Chapter 3: Flare of Redemption
I do not own anything from SAO nor Rurouni Kenshin.
The time was February 19, 2034. Jin secluded himself back in Shishio's cave in Floor 1, finishing his training with the Secret Swords. He managed to pick up a new skill due to the rigorous training with Shishio, despite him fighting for 15 minutes. The new skill was called the Houken. It was a powerful skill capable of unleashing a powerful torrent of fire. The range of the attack was much larger than the Homura Dama, capable of reaching 5 meters away.
'I still can't get this feeling off of me…' Jin thought.
Jin was plagued by his slaughter of the Titan's Hand. He remembered the awful screams as the players were consumed in flames till they shattered into polygons. The horrific expressions they showed have been a constant nightmare for him. This shook him to the point he no longer responded to Kirito's or Klein's messages. Shishio was watching Jin, seeing his mind being fractured, evident by how hard he was focusing on his training.
'He's conflicted with his emotions… Will he have the drive to face me to be the successor of the Secret Swords?' Shishio thought.
Jin continued performing the Houken, releasing large amounts of heat. His hyperthermia became the drive to execute the technique, but it left him in near hypothermia in result.
"Settle down, my apprentice. You have exhausted yourself training with this one. Sort your thoughts out before taking the sword on your hand." Shishio said.
Jin, listening to his master, decided to clear his thoughts through meditation. He sat near a small fire near him, letting the glowing flame provide a sense of peace.
"Jin… My teachings of my techniques are coming close to an end… I have two more skills to provide to you. However, they will require you to sort your thoughts off before you train yourself." Shishio said.
"Sort my thoughts… I believe that is a wise decision, Shishio-sama. I still have conflicting thoughts that have been plaguing me since I came back for training." Jin admitted.
"You have been a successful disciple as of today. I will entrust you with these techniques when you are ready. For now, search inside yourself so you'll have the drive to move forward." Shishio said.
######
Three months have passed… The time was April 19, 2034. Jin was able to master the Houken and understood his ability in conjunction of his hyperthermia. He is currently in Floor 42, walking in a forest. During the three months, Jin undertook several quests to build his strength. During his days off from training and missions, he would hunt down any PK players, ending their schemes. Each time in doing so, losing his reasoning to talk with the players before fighting.
'It's been a hellish road for me in SAO… No matter how much I do for everyone's sake, I'm labelled as a 'battosai', or 'The Blaze Swordsman'… It's now a constant reminder of players, both PK and innocent, to suddenly fear my presence. I don't blame them for their reactions, but the number of PK related deaths has diminished.' Jin thought.
Jin was walking in town, casting his eyes away from people with a solemn expression. Many who saw his eyes and recognized him fled in terror. Some were brave enough to see him holding his sorrow from the numerous killings he had done.
"Stay away from him…! He's nothing but a heartless demon!" One of the players called out to a younger male player.
The younger player didn't heed the warning and went to Jin. He touched Jin's leg, causing him to stop.
"Is there something that caught your interest of me?" Jin asked.
"I heard a lot of rumors about you… I don't think you're a heartless demon." The young player said.
"What makes you sure about that? I've lost a lot during my quest here in SAO." Jin said.
"What is your quest then, Blaze Swordsman?" The boy asked.
"Protecting the people from the PK guilds and clearing this game… I don't want any innocent soul in this game to die. I'm prepared for what I need to endure." Jin answered.
A small crowd gathered upon hearing Jin's speech. They were all surprised upon hearing his answer from the young player.
"You're willing to throw away your own heart just to protect others…? I never seen someone become a martyr with such an altruistic belief… Maybe we have wronged you for saving the other players from the PK guilds." A female player said.
"Think whatever you believe about me… I don't care whether I'm treated as a pariah or a martyr. I'm willing to give everything to clear this game, no matter how much it costs of me." Jin said.
He resumed walking across the town, placing a dark robe on and leaving the crowd speechless. By then, he started hearing the local gossip.
"Hey, have you heard? There was a beast tamer in Floor 35 with a party. They're at the Forest of Wandering." One of the players said.
'A beast tamer? I guess that's something new to hear. Now that my curiosity is at its peak, I should take a look and see for myself.' Jin thought, teleporting away with a teleport crystal.
######
At Floor 35, there was a girl, running away from drunken apes. She had hazel hair with two pigtails tied by red ribbons with baubles. Her eyes are a bright hazel color. She was wearing a red coat with a breastplate, a black skirt with matching leggings, black shoes and red fingerless gloves. The sleeves on her coat had an intricate cross design, appearing like a West Syrian cross. Flying above her was a bright blue-green dragon with wings like a bird appearing soft, pale blue. There was two long feathers in place of a tail. Its eyes were a delicate red color.
"I have to get out of here… Those monsters are too strong for me to fight them." She said.
The girl's stamina was starting to catch up to her. She could barely escape from the monsters chasing her.
'No choice… I have to fight them.' She thought, raising her dagger out.
There were three drunken apes chasing her. She was able to wound them, leaving them with their HP at yellow. However, it made them more aggressive. They managed to injure her, causing the girl's HP to go at yellow. The dragon she was with exerted a healing essence that barely healed her, but just enough to move her HP back to green.
"Thank you, Pina." The girl said.
She managed to take down one of the apes. However, her guard was dropped. One of the apes managed to land a powerful blow, sending her flying to a nearby tree. Her HP was at red, almost becoming empty. She also dropped her dagger away from where she hit in the process.
'Oh no… Now I'm in serious trouble…' Sha panicked.
She tried to move away in fear, trying to get some space from the monsters. Unfortunately, they managed to catch up to her and prepared the killing blow. The girl's eyes widened before her dragon suddenly moved in.
"Pina!" The girl said, worried of her dragon.
The dragon's HP rapidly went to zero, causing it to shatter in polygons. A single feather from the dragon was left behind. The girl was in complete shock, unable to move. She couldn't process what was about to happen as one of the drunken apes raised its weapon to strike her down. Before she expected the blow, she heard a loud shout.
"Hiken: Yasai no Hi!"
Immediately, all three of the monsters were set ablaze and shattered into polygons. She noticed a familiar figure with a sword writhing in fire.
"Damn, I was too late to save the familiar…" Jin said in self-loathing.
The young girl recognized the Coat of Flames with the Asahi sword. She heard rumors of the fiery battosai, but didn't expect to see him in person. The rumors detailed in how he targeted only PK players instead of non-PK players, providing some sense of relief. Seeing his gray eyes, she could see the internal conflict within his mind. She quickly turned back to the remaining feather of her dragon.
"Pina… It's my fault you sacrificed yourself for my sake…" The girl said in tears.
"There is a way for you to revive your dragon… However, it has a time limit to how long it'll remain in limbo." Jin said.
"Is it true? Is there a way to revive Pina, fiery battosai?" The girl asked, finding a sense of hope.
"So you know of me… Let's disregard that for now. It is possible to revive your familiar. There's an item in Floor 47 that can help. Only a beast tamer can obtain the item." Jin explained.
"I'm not strong enough to go to Floor 47… I would die there." The girl said in slight panic.
"Not to worry. I have the right gear that'll protect you considerably, even at your level." Jin reassured.
He opened his menu and opened an item called 'Robe of the Fire Rat'. The young girl felt the warmth of the robe as she equipped it.
"That robe has amazing defensive stats. The monsters in Floor 47 will have a hard time trying to fight you. However, the item you got from your familiar's death has a time limit… If 3 days have passed, then it'll remain dead with no chance of revival." Jin said.
"We need to hurry then!" The young girl said.
"Easy there. You have been through a lot from what happened just now. Let's try to rest for tonight. You look mentally exhausted. I haven't got a chance to ask for you name though." Jin said,
"Oh, you can call me Silica, fiery battosai." Silica introduced herself.
"Just call me Jin. The infamous title I got is the result of irrational fear from other players." Jin said, gently tapping Silica's forehead.
"You're not like what people said about you." Silica said.
"I know what they say about me, but I don't listen to them. It's their fear that caused them to act like that, giving me this title in result. Knowing this, why haven't you run away from me?" Jin asked.
"You saved my life and you're not a heartless person. You had your reasons for your actions, Jin. Your reasons may have been more beneficial since I heard the number of PK deaths have decreased." Silica said.
"Believe me when I say this. I'm not proud of what I've become." Jin said.
"Then why did you save me and provided me with this much equipment?" Silica asked.
"There are some things, both in life and video games, which can make even a strong man cry. There was someone I knew back in Floor 1, but he perished in a fight." Jin said.
Silica was surprised on what Jin said. It's as though he revealed a part of his guilt to her.
"You're a nice person, Jin. You helped save me and provided me with info on how to bring my familiar back." Silica said with a smile.
'She's very innocent… I blame Kayaba for causing her to experience something near traumatic.' Jin thought.
They then joined together in a party.
######
Silica and Jin were at Floor 35, in a town called Mishe. It was somewhat lively due to lack of players, but it had a unique charm to see the area. Jin began to appreciate the virtual world, despite the game being a deadly place. It's as though he felt at piece which was odd to him. His thoughts were interrupted when two males came up to Silica. One was somewhat obese while the other was average in appearance.
"Silica-chan!" They said.
Silica was surprised when they saw her. She looked somewhat nervous.
"We were worried since you came late." The first boy said.
"Let's go in a party quest. We can go wherever you want." The second one said.
Silica moved back nervously, but she then resort to reason.
"I'm glad that you're all asking me to join, but…"
Silica noticed Jin's right arm hanging lazily. She quickly dashed to his arm and clamed on to him.
"I'll be in a party with this person for a while so I can't join with you guys." Silica said.
The two boys began to cast jealous looks at Jin. They then noticed his coat and sword and quickly moved away from him.
"The fiery battosai! He's here!" The first boy said.
Jin ignored the shouting and continued walking with Silica near him.
"Those were your fans?" Jin asked with curiosity.
"Well, I've been used a mascot whenever I join in their parties. They often call me 'Dragon Tamer Silica' in result. I apologize about what happened." Silica said.
"It's okay. You probably must have gotten full of it after the people gave you such a title. Yours is better than mine though." Jin said with admittance.
"That's how I felt before I lost Pina." Silica said in hinting grief.
"There's no need to cry. We have at least two more days to get the item for your familiar's revival so we have plenty of time." Jin said in a softer tone.
Silica smiled in response as she felt relieved from Jin's reassurance.
"Thank you, Jin." Silica said with a smile.
Jin and Silica made their way across the town, finding an inn to stay for the night.
"Um… Where do you live in SAO?" Silica asked.
"I haven't found a true place to stay… I'm just a drifter, sleeping in different places across Aincrad, even camping out." Jin said, scratching his head.
"Wow, that's amazing. In Mishe, there's an inn that has a delicious cheesecake. We should go there." Silica said.
By then, a female voice suddenly got their attention.
"Oh, if it isn't Silica." The voice said.
Jin and Silica turned to see a slim woman with purple eyes, deep, flame-red hair in wild curls, a flock of which covers her right eye, and lips of the same color. She wears black armor that shines like enamel and wields a slim, cross-shape spear. Jin noticed that she was also wearing an earring on her left ear. Near her were three male players.
"You made it out of the forest. That's a relief." The woman said.
Silica had a depressed expression, which Jin took note of.
"Is everything okay?" He whispered in question.
"Everything's fine." Silica whispered.
The woman went up close to Silica. Jin could see a cocky smirk on her face, making him frown.
"Oh? What happened to the lizard? Could something…?" The woman asked with a slight sadistic tone.
"Pina died protecting me, but I'm bringing her back!" Silica said.
"Oh, so you're going to the Hill of Memories. Considering your level, will you be able to clear it?" The woman taunted.
Jin's eyes turned red, alerting the male players. They got on guard, seeing him like this.
"She can make it, with the right equipment. It's not as hard as one might expect." Jin said.
"Oh, were you seduced by her? You don't look strong to me." The woman asked to Jin.
Jin didn't respond for a brief moment, except letting out a nasal grunt. Before passing the woman, he whispered near her.
"Appearance can be deceiving so choose your next words or actions carefully." Jin warned.
The woman felt a slight chill crawl up her spine. She felt as though she was looking at a lion ready to pounce her at any given second.
######
Silica and Jin were in a tavern. Both were exhausted mentally.
"Why did that woman had to be so mean?" Silica asked.
"You know her?" Jin asked.
"Her name's Rosalia. She's very mean, often asking other players to fight in her stead." Silica said.
"I see… Is SAO your first MMO?" Jin asked.
"Yes." Silica answered.
"In any MMO online game, there are chances of a person's personality changing drastically. Some play the role of a hero, while others play the villain. Some can be very serious. Please note the player cursor above me. It's green right now, but when a player commits a crime, the mark turns orange, an indicator of PK players. Those that commit such atrocities are labeled 'red players', since they have been stained by the blood of the innocent." Jin explained.
"You mean…murderers…?" Silica said in shock.
"In any game, it's easy for one to assume the role of a villain, once your thoughts run rampant. Here in SAO, it's the real deal. They may or may not understand the concept of killing other players, other than being sadistic." Jin continued.
Silica noticed how tense he looked, giving a far off look.
"Jin-san…" Silica said in concern.
This made him snap back. Jin saw her face looking concerned for him.
"You're a nice person, Jin. I told you that you save my life. That is more than enough for me to trust you." Silica said, placing her hands on Jin's.
'They feel so warm…' Silica noted in thought.
"Thanks for cheering me up, Silica. I appreciate it." Jin said gratefully.
Silica blushed up and let go of his hands. She was so embarrassed she nearly freaked out.
"Um… The cheesecake is rather late! Excuse me, our dessert hasn't arrived yet…" She said in a hurry, failing to hide her embarrassment.
Jin quietly chuckled but smiled in response.
######
Silica was in her room, dressed in her underwear. She felt embarrassed after her recent ramp.
'If I told him that I wanted to talk with him more, would he laugh at me?' She wondered in thought.
By then, she heard her door being knocked.
"Silica, are you up? Mind if I come in?" Jin asked.
"Jin-san?" Silica said in surprise.
"I forgot about the details that I was intending to share with you in regards about Floor 47. We can do this tomorrow if you want." Jin said.
"It's okay. We can talk about it here…" Silica said.
Before she had a chance to open the door, Silica realized that she was only wearing her underwear. She quickly got herself dressed, although she was rather embarrassed. Jin eventually went inside, noticing Silica looking very still.
'That was too close…' Silica thought in embarrassment.
"Is everything okay, Silica?" Jin asked.
"Oh, it's nothing… Just a stray thought." Silica said quickly.
Jin didn't question any further in respect of her privacy. He then showed a strange, yellow sphere-like item with intricate designs.
"What is that, Jin-san?" Silica asked.
"That's a mirage sphere. You'll see what it does." Jin said.
He then pushed a button, resulting in the sphere creating a pillar of light with a crystal ball in between. The pillar expanded into a sphere, providing a 3-D image of Floor 47.
"Wow… How beautiful." Silica said in amazement.
"This section here is Floor 47. That's where we'll be heading to. We'll arrive in the town first before heading to the Hill of Memories." Jin said.
"Is there a route to finding the revival item?" Silica asked.
Before Jin could answer, he sharpened his sense and felt a presence nearby.
"Jin?" Silica asked quietly.
He 'shushed' Silica and silently equipped his sword. Jin quickly walked to the door, slamming it open. The door was quick enough to hit a person eavesdropping them.
"A spy… I'm lucky to catch him in the act before he fled." Jin said.
He then picked the spy up. The person was male and looked frightened, seeing Jin's eyes turning red.
"Who sent you to spy us?" He interrogated.
The person didn't respond and shook off from Jin's grip. He quickly ran outside, but Jin was able to run up to him.
######
Outside the inn, Jin was able to catch up to the spy. He was able to send a message to a contact unknown to Jin. Before he could interrogate him, the spy pulled out a purple vial. Jin knew what he was about to do.
"Don't do it!" He yelled.
The spy drank the contents and quickly collapsed in pain. Jin noticed his HP reaching at red before hitting to zero. Jin was mortified, seeing someone poison himself to prevent him from revealing anything.
'Damn it… Probably one of the PK guilds must have sent this spy on us… Bastard had to choose suicide instead of life.' Jin thought shaken from the occurrence.
######
Back in Silica's room, she was waiting for Jin to come back.
"Did the spy get away?" Silica asked.
Jin shook his head, holding the purple vial from the spy. Silica didn't knew what he meant.
"He poisoned himself to death, preventing me from finding out who sent him…" Jin said.
Silica gasped, hearing a player suddenly commit suicide.
'How terrible… He must have seen it right in front of him…' Silica thought with concern.
"He heard everything… I have a hunch they're planning an ambush. The people whom he contacted, that is." Jin said.
######
The day was April 20, 2024. Jin and Silica arrived at Floor 47 via teleportation gate. They were in a place called Floria, a beautiful settlement of flowers.
"How beautiful… It feels like I'm in a dream…" Silica said, amazed to see the flowers.
"The entire floor here is known as the Flower Garden. Everywhere you see in this place is all these flowers blooming here." Jin said.
Silica was so happy, she went up close to a batch of flowers, smelling the scent. Jin was also amazed to see them, despite visiting the area once. The very aura of the area made him more cheerful.
'It's very relaxing to come and rest here… It's becoming therapeutic for me…' Jin thought with a soft smile.
Silica then noticed a large number of couples in the vicinity. This made her blush beet red, thinking she and Jin were a couple in the area. Jin noticed her face turning red.
"Are you okay, Silica?" Jin asked, oblivious of Silica's thoughts.
"I-I'm okay." Silica responded.
"Oh… Let's head to the Hill of Memories then." Jin encouraged.
"Okay." Silica said with a soft smile.
######
On their way, Jin provided a blue crystal to Silica. This made her confused on why he gave her the item.
"What is this?" Silica asked.
"Just in case… If I tell you to warp away to a different floor due to circumstances, don't hesitate to use this crystal. It'll warp you to a safe haven." Jin explained.
"But… Will you be alright?" Silica asked.
"I'll be fine. Promise me you won't risk yourself for my sake." Jin requested.
"Alright… I understand." Silica said.
They then went their way to the Hill of Memories.
######
The Hill of Memories was a beautiful open field dungeon. A carpet of flowers was shown as far as the eye could see. Silica was about to talk with Jin.
"Um… Jin-san…" Silica said.
She was then interrupted when a vine ensnared her right leg. Another vine finally ensnared her left leg. Silica was suddenly lifted in the air by a plant monster that looked like a giant sunflower with a mouth. In embarrassment, she managed to pull the hem of her skirt down, only for her to notice the monster's mouth. This made her panic in result, causing her to flail her dagger around.
"Calm down, Silica! That monster is rather weak so you can kill it." Jin said.
"Jin-san, please save me! But don't look at me!" Silica said.
Jin merely had a poker face while looking away.
'How could one save you and not look at you at the same time…?' He thought in question.
"Stupid monster… That's enough!" Silica said.
She then grabbed one of the vines from the monster and cut it down. Silica then swung to the next one and cut it down as well. She then dived her way and stabbed the creature on a white spot. It made a death rattle before shattering into polygons. Jin was able to catch her before she fell on the ground. Silica looked embarrassed as Jin held her in a bridal style.
"D-did you see anything?" She asked nervously.
Jin merely tilted his head in confusion.
"See what?" He asked.
"Never mind." Silica said, blushing.
They continued their journey before two plant monsters appearing like Venus flytraps appeared. Jin held his hand out and quickly attacked them with Homura Dama, softening them up. Silica finished them off with a quick stab.
"I've been meaning to ask, Jin-san. Why were you called the 'fiery battosai'?" Silica asked.
"I've been hunting down any PK guilds who took the lives of the innocent. They think they can get away with murder, but they won't. It's a constant nightmare that can drive anyone insane. I've been risking my all to protect everyone from them." Jin said.
"You made your choice to protect everyone despite how much it wounds you in your heart… I could never be that strong like you." Silica said.
"You were able to reassure me, Silica. That alone proves that you're strong yourself." Jin said with a smile.
By then, they were suddenly ensnared in a trap caused from a hidden monster. It looked like a sea anemone in appearance. Jin quickly brought his sword out.
"Hiken: Shingu Renge Henka: Kasai no Senkai!"
Jin moved in a rolling somersault, cutting the creature in pieces. Silica was amazed that he was able to do so in an athletic way.
######
Jin and Silica were at a stone pedestal surrounded by a field of mint-green grass.
"Is this where the revival item is?" Silica asked.
"Yes. It should be at the pedestal for you to obtain." Jin said.
Silica noticed a square shaped pedestal that suddenly glowed in a yellow light. From the small patch of soil, a mystical, white plant grew in front of her eyes. The plant was similar to a beautiful tulip opening like a radiant star. It had seven petals, making it look like one. Silica was amazed to see such a beautiful sight.
"Take it. It's the item you need to revive Pina." Jin said.
Silica gently took the flower, holding it close.
"This item will revive Pina, right?" Silica asked.
"Of course, but we should revive Pina in a safe zone. There are some monsters other than the ones we faced that are dangerous. Let's back into town before we revive your familiar. I'm sure she preferred it that way." Jin said.
Silica was notably shedding tears of joy. Her hope of bringing back her familiar was now within her grasp.
"Thank you, Jin-san." Silica said with a tearful smile.
######
Jin and Silica were on their way back to town. He then felt several presences in a distance, causing him to halt Silica.
"You guys can come out… I already sensed you're here." Jin called out.
From the trees, Rosalia came out. She had a cocky smirk.
"Rosalia-san?" Silica said in surprise.
"If you were able to see through my hiding skill so well, you probably have good observation and sensing skills." Rosalia called out.
She then made her way to the path, holding her cocky smirk.
"It seems you also acquired the Pneuma Flower as well. Congrats for you two. Now hand it over." Rosalia demanded.
Jin had an amused expression. This made Rosalia on guard.
"You think you have a chance in beating me? Big mistake, considering I could turn you to ash, leader of the orange guild, Titan's Hand." Jin said, his eyes slowly changing red.
"She's a green player though, Jin-san." Silica said.
"It's a common PK trick. A green player acts as a scout, finding potential targets before leading them to an ambush for the red players to attack." Jin explained to Silica.
He then focused his attention to Rosalia.
"One of your spies was watching us last night till he committed suicide by poisoning. I suppose it was you who sent him." Jin accused.
"Then, that reason I was stuck with you in your party for two weeks…" Silica paused.
"Yes… I was assessing their strength, waiting for them to collect money from adventures." Rosalia said with a sadistic tone.
Silica moved back, clinging on to Jin's right arm.
"You were the most potential target to me. It was unfortunate that you left, but when I heard that you were attempting to collect a rare item, it became my main focus. Knowing that, you already made your mind and found it. You must be an idiot or someone she seduced." Rosalia taunted.
Silica looked tense before Jin snickered. It was a brief laugh but they both heard him. It was an unnerving sound.
"Your expectations are not what you presumed. I joined with Silica on my own free will. Plus, I was also looking for you, Rosalia-san." Jin said, his tone evidently getting creepy.
"What do you mean by that?" Rosalia asked.
Jin's face then turned serious, unnerving Rosalia.
"Your guild laid an attack on another one named Silver Flags ten days ago. All but the leader died." Jin said.
"Oh… Those people with no money…" Rosalia said, twirling her hair.
"The leader constantly went to the front lines, fighting and earning money to the point of exhaustion. He begged for anyone to avenge his comrades. However, he didn't want you to die. He wanted you to be imprisoned. You have no idea how much suffering he went through." Jin explained.
"And what of it? It's not my problem. We don't even know if dying here in SAO will cause us to die as well. More importantly, shouldn't you be concerned about your life?" Rosalia said, snapping her fingers,
From the nearby trees, several players came in. Silica noted them immediately and counted up to 9 people.
"They're all orange players! We should run, Jin-san!" Silica said.
"Numbers in strength… A fairly poor tactic if you don't know who you're fighting with… Silica, stand back. I'll deal with them. Just keep the teleport crystal ready in case." Jin said.
"Jin-san!" Silica called out.
Jin brought Asahi out, the flames licking on the blade fiercely. The players then recognized the person and were afraid.
"Flame design clothing. Eyes with palpable rage. Sword techniques that are fire-oriented and are katana skills… Don't tell me, that's the Blaze Swordsman, aka the Fiery Battosai!" One of the orange players said.
"Rosalia, this person was the one who destroyed most of the guild all by himself. There was one survivor but he quit the guild." Another one of orange players said.
"He was able to fight them all on his own?" Silica asked herself in shock.
"Someone of his caliber shouldn't be here, let alone in the front lines! Take him down and take everything he has!" Rosalia said.
The orange players charged up their sword skills and went to Jin. They began attacking him rapidly, but Jin stood there. He kept taking the attacks like it was nothing. Silica watched with concern as she felt useless.
"I have to save him…but what can I do..?" Silica said.
She then noticed Jin's health bar. Despite being cut all over, he suddenly healed to his max HP.
"No way…" Silica said in surprise.
Rosalia, seeing the players exhausted their stamina, was furious.
"What are you guys doing!? Take him down already!" She shouted.
Jin started to laugh. His eyes were closed before opening them up, revealing his eyes being red.
"Is that all? I'm not even surprised. All 9 of you can inflict 514 HP damage in just 10 seconds. As I said before if you heard me, you don't know who you're fighting with." Jin said.
"What do you mean by that?" Rosalia questioned.
"My level is 81. I have 15,700 HP. My battle auto healing skill allows me to regenerate 1570 HP every ten seconds. We can keep going like this all day and you wouldn't even be able to nick me." Jin revealed.
"Is that even possible?" One of the orange players asked.
"No mistake about it. Having such high numbers can nearly make you invincible, but it depends on how skilled a player is in the heat of battle. MMOs using this kind of system tend to be unfair." Jin said.
He then brought his sword out and used a dangerous skill.
"Hiken: Funka!"
An eruption of fire surrounded Jin, knocking away the orange players. Jin was able to make sure he didn't outright kill them. The orange players had their HP in the red color and were now afraid of Jin.
"Stay away!" One of them said.
"I'm not done with you guys yet…" Jin said in a threatening tone.
He pulled out a blue crystal in front of them.
"The same leader from the Silver flags used up all his savings to purchase this warp crystal. The coordinates are the Black Iron Palace, where scum like you are treated the way you are by the Army. All of you here are going to repent for your crimes!" Jin yelled out.
The orange players were deeply shocked and couldn't do anything. Rosalia, on the other hand, resisted him.
"I'm a green player, so if you attack me you'll turn orange…" She said in defiance.
Jin quickly went up to her. His sword was blazing wildly, almost touching her jugular. This caused Rosalia to stop talking. She then looked at Jin, only to see a fearsome gaze form his red eyes.
"Just so we're clear, I'm called a battosai for a reason. Turning you and your friends into ash is not the first time I've performed such an act. Unless you want to join your late guild mates in hell, I suggest you shut your mouth before I do so. Being an orange player no longer bothers me." Jin intimidated with a frightful tone.
Rosalia relented, seeing the true threat from him. She dropped her trident in response.
'H-he really is a battosai…! I was too careless…' She thought before she disappeared in the teleport.
######
Jin and Silica were back in Floor 37.
"I must apologize for not fully explaining myself. I used you as bait to catch the last of Titan's Hand. If I did explained to you early, you would be afraid of me." Jin said in an apologetic tone.
Silica shook her head in response with a smile.
"You're a nice person. Jin. It may looked scary, but you protected me and helped me. I don't feel scared with you around." Silica said.
Jin smiled in response.
"Are you about to head to the front lines?" Silica asked.
"Not yet. I haven't completed my training with my sword style, but now I have the spirit to finish it. I'll be with the leading group after I'm done." Jin said.
"You're amazing on your own, Jin. I could never be in the front lines, no matter how much I wish for it." Silica admitted.
"You're strong in a spiritual sense, Silica. It's what gives the people around you the strength to fight and protect. There are more important things in life than just fighting." Jin said.
Silica was surprised on how he was talking with such a wise tone. She couldn't help but admire his spirit.
"Once this game is cleared, we can meet in the real world and talk as friends as the way we are." Jin said calmly.
"I'm sure we will!" Silica said with a bright smile.
"It should be time to revive Pina. Go on." Jin said.
"Right." Silica said.
She went through her menu and brought the remaining feather from Pina dubbed 'Pina's Heart'. She then brought out the Pneuma Flower. A small dew drop slowly moved out of the flower and it landed on the feather, causing it to shine. From it, Pina was revived and looked good as new.
"Thank you so much for helping me, Jin-san." Silica said with a tearful smile.
Jin smiled and gently poked her head with his index and middle fingers.
"This isn't a true goodbye, Silica. We will meet again one day in the real world." Jin said.
Silica smiled before she went up to him and kissed his cheek. Jin blushed in response.
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Jin was back in Floor 1, holding a red-orange crystal.
"I'm ready." He said with determination.