they must have gotten to the point where they would be able to catch them no matter if they showed their hands so easily.

They were either terribly confident, reckless or just stupid. Asuna wasn't sure which one was the right term to describe the group of Salamander players that was most likely coming after them even as they speak.

'Let's go, we have to hurry! If we make it to town we can avoid a fight.'

Asuna agreed with Leafa on that count, she was definitely on the mark when she said that the Salamanders were after them. She did not know exactly why, but she wouldn't put it pass Sugou to actually arrange for interference in her quest to find Kirito-kun within the week.

Actually that was what had been suggested by her allies: Thinker, Argo and Agil all had agreed that if Sugou ever found out about what she was doing within ALO itself, it would definitely not bode well.

The worst case scenario in which he would kill Kirito-kun was prevented simply because of Sugou's own threat and self-declared time-line of a week for her to give an answer to him. It was a blessing in disguise in that sense, but knowing how sick Sugou could be, he had trapped Kirito-kun in a game just to torture her? That's just... sick was the only way to describe it without being unnecessarily too vulgar. Due to that personality of his, which Argo had declared to be a little too extreme and biased in her own opinion, Asuna had thought that even if Sugou could just kick her out of ALO, he would rather she struggle within the game itself.

It was a stupid idea, it was probably something that only Asuna believed in as any reasonable individual with the administrative powers that Sugou most definitely have would have just locked Asuna out of ALO immediately after seeing her presence there no matter the circumstances.

It would take more than a week for Asuna's complaint, or any attempts to log into ALO again and it might even make the victory even sweeter for Sugou.

Still, Asuna believed, she had to believe that Sugou was such a smug bastard that he would just leave her alone but would not hesitate to make things even more difficult here by pulling his area of influences within the game itself.

It was however very unlikely that Sugou would have asked players to actually target her, but it wasn't unthinkable. All he needed to do was to offer a quest as a GM or something similar. That wouldn't be the last time that GMs were allowed to sanction games after all.

So retreat was definitely the best option here, the last thing Asuna wanted was to be teleported back to Sylvian if they were killed because they were cornered.

Because Asuna knew that they would definitely be cornered at this rate. They couldn't run back the way they came from and had to go forward towards the city. If they were waiting for them there, which Asuna was sure that they would, they would be cornered like rats at the end of a long road.

Unfortunately though, charging forward was still the lesser of the two evils as who knows the number of Salamanders were after them. Speaking of which, why Salamanders anyway? Perhaps it was due to the races' animosity towards each other?

'Asuna! We have to hurry!'

Leafa's reminder broke Asuna out of her inner monologue and she nodded her head before running to catch up with her.

..

'You know, I always thought that you would be too busy to help Asuna out.'

Lisbeth commented even as she started on yet another weapon, her hammer singing in the air while Agil snorted in agreement.

The two were speaking with the most notorious information gatherer that existed within SAO, Argo the Rat and said mousey looking girl gave a lopsided grin before clapping her hands together in apology.

'Not too busy, but more of occupied. There's a lot of things that I have to do... I'm helping the police with all that I know of SAO... and some of the things that I know isn't pretty. Some is confidential you know... there's a lot of people out there who needs some closure.'

Argo winced while the other two players winced and nodded their heads in agreement. They could understand where Argo was coming from. Out of the ten thousand players who were trapped into SAO, there were a few thousands who did not live to the end of the game, and it was estimated if the game had went on longer for just a few more months, many of them wouldn't have been able to survive nonetheless.

Most of the player's physical bodies were extremely weakened thanks to the long inactivity, and there was a limit to how long they could be supported by machines just like how Kirito had suggested to Asuna in what seemed to be a life time ago.

'A few months more... and we'll be toast, final floor or not. We got lucky, too lucky... and that's why I took absence from helping those guys to help the one guy who helped all of us.'

Argo gave a cheeky grin as she pushed the cover of her cape back to allow her hair to be exposed to the elements normally.

'And it's nasty, nasty stuff... you wouldn't believe how some people died in SAO... that's not even counting all those suicides... I can't imagine how any one is going to break the news to their families.'

Argo sighed while running a hand through her hair, but that moment of melancholy was quickly over as she beamed at the two of them before asking what they had figured out so far.

'All I know is that if we use our old Nervegears, we can log in to SAO with all our stuff intact. Not that much of it was of use, our equipment are all unusable. Did you guys dispose of it?'

Argo asked curiously even as Lisbeth and Agil shook their heads.

'No, I turned them into materials. Even if it's degraded just a little, it doesn't help to have more materials.'

Lisbeth grinned while Agil just groaned and nodded his head.

'Normally I would disagree, but the system at least generated a close equivalent to the materials that they would be if in SAO. I take it that you saw your skill levels huh? Most of them are intact, only we have to actually select [skills] these time around...'

'That and we can cast some form or magic now... I'm trying to compile a whole list of spells that we can cast, but I don't think the Leprechauns and the Gnomes can do much with magic.'

'I know the two of us choose our classes as it gives us bonuses for our craft. But a Spriggan?'

Agil commented even as he pointed to himself and Lisbeth, but he couldn't make sense of why Argo choose the Spriggan class out of all the classes.

'I mean it'll be totally cool and ironic for me to pick the Caith Sith class, but I think that's more suited to our dear Silica, right? Besides, I'm the Rat, a cat race is totally like choosing my mortal enemy. Lastly, sneaking about is totally my job description.'

Argo gave a lazy grin as she pointed to the napping teenager that was in one corner. The feathery dragon that was keeping guard waved it's wings in what seemed to be a threatening manner that was just plain adorable.

'There's nothing that can't be achieved with money guys, and girls I suppose. I got my hair dyed easily, see?'

Argo gave a lazy grin even as she leaned back against her chair as she continued the conversation.

'Besides a Spriggan allows me to sneak around a lot easier than you would think. The two of you didn't notice me sneaking into the workshop anyway right?'

'…. Activating skills within cities aren't allowed right?'

'They are discouraged, but this is a neutral city... Glad that I gave you guys the tip to head to Lugru huh? I'll consider that a gesture of goodwill from me.'

'You won't be getting a discount from our wares then.'

Agil bartered in turn even as Argo looked torn before shrugging her shoulders in reply.

'Well then, looks like we got a compromise here. I could tell you guys about the lead that I have about the Salamanders, and we'll make this set of armour AND weapon at half price yeah?'

Argo's words made the other two pause, Lisbeth placing her hammer down even as Agil looked at Argo skeptically.

..

Personally though, Argo was amazed at how the blacksmith and the merchant got along so well. But she supposed it happened more out of necessity than anything else. Which was kinda sad for different reasons as well.

She didn't want to pry but the two of them, well three of them now, were one of the few group of players who had successfully met up with each other even as they all tried to help Asuna in her search for Kirito.

Argo would also never admit it, but she was keeping close tabs on all of them, Asuna too while she tried to start a new information network within ALO itself.

It was tough going seeing that her name had no weight here, but like she said, one could do wonders with money and she was thankful that all her funds from SAO had been transferred over.

All it took was to login once to take stock of what she had to work with and she was off to the internets, the forums as well as all the helpful links that Looker had provided on the private forum on his web page to look for reputable contacts within ALO itself.

There were information brokers even within ALO after all, and just like her, they were more than willing to sell those information to her.

It hurts her pride somewhat to know that she was the buyer and not the seller in this new game, but she was sure that she could make her way to the top just like how she did the last time.

What made her concern was the dateline, merely four days away now... and if things got harder, Argo wasn't sure what she could provide to the group if they encountered things that were just never recorded like in the last few floors of SAO.

An information seller that had no information to sell, one could imagine how hard that was to accept but it was the truth in the end of SAO.

She supposed she could gather them together, but her reputation was already growing. No use trying to get more attention and heat on herself.

..

'Why would we want that information at all, Argo?'

Agil finally spoke even as Silica woke up as well, the teenager blinking and rubbing her eyes in such an adorable manner that she had to resist running over to hug the Dragon Tamer with all of her might.

'I never offer information that I won't think is important to someone. So why don't you just take the deal and we can move on from there instead of wasting time bargaining. I did give you my old equipment set to forge a new one didn't I? You gain something, and I still manage to come out better for that.'

Argo continued with her bargaining attempts even as Agil sighed and turned to look at Lisbeth for her opinion on Argo's deal.

'Does it help us find Kirito-kun?'

Lisbeth's answer was similar to what Agil meant but was to the point and the Rat smiled appreciatively at how she phrased it seeing that she could answer that easily without committing herself to any straight answer. The Rat was well-known not only for being a information seller, but for being a trickster as well.

She was the best in the business for that and Argo gave a lazy grin in reply, her eyes narrowing to slits while she shrugged non-committally again.

'Maybe, maybe not, who knows about that! Asuna's companion would die to have it... and helping her, does help the whole cause, right? Well, not really just her... it's a big deal for the Sylphs, the Caith Siths and the Salamanders. Some people would die for this info, and it's mine just barely 2 days into ALO. Looks like I'm still the best in the business! Take that all of you who doubted me!'

Argo replied even as she offered her hand to Lisbeth while the blacksmith looked back uncertainly.

'One last titbit, this information will get outdated in just a few hours time. Take it, or leave it... so do we have a deal?'

Argo smiled winningly at Lisbeth and when the pink-haired leprechaun took her hand and shook it, she grinned and spilled the beans.

'Here's the scope, but before you even try to help out. I might as well throw a freebie and tell you guys about the relationship between the races... and Silica dear, you should actually come and listen in to this, you're probably the best person for this. Well, maybe...'

Argo giggled while the three looked terribly confused at what she was saying.

'History lesson guys! And it's important to know this.'

..

'Hmph... Impressive...'

The Salamander Captain gave his newest recruit a respectful nod even as he studied the red-haired Salamander newbie that had outright demanded to be included in this new mission of theirs after barging in to their meeting point.

He had seemed weak at first glance, not even well versed in the fire-magic that the race was well known for and was wielding a katana for god's sake when the tried and tested weapons suitable for Salamanders were spears, halberds of giant broadswords.

But the newbie had quickly proven himself with his skill and speed with the sword, a huge surprise seeing that hardly any Salamanders ever focuses on speed. But this swordsman in front of him, together with his small band of other players were good in their build and experience. They must be the group of new players that crossed over to ALO that the rumour mill was going about. Supposedly there was a similar player in the Slyphs as well. Good, they could use that strength of theirs!

Salamanders just aren't built for attacking with a katana which focuses on the quick draw as well as the angle of each slash. It takes discipline and Salamanders just weren't built to train in such a manner. That style was more suited for the Sylphs, the tree-hugging scum which found delight in going against everything that the Salamanders believed in. It wasn't personal, but after playing this game for around a year now, it has became a second nature to him.

Which.. was quite disturbing, just a little, but he wasn't like that outside the game, so it's fine, right?

No, the Salamanders will crush the Sylphs in this mission, utterly decimating the ability to strike back at them once and for all.

The Salamander Captain, Naozane was one of the guards that were assigned to guard the Salamander Lord's place of residence. It might sound like a boring job, but that meant that he was a trusted member that would accompany the Salamander lord when he went out to train. If it had been inspiring to see the strength and ability of their leader, even if his brother was a much better fighter, the leader of the Salamanders was just better overall in his stratagem, his politicking as well as inter-personal skills.

All of the Salamanders looked up to Mortimer, the Salamander Lord and he himself was no exception.

It was just too bad that he was kept in the dark about this mission from General Eugene, his own brother, as part of his 'surprise' for him as they would be able to wipe out that despicable Sylph Lord, Sakuya.

Naozane had a very real and present fear that Lord Mortimer was actually a little attracted to the Sylph Lord, seeing that he had allowed her to go free even though he could have killed her and gotten the equipment that she had used to infiltrate their stronghold.

It had been his failure as a guard to be caught off guard and killed by the Sylph Lord before he even knew what was happening.

Rumor has it that the Sylph Lord was only stopped when she had faced General Eugene together with Lord Mortimer. Faced with such overwhelming strength she hadn't made an attempt to attack.

But Naozane knew better, he was certain that Lady Sakuya had probably been forced to retreat after drawing with Lord Mortimer. That feat by itself was notable as the Sylph Lord herself wasn't know for her strength in combat, but more of her politicking skills. It was that exact skill that had forced this secret mission in the first place. If the two sides combined forces, it would be difficult for the Salamanders to be at a severe disadvantage against their combined forces.

To think that the Sylph Lord would be able to pull so much strings behind her back, but even with her strength in that area, it would be useless against the overwhelming strength of the Salamanders!

It was good to have these new stellar recruits join their cause!

..

'You hadn't seen anything yet. I'm still getting the hang of the magic thing though.'

The red-haired man with stubble on his chin chuckled while scratching his head.

'You should seen this other guy though, he's the strongest player I ever seen.'

'Oh... and where is he? His strength would be a great asset to us.'

'Well, we're trying to find him too, and us helping you would get us closer to find him, so count us in, huh?'

Klein gave a grin to Naogane even as he sheathed his katana while looking out at something only he can see.

Author's Notes: I like the idea of Agil and Lisbeth working together :3