Chapter 21: Shall I give in?

Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online or God Hand.

Wukure's P.O.V

I really have no will to fight my dear sister… she may not look like it but she's my younger sister. We are both experts in using the katana, may it be one-handed or two-handed. Okasa was the only one that knows about the death of my girlfriend among the people I know.

I didn't tell Quorora or Figo so they probably don't know. I was currently battling her in the forest when Kerzuki or Havuki left already. Both of us didn't land a hit with our blades yet since we knew each other's moves and we also know where and when we'll hit.

"Not bad brother… I see you haven't gone out of practice just yet." She leaped to a tree branch then changed her equipped weapon to a javelin. "Let's see if you're as evasive and alert as always shall we?" She threw her javelin towards me.

"Let's see if you have the same reaction whenever I counter your attack then. Reverse Grappling!" I swiftly sheathed my katana and made the momentum of the javelin change so I could make it hurl towards her instead.

"I won't let this scene where you counter my attack happen again." She did the same thing and made the javelin towards me again. "You may be my brother but I have no choice if I've already have been ordered. If I wasn't ordered to do this then I would never have wanted to fight you brother… this may be hard for both of us but we really must fight." She seemed to have not liked it as well.

The volley of hitting the javelin continued until I charged at her with my katana but she changed the javelin back to the katana so we clashed. I felt rage in my bones for reasons unknown but I held it back. I do not wish to hurt her like that… I must keep that skill back… Only Okasa, Figo, Quorora and Scarlet Temptation know this horrible skill… I just shifted my style of fighting from laidback to analytical striking. I leaped and threw a javelin at her which impaled her leg making me quickly regret my action but that didn't seem to slow her down one bit though.

"Nice touch brother… it may have hurt me but I won't let this small burden stop me for Miss Tomomi would be furious with me if I did…" She pulled out the javelin. "Brother, gomen for doing this but I must hurt you in this one…" She focused a bit then jumped from the tree.

"I wouldn't even dare let you hit me with that move… Sister, this may hurt you but I have no other choice to use one of my lower skills since my high ones may kill you…" I spun my blade like a propeller as she was airborne. "Shimmering Dice…"

As she fell, my blade has sliced her javelin into pieces and I accidentally sliced one of her arms off as well making her fall to the ground in pain. I looked at her in terror as I saw the pain she was in… I didn't want this event to occur but it already has… Her pained expression made my heart drop when I saw how much digital blood I caused her to lose… I was about to reach out for her but she sliced my arm off as well making me stagger back.

"Don't let your guard down brother… even if I lose an arm I can still fight you know but not that well…" She seemed disoriented by blood loss as she equipped her katana once more. "I am your beloved sister so I am very on par with you my brother…"

"Okasa… my sister… please… we don't have to do this…" We clashed with our one-handed katanas since we couldn't use our other arm for it was sliced off. "You don't have to listen to Scarlet Temptation… why not join me with Figo? I have no intent to hurt you but I cannot just let myself die… They need someone to make some humorous remarks and I may lower down their spirits if I do…"

"That's your problem and not mine… If you were to still stay with Scarlet Temptation then we could've been allies in this war but alas we aren't…" She drank a potion with her newly spawned arm since arms in SAO can regenerate. "Our skills can kill each one of us but it's a risk worth taking… It's not ready yet for me so lucky you. You may have weakened this much but be warned that my skill is still possible to use until the recharge is done…"

"Phew… would you just be serious sister? I wouldn't want to defeat you while you're not even close to being serious in this fight…" I detested people who don't take their fights here seriously. "Okasa… Figo and I left Scarlet Temptation just because it was ripping the relationship of the four of us but you utterly refused to join us since you said Betrayers won't be tolerated… What's wrong with that? If they fight with us why not fight back? If they chase us down then we'll hunt them down…" I pushed Okasa back when we were clashing.

"Tsk… that won't work brother… remember the last group of betrayers who wished to hunt them down? Oh yeah! They died!" She still refused to listen to me which made me sigh in frustration. "I told you Betrayals won't be tolerated so be ready for me to execute you…" She lifted her blade against me.

"I guess there's no talking over it with you… I didn't want to go this option but… I will defeat you and destroy Scarlet Temptation!" I didn't like it but that was my resolve to do now. "I will not let them take any more players to the wrong path like what Laughing Coffin did last time… I will save you, my dear sister… from their devious clutches!"

My sister and I were now clashing faster and more viciously. It seems the destroy part made her snap and fight more seriously which I liked. What is the use of fighting a battle where your opponent isn't even taking you seriously? The skill I had was ready to use but can I really risk her life with this move? It may kill her but if I'm against Kirito I think he can take it. My katana is actually embedded with a mysterious skill just like some other blades I know… An example is a new blade that can be crafted.

It was called Equalizer but no one has crafted one yet. They say that the chances are -0.01 even with an item to improve chances and even if the Smithing skill is high. Its ability is to form another blade and they say there's a mystery to it. There's also one skill that is hidden to all players but only some manage to decipher it. From what I heard, Figo's sister Deira has attempted this somewhat impossible craft but has failed several times but she plans to keep trying… what a persistent girl… Anyway back to reality…

Okasa was now officially serious. She was now beginning to use her higher-up skills but I manage to deflect them with my blade. She also looked annoyed already as well since she pulled out something suspicious… it was the same item that Figo had in his room… Crystal Powder… The description says that the consumer will be most weakened when swallowed but it can also weaken by just one touch of the powder… It seems she'll be attempting to use it on me but would I even let her?

"That's highly dangerous in the game Okasa! Put that down right now!" I warned her as my blade was still pointed to her, signalling that I'll do it for her if she doesn't. "We don't have to go to a major handicap even though I'm lower than you! Even if you try to touch me with the powder, I shall not let it pass…"

"I'd like to see you try then…" She coated her katana with the powder… I didn't even know that was possible! "If I hit with this many times then you'd be nothing but a lowly Level1…" She muttered as we clashed once more. It seems the powder also works on weapons so the durability just kept dropping until it finally broke… luckily I have an extra.

Before I could equip my spare katana, she managed to land a hit on me which really did make me feel weakened. The effect lasts for 2 minutes but she hit me about 15 times before I equipped my other blade since she just made weak fast hits so now my level really was equal to Level 1 but I can't be defeated like this…

"You won't get away with this sister… I can still beat you… I just know it!" I was in a hopeless battle with my HP in Dangerous Red. "I can still… do it!

"It's over brother… your execution will be starting now… you can do nothing because it'll last two minutes… I'm Level 92 and you're equal to Level 1 because of the powder so what can you even do to me?" She began underestimating me. "Shall I kill you by incapacitating you or by impaling you? Your choice…" She sharpened her blade with a sharp rock.

"Hehe… you're forgetting something sister for I am not defeated yet." I just remembered something. "You may be a higher level but I can still counter that… Remember Kayaba made an update for the weaker players so they could survive the PKs? The lower the level of the user compared to the opponent, the higher the boost and HP regeneration which means I'll be in full HP again when I use it… That move is… LAST RESORT!" I activated the mode then my HP was back to full and my Level was like the 90's again.

"Kuso… I forgot all about that mode… I knew there was a disadvantage to using the powder…" She grumbled. "I must change my blade or else the effect will just get stronger… This was even my strongest blade in my arsenal…" She hesitantly changed her blade.

"Lucky for me the one you broke was just my spare blade… this is my true blade…" I revealed my true blade which had a curved spike on the lower part and upper part but there was still a straight point. "This blade shall make you remember your true self, my dear sister…" I lunged at her with all my willpower and boosts I had by using the mode.

"No… I won't let you beat me! I can't just make my older brother win in everything… you always win… it's just not fair!" She had tears on her eyes and used a skill… not that one… "I don't care if I use that skill that Lady Tomomi doesn't want me to use… I want to win at least once against you! Darkening Heart!" Her blade became like the vessel of darkness… it was not as powerful as Dark Radiance but it's enough to land a fatal blow to people. She lunged as well.

"If you're going to use your highest skill then I'll use mine!" I may regret doing this but it was either hit or be hit. "This name is kind of sucks but it's the name of the skill… Shimmering Ray… This move shall pierce through darkness just like the Ray of light…" I was lunging at her with my blade as the vessel of light… it was the vessel of light V.S vessel of darkness. It may not look like it but this skill embedded in our blades are like the offspring of Radiance and Dark Radiance so it's like their lower level but we can't increase it to them for these are only weapon unique skills unlike them that are really unique skills.

The clash we had after our lunge seemed to have given off a strange aura that erupted the ground and made rocks fly… in the end we stabbed each other with our blades… we both fell to the ground feeling excruciating pain. The fight was over but the war is still going… This was the very first time I didn't win against her in games like SAO… I'm proud of her… we were both red HP by just that attack.

"Sister… I don't want to fight you anymore… I can't bear the burden to lift my blade to fight my sister anymore… please join me and the others… you can still turn to a new leaf…" I smiled as I knew that she wasn't defeated but it ended in a tie. "I can see we both can't move so there's no reason to not call this a tie… you really gave a number to me…"

"… Fine… I really did see and go to the wrong side… all I wanted to do is defeat you and my goal blinded me to what's the truth… you're my brother… how can I kill you? I need to repent for my sins… I want to be cleansed again brother…" She accepted my offer this time and we weakly hugged each other as we were on the ground. "Gomen for doing this to you…"

"It's alright Okasa… everything will be fine now…" I was still hugging her. "I guess we have to count on the others to finish things up since I really can't move…" We used a teleport crystal and we were in the guild of Figo… we changed the name of it since it sounded lame last time so now it's now 'Azure Sky'. I was sleeping now on my bed as Okasa was sleeping on her own one… It's good to have a new member and have my sister back at the same time… I'm counting on the others for I can't fight for the rest of the day for my fatigue is very high…

Koyero's P.O.V

Ugh… the cage spikes of this thing are beginning to impale me… Vukso and Havuki are currently fighting Ze and Klein… I understand fighting Ze but how come Klein is fighting against them? There must be something wrong with him… It's either he's possessed by something or he's still mad because I accidentally drank his champagne because I thought it was water but that event happened a long time ago… I saw something that looked like a magic circle but it was actually the teleportation area… how did that happen?! Did Knights of Blood request a teleportation area near the Guild or something? I hope there's a password or a riddle or something like that to keep other players away…

I had to get outta here with the other members already! The spikes were digging on my flesh already… but it seems like they were already fighting on the teleportation area and Vukso and Havuki didn't notice then the four of them were teleported to who knows where? Wait a minute… how did Havuki live again?! I thought he died by that bastard Ze? As so how Vukso calls him but I call him Ze no more, no less. I wonder how Havuki's alive… Anyway I had a situation of my own so I had to get outta her first with the other Knights of Blood members.

I tried equipping my Zweihander but it really wasn't any good… It seems like this cage nullifies equipped weapons from the inside so only the outside could be penetrated but no one was here to break us out though. I volunteered to be the closest so I'm the one in danger the most but I think the spike will have a hard time hitting my head since I am quite hard headed if you know what I mean. Anyway I guess I'll say how we all got captured.

-Flashback-

It was the normal average day here in HQ until I saw some suspicious looking character peeking through the trees. Whoever it was is not good in hiding and is also wearing a cool hoodie~. Anyway I had to stop this annoying habit of mine for now… Knights of Blood headquarters may be endangered just by this one person… yes he looked powerful… too powerful but not enough to stop all of us anyway. Kirito would just kick his butt in a fight I bet! He seems to have strands of black hair but I think it's probably dark blue. He seems to be getting something from his long sleeves… hidden blades?! He's definitely hostile!

I unsheathed my Zweihander and stormed through the stairs which confused most of my guildmates but I continued my way to the ground floor. Before I could go out, I bumped into recently newly crowned leader of Knights of Blood, Asuna the Flash but I like calling her Asuna-san more since I guess we're friends. Are we? Forget about it! This is important and I need to take care of this small threat but going away from a leader is rude… I guess need to do the usual permission ceremony?

"Asuna-san, do I really have to do the permission ceremony so I can ask something?" I equipped a robe over my armor.

"C-Ceremony?! What are you talking about Koyero-san? Please don't tell me Vukso-san made you do this like the last time where you attempted to do a hundred pull-ups on the roof then you fell to the ground on the 99th rep…" She sighed.

"Nanidai?! How did you know that Vukso was the one who tricked me to do that tiring workout and what do you mean the permission ceremony is a phony?" I frowned.

"This is hopeless…" Asuna facepalmed then looked at me. "Just ask formally permission normally will you? What is it that you wanted so much that you need my permission anyway, Koyero-san?" She put on a serious face.

"Ahh… Eto… saw a suspicious looking character near the guild so I was planning to investigate since I saw him equip some kind of small blade plus he had some kind of rectangular spike thing…" I explained to Asuna causing her to raise an eyebrow.

"Someone with a blade? You shouldn't go by your own then. If you do and get subdued then he may just get a hostage that quickly and that's if your predictions are correct… Go with Muyumow-san… he should be enough to ensure that you won't get into trouble with your mood swings." She ordered.

"H-Hai Asuna-san!" I bowed and left with Muyumow.

Muyumow was a male player with mysterious covered eyes and he also has short light green hair which was styled to the left to give the ol fancy look. I was formerly partnered with him in a mission and believe me… that blade can slice right through your neck. Anyway Muyumow and I were now close to the area where I saw that person. We investigated around but we found nothing… maybe it was just my imagination? Before I could react I heard a shout of pain from Muyumow but when I turned to him he wasn't there anymore… Did he just… die?! He was Level 90 so how could this be?!

"I see you fell for the bait… Yanaihara Koyero-san…" That person I saw was right in front of me as I saw him holding someone's head as it was turning into digital particles… it was the head of Muyumow-san…

"Who the hell are you and how dare you do that to one of my friends?!" I growled at him and pointed my Zweihander at him.

"I am Mishoro, glad to meet you I guess…" He had a cold smirk as he looked at me with his piercing silver eyes. "I am the third strongest of Scarlet Temptation so be warned… I may be Level 93 but I can beat you to a pulp…" He had a small blade on his right hand.

"I won't let you pass through then… for the sake of my comrades… I shall-" I was interrupted as he grabbed hold of my neck and slammed me to a tree.

"You better not try anything funny as I approach your guild… or else I'll cut your throat off…" He covered my mouth and slowly approached the guild as he had a small blade dangerously near my neck.

'Kuso… I can't let him use me for means to getting closer to endanger my other friends lives… I need to somehow escape from this hold but how?' I thought to myself. 'Maybe I have to wait till the right time so I can pull of a last minute escape or something…'

We were getting close to the guild already! The javelin throwers weren't throwing their javelins though… Could that mean I'm the cause for them not resisting against this Scarlet Temptation member? I even saw Asuna on the entrance with some of my guildmates with her… What are they planning to do I wonder? The javelin users went downstairs as well so all of the guild-members in the HQ right now are all blocking the entrance but what will happen to me? I don't care what happens as long as my friends are safe and that my Silica-chan is safe… I looked at the mischievous eyes of Mishoro as the blade made a small scratch on my neck which made me fidget.

"State your business here Scarlet Temptation… what do you want from us this time?" Asuna spoke up as she stepped forward and her hand ready to unsheathe her rapier if ever needed.

"It's pretty easy, Asuna the Flash… give me Yokoshiro Hozume then I shall make Yanaihara Koyero unharmed. How does that sound?" Mishoro negotiated.

"No Asuna-san! I'd rather die than make a buddy like Hozume be handed to them! Let him kill me!" I retaliated.

"…" She seemed deep in thought whether to attack him or go with the negotiation.

'I know! I'll use the same move I did to Ze to escape! That's a great idea!' My mind was set. "Blade Formation…" I muttered as Blades began appearing.

"Don't think I'll let you use such an overrated attack against me!" Mishoro was about to stab me but Asuna-san seemed to know what I was planning… Hehe…

"Formation Fake!" I shouted.

"N-Nani?!" He questioned.

"Ball Breaker!" I kicked his crotch in the very crucial moment. "That move came from the game God Hand!"

"Yep that's Koyero all right… always causing Parody on different things…" Asuna sighed as she just saw what I did then I escaped the clutches of Mishoro and went with the guild to prepare for battle.

"Shoot… I wasn't expecting that to happen… you made my guard down that time but how unwise of all of you to stay in an area…" Mishoro pulled out that weird spiked cube of his. "Say your prayers…" He threw it at us then suddenly some effect popped out… 'Caged'. It wouldn't allow us to use our skills inside the cage.

"Hey no fair! Get us out of here coward!" I tried slashing but I was just repelled away. "Nani?! The cage is gradually becoming smaller?! There's spikes!"

"That is why it's called the Spiked Cage Trap… I didn't know who had the unique skill of Caging but I knew I shouldn't have made the formation so close…" Asuna regretted her planning.

"I hope you all die an honourable death… Knights of Blood…" Our vision of him disappeared but we all knew his next target was Hozume…

Present…

I really felt cold now… my blood looks like it may have run out… Asuna looked back since she didn't want to see a teammate die so I let her be… at least my body was used to at least stall some time so that the others could have survived… I'm happy knowing that… I felt like my HP was dangerously low so I guess my passing has come… I will see the other… world… or so I thought…

"Twin Embodiment: Shield Blade Pierce!" Someone who had a full-face mask and a jacket broke the spiked cage like it was nothing. "You ok minna? We're on an alliance so I can't let you all die like this and by the way, my name is Zero." He helped us all out a lot. Just like the very first time I met Silica-chan, I survived to my very last HP.

"Arigato gozaimasu, Zero-san, your actions are very much appreciated. Koyero could've died and all of us may die soon as well if someone of your calibur hasn't arrived… I was hoping Kirito-kun would be here but where is he?" Asuna was in worry once more.

"That guy who tried to stop me was easy to beat but he escaped when I was so close to arresting him… but at least I went here on time." Zero wiped dust off his coat. "I bashed him multiple times and I even slashed at him a few times. I admire his determination though. He didn't let me pass but he lasted till 5 minutes with me so I must applaud his efforts."

"I must… help someone… my Radiance is drawn to something…" I muttered as I used a healing crystal. "It's close…"

"Tsk… go ahead. I have to lead Asuna the Flash to the destination." Zero seemed grim.

"So it's begun… I really do have to go with him and the others so do your business quick. We need the man power for this." Asuna left with all the others.

Whatever's drawing me to the energy I'm feeling by my Radiance… prepare to be lightened up by my Radiant Blademake…

Quorora's P.O.V

Dark Radiance really is a disastrous opponent… The rotations of my spear are beginning to slow down because my fingers are beginning to feel the stress already. My attacks have slowed down quite a bit from last time and the escape routes are all blocked. My attacks were doing effect on him but our HP right now were equal. We were both in late green HP. That coat of his Dark Aura is preventing most of my damage from hitting but I'm not giving in yet…

"I knew I'd choose the right vessel for Dark Radiance… Quorora-san… even if I have to force you to become one with me… I will have you…" Figo muttered as his Dark Radiance came attacking stonger and faster. "Let's see how far you will fare with this battle you're engaging with me… Figo, your sempai…"

"I won't deny that you're my sempai but I will strongly deny your choice with the darkness! Even if I have to use my skill on you… you may not be gravely injured but I guess this could weaken your Dark Radiance at least…" I panted as I was almost at my limit but I kept trying to exceed it so I can bring him back… his HP wasn't Figo-sempai's but it was actually the HP of Dark Radiance… "Resonating Flash!" I charged in and feinted with a jab but I actually hit his head with the handle then slashed at him with the blade then I changed it into katana form so I could deliver a third blow then I backed away far.

After I did what I just did, I turned my katana back to its original spear form since I'm more used to using a spear more than a sword. That hit seemed to make him fall to his knees and make his HP drop to yellow. It also seemed like his Dark Radiance has weakened but it quickly recovered to my surprise. My attack was infused with a bit of holy power but that didn't really affect him all that much… Figo-sempai has gotten too absorbed by Dark Radiance… what can I do?! All I can do is fight but I don't know how to cure him and save him…

"You think an attack of light can defeat me now?" Figo's voice changed into something darker. "I'll be the true Figo as soon as I take over this brat here… not only in the game but in the real world as well!" It was… Dark Radiance… Even the player name or should I say NPC was Dark Radiance… it was a fighting NPC…

"If it means taking Figo-sempai back then I'm not even flinched by such a presence! Figo-sempai, please hear me!" I continued clashing with this monster that wasn't even him anymore. "If you can hear me then I want to say that I'm Quorora and I'm here to save you!"

"Such a nuisance… would you just shut up and-" He was interrupted by someone who just went past the Dark Radiance barrier to my surprise and to Figo's surprise o should I say Dark Radiance's surprise? "Nani?! That's impossible! Unless you're that student of that Deira… so there's another Radiance user…" Dark Radiance muttered…

"Hello there, I'm Koyero and I'm here to assist my friend! I am the second Radiance user!" Koyero announced as he barely dodged a javelin coming from Figo. "Oi! Don't hit someone while he or she is doing such a magnificent introduction!" He complained.

I completely forgot that Dark Radiance wasn't the only one with some kind of power like that… Radiance had it as well but their effects are fully different. Radiance is the calmer one that gives buffs to the user and to the party. It also wards off Dark Radiance since they're opposites but the only problem was that this Dark Radiance seems to be on an extraordinary level so normal Radiance won't be enough. Dark Radiance is the opposite of it since it's savage and vicious. It gives buff to the user and gives bad effects to the opponent. It's not so good against Radiance but at this stage it seems it is…

"Oi Koyero, be careful… Figo-sempai isn't the same right now… he's a completely different person until we do something about this!" I informed him as I spun my spear and attacked with full force at Dark Radiance Figo. "He may be deep in his trance but I really know that he's still in there, trapped and being manipulated by this just because of the Crystal Powder!"

We were both fighting Figo but is seems like he's holding out well against us. Koyero seemed to be preparing something but I'm not too sure what he's planning. He was using Radiant Blade but Figo countered with the counterpart which was Shadow Blade. The clash wasn't so epic since Koyero was easily pushed back by Figo with his attacks so I came in to go take my part in the fight again. I lunged at him but he caught my arm then used Shadow Blade on my arm, chopping it off and kicking me away. I shuddered in pain as I grabbed my spear with my right hand since my left arm was chopped off but it will respawn back soon I guess.

"Hehe… even with that mood swinging guy you are very easy to penetrate… Quorora-san…" Figo gave a smirk as he stabbed his katana on the ground and his eyes were glowing bloody red currently but his original eye color was azure. "I will defeat you both so I can continue with my plans so be prepared to be vanquished by the Dark Radiance… Quorora-san, you shall be the vessel while that guy shall die for he is a Radiance user…

"You think I'd come here without a plan?" Koyero barely stood up which is understandable since he's just Level 86 and he got a hard hit from a Level 94. "I worked on this move after tons of lectures from Deira-san and harsh practices with Vukso-san… it was meant to be used on hard opponents so it's the perfect time to unveil it…"

"What is it Koyero-san? Don't tell me it's a high-levelled Radiance move since it might kill him… I don't want to kill him… I want to liberate him from this darkness that has possession of him only and that's all..." I requested so that he knows that killing him will have consequences… "Figo-sempai is still there but he can't find the path to freedom so he's trapped!" I clashed with Figo so that he can somehow remember our time together when it comes to clashing.

"Quorora-san… please… help me…" I faintly heard the calming and understanding voice of Figo but it became back to Dark Radiance after that faint voice and small time. "No matter what you both do… Ushara Figo shall be completely in my control… none of you puny Radiance attacks will be able to defeat me!" He shouted.

"You must be mistaken… Deira said Radiant Rain can defeat you." Koyero muttered.

"In this form, not anymore!" Figo showed himself.

"No… I just know that Radiance can cleanse you off Figo-sempai…" I believed in whatever Koyero was going to do.

"Before you were easily defeated by tiny blades but what could happen if it's all life size blades? My skill can exactly do that and here I go… This is my new special skill! RADIANT BLADEMAKE!" About 70 blades came from above… before it was just 50 but now 70… amazing… All of them were coated with Radiance as well which made Figo surprised. "I made this move for the sake of my friends and I shall help them even more in the future! The problem is… my stamina is now fully gone after use…" He fell to the ground panting then fainted.

"T-This is impossible! I-I can't lose by such a move! This is definitely just a bluff! Shadowblade!" Figo tried parrying all the swords but all of them went through the Shadowblade and all of them pierced through him. "Ugh… D-Dark Radiance… I-I can't be defeated by this… Kuso…" Figo muttered as he gradually turned back to normal but not quite yet.

"I will deliver the final blow to the Dark Radiance… It may not die and still be his skill but I will liberate Figo-sempai from this possession if I defeat it…" I went to him and I was about to jab the Dark Radiance at its core.

"No… please Quorora-san… please don't hurt me anymore… I'm back to being Figo!" He begged.

"I know you are not Figo-sempai so be gone!" I stabbed him.

"I curse you…" Dark Radiance faded away and this time it was absorbed by Figo.

The Radiant Blades were still on him so I took them all off the best I can and finally all of the blades were off of him. I hugged him with tears on my eyes and my spear unequipped since my arm has already respawned. He was the Figo I knew, the Figo that I admire… He's finally back and I just want to cry out of joy now… he has awoken from the trance and his azure eyes were looking at my calming green eyes with tears falling. He touched my cheek and gave a smile.

"Arigato Quorora-san and Koyero… mostly to you Quorora-san… you have endured all that pain I gave you… Gomen for doing that…" He wiped off my tears as he stood up with me. "I'm such a baka… how could I have that guy subdue me with that powder? If I didn't let him do it then none of this could've happened! I even forced it into Klein so what kind of person lets something like this happen?! Now he's the one possessed by Dark Radiance left…" He punched himself out of sheer guilt.

"No Figo-sempai it's not your fault…" I grabbed his wrist so that he could stop hurting himself. "You're the one who helped me throughout school with Wukure so this is the least I can do… after all I lo-"

"Ok! We need to go to Floor 81 so we can confront Scarlet Temptation! We found out that their new base of operations is in there so we need to go!" Koyero interrupted me which made me sigh. "I'll go ahead so meet us in the town of Floor 81, ok?" He teleported away.

I guess I have to say what I had to some other time since this seemed very urgent. My spear was in my inventory so it was fine now. While we were heading towards the teleportation area, Figo-sempai was holding hands with me which made me quite flustered but I don't really know the real reason why he was holding it so I let it slide for now.

I know that we'll get past it… All I want to know now is if Wukure's ok and who is the person that did this to Figo-sempai… I was Level 89 so I guess I'll be ok. I'm just worried about Figo-sempai since he may feel the stamina drop from that mode so maybe that's why he's holding my hand. I'm just fine knowing that he's ok but we mustn't let our guard down against them any longer for they can now manipulate the opponent but I know that we can defeat them someday.

End of Chapter 21

Battles and Results so far:

Kirito V.S Rujikiho- Kirito technically wins since Rujikiho retreated.

Wukure V.S Okasa- The battle ends in a tie and Okasa has joined Figo's guild newly named Azure Sky. Wukure and Okasa have done such a hard battle that they are currently resting in their headquarters.

Vukso and Havuki V.S Ze and Klein (Dark Radiance)- in progress

Tadaiku V.S Yusharo- in progress

Sinon V.S Tomomi- in progress

Quorora and Koyero V.S Figo (Dark Radiance)- Quorora wins with a little help from Koyero. Although the battle seemed quite difficult she managed to defeat her sempai who was possessed by Dark adiance and made him back to his former self.

Hozume V.S Mishoro- Mishoro wins and brings Hozume away after knocking him out but not killing him.

Deira V.S Tukorop- A battle that will test the master V.S student gap will occur next… after all the other battles end… Will be in the next chapter.

Zero V.S Ku- Zero wins by a landslide but Ku escaped before getting arrested so what could Scarlet Temptation be planning with all these events?

Extra Scene: Christmas Special Part 2 (Deira's Christmas)

Deira's P.O.V

I am currently in the Real World but I'm planning to play Alfheim Online soon anyway. I like the Sword Art Online version better but I guess it also has Smithing so it's fine I guess plus they added new Aincrad so it's like all 100 floors all over again but if you ask me, it's quite fun doing Twin Smithing with Lisbeth. We've been partners in Smithing in ALO and formerly SAO ever since we agreed to do so. Anyway it was Christmas and I heard there's some Specials in the game so I'm planning to go online as soon as Vukso and Havuki stop eating that chocolate cake I made… Seriously… is it that good?

"Oi, I can't last any longer waiting for you both so I'll go online ahead…" I put on my Nervegear and l laid down on my bed. "Link Start." After saying that, I logged in my Leprechaun account and went outside the inn I was staying in.

As a Leprechaun I had metal wings which sounds good for me and plus they're master craftsmen so how can I not choose this race? Lisbeth was probably in our workshop so I went in it. Business seems good today, about 5 customers requesting for repair, 10 requesting for refining, 2 requesting for buying one of our swords since it's probably for the best since you can't win in New Aincrad with magic alone since swords alone cannot defeat a boss that easily, you need friends by your side, and finally 3 requesting for the forging of weapons together. I guess my Christmas would be a busy day after all…

"Ahh… Gomen but this weapon's level of refinement is almost at its limit so it might have a low chance of refining I warn you it's only about 60.78% at best… so do you want to continue?" Lisbeth warned one of the customers by showing it to him until she saw me. "I'm quite mistaken sorry but Twin Smithing will increase the chance to 94.23% at best for just an additional 500." Lisbeth smiled and showed it as well. 500 wasn't that much so that's why they keep their chances on our Twin Smithing. Our lowest percentage was 32% last time when we were in SAO but I'd rather keep that memory to myself.

The time was now 10:00a.m after we tended to all the customers including the ones that just came in. We had 50 customers in one hour but now the room was silent so we had a chance to chat about stuff. I was forced to wear an antler headband by Lisbeth but I forced her too as well so we're even. Vukso and Havuki are probably done eating their share of cake since I made it as big as a long table for the Christmas party with everyone but where are they? (P.S I made it with an improvised oven)

"Anyway Merry Christmas Deira-san! I hope we'll continue our friendship for the New Year." She smiled and playfully glomped me. "Anyway where's that Havuki and your boyfriend you're talking about? I hung up Mistletoes just for the both of you!" She grinned.

"Mistletoes? I already told you that he's not my boyfriend… we're close but we're not that close to each other… Anyway Merry Christmas to you too Lisbeth-san…" I gave a small smile to Lisbeth. "Anyway they should probably be here by now since their cake should be devoured by now. They 'are' from the Salamander Race so they'll be here soon I'm guessing.

"I see so will you three be going on some kind of outing in New Aincrad or something? I'll be closing up so I could spend mine as well." Lisbeth asked.

"No, we're going to spend our Christmas with you, Lisbeth-san. You became part of my friends to whom I call my family now so I arranged that we'll spend the ALO Christmas with you then all of us will be at my house to do the Christmas party." I told her which made her smile.

"Really? I don't know what to say… Arigato Deira-san…" She was speechless after I invited her to spend Christmas in the party.

"Everyone's coming so why not I invite you? You've been one of my most trusted friends ever since Sword Art Online so there's no reason for me not inviting you." I told her. "Anyway Vukso, Havuki and I can't finish that cake I made. I kind of overreacted and made it too big so it's better to share then and also because it's Christmas."

By the time I said that, Vukso and Havuki have gone in our workshop and they were in their Salamander accounts and they specialize in attacking and Fire magic. They greeted us and we did back. Vukso was in a red seemingly military coat with a red emblem on his shirt. Havuki on the other hand also had a red coat and an emblem but he also had a red scarf around his neck and a red bandana used as his lower-face mask. Both of them were Salamanders so that explains the choice of red clothing since that alone indicates the race most of the time.

"Ohayo, Deira-san… Lisbeth-san… I look forward to the Christmas party we'll be having…" Havuki muttered as he took a bow and he seems to have smiled judging from his eyes. "For a weird reason, my new circle of friends that came from SAO, some of them are usually classified by trios so now I think this is the only quad group, not that I'm proud of it.

"Anyway why are there tons of Mistletoes around here?" Vukso looked up.

"Indeed…" Havuki looked up as well…

"I don't like this one bit… please take whatever Lisbeth tells you to do outside…

"Eh?! No! I'm not that kind of person that likes people of the same gender doing that!" Lisbeth protested.

"There are no excuses when it comes to awkwardness like this scene we have here… this is just wrong… you two know the mistletoe rule…"

"As you say…" Havuki took of his bandana covering his lower-face making me and Lisbeth look at him in confusion and a bit of awe. He actually looks good now even with those scars.

"Ok then." Vukso smirked.

'A-Are they really going to do it?! I was just kidding but will they really do what I think they're going to do?! No Deira… you mustn't jump to conclusions even if Lisbeth may be thinking of the same thing… you must keep your self-control and know to yourself that this is that going to happen!' I had thoughts but I did the best I could to vanquish these impure thoughts of mine.

"Hug…" Vukso and Havuki just hugged. "That should do it." They broke the hug and went back to being casual.

"N-Nani?! I thought you two were going to…" I was in relief but at the same time annoyed for a weird reason.

"Don't worry Deira-san, you're not the only one that thought that they would do the Mistletoe rule… I thought of it the same way as well…" Lisbeth chuckled in embarrassment.

The rest of that morning was just like all the usual morning we all had. We all just chatted with each other since no customers came in that much unlike that past hour. The Christmas event was actually a free refined weapon of the player's choosing but there are rules of course. It mustn't be weapons like Kirito's weapon, Excalibur since it will be no fair to other players that you just get a legendary weapon out of the blue. No one got the Aegis shield though so I wonder where the system placed that thing… Anyway the Christmas party is still going to start in the evening so we have lots of time. Christmas just might not the boring day I had last year where people tried pranking me but epically failed I guess…

"Anyway have you seen the others around like Kirito-san or Asuna-san, Vukso? Havuki?" I stared at the both of them when it was already noon. "I invited them via messaging but I see it hadn't gotten through so I'm wondering if you both saw them so I can invite them.

"Well… I guess so but they were doing the mistletoe ceremony thing and I even tricked Koyero to do that mistletoe thing but he apparently liked it since he was doing it with that Silica girl… he just kept mumbling 'Chu~'." Vukso informed me and I nodded, understanding. "Anyway this Christmas won't be like the last time. We have a new person in the group and that's Lisbeth!" He pointed at Lisbeth, surprising her.

"Vukso-san… It's rude to pint at people…" Havuki muttered with his bandana back on. "I sense that they got the message but haven't responded… I wonder why Wukure-san's a Cait Sith as well… I thought he would be a Salamander too but I guess the teasing part of him made him into Cait Sith…"

"It's fine anyway there's no harm done." Lisbeth smiled. "I'm just curious though. How did the three of you meet again?"

"Oh it's a long story of pain, humor and friendship I guess." Vukso answered. "Deira here used to be my only friend from what I remembered. We met when I accidentally went to the wrong house while I met Havuki at a school and that's it for short."

Yeah he went in my house last time. I was really convinced that they really were going to do it but fortunately they didn't. My Christmas wasn't all that boring from what I predicted so I'm glad. I hope the others will like my prepared cooking in the party though… If I were to choose who to cook then it should be Asuna-san. I tasted her cooking last time and it tasted heavenly… Anyways that's my Christmas so I hope you had a good one and a Happy New Year.

End of Extra Scene

Next Chapter: Halfway Done.

Next Extra Scene: Christmas Special Part 3 (Quorora's Christmas)