Chapter 1: Calling of the storm.
I do not own anything from SAO nor Rurouni Kenshin.
Jin was training himself inside the infernal cave for a week. He had to admit, it was straining with the heat and humidity of the cave. His sword was replica of Shioshio's Mugenjin, having the serrated edges carefully crafted. He was able to learn new skills from the Secret Swords such as the Homura Dama, Shinku Renge, and Funka. The Homura Dama extended the cutting power of his sword, allowing him to cut and burn an enemy thanks to the flames on his sword. The Shinku Renge allows him to wreathe his sword in fire and swing it in a slant, resulting the victim in getting a cauterizing cut. Jin learned the technique can be used multiple times in quick succession, increasing his versatility. The Funka was an AoE skill, allowing him to create an explosion of fire that surrounds him. He was also able to learn a new variation of the technique of the Shinku Renge, the Kasai no Senkai. Using the Shinku Renge in a rolling somersault, he can turn himself into a fiery chainsaw, cutting any in front and burning others who approach him from his sides. He had a hidden skill that he was not willing to show unless he needed to.
'My hands… They're burning up…' Jin thought, feeling the sensation of heat.
By then, Shishio came out of his home, seeing Jin practice his techniques outside. He was impressed to see the young apprentice of his battojutsu becoming stronger.
"That's enough for today, Jin. Your body is undergoing hyperthermia and you won't be able to move for some time." Shishio said.
"Hyperthermia… Is this what you have been experiencing…?" Jin said in between breaths.
"Every day… Enough about me. The new techniques that you'll learn will come once you train yourself to level up. I will provide with a special warp crystal that'll allow only you to come here. I will teach you new techniques of The Secret Swords once you reach level 50." Shishio said.
Jin was provided with an orange-red crystal.
"You know that I have to leave this cave. A wise man and a powerful warrior no less." Jin complimented.
"You're my apprentice, Jin. I want you to grow strong since you were the first to discover this cave." Shishio said.
"Thank you for teaching me this sword style, Shishio-sama." Jin said, bowing respectfully.
'This kid may be my chance to escape from my hell… He may also be the one who will save others.' Shishio thought.
"Be on your way, young warrior. Just don't die." Shishio said in a rude tone.
"I don't intend to. I'm planning to be the best. We will meet again." Jin said.
Jin took out a blue crystal and used it to teleport back to the City of Beginnings.
At the square of the City of Beginnings, Jin noticed a large group of players gathering about. He was curious on what was happening, but didn't want to get involved with the crowd. He opened his menu and noticed that the logout button is not implemented.
'Hmm? I can't log out of the game. This could be a serious issue… If the people working the servers know this, they should've deactivate the game by now. This is the only way to log out of SAO… Somehow, I think this could be a problem for everyone here…' Jin thought, feeling uncomfortable.
True to Jin's words, every player in the square is asking how to log out, due to not finding a log out button in the menu screen. Some started to panic and attempted to call the game master, but to no avail. He them heard what sounded like a church bell ringing. Before he knew it, Jin saw Klein and Kirito appearing in blue light.
"Kirito, Klein. You guys noticed the log out button is gone too?" Jin asked.
"Yeah. We've noticed it." Kirito confirmed.
"You guys used a teleport crystal to come here?" Jin asked.
"No. The game made us teleport here without one. It's as though this is a scripted event or a forced teleportation." Kirito said.
"Looks like we're about to find out… Look." Klein said, pointing to a red window crystal.
'WARNING! Seems like something is about to happen.' Jin thought.
By then, the bell stopped ringing, leaving the square silent in an ominous feeling. By then, the 'Warning' polygon expanded into 'System Announcement' polygons, creating a crimson dome that surrounded the square. A strange, red fluid leaked out from the polygon crystals. It then coalesced into a dark male figure, wearing a large robe that obscured the whole body, leaving his two outstretched hands visible.
"Could that be the game master?" Jin questioned.
"Maybe, but we're about to find out why we're here." Kirito said.
By then, the figure raised his arms up.
"Attention, players. I welcome you all to my world. My name is Kayaba Akihiko. As of this moment onwards, I'm the only person in control of this world." The figure known as Akihiko said.
'Kayaba…? The man who invented the NerveGear…!' Jin realized.
The players were shocked to see the creator of SAO in front of them.
"As you have all noticed, the log out button is no longer in the menu screen. It's not a bug nor an error of the system. It's the main feature of Sword Art Online. You will not be able to log out from the game and no one from the real world will be able to shut down or remove the NerveGear. If attempted, the NerveGear's transmitter will emit a powerful microwave that'll liquefy your brains, killing you instantly." Akihiko announced.
Some of the players dismissed the threat, but Jin and Kirito knew the threat was real.
"What's with this guy? Has he lost his mind?" Klein said in question to Kirito and Jin.
"It's not a lie… The NerveGear's transmitter does emit microwaves that keep us in this virtual world by interfacing with the person's brain directly. Should the safety be disabled, it's as just as he said." Jin said.
"Shouldn't the NerveGear shut down from lack of power once removed from a plug?" Klein asked.
"That won't work… The device has an internal battery." Kirito said.
Klein shook his head to dismiss the thought.
"How crazy. What the hell is going on?" Klein asked.
"Unfortunately, several players, whose family members attempted to log them out all died in a futile attempt to remove the NerveGear. They were all foolish to attempt such a drastic measure. As a result, two hundred and thirteen players perished in the real world." Akihiko said.
"Unbelievable… This guy has definitely lost his mind." Jin said.
By then, several screens were encircling Akihiko.
"As you can see, these are news posts from all over the world reporting the incident and deaths. Thankfully, the attempts to remove the NerveGear have diminished to none." Akihiko said.
Jin growled in response, seeing the stressful situation getting worse.
"There's another part I must mention. There's no longer a reviving method in the game. Should any player's HP go to zero, you will forever lose your avatar and your life." Akihiko announced.
Kirito and Jin envisioned their deaths from a monster and clenched their fists tightly. All the other players remained silent in response.
"However, there is only one method for you all to escape. To complete the game, you must clear all 100 floors of Aincrad. Currently, you're all at Floor 1. Defeat each Floor Boss and you can advance to defeating the next one. Defeat the final boss on Floor 100 and you can all escape unscathed.
'Clearing all 100 floors in a death game…? That would be near-impossible, but we all must get stronger to fight.' Jin thought, clenching his fists tightly.
"Finally, I presented you all a gift in your item storage. Have a look." Akihiko said.
Jin looked at his item storage and noticed an item. He read the name out loud and carefully.
"Mirror of Truth… Somehow I don't like this one little bit." Jin said.
Upon selecting it, a small, rectangular hand mirror appeared. When the players looked at it, they were engulfed in a blue-while light. Much to some of the players' shock, some females were actually male players and vice versa. Kirito's appearance changed into a younger version of his avatar. Klein also changed, having spiky hair, but keeping his bandanna. Jin didn't change at all.
"You guys okay?" Jin asked.
"Yeah. What about you though, Jin? You didn't change." Kirito said.
"This is how I look naturally… Wait, you guys are Klein and Kirito right…? That mirror must have reverted everyone to how they look." Jin said.
"Not just that… The NerveGear also has a high density signaling device that covers your whole head. It can literally see what your face looks like. However, it doesn't affect the avatar's height and body." Kirito said.
"Kayaba must have interfaced with the NerveGear from every player via software hacking. We were able to calibrate on how our avatars looked by touching ourselves in this world." Jin said.
"That must be how the device obtains the data from the player." Kirito said.
"But why would Kayaba stage something like this in the first place?" Klein questioned.
"We're about to find out." Jin said, pointing to Akihiko.
"You all must be wandering why the developer of the NerveGear and Sword Art Online, Kayaba Akihiko, do all this? My goal has already been achieved. I created this world for a purpose: to create this world and intervene in it. Now that purpose has been fulfilled, this ends the tutorial of the official Sword Art Online launch. Good luck, players." Akihiko said, disappearing from the area.
The players all panicked in response. Kirito, Klein and Jin quickly regrouped and fled from the area to avoid the pandemonium.
"Just come with us quickly. We don't want to get caught in the crowd." Jin said.
Outside the square, the three boys began to discuss their thoughts.
"Listen carefully… We'll be heading to a nearby village not far from here. You should come with us." Kirito said.
Klein was confused, unable to make a response.
"If what Kayaba said is true, the only way to clear this game is to grow stronger as fast as possible. In a typical MMO, the resources are not limited, but in a virtual MMO, they are. In other words, money, EXP etc. The fields outside the City of Beginnings will be wiped clean of monsters. We need to head to the village near this place so we can gain more EXP and money before more players join in the fray. Kirito knows the area more than I do. Even at Level 1, he can make his way there safely without finding the dangerous routes." Jin explained.
"But… I spent a whole night in line to buy this with my friends from the other game. They're out there in the square. I can't just leave them behind." Klein said.
'He'll probably join with his friends in the monster hunting… No doubt he wouldn't dare abandon them.' Jin thought.
"I'm sorry, you guys. I can hardly ask you for anything else. You guys go ahead to the village. I used to run a guild in my last game. I'll be able to survive thanks to your teachings you two." Klein said.
"Very well… Be sure to keep a close eye on your comrades. Don't lose them, no matter the price nor pay. This isn't goodbye, for we will meet again one day." Jin said.
"Send us a message if anything happens. Take care." Kirito said.
Both boys were about to leave but Klein called out to them. Only Kirito remained behind.
Jin continued to walk forward, leaving Kirito behind. He went his way to the same pathway Kirito showed, but he ended up taking the most dangerous routes. He slowly pulled his sword out of his scabbard.
'This is no longer a game… This is the real deal… If one dies here, then the person in real life dies as well… This whole game is nothing but a hellish nightmare.' Jin thought.
By then, several dire wolves appeared. He held his sword up and began to writhe them in fire.
"Hiken: Homura Dama!"
The wolves were both cut and burnt from the attack. They shattered into polygons in a second.
"I WILL NOT DIE IN YOUR TWISTED GAME, KAYABA! I WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT THROUGH THIS HELL!" Jin shouted with all his spirit.
Nearby, Kirito was running by and noticed Jin viciously carving down the dire wolves around him. This surprised Kirito in response. He ended up approaching Jin.
"Dang Jin. That was a sword skill?" Kirito asked in surprise.
"It is… It's called battojutsu, a lost sword art. This is similar to Iaido, but this one uses friction to essentially create fire for each of my attacks." Jin explained.
"Awesome… Can this be taught to other players?" Kirito asked.
"If that were the case, I would provide ways to obtain the skills. However, a cave that provides teaching of the skills is hidden away. Only .01 percent of players were able to find the entrance. None were able to venture far due to the incredible heat in the cave." Jin explained.
"Talk about luck from the heavens. You're really fortunate to find that cave." Kirito said.
By then, a mid-boss appeared in the field. It was a red dire wolf that appeared larger.
"The Hono no Okami… I never thought we would find this boss here…" Kirito said.
Jin outstretched his hand to let Kirito know he'll be fighting the wolf. Kirito understood and moved back, leaving Jin to fight the wolf down.
"Bring it on, you fiery sack of fur." Jin taunted.
The wolf lunged to Jin. However, he anticipated the attack and jumped into the air. Holding his sword, he scraped it on the scabbard, causing it to ignite. He then performed a rolling somersault to the fiery beast.
"Hiken: Shingu Renge Henka: Kasai no Senkai!"
The wolf was cut in half from the head down. By then, Jin received a message for defeating the boss.
-Congratulations. You earned the Coat of Flames and Karen.- The message said.
"The Coat of Flames and Karen? I knew you were lucky to find a new sword technique, but this goes beyond reasoning…" Kirito said.
Jin chuckled before equipping his coat and new sword. The coat was black with orange-red flame patterns all over. His new sword, Karen, had a beautiful red luster, but it also had the ability to produces flames that go in conjunction with his battojutsu techniques.
"We should hurry to the village. More players are starting to come and they'll be grinding themselves to get stronger." Kirito said.
"Good point, let's go." Jin responded.
A month passed and none of the players were able to clear the First Floor boss. The date was December 3, 2022. Kirito and Jin were discussing of the situation back in the City of Beginnings.
"The number of players who died measured up to two thousand. It seems that Kayaba made some changes to the bosses here, making them more unpredictable." Jin said.
"You might be right about this one, Jin… However, even as a beta tester, I never went to the boss room. There's a meeting on how we can destroy this boss coming up. We should attend it so we may have a chance." Kirito said.
"Alright then. Let's go." Jin said.
The boys went to the meeting to listen to the discussion. They noticed a blue haired man, wearing decent equipment.
"Thank you all for coming to this meeting. My name is Diabel and we're to discuss on how we can clear the First Floor Boss." The person said.
'Sounds like he may have some info on the boss. Better listen carefully.' Jin thought.
"Our party was able to find the boss room so we can navigate our way there safely. The boss is at the top of the tower. We need to defeat this boss to advance to the next floor so we can inform everyone in the first floor that this game is not infeasible. Everyone present here has the capability to perform this duty." Diabel said.
'Quite a professional speaker this person is.' Jin thought with admiration.
The players who heard the speech all clapped in response. Their spirits were renewed with vigor.
"Now, let's discuss our plan to fight. Divide into parties of six. We'll all be able to fight this boss equally and have the EXP and money shared. Essentially, we're making squads to fight this boss down. We need to form raid groups so we can stand a chance." Diabel said.
Kirito and Jin had no time to ask around as almost everyone had been recruited into a party. Although they had no choice, they made their own party. They then noticed a figure wearing a burgundy robe, covering the person leaving the lower face uncovered.
"Um… You got left out too?" Kirito asked.
"No, I wasn't left out. I just stayed away from everyone since they seem to know each other." The person said, sounding feminine.
"A solo player huh? Mind if you join with me in a party? According to what that guy said, it's not a good idea to fight the boss alone. This party is made to fight the boss." Kirito reasoned.
The female figure nodded in response. Kirito sent an invitation to the girl and she accepted it. Jin noticed the new name 'Asuna' appearing on his HUD.
'That's a female name… No mistake about that.' Jin thought.
"Everyone, have you all made your parties?" Diabel questioned.
Everyone nodded in response.
"Hold on a minute!" A male voice called out.
Jin quickly noticed a man with orange spiky hair interrupting the meeting. He didn't like what he was about to do.
"My name is Kibaou. I have something to say before we all head out to fight the boss. Some of you need to apologize to the two thousand players who died so far!" Kibaou said.
Kirito widened his eyes, but Jin kept a calm composure. He was holding his anger at bay.
"Are you referring to the beta testers, Kibaou-san?" Diabel asked.
"Of course I am! When this stupid game started, the betas ditched us newbies behind and disappeared. They took all the good hunting spots and easy quests for themselves in order to get stronger. I demand that nay beta tester here give all their money and items acquired as of today! I'm sure that guy is also a beta tester so he should comply with what I said!" Kibaou said, pointing to Jin.
Kirito was conflicted to speak out but remained silent. Jin slowly stood up, anger showing his expression. His bangs blocked his eyes from view.
"You claim that I am a beta tester just because of the items I have?" Jin asked quietly.
The calm tone was a subliminal message to everyone; don't fuck with him.
"What of it? You guys have been taking the good spots since the game started!" Kibaou yelled at Jin.
Immediately, Jin brought his sword out and ignited the blade in ethereal flames. He placed the blade close to Kibaou's neck, effectively silencing him. He then held out a small handbook.
"Just so you know… I recently got the game. Also, you recall that handbook that was given to the players for free? It was information gathered by the beta testers who risked their lives. Despite this, many other have died due to changes in the game. I suggest you keep that mouth of yours shut or I'll turn you into ash in an instant." Jin threatened.
He looked at everyone, letting the wind blow his hair. His eyes were no longer covered by his bangs, showing them turned red from the anger he was showing.
"Bear in mind of this everyone… Out of the 2000 players that have died, most of them could be beta testers who risked themselves to fight the bosses to help others clear the game. While I wouldn't say that in a game that your life is on the line. However, on this one, it is. We could learn from their deaths so we can improve ourselves to prevent them. So think twice before you berate any of the beta testers in the game. Make any insulting gossips about the beta testers and I'll prove my threat is real! GOT THAT!?" Jin yelled.
Kibaou was angered but wisely kept his mouth shut. He remembered seeing Jin's face and didn't want to provoke him.
Nighttime has fallen in the game. Jin still had some pent-up frustration from the meeting. He sat down by himself, avoiding everyone.
'Berating the beta testers was insulting enough, but for him to accuse others based on equipment is essentially asking him for me to beat the heck out of his head.' Jin thought.
While he was trying to suppress his anger, a bald dark sinned male came up to him. He an axe etched on his back. Jin held up his guard upon seeing him approach.
"Is there something you need?" He asked.
"That was quite an inspiring but threatening speech you made there. If anything, I'll have to say thank you for opening the eyes of the other players to rethink of beta testers who gave us all the information." The man said.
"It was the right thing to do… He was being a stuck-up idiot." Jin said.
"Either way, thanks. My name is Agil." The man said.
"Jin." Jin said in introduction.
"Not a person with many words huh? In any case, you must be pretty brave to take on the hate for all the beta testers. Are you that confident with your skills?"Agil asked.
"I didn't learn my sword skills just to see myself die in battle. I'm intending to clear this game and get everyone out of here." Jin said.
Kirito was with the girl near him, eating stale food. He provide some cream from a quest he did to help make the taste better. She finished in seconds.
"I didn't come to this town just to eat delicious food…" The girl said quietly.
By then Jin showed up, walking in a thinking pose.
"Yo Jin. You okay?" Kirito called out.
"Just a little frustrated from today's meeting. Had to go somewhere for solitary evaluation unless you want me to lash out like an angered wolf." Jin said.
"I can't imagine why… In any case, tomorrow is the raid for the boss. We'll be getting up early." Kirito said.
"Agreed. We may need to learn what is called 'switching' in this floor before we have a chance to fight the boss. There's a small field that we can use to train for that at the West Fields." Jin said.
"Good call. We will learn that technique." Kirito said.
The time was 5 AM. Kirito, Jin, and Asuna practiced the concept of switching, killing any monsters that they encountered.
"Timing is crucial in switching. For instance… Jin, switch with me!" Kirito said, attacking a black dire wolf.
Jin quickly followed along, unleashing an overhead strike with the Homura Dama. The wolf was attacked from Kirito and Jin before shattering in polygons. Jin flipped in the air and landed near Kirito. Asuna was impressed with the display.
"So that's what switching is… We should try that." Asuna said in agreement.
"Alright. Do your magic, Asuna. We'll be able to provide the opening you need." Jin said.
The trio encountered a blue dire wolf. Jin immediately performed a vertical slash, leaving the wolf open.
"Now Asuna!" Jin said.
Asuna unleashed a flurry of attacks by using a rapier. The boys watched in amazement as she slayed the wolf in seconds, leaving a streak of blue-green light in a flash.
"Now that's stylish." Jin whistled.
The time was 9 AM. The parties all gathered with Diabel to fight the boss down. All were prepared to fight to the death. There were 7 groups with 48 people. They were assigned group letters to better manage themselves. Jin was with Kirito and Asuna in Group G.
"Everyone ready? Let's go!" Diabel announced.
The dungeon doors opened. Inside the dark hallway, there was a red color beast, appearing like a giant goblin. The hallway suddenly went bright, allowing the players to see the boss. It was two meters tall, appearing with brick red fur. The eyes were a bloodthirsty copper red. It was wielding a leather shield and a battle axe.
"Illfang, the Kobold Lord…" Jin said.
Near the boss, three sentinels appeared. They all charged forward.
"Let's GO!" Diabel yelled.
Jin was the first to yell out and quickly dashed to the sentinels. Kirito immediately noticed him taking off preemptively.
"Jin, wait! Don't risk it!" Kirito yelled.
No one saw how fast Jin was moving. The naked eye was unable to trace Jin's movements as he quickly made his way to the sentinels.
"Hiken: Shukuchi San!"
Just as the name of the technique was heard, Jin moved in a blur. Before anyone realized it, the sentinels were cut down in half from the waist up. A diagonal clean cut was shown prior to them shattering into polygons.
"No way… He moved so fast that the enemies didn't had any time to react upon being killed… This guys just did three steps with a kill in each one. Who is that guy…?" One of the players questioned.
"That sword style… This is unlike anything I've ever seen..." Diabel said in amazement.
Illfang immediately took its attention to Jin, whom had his back on the boss. The kobold leader charged at him, only for Jin to backflip to avoid the attack. He then scraped his sword to ignite flames on the blade.
"Hiken: Shingu Renge Henka: Kasai no Senkai!"
The inferno rolling blaze went on to the boss, taking it 2/5 of its health. More sentinels came in in response of the sudden drop of the boss's HP.
"Go for the sentinels! They're acting as a distraction!" Jin yelled out, holding the boss off.
"Right! Group C, guard the players by taking down the sentinels! Group D, provide some healing potions and crystals to keep anyone from dying! Groups E and F, attack the boss from the side! Group G is providing a lot of damage to the boss!" Diabel called out.
Everyone went into position. Kirito was able to use the 'switch' method to keep the sentinels off. The majority of the players kept attacking the boss, leaving it with one bar left at the yellow zone. Jin noticed that the boss suddenly discarded its shield and axe.
"Guys watch out! He's about to switch weapons! Move away, NOW!" Jin called out.
"So the info from the beta testers was right." Kibaou said.
"Every support player, provide your potions to the injured! We need to ready ourselves!" Diabel called out.
However, Kirito and Jin immediately noticed the weapon. They were shocked to see what they didn't expect.
"That's no talwar… It's a damn nodachi! Everyone, watch out!" Kirito warned.
Diabel didn't heed Kirito's warning and went straight to the boss. Before he knew it, Illfang moved in insane speeds and nearly turned Diabel into confetti.
"Diabel!" The players called out.
Jin quickly caught Diabel and was about to provide him a potion. Kirito quickly came to him administer the potion. However, Diabel pushed them back.
"Why were you trying to take the boss on alone? It isn't worth getting the last attack if you go unprepared and die!" Jin said.
"I knew it… You two were beta testers… You two understood what I was doing…" Diabel said in dying breaths.
"You also were a beta tester as well. That was a costly mistake you did to get the last attack bonus…" Jin said in anger.
"Please… Defeat the boss so everyone can live…" Diabel said as he disappeared in blue polygons.
Jin remained in place for a few seconds. He then had his eyes change from gray to red. He bellowed out in a berserk like rage.
"RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The boss was overwhelmed by the immense rage along with every player. It created a powerful current of heated air, blowing off everyone's robes. Jin charged ahead to the boss, roaring violently.
"HIKEN: FUNKA!"
A powerful eruption of fire engulfed the boss, leaving it with little HP left. Kirito immediately went for the kill in response, seeing Jin tired momentarily. With a skill ready to use, Kirito quickly leaped up and performed a Vertical Arc, eviscerating the boss in a V-shape pattern. Kirito was awarded the final attack bonus: The Coat of Midnight.
"We won… WE WON!" Everyone reveled in victory.
Agil and Asuna came up to Jin and Kirito, both of them exhausted.
"That was some splendid work you two did. That kind of sword skill from you, Jin, was unlike anything I have seen. Kirito, you had excellent teamwork with him. This victory goes to you two." Agil complimented.
Everyone applause to the two swordsmen. However, Kibaou decided to voice his anger.
"WHY!? Why did you let Diabel die in the battle!?" He questioned.
Jin and Kirito looked at Kibaou, whom asked the question.
"Let him die…? He chose to die in honor, despite us attempting to heal him… He didn't want us to heal him…" Jin said in an agitated but somber tone.
Everyone looked at Jin. His face was straining to hold back his grief for a fallen player.
"You already know what the boss was about to do! If you told us earlier, we would have saved his life, you beta tester!" Kibaou said.
Immediately, hot air engulfed the hallway. Jin's hands started to turn red from the overwhelming heat. Kirito was nervous to revealing he was a beta tester.
"Did I hear you accuse me of being a beta tester, AGAIN!?" Jin bellowed.
Everyone stopped as the saw the angered expression on his face. A few tears were streaming from his right eye.
"YOU THINK THAT I WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT IT FEELS TO GO THROUGH SUCH HELL LIKE THIS!? IF YOU ARE STILL COMPLAINING THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE ONE TO SAVE HIM! EVEN IF A BETA TESTER WERE TO KNOW THE BOSS BEFOREHAND, KAYABA CHANGED EVERYTHING! KAYABA KNEW WHAT WERE PLANNING FROM THE START! SO QUIT PUTTING THE BLAME ON ANOTHER PERSON!" Jin yelled.
He then held his sword out, the flames dancing wildly on the blade. Kibaou was now scared of Jin. He was expecting him to strike but the blow never came. Jin extinguished the flames and placed his sword back in the scabbard.
"Starting today, I'll be known as a battojutsu user. One that controls fire and burns everything in one's path. I am the Blaze Swordsman. If anyone dares to come at me with such insults, I'll hack you all into mincemeat or turn you into ash in an instant." Jin said, making the flames on his sword shoot out brightly.
Kirito began to laugh manically, but Jin knew it was an act.
"The beta testers were nothing like how I am. They were just simple beginners like you and me. However, I was able to reach higher levels than any of the beta testers. I'm quite resourceful, but with your accusations, this just proves that we should have left you newbies to die. Even the game master couldn't find that out." Kirito said in a cocky tone.
Everyone began pointing fingers at Kirito, mixing the words, 'cheater' and 'beta tester'. Eventually, a new term was formed: beater.
"Beater… An appropriate title for myself. Though your title is offensive, let it be known that I'm intending to clear this game with my friend in order to save you all. It's gamble between survival and death." Kirito said.
Kirito equipped his Coat of Midnight after his discussion. Every player remained quiet, not wanting to insult them. Jin's fiery aura was still fluctuating as his hands looked red form the intense heat. Asuna walked up to the boys in concern.
"Do yourself a favor, Asuna. The moment you see a high-tier guild available, join it without question. Your chances of living will increase." Kirito said.
"Wait… How did you two know my name…?" Asuna asked.
Kirito looked at Asuna and missed her full appearance without the robe. She was wearing a dark red leather tunic with a lightweight copper breastplate and leather pants with boots up to the knees along with a hooded cape. Her hair was orange brown with hazel eyes.
"If you look at the top left corner of your HUD, you see your HP gauge. In a party, you can also see the member's HP as different bars, alongside their names." Kirito said.
Asuna followed what Kirito said and found the names.
"Kirito… The other one was named Jin…" Asuna said.
"Yeah… He's going through a lot so I'll leave him in his personal space." Kirito said solemnly.
At the second floor, Jin was walking with an emotionally tired expression. He noticed several monsters coming to him. He brought Karin out and wreathed it in fire.
"Let's dance." Jin said coldly.