ACT I

ELF WAR

Chapter 10: The Lake Guardian

It wasn't often that Kayaba marveled at the virtual world he had created.

He had designed a lot of the concepts from the ground up, while the map and individual floor designers refined those concepts to an incredibly detailed environment. Even so, he knew how all of the floors should look, and even some of the important dungeons. And after countless times of diving to inspect the locations for bugs and glitches, their beauty simply ceased to amaze him.

So he was genuinely surprised when they entered the central garden of Yofel Castle.

Their dark elven escorts had led them through a grand hall with an impressive fountain and elegant spiral staircases, and that wasn't by any means a dull sight. But the garden was a different scenery entirely. Tall hedges, dotted with little black flowers, formed a maze-like natural barrier. Rising from the center was a lone juniper tree, swaying from a gentle breeze. Flower pots surrounded it, interspersed with brass benches.

Kayaba almost turned as Kizmel let out a sigh, but before he could determine the reason, they were already passing through the garden and being led along an empty hall way, up several flights of stairs, and into the third floor.

After a couple of twists and turns, they stopped in front of an oak door guarded by two guards on each side.

"Dame Kizmel and her companions request an audience, Viscount," the captain of their escorts said. The guards stood at attention, their eyes casting wary glances at the humans as they waited for an answer.

Finally, a brittle voice said, "Enter."

The captain strode in alone and saluted, then ushered Kayaba and the rest inside the office, leaving the other escorts just outside. "Return to your posts. I'll take it from here," he said.

The escorts saluted. Kayaba observed the Fallen Elf spy for a moment before the captain closed the doors. The spy didn't look happy, and Kayaba was certain he would cause a lot of trouble later.

"Viscount Yofilis," Kizmel began. "It's good to see you again."

Kayaba stared at the dark elf seated behind a broad desk, as did the others. His built matched those of a lithe runner, almost bearing resemblance to a paper-thin rapier hanging by the wall. His black hair was tied in a ponytail, baring the white scar running down his closed left eye.

Leyshren Zed Yofilis wasn't unfamiliar to Kayaba. He had interacted with him several times while he was testing the Elf War campaign during the beta. But throughout its entire run, the NPC hadn't exhibited a level of intelligence past the algorithm's capabilities.

Yofilis's eyes now told a different story.

The Viscount's expression was inscrutable for a moment, almost as if he couldn't believe the sight of Kizmel standing before him. His gaze flicked briefly toward Kayaba and the others, but it immediately returned to the lady knight. Wondering, intrigued, and perhaps even curious.

"We weren't expecting to see you again, Kizmel. Of course, we weren't expecting to see anyone else for that matter." His voice was barely tinged with emotion as he spoke.

A troubled expression crossed Kizmel's face. "Haven't you been fortunate in restoring the connection of the Spirit Trees?"

Yofilis's lithe shoulders rose and fell. "If we did, we wouldn't be having this conversation. No, we are trapped here on this floor just as everyone else." He glanced at Kayaba and the others again. "Along with the humans."

"They helped our forces on the third floor, my lord. And I owe them my life." Quickly and crisply, Kizmel spoke in her native language. Throughout her speech, Yofilis occasionally glanced at Kayaba, scrutinizing him with an intensity that was unusual.

With deft movements, Kizmel presented the box that contained the Jade Key. Yofilis's expression grew serious, but he made no indication to touch the box. Instead, he leaned on his high-back chair and sighed. "Do you know the reason for the fortification along the coast?"

"You're going to be attack," Asuna said.

Yofilis nodded. "We received reports that the Forest Elves are planning a naval assault. Of course, they abhor felling trees as much as we do, but that hasn't stopped them in the past. Still, I'm not surprised. This castle holds the Lapis Key. And now that the Jade Key is here as well, it would only encourage them to attack fiercer."

Kayaba glanced at Kirito and Asuna. And from their expressions, he knew they were thinking the same thought: the spy. "Is there any way to separate the two keys?"

"No safe place exists except here in my castle. No, the only way is to defend them with our lives until we can request reinforcements from the Queen."

"When will the Forest Elves attack?" Kayaba asked.

"As of now, we don't know. All we have is information about one of their staging areas." Yofilis produced a scroll from a desk drawer. Unrolling it on the desk's polished surface, he spread it with a hand. Kayaba leaned forward to look, as did the others. It was a map of the fourth floor.

The viscount pointed at a spot near the center where a lake blocked the passage to the Labyrinth. "My scouts reported a base here, although their fortress lies further south." He pointed at a forest three inches below and to the left. "We thought of assaulting the fortress, but our forces are inadequate. Our other plan would be to destroy their docks—we have enough soldiers for that. However, a great guardian monster lies nearby."

"The field boss," Kayaba heard Kirito mutter. Louder, the boy said, "Is there any way to sneak past it?"

Yofilis shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. The forest elves' docks are cleverly placed in a cave system by the cliffs. We tried searching for an entrance, but it is either hidden or nonexistent."

"There has to be one," Nautilus pointed out. "If you can't circumvent this lake monster, it's obvious that the forest elves wouldn't be able to either, and that means they can't transport building materials and supplies for their fleet and troops."

There was a brief pause. Yuna looked proud while Yofilis regarded Nautilus curiously. "We can't spare any more scouts nor a strike force, even if this entrance exists."

"You don't have to," Asuna said. "We'll do it." She glanced at Kirito. "We'll do it, right?"

"Of course," he said.

"This is going to be dangerous." A hint of protest laced Kizmel's voice as she turned to face them. "Viscount, this is not their—"

Yofilis held up a slim hand, silencing her at once. "They volunteered. I cannot deny an offer when we need it most."

"But—"

"We promised to help you, Kizmel," Kayaba interrupted her. He gestured at the party with a hand. "Besides, what use will be the insignias that the Commander has given us if we don't assist the dark elves?"

"They are more or less symbols of trust from us, not official badges," Yofilis commented dryly. "Nevertheless, you are correct, human knight. You are as much part of our cause now as the elves in my castle are. And besides, Kizmel, I do not remember asking for your permission in this matter. Do remember that I'm still the viscount and lord of Yofel Castle, no matter your ties to the Queen."

Kizmel grimaced, and Kayaba stared at her in curiosity. Even the others looked puzzled. But before any of them could speak, Kizmel nodded at last and bowed. "As you wish, my lord."

"Good. We have guest rooms on the second floor. The humans may choose any of them. Keep the Jade Key as well; it will be safer with you. Captain!"

The captain from before opened the door swiftly and saluted. "My lord!"

"Escort them to the second floor. Also, call the commanders. We have a meeting later."

The captain bowed. As they filed out of the room, Kayaba caught Yofilis's gaze lingering on him for another few seconds before dropping to read a scroll as the door closed.

The captain and Kizmel led the back toward the stairs, flanked by Yuna and Asuna. Trailing behind them, Kayaba maintained his pace until he drew level with Kirito and Nautilus. "We have to do something about that spy," he said in a low voice.

"You noticed him too," Kirito said, more of a statement than a question.

"He's kinda obvious," Nautilus muttered, eyes focused ahead.

Kayaba nodded. "He knows now that we have the Jade Key here. He'll surely report back to his superiors."

"And that's when we follow him." Kirito frowned. "I think I should go alone. It'll be too much if we all follow."

"You are correct. But I suggest taking Nautilus in case Morte is around."

"I got your back." Nautilus raised a fist, and Kirito bumped it with his own. "When do we leave, though?"

Kayaba thought for a moment. "It's almost evening. I'm certain that the spy will use the cover of darkness to sneak out. But he'll need to appear during dinner first. Keep an eye on him."

They nodded. "Should we tell Kizmel and Viscount Yofilis?" Nautilus asked.

"No. We'd lose the element of surprise if the spy finds out that we do."

###

The rooms they were given were far more luxurious than the regular inns they had stayed in so far, though these were still bland compared to the player homes and chambers of the guild headquarters in the upper floors.

"It's not much, but I hope you enjoy your stay here," Kizmel said as they entered the common area. Two doors stood along one wall, and the girls had chosen the one nearest the windows overlooking the lake. On the opposite wall was the door to the baths.

There was also fireplace, and the sight of it nudged a thought in his mind. As Kizmel left, he turned to the party. "Today is the 22nd."

They fell silent. Yuna took a seat on a nearby chair, her expression thoughtful. "Father probably misses me so much," she said softly. "He's usually busy, but we would always spend Christmas together."

"It's the same with my family," Asuna said, looking outside the window with a distant gaze. "It's been more than a month, hasn't it? But we've just reached the fourth floor. We still have 96 floors."

"But with every floor we open, more players will be encouraged to join the clearing group. We only have to give it time," Nautilus said. He hesitated then added, "I'm not closed with my family, but I know this really sucks."

Christmas. The last time Kayaba had been happy spending the day with someone was when Ayako was still alive… No, that wasn't truly right. Rinko had dragged him to a party last year along with most of the team. He couldn't remember much of it, but he knew he had felt something back then, if only for a moment.

"We can't do much at this point," Kirito said, touching Asuna's shoulder gently. She smiled, and he glanced at the others. "We just have to keep fighting. Some day, we'll all get out of here."

A bell rang then. "It's time for dinner," Kayaba said. "Let's go."

Back on the third floor's dark elven camp, Kizmel had promised them a grand meal when they set foot on Yofel Castle. And the knight kept true to her promise. In the vast hall under the vaulted ceiling, the long tables were laden with a variety of dishes that they had not eaten before. Many possessed useful buffs, and soon they were trying out everything in order to receive them.

As Kayaba had deduced, the spy was present, sitting inconspicuously on a table near one of the exits, surrounded by his fellow soldiers. He seemed to be acting ordinarily, but Kayaba didn't miss the way he constantly glanced at Kizmel.

When dinner was finished, the room started emptying. The spy was one of the first ones to leave, and Kirito and Nautilus quickly excused themselves with the alibi to stretch their legs and explore the castle.

As they exited through another door, Yuna leaned in to whisper, "Do you think they'll find the entrance?"

"Hopefully, they do," Kayaba said.

There was not much to do after dinner, so while the girls decided to take a bath, Kayaba wandered the halls of Yofel Castle. His steel boots echoed in the empty corridors. Moonlight filtered through the tall windows, and the torches cast dancing shadows along the walls.

Finally, he reached a balcony where he could see the glittering lake beyond, painted like liquid silver in the night. Differences between the beta and retail version of a game were common in the industry. In fact, Cardinal had implement some of the changes Kayba had planned in this death game of hers. But changing the entire terrain of a floor wasn't part of his plans, and certainly it didn't include the complete overhaul of a major campaign.

What was his creation playing at? Even now, Kayaba couldn't surmise her real intention. And that plagued his thoughts constantly. He had created the Cardinal system using an advanced language-based algorithm he had developed; he should at least have insights on how she worked. But no matter how much he tried to, he couldn't grasp her mind.

Balancing. Correction. A fair game. Those were the three primary principles he had installed on her. The three rules that Cardinal should be running within the game. But as far as he had observed, she had not followed any of those except on the micro level.

Then there was Kizmel, and Yofilis too, Kayaba supposed. Why did Cardinal change them? How?

"Lovely view, isn't it? I always come here at night whenever I couldn't sleep. Helps me clear my mind of my troubles."

Yofilis stood to the left, his dark purple cloak fluttering gently in the breeze. His green-gray eyes, almost pewter green, gazed into the calm waters. Kayaba watched him silently for a moment. He was a far cry from the Yofilis he had interacted before that they were unidentical save for the face. Then an idea occurred to him.

"If I may ask, Viscount, how did you get your scar?"

Yofilis turned to him, his expression mostly blank other than a flicker of fury in his eyes. "This scar was a gift from General N'ltzahh during a skirmish on the fifth floor. I was lucky, I suppose, for escaping with just a horrible scar. Even saw, I always wait for the day when I could return the favor tenfold."

"He must be a formidable opponent, then," Kayaba said, though he knew already. N'ltzahh was an optional boss in the beta.

"Formidable and dangerous." Yofilis returned his gaze to the lake. A brief silence lapsed between them until the viscount spoke again. "Tell me, human knight. Do you believe in a past life?"

The question caught Kayaba by surprise, but the implication of it made him answer quickly. "I can't say. I don't think I've had a past life, unless you can consider my life before being trapped here."

Yofilis waved a hand. "No, that's not what I mean." He paused. "I'm having dreams lately. Vivid ones. Of times both familiar yet unfamiliar."

At that, what Kirito said about Kizmel's dreams of him came to Kayaba's mind. "What kind of dreams?" he asked slowly.

"Dreams of battles I'm certain I've never fought in. Conversations with people I knew I never had. And…" He pursed his lips, clutching the balustrade tightly. "My death. The deaths of my men, my Queen. Our race. The destruction of our fortresses and palaces."

The ending of the Forest Elf side of the quest, Kayaba thought.

"It's strange, though," Yofilis continued. He glanced at Kayaba with intensity. "In some of my dreams, you were there. How odd."

Kayaba wasn't surprise by that, but an eyebrow still rose. "How odd, indeed. Do you remember anything else?"

With a shake of his head, Yofilis looked away. "I'm afraid my memories are vague. In fact, I couldn't remember…"

A chime sounded in Kayaba's ears. He glanced at his HUD and saw the mail icon flashing. "Excuse me," he said to Yofilis. "I've just received a message. I'll need to read this."

"From those two young swordsmen, I presume?" Yofilis said. Kayaba sent him a look of mild surprise, and he chuckled. "I was near the docks when I saw them paddling away. They tried to follow our Fallen Elf rat, didn't they?"

"You knew about the spy."

"Of course, I do. How do you think we discovered the Forest Elves' docks? We've always known that the Forest Elves and the Fallen are working together. Though why the Forest Elves would even strike a bargain with them, we do not know." Yofilis shrugged. "Perhaps they are getting desperate."

Kayaba grunted. There would be time to question Yofilis later. He opened the message and read its content. It was brief and to the point.

Found the secret entrance. Will return soon.

"Well?" Yofilis asked after Kayaba sent a quick reply.

With a flick of his wrist, Kayaba closed the mailbox and said, "We'll need to talk."

###

They were all waiting inside Yofilis's office when Kirito and Nautilus arrived.

The relief on the girls' faces were clear, but their expressions quickly turned into worry as Kirito spoke.

"They'll attack tomorrow at sunset."

Yofilis straightened in his high-backed chair. "Are you certain?"

"Very. We heard their general issuing the order to his soldiers."

The viscount's gaze sharpened. "General N'ltzahh? You've seen General N'ltzahh?"

"Is that how it is pronounced?" Then Kirito quickly shook his head. "I mean, yes. Black mask with two horns and a red cape. And—"

"Eyes that glow with evil light?"

Kirito nodded grimly. "Yes, that's the one. They already know that both the Jade and Lapis Keys are here."

Kizmel frowned. "You couldn't stop that spy from telling him?"

"We were even lucky to have followed him that far," said Nautilus. "That guy knows how to hide his tracks. We had to search for almost ten minutes when we lost him once.""

"The Fallen are skilled at that, yes." Kizmel turned to Yofilis. "What are your orders, Viscount?"

They all looked at the viscount who rose from his chair with a stern look. "Well, it seems that the only way to protect the keys is to defend them, isn't it? How many are going to attack?"

"We saw ten gondolas in there," Nautilus answered. "Each one capable of carrying at least ten people. A hundred, maybe."

"We have eight boats," Kizmel said. "Nine if we include the Tilnel. But she can only hold six people. We'd still be outnumbered. And who knows if they'd get help from swordmasters like you."

Kirito shook his head. "The guilds wouldn't participate this time. I got a message on the way here. They'll attempt to kill the field bo—I mean, the lake guardian."

"When?" Kayaba asked, curious.

"Tomorrow after sunset." Kirito met his gaze, and Kayaba understood; Kibaou and Lind would go after the field boss as the forest elves began their attack, possibly to avoid casualties on the forest elves' side.

The boy looked disappointed. Kayaba knew that Kirito wanted to participate, but the defense of the Jade and Lapis Keys were far more important. Unless…

He stiffened, and a faint smile spread from his lips. "I don't think we need to worry about being outnumbered," he said to Yofilis.

The viscount raised an eyebrow. "I will assume you have an idea."

"I do." Kayaba quickly told them. As he spoke, everyone listened with rapt attention, their expressions turning into shock and awe. When he finished, Yofilis sat in his high-back chair, gazing at him with unrestrained interest.

"This will leave the castle undefended," he said slowly.

"If the plan succeeds, there will be no need for defense. But if you're worried, you can leave a quarter of your force behind. We'll still have enough troops to defeat the invasion fleet."

"And how do we know if it would succeed? The monster might attack us just as it would the forest elves."

"The plan will succeed," Kayaba said firmly. "I'm certain of this."

After all, he had designed the algorithms. Even if Cardinal had changed a lot of details, the monsters' programming remained mostly intact.

"Very well," Yofilis finally said after a minute of silent contemplation. "I will trust your judgement, Master Heathcliff. For your sake and ours, I hope this doesn't end with all of us inside a monsters stomach."

And on that hopeful note, Yofilis sent them away to fulfill several quests.

###

The lake was still save for the ripples as the paddles dipped into the water.

Eight long gondolas glided smoothly along its mirror-smooth surface, with a smaller one taking the lead. The moon cast its silvery light, illuminating their path. Ahead, tall cliffs rose, a natural barrier forming sheer walls on either side of the caldera.

"No sign of the enemy," Nautilus said from the prow of the Tilnel. He glanced back at Kirito with a smirk. "Orders, Captain?"

Grinning like a child, Kirito said, "Keep on the lookout, First Mate."

"Boys," Asuna and Yuna chorused. Asuna narrowed her eyes. "Wait, if Nautilus is First Mate, then what am I and Yuna?"

"Um, Co-Captain?" Kirito looked uncertain. "And Yuna could be—"

"Medical officer. I carry the extra potions," she said dryly.

Asuna grunted. "I guess that will work." She snickered, staring at Kirito. "It's funny, though. A captain doing the rowing."

"Hey!"

The girls burst out laughing, and even Kizmel chuckled. Kayaba smiled, but his attention was fixed ahead, watching for the rising lump in the waters that was the sign that they had entered the field boss's zone.

The minutes dragged on. They were still a few dozens of meters from the Forest Elf hideout, but they still hadn't encountered the enemy fleet. Could it be that they had set sail earlier? But no. There was only one river leading to Yofel Castle. They should have seen the forest elves arriving on their way.

"There," Nautilus pointed at a recess in the left-hand cliff. They had rowed around the center to avoid Biceps Archelon as best as they could. But that was no guarantee that the field boss would ignore them; the whole lake was its territory, after all.

"Any news of the raid group?" Kayaba asked. Half of their success depended on the ALS and DKB participating in the battle.

"They should be arriving soon," Kirito said.

Shifting where she sat, Kizmel glanced at Kayaba with a hint of worry. "Are you sure they won't help the forest elves like the last time? They might attack us once they defeat the lake guardian."

That possibility had crossed Kayaba's mind already, but thankfully Kibaou had already finished the forest elf quest line for this floor. Kayaba sent Kizmel a brief reassuring smile. "You have nothing to fear, Kizmel. They wo—"

"Enemy in sight!" Nautilus shouted. He pointed at the mouth of the recess, a cave.

A fleet of eight gondolas emerged from the gloom, identical to the dark elves save for its green and gold color. Leading them was a boat with a figure standing by the prow, his face covered with a steel helmet. Green cape fluttered behind him, and his golden hair followed.

The forest elf raised a sword and pointed forward, yelling in his native tongue. Kayaba recognized the voice, as did Kizmel who hissed, "It's him!"

The forest elf knight who had stolen the Jade Key on the Third Floor.

To their left, Yofilis's rapier rose in response to the challenge. "Warriors of Lyusula! Tonight, we bring honor to our kingdom and Her Majesty! Stand strong, and let our sworn enemies taste our wrath! Charge!"

With a roar, the dark elven soldiers rowed faster, intending to disrupt the forest elves's advance before they could settle into a defensive formation.

Kayaba glanced at the waters. The surface was still, like polished mirror. Looking at Kirito, he nodded.

Fighting in a boat was an odd experience, even for Kayaba. It required careful maneuvering and positioning, something that was difficult in a naval skirmish.

One of the forest elven boats glided to them, swift and with the intent to attack. Kayaba hadn't designed any range combat mechanics in SAO, and that was proving more of a curse than a challenge; they couldn't hit enemies from afar, even if their enemies had the same problem.

The enemy gondola drew parallel to them, and the rang of steel against steel quickly followed. Sword Skills were limited in this battle, but that didn't mean it was disabled. Kizmel's saber glowed, and a forest elf lancer fell onto the water, his HP gauge depleted.

A sword sliced through the air, and Kayaba blocked it with his shield. He swung, catching the forest elf in the chin. The impact drove the elf backwards, but he steadied himself with a hand. As he recovered, Nautilus's Anneal Blade depleted his HP gauge with critical blow.

The battle had descended into chaos by then, and every gondola from both sides were occupied with one another. Yofilis's boat was flanked by two forest elven gondolas, but the viscount was handling the situation calmly, swinging his rapier with impressive speed and finesse.

Three minutes later, three dark elves were dead and one of the gondolas was starting to sink. The forest elves had suffered twice the casualties, but that only drove them harder to fight.

Kayaba was exchanging blows with his third forest elf when he saw it; a dark shadow in the lake drifting slowly toward them.

"Where's the raid group?" Kayaba shouted amid the din of combat.

"Almost here!" Kirito shouted back as he parried a strike. With the Tilnel locked in combat, he had abandoned the paddles.

Kayaba scanned the river flowing out of the caldera that led to the northern part of the floor. He thought he could discern a cluster of tiny pinpricks gliding on the water, but he couldn't be certain at this distance.

It didn't matter. The field boss was approaching. "Yofilis!" he called to the viscount. As the dark elf turned, Kayaba pointed at the shadow in the water. Yofilis took a brief glance before barking orders.

It took a couple of minutes, costing them four soldiers, but soon the dark elf fleet was in full retreat, rowing as fast as possible away from the center. Kayaba made sure that every gondola was accounted for then turned to the rest of the party. "Ready?"

They nodded, determined and resolute. Kirito took the paddles again while Asuna switched with Nautilus. The forest elves were still regrouping, and that gave them time to reposition the Tilnel.

Not toward Yofilis's fleet, but toward the Biceps Archelon.

"Go!"

They shot forward. Gondolas were quite easy to steer; the gondolier didn't have to row the paddles but simply point at which direction they needed to go and the system would do the rest.

The prow sliced through the water, yet it was barely a disturbance compared to the shadow now rising from the depths of the lake. As they neared, the shadow grew into a noticeable bump, forming a small island.

Then with a roar, a giant two-headed tortoise burst out of the lake and surged forward. Kirito swerved to the right just in time, the right head missing them by several feet.

"Hang on!" he shouted.

As they passed its flanks, Asuna, Kizmel, and Nautilus struck the shell. It was a futile act, it didn't even scratch the impenetrable armor, but that wasn't their goal anyway.

As Kayaba had anticipated, Cardinal had changed the field boss. Though its name and general appearance were retained, Cardinal had turned it into a tortoise to match the floor's current theme. Even so, the algorithm should remain intact.

Thus, Kayaba wasn't surprised when the giant tortoise twisted around and began following them. Aggroing it would be difficult considering the risk, but they need to keep its attention firmly focused on them.

Kirito turned the Tilnel to the left, trying to loop back. But the field boss was fast for its size, and the left head snapped in that direction, forcing him to veer back to the right.

Hard shell met steel as Kayaba blocked a bite from the right head. It was easily large enough to swallow half their gondola, but Kayaba's shield and STR stats were more than sufficient to repel it. But the strategy wouldn't last long, he knew. They had to work quickly.

The Biceps Archelon lowered its two heads and pressed them together. Kayaba recognized the pattern at once. "Incoming charge attack!"

The Tilnel turned right hard just as the giant tortoise launched forward, barreling straight in a straight line. The gondola's durability was high thanks to the materials it was built from, but Kayaba knew it couldn't withstand such an attack.

They were on its left flank this time. As before, they attacked the hard shell then quickly drew away, letting the field boss chase them. Twice more the pattern was repeated. On the fourth, Kayaba glanced at their allies.

The dark elves had followed the plan, keeping to the cliffs, though not too close and with their gondolas spaced apart. The forest elves were still giving chase in tight formation.

"Here they come," Yuna said, pointing at the edge of the lake. The ALS and DKB fleet was still more than two hundred meters away, but they would soon catch up.

Kayaba glanced at Kirito, who nodded and aimed the boat between the dark elves and the forest elves. The Tilnel accelerated forward.

Bellowing fiercely, the Biceps Archelon surged after them. It had been two minutes since the party's last attack. The aggro counter would soon reset.

Kayaba raised his sword and activated his Taunt skill. In response, the Biceps Archelon bellowed again. Kayaba watched as it prepare for another charge.

"Kirito!" he warned as the field boss lowered its two heads low into the water.

The Tilnel swerved, the geyser of water that doused them so cold in the night's chill as the monster launched past, carrying it forward straight into the path of the elven fleets. The dark elves saw it coming and evaded just in time, but the forest elves weren't so fortunate. By the time the giant tortoise was finished, only three of the forest elven gondolas remained.

And even as Kayaba watched, the monster was already going for the boats. With a flick of its gigantic flippers, the gondolas went flying onto the cliffs. And the screams that accompanied echoed through the dark lake.

There was no time to be bothered by the sight, however. The Biceps Archelon was already turning, no doubt to seek more prey. Yofilis and his troops were already retreating.

There was only one prey left.

###

By the time the raid was over, Kayaba knew that everyone was starting to hate the waters.

Fighting a field boss in a gondola was a battle in itself. The positioning was difficult to manage, especially against an enemy that was far more mobile in its own territory. Then there was the water, which often gave them debuffs due to the night's chill.

Thankfully, the Biceps Archelon's HP gauge was only in the two-bar range and its attack patterns were predictable. Even when it changed as it went into its last ten percent of hitpoints, the attacks were fairly easy to avoid. Even so, it took them nearly half an hour before the field boss finally dispersed into blue polygons.

The party returned to Yofel Castle afterwards, where they were met with warm welcome. After receiving a trove of quest rewards, Yofilis guided them into his office for a brief meeting. Kayaba already had an idea of what it would be about, so he wasn't surprised when Yofilis revealed information about the floor boss.

He, and the party in general, was shocked when he offered to join the raid.

"Consider it as thanks for helping us defeat our enemies," the viscount told them when Kirito asked. "With the Jade and Lapis Keys secured, there's nothing left for me to do in this castle. For the moment at least."

"What about General N'ltzahh?" Kayaba asked.

At this, Yofilis's expression grew troubled. "He… was not part of the fleet we defeated. But he wouldn't attack for quite some time, I'm sure. Not without building a second fleet. And that would take time." He smiled, a bit forced, Kayaba noticed. "In any case, another sword would serve you well, no?"

Kirito hesitated for a moment then nodded. "We'd be glad to have you, Viscount Yofilis."

"Excellent! Come talk to me when you're ready to begin. For now, I believe everyone deserves a rest after that battle."

They murmured their assent and bade the viscount farewell. Outside his office, Kizmel also excused herself to deal with personal matters.

"It was a long day, wasn't it?" Yuna said, stretching her arms as they passed a corridor. "I didn't do anything much, though," she sighed.

Nautilus patted her on the shoulder. "At least we're all safe. That's the important thing."

"And we finished this floor's campaign before Christmas." Asuna slowed down for a moment. "I wonder. Will we have a raid on Christmas?"

"I doubt it," Kayaba said. "At most, it would take four days. Five if they can't fight the boss room quickly." He turned to Kirito. "We should send the boss information to Argo."

"Already on it." After a few minutes, Kirito closed his menu, his expression thoughtful.

"Something wrong?" Asuna asked.

"Just thinking," he replied as they emerged into the hallway that led to their rooms. "We're still missing the third piece of information about the boss."

Kayaba shook his head. "Considering its requirements, I don't think we should expect to know it. Not unless someone releases the information." Still, it was worrisome. The Third Floor Boss nearly wiped them out because of their lack of complete intel.

"It's going to be fine," Yuna said. "The viscount will help us, and so will Kizmel. We shouldn't worry too much."

They entered the lounge, and there they discussed various things. The boss fight, the grinding they needed to do, the quests they still have yet to complete.

As the night wore on, they retired to their rooms one by one. But Kayaba stayed, looking outside the windows to the still lake. It reminded him of another time, another reality, another place, different yet similar. It had been Christmas, and Ayako wanted to visit that lake…

His gaze drifted into the distance where he could just barely catch a glimpse of the Tower Labyrinth. This world he had created was supposed to be like that lake—a place where everyone could be happy. But his own creation had turned on him, warping Ayako's dream and perverting it.

A mistake he would fix no matter the cost.

Originally, this chapter would involve another rehash of the defense of Yofel Castle in the original light novel. But I decided to do my own spin on it and merge it with the raid against the field boss Biceps Archelon.

Next chapter, we'll finally get to the fifth floor where a lot of stuff will happen and we'll see a familiar character return. But after that point, I'll be skipping some boss fights and maybe a floor or two that I believe don't fit with the kind of story I'm writing. Besides, I don't feel like rehashing most of the stuffs we already saw in canon.

Anyway, hope you guys have enjoyed Chapter 10. Please Read & Review!

Until next time!