Chapter 11: Bring it on!

Author's Note: The new OC that will appear here is just a minor character for now but will become minor-major in the later chapters.

Kirito's P.O.V

Well yeah, I agreed to assist in this matter for 3 reasons. Reason 1, that red guild really needs a lesson… Reason 2, they captured a fellow guild mate (Yes she became one after Koyero used the Letter of Recommendation… thank goodness that each member only gets one or else… we'd have a hundred or more members…) who should be rescued… and finally reason 3, Koyero kept begging… how could I say no? Let's forget what I just said… I am currently in Floor 77 paired up with Hozume to investigate the old hideout of Scarlet Temptation… Why I wasn't paired up with Asuna? The reason is since Asuna insisted on doing it to 'balance' the fights. I don't know what she means by that but I didn't agree… after a few hesitations I agreed but I agreed to quickly… I was stuck with this guy, Asuna is with Yumi, Koyero was with Vukso (long story), and Klein is with Deira.

We didn't come in for more than 5 seconds. We both got ambushed by some PKs (A.K.A. Player Killers) they weren't from Scarlet Temptation but I assure you, they were quite tricky to subdue. Hozume and I continued on. We decided to go downstairs before upstairs since… I don't really know… Just had a hunch to do so.

"Oh boy, they're messy all right… Is that chewed gum or am I imagining?" He pointed at his leather coat that had a piece of gum stuck to it. "I think so…" I examined the piece then he flicked it off. "We should hasten our pace. This place gives me some bad omens." Hozume shivered. "I know… what is that thing?!" I pointed at a weird looking chest. "A trap I suppose…" He clicked some buttons from his menu. "Might as well find out though, it could be something useful." He equipped… a stick… "I know but-" I tried stopping him but it was too late, he opened it. "See, valuables!" His eyes sparkled as he began getting those weapons… to be exact, the one handed swords. "You can take the rest. I don't need them I'm feeling generous tonight." He grinned. "Know your place." I sighed and didn't get a single thing from the chest. "What a waste…" He pouted and we continued searching. "Look for anything suspicious." I commanded. "Sure Kirito." He agreed and walked away.

Hozume may be a weird guy at times but he's easy to get along with. Koyero's much weirder but they both are reliable. I'll give more description about Blademake while I'm searching. Blademake is just a secret move so only a selected few can learn how to master it but all can learn it… if they know how… There's also rumors that Kayaba updated the game with new skills and stuff like that. I'm not sure but I have a feeling that these rumors are true. So far the only two that used Blademake is Scarlet Temptation leader (Koyero said so) and Koyero but by accident. Now back to the main topic… the floor didn't feel steady, it seems like if Hozume and I did one false move, we'd plummet to our doom. We're light on our feet so I shouldn't worry about it but still…

"Oi, Kirito! I found something that really does look suspicious!" Hozume called from another room. "Coming." I walked to the room. "Hozume, what the hell is that?!" I twitched. "In my vision, it's a giant hole… I think we should investigate upstairs before going in that area…" He seemed tense. "If you put it that way, let's do what you said first." I willingly agreed so we both went upstairs. What did we have to do with the quest, 'Into the Fortress anyway'?

The air felt tense, the darkness looked gloomier. We were on the top of the fortress and what a view it was, I even saw Deira's workshop from here. I spotted a telescope, curiously, I looked through it. I saw a big round thing… what was that? It getting creepy… like it's going closer and closer… It was actually just Hozume. All we saw here were: some ancient books, a dagger stuck on a table which Hozume got, a trophy kill (probably just plastic), a code and a piece of paper. Hozume tried solving that code and just ended up getting a headache.

"Shall we go in that hole? There's nothing important or suspicious here." Hozume asked me. "Yeah I think we should. That's the only place that we didn't go to and plus, there may be a clue there or something." I led the way. The hole was about 8 feet high and 4 feet wide so it was easy for us to go in. The only problem is where do we go now? The inside of the hole had suspicious written all over. We saw some weapons stranded on the floor… Could this be what that quest is? Only one way to find out… We went in deeper to search. It was until we saw some Cyclops sitting on a throne and looking at us with a horrible grin. He had a two handed club… must be heavy obviously… The Cyclops was 8 feet high and his club was 6 feet high… How does he carry it? Hozume seemed to be not surprised at all and so am I anyway.

"Should we go all-out or should we remain passive for the time being?" Hozume waited for orders. "Both… we attack it but at the same time we should do passive. That club looks like it can give you a major life drop so be careful." I warned Hozume. "Do not worry my friend, I am quite experienced in this you know. I've beaten people bigger than me when I was younger but this Cyclops may or may not be an exception." Hozume gave a smirk. "I know but just stay cautious and especially, don't underestimate that thing. "Yeah, yeah… let's kick some ass already…" He looked at the Cyclops. "I'll say switch only if I need you so don't expect any switches any time soon." He was filled with confidence and cockiness… "Do not be cocky…" I unsheathed my Elucidator and Dark Repulsor. "Sure… I'll do pattern G then…" He chuckled. "Pattern G?" I tilted my head but he already started the fight.

Vukso's P.O.V

I recently joined the Knights of Blood as recommended by my client. I hope she followed that map I gave her of the hiding spots… I am currently in Floor 76 with Koyero examining the remains of his Blademake. The blades were still there after all these weeks, still blood-stained by the blood of a fallen angel… Shame that she was evil… She could've lived long enough to see what I can do. I'm helping Koyero figure out a way on how to use Blademake and that is why we're here. To make him remember. Before that I would like to think of how I went in this guild in the first place…

-flashback-

I finally had a chance to apply to a new guild since my contract ended with my old one… If only they paid more, I would've stayed with them longer. I wonder how much salary do I get from this guild… my services have a price and I am very picky on the prices so they better be ready to give a good deal… I wonder what easy money I can get in this job… Anyway I went in their HQ to apply. To refresh your mind, I am a Level 91 Two-Handed Greatsword user. I am masterful in the arts of using these kinds of weapons and Tricking. I'm also decent in Smithing and Fishing. Why would I not expect a high pay?

"Hmm, who are you? I haven't seen you before." A girl went to me. "An honor, Asuna the Flash." I bowed respectfully. "No need to bow…" Asuna looked embarrassed. "Hai! Anyway I am willing to apply to join Knights of Blood." I explained. "I-" She was interrupted by me. "With some pay for me…" I finished. "Pay?" She stared at me. "I'm a mercenary, what do you expect? I shall join you if I get the proper pay so shall we negotiate to terms?" I didn't give her the chance to speak back. "Did someone say negotiation?!" A weird looking person with bandages covering his left part of the head popped out of nowhere. "Koyero, I'm quite busy negotiating with the lady…" I muttered and faced Asuna. "My first offer is 500,000 Col." I offered. "That's just-" Asuna was once again interrupted but by Koyero. "Hold it! That's too much, right Asuna-san?" He said to Asuna. "I guess…" Asuna seemed like she didn't want to talk to us anymore.

"I offer 270,000 Col." He offered. "I'm leaving…" Asuna left. "No! That's too low… 480,000!" I glared.

Order: Koyero to Vukso…

"Still too high! Why must it be high?! 300,000!"

"I am a skilled mercenary what did you expect?! 470,000!

"Who cares?! 300,500!"

"Obviously all my clients!"

"Wanna rumble?!"

"Be my guest!"

A few minutes later…

"Oww…"

"You deserved it… but you actually packed a punch…"

"Gomenosai…"

"Oh? Some mood swing you got there?"

"Hai…"

"Hmph… Fine… 350,000 Col… take it or leave it…"

"I'll take it."

"Good. Pleasure having a hired mercenary for a year, eh? I'll be part of this guild now too so yeah."

"Will you be wearing those light or heavy ones? I'm wearing medium."

"I'm obviously taking heavy armor… I love me some all-out rampaging…"

"Here ya go!"

"Hehe… red and white, eh?"

"Ya!"

"It seems racist though… don't ya think?"

"I don't know let's just get ready for the plans…"

"Plans?"

"Yeah, to save Silica-chan of course!"

"Ahh…. My client, eh? Gives me more reason to join this thing."

"Don't you dare touch my Silica-chan…"

"Oho… I knew it…"

"Let's just go to the planning… area?"

"Sure…"

End of flashback...

That is how it all happened… I don't know why I even led him in the Boss room of Floor 76. Kirito instructed me that he needed to learn Blademake… and quick. Blademake or no Blademake, he is still weaker than Kirito, Asuna and me. As I was saying, we were looking through the remains of Blademake hoping to wake up something in him. I bet he used it with a fluke… How can someone like him use a move like this? I shook my head in disbelief. Anyway after a few minutes of searching, he finally spoke.

"I can't feel anything… How does this help me awaken Blademake?" He looked like he was about to give up. "I can't believe the self-proclaimed master of two-handed weapons is giving up this easily… Do you feel no shame?!" I tried motivating him. "Yep…" He sat on the ground in grief. "Meh… how can you become stronger to save Silica if you're acting like a weird cowardly punk, huh?" I pulled him up. "How dare you-" He was interrupted. "If you want, come at me bro…" I unsheathed my greatsword. "Gladly…" He unsheathed his Zweihander. 'His Zweihander looks decently strong… was it player-made by Deira too?' I thought to myself but focused once more. "Our style shall be first to red…" I sent the duel thing. "Deal!" He agreed completely. "Don't worry… I'm not going to kill ya…" I smirked. "Not unless I win…" He glared. "Bring it on, amigo!" We started clashing.

His fighting style wasn't bad I admit but his next moves are too predictable... I evaded some hits but got some and he had the same. My greatsword was made by Deira, to be exact, I was her very first customer. We're decently close but… bah… we're just friends, don't get the wrong idea… Apparently it seems his Zweihander was also made by Deira since it has a secret little mark on the handle. He is a worthy opponent but not worthy enough…

"Be thankful that I'll even use my skill on you." I smirked and changed my stance. "Radiant Blade!" He charged at me with his Zweihander shining and 5 other blades following him. "The Classic move of Deira…" I smiled as I saw him execute that move. "This though… shall stop it…" I breathed softly. "Diminishing Wrap!" I slammed him down with the greatsword and it wrapped and squeezed him. "Nani? What is this?" He felt confused. "Oh sorry… did I say I could bend my sword at will?" I smiled innocently. "Oww…" He looked in pain. "Do you surrender?" His health was now late yellow. "I give up…" He said as his life bar was in red. "Good… I win…" I let him go. "What was that?!" He complained. "A skill what else?" I laughed. "It's from Deira, isn't it?" He pouted. "Hai… it's a skill only usable with this blade…" I answered.

"No fair… you just squeezed me to death!" He shouted. "Can we just focus on making you learn how to use Blademake?" I reminded him of our objective. "It's fine! I can't even remember how I did it anyway!" He argued. "That's the point! We're here to make you remember!" I argued back. "Just remember what made you accidentally use it!" I shouted. "Made me use it…?" He looked like he was reflecting on what. "Hmm…" He continued while the potion he used finally took effect and healed him. "I'll be going this way while you think." I walked away and began checking some stats and stuff like that. "Ohayo… is everyone there feeling good?" A voice was heard from the shadows. "Show yourself!" I commanded. "We'll reveal ourselves in Floor 79… see you there…" The voice stopped and disappeared. "Good… I got some evidence with this recording crystal now… Now I'll have no problem convincing Kirito and Asuna." I mumbled as I put my recording crystal back in my inventory.

"I-I think I got it now…" Koyero's eyes opened so suddenly that it actually made me flinch. "Sure you did! Good job. Let's go now." I was about to go out but he grabbed my wrist. "No… we must train my Blademake here." He had a pitiful face. "Now you want to stay here? Fine… I'll teach you what I know and you may master it or something." I nodded quite reluctantly. "Arigato, Vukso…" He gave a smile at me for maybe the first non-mood-swing smile. "You finally said my name, huh? Well… you are client's boyfriend so I won't mind… but don't call me to casually… it's weird." I turned away and went farther as I watched him. "Go… show me what you can do for now." I requested and he nodded. "Blademake!" He only made 1 blade appear out of nowhere… quite impressive but it wasn't as strong as Radiant Blade if it is just one blade that appears. "Try again…" The training felt like hours… but it was actually just a few minutes so far. He just might save her… unless I save her first…

Klein's P.O.V

I was gathering information in Floor 79 with Deira so we could learn the whereabouts of their new hideout. Deira may seem emo on the outside but she's actually far from emo in the inside… The time I tried saying that though resulted with an Embracer on my gut… Anyway… we were in the town of this Floor. It was a typical town with loads of NPCs… mostly girls though, I wonder why… Deira didn't seem to care of the town and how it looks like but she kept talking in message with someone… Who could it be? An acquaintance? A client? A boyfriend that knew I tried hitting on her?! A PK? Or is it just with Asuna and Yumi? Those two on the other hand were making plans for offense and defense. They were also researching about the pattern of the people that Scarlet Temptation battled… Hard right? I wanted to break this awkward silence between me and Deira so I attempted to.

"Hey Deira, can we speak or something?" I asked her. "No…" She simply answered. "We have to talk to each other you know. We're both partnered up for gathering information." I tried to persuade her. "No means no…" She walked away while going in an inn. "What are we here for?" I twitched. "For information like you said…" She went to a shady looking player. "Oh no… what if that guy's part of Scarlet Temptation?! I must be near her to be safe…" I went awkwardly nearer. "What… are you doing?" She spotted me. "I'm uhh… following you?" I told her. "Now you're a stalker?" She turned away in disgust. "My question is… who is that guy?" I pointed at the shady character. "He is my brother what else?" She sighed. "Yep…" Her brother sighed as well. "What's his name?" I scratched my head. "My player name is Figo… since I like how it sounds like…" Her brother answered for her.

Her brother on the other hand had half spiky and formal hair that looked quite ridiculous but not quite. He also had a pendant and a small scar located on his neck. He didn't look alike with Deira at all! Maybe they weren't sibling… maybe they're hiding something… Anyway luckily I'm not the kind of person that is interested in these things so I just stopped

"Okay then… Deira, shall continue gathering information?" I looked at her. "No… you're too late… Figo already got the information we needed so no…" She answered. "Wait… we need more than that you know!" I said. "Figo will just get some more then… he volunteered to help me…" She blinked. "Yeah… are you jealous or something?" Figo looked at me in suspicion. "How can I be jealous?!" I tried excusing myself. "Yep he's jealous…" Deira face palmed. "Mhmm…" Figo nodded in shame. "What the?!" I was holding my anger. "I'll be going sis… see ya." Figo left after he threw a coat at me so I couldn't see him leave. "You call him brat, I'll kill you…" She… read my mind… "Did you just read my mind?" I backed away, shocked. "Not really… your emotions are just predictable…" Deira just walked away with me to gather more information.

We continued walking around the town hoping to find at least 1 more piece to finish our assignment. That Figo really got in my nerves… I'm a nice guy but please don't take my kindness to your advantage… I can be vicious if I really want to. We spotted a symbol near a pole so we went near it to investigate. It looked like and ordinary symbol but if we could decode it we may find out what it really means… I think if we figure that out, their hideout will be revealed.

"This symbol looks familiar… but what does it mean…?" She continued examining. "I have no idea… it's in some sort of code…" I touched the symbol. "You don't say…" She sighed. "What should we do now then, Deira?" I questioned. "I'll be going back to HQ… they may have gathered some information now. "I'll go with you." I offered. "Why are you even helping us? You're not even in the same guild as us and you still insist on helping… why?" She looked annoyed. ""Of course, you are all my nakamas." I answered making her widen her eyes in confusion. "N-Nakama?" She muttered. "Yes, even if we're not in the same guild, I have no hesitation in helping you all." I spoke with no hesitation. "Sure you are…" She lost interest and began going back to the Knights of Blood HQ. 'She's a woman of hard tastes…' I thought in disappointment and followed her. "Finally here…" She coughed and went in after we went to the area.

All we did was give all the information to Asuna and Yumi as they both tried to fit all of them together. We haven't received the information from Kirito and Hozume yet, what is taking them so long? Koyero and Vukso on the other hand were trying to awaken Koyero's Blademake so he could use it… It would be cool to see him use that thing again but I guess we all have to be patient before he truly masters it. The latest update said that new skills were added… and a new unique move… if it was a unique move what could it be? The only people with unique skills I know are: Kayaba, Kirito and Koyero (read earlier chapters if you didn't yet). I wonder… what's taking them so long and where is Silica hiding?

"That would be enough… Arigato Klein. You may go now." Asuna said while going back to a room. "Yeah… go already…" Deira shooed me. "Don't be like that…" Yumi shouldered Deira. "Ok then… I'll be taking my leave…" I began leaving. "Good luck…" A familiar voice muttered from behind me after I left. "Who are you?!" I unsheathed my katana. "Here to prevent you from fighting us… when we fight in the battlefield…" About 30 or more players surrounded me with their weapons drawn. "Scarlet Temptation?" I mumbled as I was about to use my teleport crystal. "Bingo!" A familiar face or should I say Ze slashed me on the back with his paralysis blade. "Gaah…" I fell in pain, I couldn't move because of the paralysis. "I'll let you handle it Ze… We'll meet back at our hideout…" The leader disappeared along with the other members. "Boy will I enjoy this!" Ze gave a bloody smirk. "One more thing… do not kill him… hurt him severely only…" The leader turned around and commanded that. "Sure… I'll make you in pain…" Ze chuckled. "Shoot…" I closed my eyes and I felt pain… everywhere in my body.

Yumi's P.O.V

"Hey Asuna, do you feel a bad omen too?" I asked her while we were putting together the information. "What do you mean?" She blinked as she had a handful of papers. "Like something's going on…" I felt quite tensed. "Now that you mention it… I do feel that something is going on… Kirito wouldn't take this long and Klein sounds too quiet after he left… too quiet." She observed. "Do you think-". "Something happened to Klein?" She finished. "I think so… but I hope I'm wrong…" I muttered. "Let's investigate our omen then…" She went out. "Yep…" I went out as well.

In our little journey, we fought some minor battles with some of the creatures in the forest since this is the usual route where Klein walks. Yes… we gather the information about how they go home or sleep so we can go there easily if they are in trouble. That's not called being stalkers… it's called being worried and defensive for someone. We finally arrived in the scene and saw a person with blonde hair hack-and-slashing something. Please don't tell me that Klein's the one getting slashed… When he saw us he teleported away while Klein was severely injured and bleeding on the ground, digital blood flowing everywhere. We rushed to him and crouched to get a better view of his situation.

"Klein, don't you dare die here!" I shouted. "You just can't!" I continued. "Hehe… Gomen for making you both worried… I won't die… I still have a small amount left…" He coughed out blood. "Crystal quick!" Asuna ordered. "Here!" I grabbed a crystal from my belt and used it on Klein. "Phew… I thought I was really going…" Klein muttered but still in pain. "You cannot fight…" She told Klein. "Wait… of course I can! See, I'm standing!" He stood up groggily. "You've done enough… now go rest…" I convinced him. "Fine…" He groggily walked away and went to wherever his friends are. "You have a high persuasion skill?" Asuna asked me. "Maybe it's just because he can't fight back against women or something." I smiled. "Let's get back to work." She reminded me. "Hai!" We went back to HQ to put the information together.

The deeper we went in researching, the harder the decoding and it makes sense even less… This actually one of the most important jobs and one of the hardest… Asuna and I are in a pickle here… the last letter in this 37th piece of research is hard to read… All I can read is the easier ones while Asuna does the more challenging ones. I suddenly felt dizzy after another few minutes. Maybe because of all the words around… well everything. I recovered after drinking some cider since that was the only thing I could grab. Asuna looked stressed too, I gave her some water and she drank. This thing really is tiring. I wanted to sleep already but it was still early afternoon… about 3p.m?

"Want to take a break?" Asuna looked stressed. "Sure…" I instantly fell on a bed. "Your fatigue is understandable… I'm in fatigue too…" She muttered. "We still have about 13 to go…" I sighed. "Might as well take… a nap…" Asuna napped while sitting on her chair. "Sounds… like a plan…" I dozed off.

End of Chapter 11

Next Chapter: Bring it on! (Part 2)