Chapter 7: Dance of battojutsu. Renewed spirit.
I do not own anything from Rurouni Kenshin and SAO.
Two months have passed since the mass killing of Laughing Coffin. The time was October 17, 2024. Jin was walking on his own in a forest on Floor 74. His mind took some time to sort out what happened, but he hasn't contacted anyone since the dreadful experience. His expression looked more impassive than usual.
'Kayaba must be watching everyone from this point… Wherever he is hiding at, I will find him and end this nightmare… I've been through too much just to keep myself and everyone alive.' He thought.
A noise broke his train of thought. He then looked to the source and noticed a strange, plump creature. It was a plump, white rabbit with ears longer than its body. Jin decided to use his sword and quickly used Homura Dama, killing the creature in one strike.
"A Ragout Rabbit… Never thought I would be lucky to find and slay one." Jin muttered to himself with mild surprise.
Before he could move, he spotted another Ragout Rabbit. This one was startled since Jin noticed a throwing pick being used. He then saw Kirito, who killed the creature with another pick.
"It's been a while, Kirito." Jin said emotionlessly.
"Jin?" Kirito said with surprise.
Kirito walked out and noticed Jin. Only, he noticed how he looked more impassive.
"Are you feeling alright?" He asked reluctantly.
"Not the same person anymore… Just a cold shell of what I used to be." Jin said.
Kirito noted how much the game has affected Jin mentally. This caused major concern for his fellow friend.
"Let's head down to Floor 50 so we can meet with Agil. I'm sure he'll be surprised with what I have." Kirito said.
"You mean, what we have." Jin corrected.
Kirito was confused as to why Jin said that to him. Jin sighed and proceeded to explain.
"I also found a Ragout Rabbit and killed it. We both have the meat." Jin said.
'Holy… Dang, Jin. Your luck is just as good as ever.' Kirito comically thought.
######
Kirito and Jin arrived in Floor 50, in a town called Algade. It was moderately big place, but it was not as big as the City of Beginnings. Several alleyways were shown throughout the place.
"So… Where is Agil's shop at?" Jin asked.
"I'll lead the way." Kirito said.
Kirito lead Jin through the town. It was densely populated, almost like the City of Beginnings during the start. Kirito noticed a sign that said 'buy cheap and sell cheap'.
"There it is." Kirito said.
######
Inside, Agil was shocked to not only see Jin alive, but to see both him and Kirito holding a rare item.
"You two are goddamn lucky to find this item… The meat of a Ragout Rabbit is considered an S-Class item. Not many would see this up front." Agil said with surprise.
"I was lucky to find Jin when I took one down." Kirito said.
"Say Kirito. You already have a lot of money so why are you intending to sell it? Aren't you going to eat it?" Agil asked.
"It would be an alternative choice, but I don't have a high enough cooking skill to prepare it." Kirito complained.
"I'm not selling mine though. I was planning to eat it." Jin said.
Agil and Kirito looked at Jin with some surprise.
"Are you telling me that you also trained on cooking?" Kirito asked.
"During my days off, I often practice it so I maxed it about 5 months ago." Jin said.
"Are you kidding me!? You not only trained in battojutsu, but also trained in cooking?" Kirito asked with surprise.
"At least it helped me keep my mentality at check." Jin said, folding his arms.
By then, Asuna arrived. There was someone with her. Jin noticed the bodyguard of Asuna. He was a man who looked to be in his early twenties, but due to the wrinkles on his face, he looked much older. He was wearing a standard white and red KoB uniform with a white and red, metal chest plate, greaves and shoes, as well as white metal bracers, brownish-gray gloves and a white cape. Asuna was surprised to see Jin with Kirito and Agil.
"Jin… Are you feeling alright?" She asked with concern.
"I'm fine. Just changed a great deal." Jin replied.
"What are you guys talking about though? I heard you were talking about cooking." Asuna asked.
Kirito looked at Asuna for some time before he gently grabbed her hands.
"I believe I found my chef." Kirito said.
Asuna was confused on what he meant. However, her bodyguard grunted in response. Jin didn't like the vibe he was giving off.
"What brings you here, Asuna?" Jin asked.
"We'll be on the frontlines soon for the next boss. I only came here to see if you were alive, Kirito. But I'm glad that you also found Jin." Asuna said.
"Your friend list will confirm whether we died or not." Jin lectured.
"Point taken. So, what's the business about finding a chef?" Asuna asked.
"Ah yes. Asuna, what is your current cooking skill?" Kirito asked.
Asuna made a prideful smirk. She then voiced her answer.
"I maxed it last week." Asuna replied.
Jin held a snort in response. Kirito and Agil also held back as well, something Asuna noticed.
"Is there something funny?" Asuna asked.
"Jin managed to master his cooking skill about 5 months ago… He mentioned that during his days off, he often trained on how to cook." Kirito said.
Asuna felt jealous of Jin mastering the skill before her. She comically puffed her cheeks and looked at Jin in response.
"Don't look at me like a pouting child. I'm not the one who's making the request." Jin replied.
"So, why you asked me of my cooking skill for?" Asuna asked to Kirito.
Kirito opened the game menu and presented Asuna with the rare item.
"No way! Ragout Rabbit!?" She exclaimed in surprise.
"Yep. Jin also found his own and plans to cook it. I recommend you cook mine and you can have a bite. Fair deal?" Kirito said.
Asuna quickly clamped on to Kirito with a demanding expression.
"I want half." She said with authority.
"Alright, you can have half." Kirito said.
Asuna cheered in response. Agil just sighed, but knew that Jin would cook his portion somewhere else.
"Sorry Agil. I won't be selling mine." Kirito said.
"If you wanted my portion, you can ask." Jin said to Agil.
"You serious? Awesome! But, I don't have much kitchenware in my house… What about you?" Agil asked.
"Just a drifter… I never settled in one spot." Jin said.
"A drifter!? Dang man. You have been traveling nonstop." Agil said with surprise.
"Yeah… in any case, I think I know a guild whom might have what we need." Jin said.
"Good thing I'm closing shop for tonight. Where is the guild you're about to mention?" Agil asked.
"They're located in Floor 1. We'll meet with them and have a word in regards on how we'll share it." Jin said.
"Fair point. Lead the way then." Agil said.
Jin and Agil went to the teleport gate to reach to their next destination.
######
In Floor 1, Jin and Agil arrived. They walked till they found a decent sized house. A familiar person noticed Jin with someone and called out.
"Jin!" Sachi called out.
He then looked up and saw Sachi waving at him. Jin, in response, calmly waved back. Agil noticed the girl, but didn't know who he was about to meet.
"That girl seems to like you a lot, Jin." Agil commented.
"I only see her as a friend. I hardly have time for romance." Jin replied.
Agil noticed Jin didn't show any reaction to his tease, which got him concerned.
'Poor guy has been through a lot… He almost killed off his heart for the sake of others.' Agil thought.
######
Jin and Agil went inside, meeting the Moonlit Black Cats.
"I see now. You have a couple of friends here, whom can help out." Agil said.
Jin made a silent grunt, acknowledging Agil's explanation.
"In any case, I'm here to make something that I recently acquired." Jin said.
He then showed the item to the guild, much to everyone's shock, save for Agil.
"No way! Ragout Rabbit!" Keita shouted.
Jin covered his ears from the shout in response.
"Settle down with the voices… That's the same reaction I nearly got with Agil here." Jin commented.
"Sorry, but we never thought we would see an S-class item… How will you prepare it, Jin?" Sasamaru asked.
"Hmmm…. I was thinking of making several burger styles, but which style do you want the meat?" Jin asked.
"I think a stew would be much better." Sachi requested.
"I'll go with a stew as well." Keita said.
"Same for me." Agil replied.
"Alright then. Since the verdict is clear from this point, we'll be having stew tonight." Jin said.
Jin switched his clothing with a casual outfit, consisting of a black shirt, blue pants, and black leather shoes. He had an apron on with a hachimaki wrapped around his head.
"Since it'll be stew, I'm lucky enough to have the ingredients in my inventory. This should take a few minutes to prepare." Jin said.
He then looked into his menu and equipped a chicken knife along with providing an assortment of vegetables. Jin made a gentle tap on the meat, causing it to be chopped almost immediately in pieces. The vegetables also got cut in the same way. Everyone watched as he was preparing the meal. He then slid the ingredients in a bronze pot.
"It's not as easy in real life. It would take a lot of preparation just to make this meal. Cooking here in SAO is just a lazy version of it." Jin remarked, making everyone laugh.
He then placed the stew in the oven, causing a menu option to appear for how long it will be heated. He decided 30 minutes to heat the stew up.
"That'll take care of the stew. I'll provide some appetizers and side dishes so everyone can have equal portions of the meal." Jin said.
He brought more veggies out and began chopping them. He was making a side dish called a veggie stir fry. Everyone watched as he was making the side dish with diligence. By then, the oven made a ringing sound.
"Alright… The main course is ready." Jin commented.
Everyone watched with a slight drool, awaiting the lid of the pot to be opened. Jin wasted no time and opened it. Everyone was marveled in seeing the stew in front of their eyes.
"As a fellow chef would say, 'happy to serve'." Jin remarked, pulling his hachimaki off.
Everyone laughed from the pose as they began eating the stew. Upon taking a single bite, they all had shocked expressions.
"What a savory dish!" Sasamaru said.
"This is the result of a master chef cooking!? It's so good!" Sachi said.
"Man I'm lucky to try this out from a master chef! This meal tastes heavenly!" Agil said.
"It's so savory… I would literally melt if a girl cooked this for me." Ducker said, blissed by the taste.
"I'm glad we all had a chance to have something like this… It was worth it." Tetsuo said.
Everyone had their portions of the stew, including Jin. They all had a content expression, savoring the umami flavor.
######
Sometime later, Jin, Agil, and the Moonlit Black Cats all had a content expression, drinking tea.
"I never thought, for being trapped in two years, that I would be this content after eating such a rare food item." Agil said.
"I'll say. Might as well remember it while we still play here." Jin said.
Sachi walked to the nearest seat and sat near him. Her cheeks were turning rosy as she scooted closer to him.
"Jin, will you be going back to the frontlines?" She asked.
"I am." Jin replied.
"You have been pushing yourself a lot… Ever since you came back here from Floor 63, you have been acting reckless lately." Keita said.
"I know what I've been doing, but I have to keep fighting. We've been in SAO for two long years. The longer we stay, the more our bodies in the real world atrophy. We can't afford to stay in this game any longer." Jin said.
Everyone realized that Jin was right. They had forgotten for how long they haven't been in the real world. The revelation made them rethink of the real world. Jin realized what he said.
"Sorry to be blunt like that, but I have to continue fighting. If you guys plan to contribute, let me provide you all with what I gathered." Jin said.
Jin opened his menu screen and provided everyone with high tier weapons and armor. They were all surprised on what he provided.
"Why are you giving us this powerful equipment? You can help someone else with these items." Keita asked in surprise.
"Believe it or not, I've started to grow fond of this guild. The livelihood you guys show, despite the threat in SAO, is enough for me to keep moving forward. I can't ask for anything more than that." Jin said with a faint smile.
Agil and the Moonlit Black Cats were all surprised. They didn't expect him to make such a response. They all noted how honest he sounded, not to mention his gesture.
"I thought you didn't want to join any guilds and remain as a solo player." Sasamaru said.
"I still follow that belief… Point is, I'm a dangerous person since I hunt down PK guilds. If you heard the others mentioning the so-called 'Fiery Battosai', that's me. Kirito knows what I've been doing for the past year." Jin said.
"You have been hunting those red players down to protect everyone else… I heard about the raid of Laughing Coffin. It was you who fought alongside the Clearers and defeated the leader." Tetsuo said.
"Guilty as charged… I've been on search for any PK guilds since that terrible battle. So far, none dared to form, fearing that they may incur my wrath." Jin said with a frown.
The small guild and Agil had a newfound respect for him. They all couldn't help but feel concerned for him.
"You essentially killed your own heart for the sake of others. Yet, you still have lingering thoughts for others. Why go through the pain of ridicule from others when you have your friends to help you?" Agil asked.
"I don't want anyone to share my sins. Everyone has their choices in life, but they shouldn't go through the route I've taken. If you followed along where I'm going through, then I doubt you'll think of me in a positive outlook." Jin explained.
"Even so, your actions were justified because you wanted to protect us." Sachi said.
Jin sighed in response. He felt concerned for Sachi.
"Sachi… Bless your innocent thoughts… I was once a normal player here in SAO, just training myself and growing strong. Upon realizing the threat from both Kayaba and the PK players, I had no choice but to follow a dark route. The path I took has stained me with the blood from murderers. During the battles, I was slowly killing off my own heart, becoming a shell of my former self. One day, I might end up going insane and lose myself to my bloodlust or worse." Jin said.
Agil then realized what he meant and had a concerned expression.
"Jin… You have been suffering from nightmares due to your actions, haven't you?" Agil questioned.
"Yeah… I often try to numb the pain off by going to taverns. My own inner demons are just too much to overcome so I often have to cope with it, despite horrific they are." Jin answered.
"You have PTSD after all… God, kids like you shouldn't have to go through something like this… I can't imagine how much you had to go through since you become like this." Agil sympathized.
"This is what I must do, regardless of the price. I'm no longer afraid of facing any threats that can kill me." Jin said.
Sachi tearfully went up to Jin and hugged him close. He could hear her sobs, making him feel terrible.
"Save your tears, Sachi. You'll be safe here with your friends. The equipment I gave them all will also prolong your safety in case you guys ended up in a high level monster trap." Jin comforted.
He then held Sachi in a short, but warm hug. Everyone watched as they held each other with a tearful embrace.
"Sachi, it's okay. I'll be alive till this nightmare is over… No more crying…" Jin said, wiping Sachi's tears.
Sachi nodded in response. The guild all had sympathizing expressions, none more so than Agil. Jin walked up to Agil.
"We'll be on our way then. It was a pleasant meal we all had." Jin said solemnly.
Jin and Agil left the place. The guild felt their feelings surge, having heard from Jin's inspiring, yet heartbreaking speech. Keita ran to the window and called out to him.
"Come back to us in one piece, Jin! We will wait for you in the real world!" Keita called out.
Jin stopped upon hearing Keita's voice. Although Agil didn't notice, tears were streaming from Jin's face as he smiled.
"I'll be there with you all in the real world! I promise you all!" Jin called out with a tearful smile.
Agil noticed his shoulders shaking. Jin wiped his eyes in response.
"I'll take you back to your place, Agil. It's the least I could do since I invited you here." Jin said.
"Its okay, Jin. You have earned more than my respect. Stay alive, Jin." Agil said before teleporting back to his home.
Jin nodded in response. He then ventured out in the forest and camped out for the night.
######
Jin was out in the forest in Floor 1. He then received a message from Kirito.
-Jin, I recently got partnered up with Asuna. She wanted to invite you in the party. Meet us at Floor 74 in Kamdet. We'll be hunting down the boss on that floor.- The message said.
Jin made a serious look on his face. He was now determined, having his spirit renewed.
'We'll finish this… I won't lose hope from this nightmare.' Jin thought.
######
It was October 18, 2024. Jin woke up early, seeing the sun rising from the horizon. Having no time to waste, he equipped a teleport crystal.
"Teleport: Kamdet!" Jin called out.
The crystal shattered and created a teleport gate for Jin to pass through.
'Now or never… Might as well catch a few Z's while I'm at it.' Jin thought.
He walked in the teleport gate before it faded away.
######
Jin arrived at Kamdet, taking note of the town. It was a small settlement with only 1-storey, small, brown houses with terracotta tile roofs, a wide open central plaza with a stone floor and several minor decorative statues. The settlement was rather small, yet the central plaza is located right next to one of the city gates, which is the most decorative object within the city. There weren't any trees except at the outskirts. The city gates were made nearly entirely out of bricks, with 2 brick towers next to the gate and 3 crosses above the gate. Kamdet was surrounded by several brown hills. He was waiting near the teleport gate before lying down near a statue for a nap.
'Something about this place does feel rather calm to take a nap in from outside… Might as well enjoy it till Kirito and Asuna arrive.' Jin thought.
Kirito arrived via teleport gate two hours later. The sound alerted Jin, making him open his left eye to peek. He immediately fell asleep, knowing the safe zone of the town. Kirito sighed in response, seeing Jin sleeping on the ground.
'He takes the idea of being a drifter too seriously… I'm surprised he decided to sleep out instead of affording a home.' Kirito thought.
Kirito then waited at the teleport gate. He too felt tired, waiting impatiently for Asuna.
"She isn't coming." He muttered tiredly before yawning.
By then, the sound of the teleport gate opening alerted both boys. Jin woke up while Kirito turned and noticed Asuna rushing in.
"Look out!" Asuna yelled.
Asuna fell on to Kirito, sending them both on the ground. Jin woke up from the noise, noticing them in a compromising position. He stifled to speak, not wanting to get in the trouble.
'That was unexpected…' Jin thought.
By then, Asuna screamed again, slapping Kirito in the process. This hurled Kirito like a skipping stone till he hit a nearby statue. A purple polygon shield which read 'Immortal Object', appeared behind him.
'Ouch…' Jin thought with a mild surprise.
Asuna glared at Kirito, covering herself. Jin shook his head in response.
'Don't be daring with a girl that quickly, Kirito.' Jin thought.
Kirito groaned realized what Asuna was doing and was shocked.
"S-sorry about that, Asuna! I didn't expect the sudden entrance!" Kirito defended.
Asuna merely made her frown sharp. Kirito noticed and was frightened till he realized she was staring at the teleport gate. Jin noticed the stare and traced it to the glowing teleport gate, not liking whom was appearing. From it, the same person that was with Asuna was looking around.
'That guy again… Something is wrong when he's around. I don't like this vibe…' Jin thought.
The man noticed Asuna, who was behind Kirito. Jin was truculent, ready for any act of violence. His right hand was near the handle of Amaterasu.
"Asuna-sama, you shouldn't act in such a manner. We must attend the meeting in the guild headquarters." The man said.
"I refuse, Kuradeel! What were you doing outside my home so early in the morning!?" Asuna questioned.
Jin quickly heard the name, now knowing who the person is upon hearing the name. He frowned though upon hearing Asuna's accusations.
"I have thought this might happen… For the past month, part of my mission was to observe you in Selmburg." Kuradeel responded.
"Impossible…! That wasn't in the guild's orders!" Asuna yelled back.
"Asuna-sama… My mission is to protect you. This also includes watching over your home." Kuradeel said.
"No, that doesn't, you idiot!" Asuna replied.
Kuradeel sighed in response before walking to Asuna.
"You should stop acting like a spoiled child. Now, let's return to headquarters." Kuradeel said, grabbing Asuna's hand.
Jin responded by clutching on Kuradeel's outstretched arm. This made the man pull his hand back, feeling the burning temperature from Jin's hand.
"You should listen to her first… She decided to join with us in a party so we'll be protecting her from here on." Jin said, making his eyes turn red.
Kuradeel was intimidated by the sharp glare, showing an angered expression.
"We have no plans of facing a boss. You can head back to your guild headquarters." Kirito said.
"Don't make me a fool! Two low-level players like you don't have the strength needed to protect her!" Kuradeel yelled out.
Jin drew his sword out and used a battosai skill.
"Hiken: Hono no Kanji!"
Using quick movements with his attacks, Jin took care not to harm Kuradeel but made the blade edge close to him as he written the kanji for death (死). Kuradeel paused, seeing the fast, powerful skill right at his eyes.
"I suggest you keep yourself at check. I won't be responsible for turning you to ash if you cross the line." Jin warned.
Kuradeel made a snarling sound at Jin, who kept his sword equipped.
"I'm a member of the glorious Knights of the Blood Oath… How could a battosai like you make me stand down!?" Kuradeel questioned.
"Kirito and I can provide better protection than you can. Don't push it any further, Kuradeel!" Jin said, causing his sword to show flames surging wildly.
"If you two are that confident, then you should know that you two must prove yourselves!" Kuradeel said, opening a menu screen.
Jin and Kirito noticed a notification of a 1-vs-2 duel with Kuradeel.
"You have a suicide wish to face us." Jin said with a sharp glare, accepting the duel.
"Now you've done it…" Kirito said.
He then looked to Asuna, who was still crossed.
"Are you sure about this? Jin will not hold back in this fight." Kirito whispered to Asuna.
"I'm sure. After this, I'll have a word with the leader." Asuna whispered back.
Kirito accepted the duel request. Kuradeel, Jin and Kirito were eyeing each other. All three had a serious look, but Jin's proved he was ready for a fight.
"Jin… You do know that this duel is non-lethal… All it takes is just one strike." Kirito said.
"I know… I'll maim him to prove my point. If he goes out of line, then he's a dead man." Jin said.
A countdown began between them. Kuradeel held his sword out. It was a two-handed sword and was heavily decorated with pyrite yellow sections. Jin read the weapon's info.
'Tyrant Dragon… An expensive but weak sword. An outside system skill like Arms Break would shatter that with little difficulty.' Jin thought.
"Watch carefully, Asuna-sama. I'll prove that I'm better than these two." Kuradeel said.
The players nearby watched with anticipation. They all waited for the duel, but were surprised to see Kirito and Jin.
"Look, the Blaze Swordsman and Kirito, the solo player, are dueling with a member of the Knights of the Blood Oath." A male blunt user said.
"No way… We'll be able to see them in action." A male spear user said.
Within the crowd, a figure wearing a black cloak watched with a bloodthirsty smirk. It was PoH, who was waiting for the duel to start.
'You may have humiliated me, Fiery Battosai… However, I'm afraid that Kuradeel is my sleeper agent.' PoH thought.
Kuradeel clicked his tongue in response. Jin didn't missed that.
'He's not someone to be calm with… I don't like this at all.' Jin thought.
The countdown was at 10 seconds. The three participants assumed their stances, ready to fight. Kirito was assessing where to strike Kuradeel's sword, while Jin was pinpointing where he'll attack. The countdown eventually hit zero.
'Here it comes…' Jin thought.
Kuradeel quickly activated his sword skill, causing his sword to glow yellow. Kirito activated his sword skill in reflex, making his sword glow green. Jin scraped his sword on the scabbard, igniting it with fire. All three dashed forward in rapid speed. Jin noticed his expression upon getting close.
'This guy… He's reveling in this fight like a bloodthirsty killer… If that's how he'll play, then bring it on.' Jin thought.
Kuradeel smirked with murderous intent. Kirito noticed it and aimed his strike to the weapon. Jin followed along with Kirito. All three locked their weapons before spiraling away from each other. Kirito and Jin had their sword in one piece, but Kuradeel's was broken. The blade was cut clean off.
"I-Impossible…" He said as the handle disappeared in blue polygons.
The other players were amazed from the action.
"Amazing… They destroyed the weapon." A male sword user said.
"Was it intentional?" A male axe user asked.
Jin held a small frown on his face. He knew what Kirito did.
'Arms Break…? Geez, Kirito… That guy was intending to kill us and using that method will only make it worse.' Jin thought.
Kirito turned around to Kuradeel, showing a serious expression.
"Feel free to change into a different weapon. However, I won't be the one attacking you." Kirito said, provoking Kuradeel.
Kuradeel wasted no time and equipped a dagger. He charged to Kirito, till a blade of fire nicked him. He noticed Jin, who was unleashing one of his battosai skills.
"Whoa… Is this what the Fiery Battosai can do?" A female sword user asked.
"I don't think that's all he could do…" A male spear user said.
"I suggest you listen carefully to my warning the next time you wanted to fight with a bloodthirsty attitude. Make that mistake again, I could instantly kill you with the same attack I did." Jin said.
Kuradeel stopped, scared of making Jin angry. Seeing the blade of fire burn his cheek made him rethink of what he would say.
"Resign from this duel, Kuradeel. I do not want to cause unnecessary bloodshed unless you give me a reason to." Jin warned.
"No way would I resign! That beater used some trick to destroy my sword! Otherwise, I wouldn't lose to someone like you two!" Kuradeel sneered.
Jin, already at his limit of patience, wreathed his sword in fire.
"Hiken: Funka!"
An eruption of fire was created. Jin stood in the middle, eyes glowing with the fire. Kuradeel was at his mercy. Kirito and Asuna realized he was about to mentally damage him.
"I'm going to give you a simple question, Kuradeel… How long will it take for you to endure this?" Jin asked with an eerily calm tone.
Kuradeel was now scared stiff from the subtle, frightening tone. He backed away from Jin, who was lurching menacingly to him.
"All it takes is five seconds before your body is turned into cinders within my battosai skills. I could essentially hurl you in that particular skill and watch you scream in pain. Since this is a safe zone, you won't die. However, the effect of taking a stab is just as real." Jin explained.
Kirito went up to Jin and blocked his way to Kuradeel.
"That's enough Jin. You already broke him mentally." Kirito said.
"Out of my way, Kirito." Jin said.
"ENOUGH!" Asuna yelled.
Jin snapped back, but he kept his angered stare at Kuradeel, whom was cowering in fright. Asuna walked up to Kuradeel with a frown on her face.
"Kuradeel, as vice commander of the Knights of the Blood Oath, I'm ordering you to be relived of your escort mission, starting today. Head back to headquarters and await for further instructions." Asuna said.
Kuradeel walked haphazardly to the warp gate. Jin watched him, expecting anything from him.
"Teleport: Grandzam." Kuradeel said, teleporting to his destination.
Kirito and Asuna both looked at Jin, who had an angered expression.
"You really need to have careful analysis on your allies. That guy has no qualms for causing bloodshed." Jin snarled.
"Calm down, Jin. I'm sure he won't do this again. He knows not to mess with you." Kirito said.
"I won't be calm till I put that bastard in his place." Jin said.
"Jin, listen to yourself… You're becoming bloodthirsty already…" Asuna pleaded.
Jin shook his head before he sighed. He then slugged own his face in result, surprising Kirito and Asuna.
"Sorry, I lost myself in my killing intent. When I become like that, almost nothing could stop me." Jin apologized.
"No, I should be sorry for getting you two involved." Asuna apologized.
"Don't worry about it… Let's just head into the labyrinth." Jin stated.
######
Jin, Kirito, and Asuna were fighting off the monsters in the dungeon. They used their individual skills to pass through the dungeon monster encounters. Jin felt suspicious of the AI from the monsters.
"You can see it, can you? The AI of the monsters." Jin said.
"Yeah… They have been acting irregularly lately." Kirito said, confirming Jin's suspicion.
Kirito opened his menu and showed a map of the dungeon. As they walked, they noticed strange and demonic looking doors in front of them.
"Is this the door…?" Asuna asked reluctantly.
"It seems so…" Kirito said.
"Without a doubt… The boss room." Jin followed.
"What should we do…? Should we take a peek?" Asuna asked.
"The bosses won't leave their respective rooms so we can sneak a peek without going into their battle zone. Make sure you guys have your warp crystals ready for use." Jin said.
Kirito and Asuna nodded, equipping their warp crystals.
"Get ready, I'll be opening it." Jin said.
Jin pushed the doors open. At first, it was dark. Eventually, blue flames suddenly became alit on torches. From the darkness, a demonic monster with muscles as taut as ropes rippling up its towering form was shown. Its skin was deep blue and its eyes glinted with the same blue-white hue, matching the tint of the flames in its room. Its head, resting atop its thick chest, was that of a goat's rather than a human's and had an elongated snout. Thick, twisted horns stretched backward from the sides of the head. The lower half of its body with bestial legs was covered in long, navy hair. It was holding a zanbato on its right hand.
"Oh shit…" Jin said.
The boss was named 'Gleam Eyes'. This forced Kirito, Asuna, and Jin to retreat.