Ch. 2

(Seven months later)

"So you won't join?" said Akira with shocked face.

"No, I operate better alone. But you work best with support, and the Knight's of Blood are a good guild, so you better join."

"But..." Akira pleaded.

"No, buts, you almost died last time. You need support, and more than I can give. Go join, I'm on your friend's list, you can always message me."

As I sent her back into the KoB HQ, I felt as though a part of me died. She had backed me up from the beginning, and she was always cheering me up. But after that last fight… Her HP went down to 5%. I wasn't able to provide the support she needed. As such, I forced her to join a guild that could properly support her. She fought me on it, but I wouldn't back down. After 3 days, she finally found a guild she liked. And that was then end of our party. Sighing, I turned away and walked back to the teleport gate.

(Nine months later)

Clang! Overhead strike. Clang! Horizontal. Suddenly a gap appeared in the monster's defence. Operating out of practice, I activated a stab-type skill. With a loud thunk, my attack pierced the monster's armor, and sent it's HP to zero. As the mob burst into hundreds of shards, a window showing how much xp and col I had earned from the fight appeared in front of me. With a tap, I dismissed it. As I started to walk back, I heard the sounds of combat ahead. Out of habit, I went to make sure the players could handle the mobs.

Rounding the corner at a light jog, I arrived just in time to see a massive burst of light from a rapier. I almost turned to leave, seeing as they could handle the mobs themselves, when I recognized the girl to the left of the the head of the group. Akira. Her form had improved a huge amount in the last few months. But then, all surprise was dismissed as I recognized the head player. Asuna the flash. Possibly the best rapier user in SAO. Of course, she would be in charge of training Akira. Deciding to say hi once the battle was finished, I leaned against a pillar.

With a burst of shards, the last of the mobs died, and all was quiet.

"Your form has improved, Akira." I called.

With a jerk, she spun around. A smile immediately plastered itself across her face.

"Thanks, but Asuna here is to thank for it."

"Skills can be taught with ease, knowing when to use them is what's important." Replied Asuna with a smile.

"Akira is gifted in that regard." I replied. Then, with serious face:

"Akira, I am not sure who would win a duel anymore, you or me. Asuna is quite possibly the best rapier user in SAO, learning from her is a gift."

"I guess." Akira responded.

"But what in the world have you been doing? I hardly see you, except for the clearing meetings."

"I'm solo, so I just roam the various floors when I'm not clearing."

"Hmph, that's no excuse for not meeting me when I ask to. Just how many hours do spend a day clearing?"

"Sixteen hours or so."

"Neko! That's dangerous! With that little sleep your thinking is impaired!" Akira blurted.

"I'm fine! I keep a 35% safety margin, and if I get too tired I head back."

"Still!" fumed Akira.

"Neko, you remind me of Kirito." said Asuna.

"How so? He is miles ahead of me, and is a Advanced Beta Tester."

"Advanced Beta tester? Why not just Beater?"

"Because of people like him, we are going to get out of here one heck of a lot sooner." I retorted.

"Anyway, how do I remind you of Kirito?"

"You work yourself to death, and you're oblivious to the fact that someone cares about you a lot. Kirito is the same way."

"Hmm." I snorted. Then Akira spoke up.

"Well, since I met up with you today, how about we take the day off and relax?"

"Sorry, but I have plans for today, maybe another time." As I walked away, I heard Akira mutter: "I'm going to butcher him." I picked up my pace.