A/N Hey, guys! I hope the last chapter was satisfactory. If not, please tell me what could be better. Shout out to Avoide for the feedback. I know the first two chapters were a bit close to the novels, I'm trying to be accurate enough, but I will start to deviate more and create new situations for the characters. I will at least mention the most significant parts from the novels and try to minimize excess detail. I understand if you get bored from lots of description instead of dialogue so I'll try to put more of that in. In any case, thank you for taking the time to read this. Happy reading!
I arrived at the 3rd floor. It could be described as a «Forest» type area. There were a variety of trees, differing in height and width. I walked along the pathway until it split into a fork. From there it was either the left or the right. To the right there was the main town in sight and also the «Teleport Gate». To the left was where I was going. It was called the «Misty Forest». But I didn't expect to see any Pokémon trainers...
I headed in the direction of the foreboding forest. True to name, there was a moist atmospheric feeling and wet clouds ranging all around. I only came here for a quest that I remembered in the beta. This particular one was unique for there were two options. A forest elf was fighting with a dark elf. Male and female respectively. The quests were essentially the same so it didn't matter which one you chose. In the beta I chose the female, not because I have any attractions to the opposite sex, but because I preferred the darker-themed look. I found out the later the real difference in the quests were the rewards. The light elf would give you a King's Knightsword with a light attribute bonus along with a special ability to temporarily blind opponents. There was a short cool-down time for this and the range only worked on the opponent(s) you were facing, so bystanders would be unaffected and just see a flash. The dark elf on the other hand gave a reward called the Queen's Knightsword, a dark counterpart to the King's sword. The elemental benefit would be increased damage and a special 'decay' ability to weaken durability of weapons when hit. That said it was possible to break a weapon with one single-hit if the attack was strong enough.
I opted for the latter because it was my style. Besides, blinding opponents was pretty cheap, even if it was effective. No matter how puffed-up I may seem sometimes, a fair fight is a real fight. I have my morals...
The only drawback to this quest was that I had to wait until the 9th floor to get my reward. Seeing as that is a bitch of a wait, I did the only thing I could do, which coincidentally is what I was best at: keep fighting.
I really didn't care who or what I had to face. With plenty of enemies out there I was bound to get in a few fights at least. There were also many of my haters who wished to pay me back in kind for being a beater. That was pretty inconsiderate of them, seeing as I helped cleared the first two floors, but I guess old habits die hard...
After accepting the quest, I headed back to town. It was a blue night by then. Players were already there and when they saw me that parted and drew back. They gave the customary glares and mutterings and I gave an amused, mocking smile. All an act of course, but it was ever so slowly pissing me off for real...
These people really do hate me... hmph... it won't matter in the end, though... as long as I get what I want...
I walked through the crowd but then a voice shouted out to me.
"HEY YOU! Kid in the black! That's a nice coat you have, maybe you wouldn't mind 'sharing' it?" Said a voice belonging to masked man. It looked like a pirate. He was wearing dark grey cloth, light chainmail and wielding a scimitar.
"You are?..." I said apathetically. This guy seemed to be pretty cocky. But I doubt his stats were really that impressive...
"Kotaru. You must've heard of me," he said quite pompously. Wow. He was almost as arrogant as I was, maybe more. Sure I was arrogant but when I did it I looked cool. This guy was just being an airhead. I had a high opinion of myself but I didn't broadcast it... as much. Well, I guess I should at least show him the courtesy of responding...
"What? No, sorry... you must've mistaken me for someone who cares..." I said coolly. That hit the right buttons. He immediately got fired up and started brandishing his scimitar violently.
"Listen here, punk, I got skills that'll make your spin! Hand over that coat if you know what's good for you!" He shouted angrily.
Oh, I'm so scared... stop it, you're hurting my self-esteem... I thought sarcastically.
"I do know what's good for me. You to shut up and stop bothering me. I've got more important business," I said without missing a beat. He grew even more enraged. I expected him to charge at me. I had no worries since we were within a «Safe Zone». That meant direct damage could not be inflicted and things like poison were nullified. It doesn't mean you couldn't fight, however, there were two methods available for such purposes.
One was simply hitting someone, although the victim wouldn't receive any damage and under certain circumstances, the attack would be blocked by the system. The other method was-
"I challenge you to a duel!" Kotaru yelled with animosity.
"I'm sorry I didn't bring my cards," I said being a smartass. This frustrated him further.
"YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT!" He shouted violently. I turned to leave. You can't argue with an idiot... then-
"Accept! Unless you're chicken..." I stopped cold in my tracks.
I could handle hatred. Take an insult, or even be labelled as the most disgraceful player in the game... but... nobody should ever challenge my audacity...
I've faced worse that you, prick... shove off. I don't need to prove anything to you... I thought and resumed walking away, but he goaded me further.
"I guess the 'beater' is really just an insecure twerp who can't do anything except run away on his own, to his little corner to cry... how sad..." Kotaru said provoking my anger. I tried hold off my irritation inside. If I lose it here, it only worsens my rep than it already is... I continued walking. But then he said something that made my pride snap.
"I heard so much about you... how you were so overpowered, so feared, and so great even... guess even you have admirers... but I guess we're all pretty disappointed now, huh? It looks like you're not the best..."
That was as much as I could take. The one soft spot I had and he hit it. Painfully. It's insecure of me to say so, but if I wasn't the best, I had nothing left. After distancing myself from my sister, leaving my friends behind, and technically killing a fellow beta, the only thing that comforted me was the fact that in every game, no matter what it was, I was the best... if I wasn't... well, then I had to change that.
I turned to face this asshole who crossed the line. My face did not betray any emotions but my eyes held a burning sensation. The best way I could describe how I felt was-
"I'm going to kill you..." I said deathly quiet. There was no need for anger, no need for excess trash talk, I just got straight to the point. He seemed glad I finally responded but there was a hint of fear in his eyes. He opened up the menu and sent me a Duel Request.
Kotaru challenges you to a Halfway Match! Do you accept?
I immediately on instinct pressed yes. A 60 second countdown timer appeared between us with a circulating buffer icon.
There were 3 types of duels you could have in SAO: First-Strike, Halfway, and Death Match.
First-Strike was to settle things quickly... usually. It depended on each player's skill and accuracy on how quick the match went. Basically first 'clean' hit wins the match or by gradually reducing one's health to half. The second way was pretty tedious and taxing to pull off. Usually that only happened when one participant or both were using shields. No offense, but if you used a shield I was less inclined to be impressed by you.
Halfway was exactly as it sounded. I would've opted for Death Match but I didn't need to add an unnecessary kill to my personal record. Besides the one...
I pulled out my «Anneal Blade». But I wasn't planning to deal with this with swords...
We readied ourselves as the timer went down to 10. I was filled with «Killing Intent». Nothing else was in my mind except to get revenge... later I would question my mental well-being...
5...
4...
3...
2... I closed my eyes...
1... and opened them with a venomous yellow glint... was that a trick of light? Or...
Kotaru rushed at me with his scimitar ready for a «Slant». I would parry if this was a normal duel, but I intended to not drag this match out... not by swords that is...
He reached me within a yard and brought down the blade in a right diagonal slash. But right before it-
Uppercut.
With a «Vertical» I swung almost lazily but purposefully. I broke his sword and disarmed him as well. The disjointed hilt and blade fell on either side of me. Kotaru jumped back in shock. Then he looked frightened. I looked at him with dead eyes that would freak anyone out. Then I smiled creepily. With this next move I was going to surprise everyone.
I turned my sword style to a reverse-grip and tossed the blade to him. He caught it surprised.
"Wh-wh what?!" He said unable to register the turn of events. I was still smiling menacingly.
"I need no sword to kill you," I said echoing the words of Beowulf. "Even without a weapon you can't beat me," I said despicably arrogant.
I got a sword swinging at my face as a response.
Too easy, I thought as I ducked. He came back with an «Avalanche» and this would be where I took total control of the match.
I turned slightly left and back-stepped enough for him to hit the floor instead. A split-second earlier I grabbed his arm with my left hand and swung my right hand in a chop to his throat. He started coughing furiously but I wasn't done. I pounced on him and continued bashing his face with my right fist. I drove it over and over. I guess there were benefits to smashing that rock for 3 days. Your hands get... acquainted.
If SAO had blood, there would certainly be some pouring from his mouth right now. Instead, I managed to knock some teeth out. That would trigger a «Body Loss» warning but the teeth would grow back after 3 minutes.
I dragged him up to his feet and followed up with a knee to his stomach. Then I used my right leg to leg sweep him to the ground. I guess he suffered enough, but I decided to disgrace him one last time to everyoneknow just who they were dealing with.
I swung my left foot and kicked him across the face while he was trying to get up. He landed on his back drained of energy and sore all-around. He rolled over writhing in pain and I stomped my right foot on his head showing my dominance. His health reached halfway after I smashed his teeth out. I didn't care, though, I just cared about sending a message. Why should I care for the opinions of people who hate me?
I kneeled down to speak in his ear.
"If we ever have another duel, it'll be a Death Match..." I whispered full of contempt. I had many enemies but he went a step further in hitting a nerve of mine. I suppose I have a superiority complex... it was my only shield against insecurity, against my own fears. I hated using shields, because that admitted that I was truly weak, so I hid it behind my proud nature. If you were the best, doesn't that entitle you to ignore what you lack?...
I picked up my «Anneal Blade» and sheathed it. I gave one last look at Kotaru. He was pulled up to his feet by his comrade, who gave me a look of utter disgust. Everyone else just looked freaked out at my outbreak and stared at me with fearful eyes.
"Crazy..."
"We better stay away..."
"He's a psychopath..."
"I hope we don't anger him..."
"It's about time we leave... we'll be safer somewhere else..."
All the voices were getting to my head. Is this who I truly was?...
I never got into an actual fight before, but I just proved victorious in a bare hands brawl...
Why did I feel bad?
Was I just afraid to see that side of me?
Or was it because of my weakness?...
Gghhh... Grandfather... why were you so hard on me?... It's not fair...
I lowered my head and let my bangs cover my eyes. I walked away from the scene. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, but I was the only one crossing. Now I see why I'm supposed to be alone... why other people should stay away... why I couldn't keep up with relationships, whether it be friends, romantic interests(yes I had crushes before, I'm only a man...), or even family...
Sugu... I miss you. And I'm sorry...
I was so out of touch with people... I didn't recognize the norms anymore...
I walked to the edge of town down South. Ironic. Everything seemed to have gone south... I sat down on a bench under a single lamplight. I was alone... at least I thought I was.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned. It was Asuna.
She must have seen the whole thing. What did she think of me now?...
I have to say, I never expected Kirito to be that violent... and he criticized me about «Overkill»... still...
He looked slightly traumatized as if he were the one who just got beaten to a pulp. I wondered if it was because of something he didn't tell me...
I spotted him leaving the central plaza where the fight broke out. I followed him silently. I only hoped his «Detection» level wasn't too high...
I almost got caught by him every once and a while, so I was forced to hide behind corners and such and trail him in intervals of time. Playing the ninja is actually pretty annoying... it's nothing like the movies... popping up anywhere you want... such lies from TV land...
Kirito sat down on a bench alone under a single lamplight. Oh how cliché... it made things seem like a drama...
I silently approached him. No, not that kind of approach... perverts.
I sat down without him noticing. I felt very accomplished with my Metal Gear Solid-esque stealthiness. But I wasn't a hardcore gamer like Kirito...
I tapped him on the shoulder carefully. He turned wondering who had bothered to follow him. His expression brightened ever so slightly, then it dropped.
"What do you want, Asuna? I thought I told you we can't be seen together..." Kirito said coldly, but I knew he only meant it playfully. I responded in equal insolence.
"First of all, it's rude to address a lady like that, and second of all, we're not together... figuratively and literally..." I said teasingly. He gave a bitter smile.
"Ouch... that hurt. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of why you're here?" He said wonderingly. I started to heat up slightly.
"What do you mean?..." I said warily. He gave me an exasperated smile.
"Didn't you come here to comfort me or something?" He said very openly. I blushed and punched him on his formerly abused right shoulder.
"Oww... is that how you show affection?" Kirito said continuing to make fun of me. I was going to roll his head and let it spin til he couldn't see the world anymore...
"You're such a jerk..." I said embarrassed. It was the only thing I could come up with at the moment. He knew how to make a girl feel uncomfortably teased...
"Then why do you hang out with me?" He said smiling putting on fake confusion. He could never stop the endless barrage of teasing comments...
"I don't know..." I said pouting. He gave an imitated look of surprise.
"That makes one of us..." He said ambiguously. I got curious and annoyed at the same time.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked suspiciously with an accusatory look. He shrugged his shoulders.
"You'll find out... but I think you already know..." he said mysteriously. Gah. He's such a bother, but I can't help being around him because, well... no one else seemed right.
When I was back in the 2nd floor boss room, a few guys approached me, trying to get close. I rejected them of course and cut them off coldly, breaking a few hearts in succession. I was apart of the female population, which averaged about two-fifths of the starting amount of players. However, not to sound like a snobbish, good-looking, rich girl or anything, but there were only a handful of girls who had stunning beauty. It was rare because mostly only guys played games such as these. It appeared not to be the case during the time before the 'tutorial', when it seemed like there was beauty around every corner. Of course when the 'mirror' came into play, that kind of... exposed a few people...
I never questioned why some players... didn't choose their genetically given genders... it was quite shocking but... to each 'her' own right? I'm trying not to judge, it was just something subject to question...
But anyhow, my mind shifted back to our conversation, in which Kirito was a criminal and I was a victim of his constant teasing.
"If you're not going to tell me, don't mention it," I said very tired of his attitude. He smiled and nodded.
"Fine, fine... don't take it so personally, I was joking... as a matter of fact, I'm glad you're here..." he said with a complete change in tone. It sounded so sincere, I almost forgave him for being a jerk... almost. It peaked my curiosity so I waited for him to go on.
"I guess you saw that mess back there..." Kirito said, referring to the recent events in which he, excuse the language, 'Beat the shit out of someone who pissed him off'.
"Yeah... it was kind of hard to miss..." I said honestly. I only just got into town and the first thing I see was him manhandling another guy. I almost felt bad for him except I knew Kirito must have his reasons. He doesn't just go beat on someone because he could... I know him... I mean, I logically assume that wasn't characteristic of his nature... yeah... Gah... thinking to yourself creates so many problems...
"*sigh* Guess I surprised you, huh?" He said sadly for some reason. I wanted to change his mood but I didn't know how... of course many people say girls are impossible to fully understand, but sometimes guys are pretty hard to get too...
"Mhmm... well you didn't do it just because, right? He must've said something pretty insulting or hurtful... okay, you did go over the top a bit but- but- I'm just glad you're... alright..." I said turning away after stuttering so gauchely. What was I saying? Ugh... a girl can only ramble for so long...
"Really? You mean that? I'm not exactly sure that justifies me beating him up so badly... but thanks..." Kirito said and I was glad he changed his mood a bit. He returned my concern with a smile. I felt content knowing he was okay... you know if we ever party up again you have to take of your group member's mental health...
But then my spirits got crushed. I remembered the talk I had earlier.
"A guild?" I asked Heathcliff. He nodded.
"There is a quest on the 3rd floor that upon completion, will allow players to form guilds. There are many benefits to this and it will increase the chances of survival in the game. I wish to organize an elite group in order to clear all the succeeding floors and free all the surviving players," He said very briefly.
That sounded promising, I can't deny that. There is strength in numbers and so far we had been losing numbers. Perhaps that was because of our lack of unity. I thought very meticulously about this.
Although I agreed with all the advantages of this idea, there was one drawback. Well... it wasn't actually a drawback... more like a stupid inconvenience... but I couldn't bear to not have him with me... but back then... he told me he trusted me... to make the right decisions...
I guess I had to choose between selfish, personal gain, and overall gain.
It hurt to do this, but the logical choice was obvious. It's better that we all escape this game as soon as possible. To see our families and friends... and then maybe... if luck allowed it, I could find him in the real world... talk to him... and just maybe...
I finally made up my mind after careful deliberation. I faced Heathcliff.
"Do you accept this offer to join my future guild, Asuna? You would be the Sub-commander of the Frontlines, with you we have a great chance of success," Heathcliff said.
He's very good with words, I'll admit. Part of me wanted to do it, and the other was against it. But in the end, I made the decision that would benefit everyone in the long run.
"I accept," I said tersely. There was nothing more to it. I had to think of the benefits for the whole. Not just my feelings alone...
I'm sorry...
Kirito.
He was looking at me in a weird way.
"Asuna? Are you okay?" He asked worriedly. I shook myself out of my flashback(breaking the fourth wall, I've always wanted to do that ^_^) and faced him a little embarrassed.
"Mhmm?... yeah. I'm okay, just thinking about something I did..." I said. This time he was intrigued with curiosity and was about to ask, but refrained from doing so.
"I won't press you if you don't want to talk about it. Was it important?" He asked sincerely and I nodded. He can be really understanding sometimes, a very stark contrast to his denseness sometimes, but it made hanging out with him bearable.
"Yeah... it was pretty important," I said.
I hope it works out, I thought to myself.
"In that case, it's getting pretty dark. You should head inside, Asuna. Find somewhere to stay. You'll need your strength," he said gently advising me. His concern was very touching.
"What about you? Don't tell me that you're going out?..." I said jokingly but I already knew the answer. He smiled slightly.
"How'd you know? Could it be?... No, it can't... but... is Asuna-chan stalking me?" He teased playfully. I blushed and almost activated a unarmed combat skill to punch him with on his right shoulder. He still rubbed it carefully.
"Shut up... just don't die out there..." I said bashfully. He gave me a gracious smile appreciating my roughly-put concern.
"Aww... is it because Asuna-chan can't live without me?" He teased one last time. I looked like a cherry... a very scary cherry.
I made a sudden movement to pull out my sword and then he submitted.
"AHH! Okay okay, I get it! I'm sorry..." He said surrendering. About time. I wonder how I ever managed to put up with him for so long...
"Good night, Asuna," he said, but it looked like he was holding back the temptation to tease me again. Smart move... for a guy.
"I would say 'good night' too, but you're not exactly going to sleep anytime soon..." I said coolly. Tsundere mode: on. He doesn't deserve a proper farewell... not tonight at least...
"True... well... how about this: if I find something worthwhile, I'll give it to you as a make-up gift?" Kirito said surprisingly. That sounded like a tender offer so I accepted.
"Ehh... sure. But I have high standards..." I said haughtily. He smiled while rolling his eyes.
"I'll take that as a yes... whatever that means in 'girl' terms..." he said passing this off as a mystery. Hmph. Well, I wonder what 'intelligence' means to a guy...
"I'll see you in the morning," I said as an adequate answer.
"That'll depend," he said and walked away to the «Misty Forest». *Sigh*
You're unbelievable, I thought. That was the best way I could describe him.
The 3rd floor was cleared in a week. Very quick compared to the last two. It was probably because of me, of course. Alpha takes precedence over everything...
This time the Rare drop went to Heathcliff. I didn't get to confirm the rumors, but after tailing him and watching from a darkened corner from afar, I used my «Appraisal» skill to identify the sword he obtained. Liberator. A thin, straight sword appearing to be made from hardened steel or silver.
Hmph. A sword drop. It looked promising. My «Anneal Blade» was doing well, but I think soon I had to get another sword. And a next-generation coat, for my «Coat of Midnight» was expending its usefulness. I would keep my old stuff, though. As a gamer, you kind of get attached to inanimate objects... and no, not those kind of objects. I was alone, not lonely... there's a difference.
To me, these items had souls forged into them. I know that sounds weird, but if you get it, there's a little insight on my world.
The 4th floor was opened of course, immediately and connected to the rest. It seemed to a bit drier and less agriculturally filled than the last floor. There was sandy color all around and worn cobblestones greeted us when we stepped into town.
Eventually I bet the game would start rehashing some of these environments. There's only so many places and ideas for them...
The fourth floor was cleared in six days. A little quicker than the last just by one. That showed promise nonetheless and raised peoples' morale. Of course, there were still people who lingered back in the 1st floor and those preceding. I guess I couldn't blame them that much, even though they weren't helping. Well, some of them did work to supply the frontliners with food, money, tools and equipment. There were many trades and businesses opening up. Strange to see people getting used to this game. It was a forced assimilation but, it seemed as though some people found a worthwhile purpose while being trapped here against their will.
I was envious.
Not because they were better people than me, not because they were stronger, smarter or even wiser. But because they seemed content... after finding something that appealed to them... a place where they felt they belonged...
I didn't understand these emotions of mine. I didn't need contentment... right? Being the best doesn't obligate me to need anything, much less anyone... and yet... I questioned myself.
Everything that's happened. Everything that will happen... Everything that is happening...
I just don't get it... was it just me who felt this way?...
I tried to ignore these thoughts as I pressed on. I checked my level.
20.
Not good enough, I have to be better than that.
I headed to the cold fields of the fifth floor. It was bleak and gray. I didn't care. A few humanoid rams came my way. I pulled out my sword and let the tip hit the ground. The rams' attentions directed towards me now. They snorted threateningly.
"Shut up," I said quietly. Whenever I'm in a fight, all jokes are dropped, and nothing else matters... except...
Kill.
A/N And ending on that light note, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Maybe it was little strange, maybe a little too much, but I hope you like reading it. In the next chapter, I will detail the official formation of guilds along with a few other... surprises. Well, I'll try to surprise you. I know this chapter wasn't as long, but I hope the content was worth it. Interesting to note, I wrote the first 3 chapters in advance. Took a few days, but I wanted readers to get a taste of what they should expect. If you don't like the way I write, please tell me why in a polite, constructive way. I will try to take the advice to heart if I feel you're right. If you do like the way I write and the story so far, please continue reading! Thank you to all those who are following the story and those who favorited and reviewed! Much appreciated, as it gives me helpful feedback and motivation for future chapters/stories. As always, please R & R! Thanks for reading~