I do not own Sword Art Online or any of the characters.

Underground

Michael stepped into the cave system and sighed. He couldn't see anything. He began to walk along, feeling his way along the wall before stopping, summoning his menu and looking through his spells list. Nothing useful. He sighed, continuing along the wall until a light appeared around a corner up ahead. He hurried toward it and skidded to a stop as a pair of Salamanders came into view, one of them holding a torch and both staring at him in surprise.

"Um...suppose we can be civil?" Michael asked.

"Well...we're not soldiers so we don't care about the war," one of the two said.

"Oh thank God," Michael sighed. "Um, do you guys have a spare torch?"

"Sure," the second nodded tossing him one. "I was wondering how you were getting around."

"The hard way," Michael stated lighting the torch. "Thanks."

The two Salamanders nodded and all three set off again, Michael more than happy to break out into a run, since he really didn't feel like fighting when he could barely see, even with the torch. Finally, he came to a massive cavern filled with water with a city in the middle and two bridges leading into it from opposite sides.

"Nice place," Michael mused walking along the bridge. "I hope."

"Hey look," a voice called. "A Sylph."

"Hi," Michael said raising his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

At first, all he could see were silhouettes. Then, a pair of short men with purple hair and clothes and very large purple weapons stepped into the light.

"Who are you?" Michael asked.

"We're the toll collectors," one stated. "You wanna cross our bridge, you gotta pay."

"But I have no money," Michael stated.

"Then you'll have to forfeit some gear," the other stated.

"Trust me, I have nothing you imps would want," Michael promised.

"If you don't give us the gear, we'll take it," the first warned.

"I see," Michael sighed. "I suppose there's no choice then. You'll have to die."

He drew his sword and the first imp charged. The moment his sword met Michael's, the other appeared, slashing at him. Michael leapt backward off the bridge, intending to fly, except his wings didn't work.

"Oh shit!" Michael groaned, falling into the water.

He looked around and his eyes widened. Dozens of massive fish with sharp teeth and glowing red eyes had surrounded him. He gulped, suddenly aware that he had yet to save once. The first fish shot forward and he launched himself to the side, narrowly avoiding its jaws then stabbing his sword into its head. It jerked and began to flail around. After a moment, Michael wrenched his sword out, carving a massive gash in the creature, killing it. Then, a second charged. This one had a long hardened spike on its face like a spear and Michael used his sword to block it, barely. As a result, the fish launched him out of the water and he crashed down back on the bridge, the two imps staring at him in shock.

"How are you alive?" One asked.

"Well..." Michael sighed. "I think I got lucky, but I might just be that good."

"You...a fish threw you out didn't it?" the imp asked.

"Yeah, a fish threw me out," Michael stated.

"Lucky bastard," one of the imps snorted. "Usually the fish destroy the player within seconds. But, now you deal with us."

"Right," Michael sighed. "Can I just go into town instead?"

"No," the imp said flatly, charging at him.

Michael blocked the first slash and spun, shoving the sword away then kicked the imp into the other, both falling off of the bridge.

"Sorry boys," Michael called after them. "I don't have anything for you."

With that, he turned and walked into town, checking the time as he did. He had been playing for thirteen hours. It was well after midnight now.

"I should log out," Michael sighed finding an inn. "I can't wait to get back here."

After a few minutes, he opened his eyes in the real world and sat up, stretching.

It was about midnight and he was hungry. He left his room, finding food and using the bathroom then went to sleep. The next day, he woke up and left his apartment, deciding to meet up with friends. He made a few calls and after an hour, he was leaning against the wall of a hospital commons area where Klein was doing physical therapy.

"How'd you get out so fast?" Klein demanded.

"I was only in-game for a half year," Michael stated. "My body wasn't as bad off as yours."

Klein rolled his eyes, glaring at him before sighing and turning back to his therapist.

"You scouting fun games for me?" Klein asked.

"Found one," Michael stated. "It's called ALfheim Online. It's based off of SAO and is similar except without skills. You have to actually be able to fight. You also have wings and can fly."

"Now that's cool," Klein grinned. "I'll have to try it."

"I shouldn't tell you this but your stats will carry over from SAO if you start soon," Michael stated. "Mine did. It's quite helpful."

Klein glanced back at him, flashing him a grin.

"So even when you want to play fair you still cheat huh?" Klein snorted. "Hacker problems. You gotta teach me a thing or two."

"Like how to remove the Ethics Code?" Michael grinned and Klein stared at him incredulously.

"You did not," Klein gaped.

"Fuck no," Michael laughed. "But you would."

"Hell yeah," Klein snorted.

"Which is why you're not finding out," Michael grinned. "Now do your therapy so you can play."

Klein glared at him then nodded, returning to the task at hand.

"See you around Klein," Michael said. "If you see Kirito, tell him to meet me in-game. I wanna see how good I am."

Klein nodded and Michael left, returning home and entering the game. He left the inn and wandered out into town. He didn't have much money but what he did have would be just enough to buy a shield, he hoped. He felt wrong without one after six months of fighting as a sword-and-shield user. He stopped at the armorer and looked through his inventory. He had three options of shields. Their ratings went along with their prices and he was only just below being able to afford the best.

He sighed, deciding to wait. After all, he was strong enough that he didn't need one at the moment. Though, he'd love to have one for his duel with Kirito. Once he had decided to go without, he turned toward the exit from town and headed out.

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