Sword Art Online 2: Back To The Virtual World
The Queen Of The Lake
*At Kazuto's House*
"There are only three days left in this year. How are you all doing?" The female news reporter said
Kazuto, Sugu and Sonic were eating breakfest.
"Were you two late up again, Brother and Sonic?" Sugu said
"I didn't, I went to sleep." Sonic said
"Homework for school, mechatronics." Kazuto said
"Mechatron... Brother. Look at this." Sugu said
Sugu put's the tablet on his face.
"What? Someone found the Holy Sword Excaliber in ALO?! Someone finally got it, huh?" Kazuto said
"While you two are at school. I just play ALO to get more EXP and level up. I have a higher level then Kazuto." Sonic said
"So that's why your sword skills are better then mine. And have you tried to fine the Holy Sword Excaliber?" Kazuto said
"What could I say? I just play until you come back from then you log in and I have to log back in with you. And yes, I heard about that sword. So I been trying to get the sword. I always grind EXP because I thought the sword came from a boss for your reward. So that's why my level is higher." Sonic said
"Hey calm down guys. Just read carefully... It's only been found. That's all. No one actually has it yet." Sugu said
"*Sigh* What? Don't scare me like that." Kazuto said
"Several months ago, on an Arum plateau, Leafa and I were swallowed by a giant worm monster, and dropped into the underground world known as "Jötuhemir." This was before we saw Sonic again. And I heard from him that everytime we logged out of ALO. He log's him by himself to fight some monsters. Anyway There, we saw Tyrant-class humanoid with four arms attacking a Tyrant that looked like a combination of an elephant and a jellyfish. Leafa asked me to save the one that was being bullied, so I baited the four-armed Tyrant away, and lured it into a lake, where the elephant-jellyfish Tyrant finished it. Leafa named the jellyfish thing "Tonkii," and it grew eight wings, and carried us to the path to the upper world. On our way there, we saw a huge labyrinth hanging from beneath the World Tree, and two golden long swords that glistened at its base, Excaliber." Kazuto explaing the back story
"I was planning to get it at some point, but..." Kazuto said
"You've beem spending all your time on the New Aincard." Sugu said
"But how did they find it? Players can't fly in Jötunheimr. And it's high enough that, unless you fly, you can't see its location." Kazuto said
"Maybe someone succeeded in saving on of Tonkii's friends, and triggered the quest flag like we did." Sugu said
"That'd make sense. That creepy..." Kazuto said
Sugu get's a little mad.
"No, "unique" appearance that Tyrant has means only a werido..." Kazuto said
Sugu get's a little more mad.
"I mean, a very nice person would save it. I'm surprised you aren't the only one." Kazuto said
"He isn't creepy. He's cute. But that means it may be only a matter of time until someone clears the dungeon and gets the sword." Sugu said
"You're right..." Kazuto said
"What will you do, Brother?" Sugu said
"*Clear's thoart* Sugu, there's more to a VRMMO than looking for rare items." Kazuto said
"Yeah. Even if the weapon's stats make you stronger..." Sugu said
"But I think Tonkii wanted us to find it, and that's why he showed it to us. I bet, in his heart, he's hoping we can clear the dungeon. You know... Tonkii's out friend, right?" Kazuto said
"You were just saying he was creepy." Sugu said
"What are you two even talking about?" Sonic said
"Just some animal we found at ALO." Sugu said
"Anyway, So, Sugu, are you free today?" Kazuto said
"Well, my club's off for the rest of the year." Sugu said
"Okay! Up to eight people can ride Tonkii, right? Which means you, me, Sonic, Asuna, Klein, Liz, and Silica... That leaves one. Agil has his shop to look after, and we can't rely on Chrysheight. Recon's in Syplh territory." Kazuto said
"I know! Let's ask Sinon!" Sugu said
Kazuto snap's his finger.
"Great!" Kazuto said
"Sound's good!" Sonic said
"I'll contact everyone. You two talk to Asuna." Sugu said
"Sure." Kazuto said
*At Asuna's House*
Asuna was taking a bath by herself. She was fully naked. She was just sitting there.
"I want to see Kirito and Sonic once more before I have to return to Kyoto." Asuna thought
Then, her phone started ringing. She grab's her phone and answer's it.
"Hello? Kirito and Sonic?" Asuna said
"Good morning, Asuna. Do you have a moment? This afternoon, I'm trying to do a quest, with everyone, in ALO including Sonic." Kazuto said
"I'm free all day today." Asuna said
"Okay. I'll send you a message with the time and place we're meeting." Kazuto said
"Sounds great! See you two on the other side! Okay!" Asuna said
*Inside ALO (Two Week's Later)*
Klein was drunk as he was drinking more of his drink. Kirito, Sonic, Silica and Sinon were watching him getting drunk. Kirito and Sonic were both wearing the same outfit as each other.
"So Sonic, Have you been grinding EXP?" Klein said
"Yea, A lot of times. I level is higher than Kirito's" Sonic said
"Are you already on break for New Year's, Klein?" Silica said
"Yeah, since yesterday. Even if I wanted to work, at this time of year, nothing comes in. The CEO keeps bragging about how great we are to have a whole week off for New Year's. Hey, Kirito and Sonic... If we do get the Excalibers today, help me get the Spirit Blade Kanedzuchi." Klein said
"That dungeon's so freaking hot, though." Kirito said
"I been there once alone. Wasn't pretty. And that was time I saw you all again. Like several months ago." Sonic said
"Sure, but Jötunhemir is so freaking cold!" Klein said
"Then, I know what I want... The Light Bow Shekinah." Sinon said
"You've had your character for two weeks, and you already want a legendary weapon." Kirito said
"How come you want that bow?" Sonic said
"The bow Liz made me is wonderful, but I'd like a bit more range." Sinon said
"Listen... In this world, bows have more range than spears, but less range than magic. You're the only one who's trying to hit the target from a hundred meters away." Lizbeth said
"Honestly, I'd like to double that." Sinon said
Lizbeth smile's a little. The door open's as Leafa and Asuna were there.
"We're here!" Leafa said
"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Asuna said
"Welcome back!" Silica said
"I've been waiting!" Klein said
"While we were out shoppimg, we did some information-gathering. It doesn't look like any players, or parties, have made it to that mid-air dungeon, Daddy and Brother." Yui said landing on Kirito's head
"Then how did they find Excalibers location?" Kirito said
"There needs to be someone right?" Sonic said
"It seems someone found a different quest than the one we found with Tonkii. And as a reward, an NPC showed Excaliber to them." Yui said
"And evidently, it isn't a very peaceful quest, either. It wasn't a fetch or an escort quest. It was a slaughter-type, in which you try to kill more than a certain number of monsters. And so, everyone in Jötunheimr is trying to kill as many monsters as they can." Asuna said
"That isn't very peaceful, no." Kirito said
"But isn't that weird? The Holy Sword Excalibers are sealed at the bottom of a mid-air dungeon swarming with Tyrants. So why is an NPC revealing it as quest rewards?" Klein said
"That's ture. If the NPC just took them to the dungeon, I'd understand..." Silica said
"Well, we'll know when we get there." Sinon said
"Okay! all weapons are fully restored!" Lizbeth said
All of them all got there weapons from Lizbeth. From swords to a bow.
"We look badass." Sonic said
"Our party is still a bunch of muscle-head, though." Klein said
"Them raise your magic skills. Just like Sonic." Lizbeth said
"No way. A samurai never selects any magic skills. It isn't allowed. Besides, Sonic is a sword user." Klein said
"Listen... In RPGs, the samurai has been a "warrior plus black magic" class for a long time." Lizbeth said
"I'd rather snap my katana and quit being a samurai than use magic." Klein said
"But earlier, you were using a flame Sword Skill, weren't you? I think that was half-magic." Silica said
"Seriously?" Klein suprise
"Yea, Silica is correct. In the May update, Sword Skills were introduced into ALO, and high-level skills are also divided by magic classes of earth, water, fire, wind, dark, and holy, in additiom to physical..." Yui said
"Is that right?" Klein said
"So, weren't you going to snap your sword, rather than use magic?" Lizbeth said
Klein get's scared. He walk's up to Kirito and Sonic.
"Kirito... Sonic..." Kleim wineing
"To perform a Sword Skill, you don't say any incantations. Let's say it doesn't count." Kirito said
"What Kirito said." Sonic said
"Oh, fine." Lizbeth said
"Thansk for coming so quickly, everyone. Somehow, I'll find a way to express my gratitude. Let's do this, then!" Kirito said
All of them fist the air.
"Yeah!"
"Wait, before we go. I found three glowling emeralds at the grass while we were shopping." Leafa said taking out three emeralds
"Wait a minute! Those are the choas emeralds." Sonic said
Leafa give's Sonic the emeralds. Green, Blue and Read color emeralds.
"What are those?" Klein said
"These could be super dangerous if you don't take good care of them. There are seven of them and when I when I have all of them, I transform to a super form." Sonic said
"So you are the one that could only have the power of the emeralds?" Sinon said
"Yea. Right now I have three. So I need four more of them to transform." Sonic putting the emeralds in his inventory
"Alright than, Now, then let's do this!" Kirito said
*Somewhere else*
The eight of them were running down a lot of stairs. All of them expect Sonic were getting tired of running down.
"How many steps are there here?" Lizbeth all tired
"I think it's maybe about the size of an entire dungeon floor in New Aincrad..." Leafa said
"Listen, it takes two hours to reach Jötunheimr by the normal route, and this takes five minutes. Don't complain. Give thanks with every stop descend, everyone." Kirito said
"You're bragging like you were the one who made it." Sinon said
"Thanks for pointing that out-" Kirito said grabbing Sinon's tail
Sinon yell's and blushes.
"Hey!" Sinon getting mad
Kirito run's aside Klein.
"Next time you try that, I'll shove a fire arrow up your nostril." Sinon getting mad
"You aren't afraid of anything, man." Kirito said
*At The Bottom*
All of them made it to the bottom of the dungeon which was freezing.
"It's so cold!" Klein shivering
"Whoa." Silica surpise
"Wow." Sinon amaze
All of them were all surpise to see the amazing view.
"Kirito!" Klein said
Asuna turn's around.
"Ous. Sharl. Raise. Wind. Hard. Halca. Storms." Asuna doing her magic spell
Asuna gave all of them cold-resistance.
"Okay. I applied some cold-resistance magic to you." Asuna said
Leafa whistle to call someone. They then heard a noise coming from the bottom. They look down to see it was Tonkii.
"Tonkii!" Silica yelled
"Tonkii?" Sonic said
"Just see." Kirito said
Tonkii fly's close to them. Klein hide's behind Kirito and Sonic.
"It's fine. He may not look it, but he's am herbivore." Kirito said
"Wow." Sonic said
"But when we brought him some fish from the surface, he gulped them in a single bite." Leafa said
Tonkii put's his noise of both Klein and Sonic's head.
"*Gulp* Oh no. He will think I'm dinner." Sonic said
"No, He's saying to get on." Kirito said
"But... My grandpa's dying words were to never ride American cars or flying elephants." Klein said
"At the Dicey Café, you just gave me dried prisimmons you said your grandpa made. They were good, so give me some more." Kirito said
All of them start getting on top of him.
"Okay, there!" Lizbeth said
Sonic jump's up very and land's slowly on Tonkii. Klein was climbing on top of his.
"Thanks, Tonkii." Kirito said
Kirito run's up to his back. They all made it.
"All right! Tonkii, take us to the dungeon entrance!" Leafa said
Tonkii listen's to Leafa as Tonkii take's them to the dungeon.
*During The Ride*
"Hey, what happens if you fall?" Lizbeth said
"I'm sure the guy over there, who once tried to climb to Aincrad's next level via the outer pillars and fell, will find out for us someday." Asuna said
"I think a feline would be better at falling from high places." Kirito said
Sinon and Silica nodded with a no. Then, Tonkii roar's. They all look. Then, Tonkii start's flying down very fast. Silica, Sinon, Leafa, Asuna, Lizbeth, Klein, Kirito and Sonic were all grabbing on her very tightly. All of them were screaming. Expect Leafa.
"Yahoo!" Leafa all happy
Tonkii then stop's flying dow. and continue's flying like normal. All of them were all relief but Leafa was all happy. But where was Sonic. Leafa look's to see that Sonic wasn't at there.
"Hey, has anyone seem Sonic?" Leafa said
They all look to see that Sonic wasn't with them. They soon hear screaming from the sky. They all look up to see Sonic flyimg down at them. He soon land's and hit's his head first.
"Ow!" Sinon said
"Are you ok Sonic?" Asuna said
Sonic put's a thumbs up. Sonic get's back up.
"I may have let go of him when we were flying down." Sonic said
They giggle.
"Brother! Look at that!" Leafa said pointing down
They see people down there fighting with the Tyrant and Tonkii's kind.
"What's going on down there? Did someone tame that humanoid Tyrant?" Asuna said
"That's impossible! The success rate for taming a Tyrant is zero percent, even for a Cait Sith with a full boost and special equipment!" Silica said
"So they're... What? Taking advantage of it? When the four-armed thing is fighting the elephant-jellyfish, they're hitting it, too." Klein said
"But is controlling a monster's aggro that easy?" Sinon said
The Tyrant kill's the elephant-jellyfish as it disapper's in mid-air. The Tyrant started following the players.
"What the?" Sonic said
"Why aren't they starting combat with humanoid Tyrant?" Kirito said
"Hey look over there." Asuna said
They see explosive everywhere.
"What? What's going in down there?" Klein said
"Is this the new Jötunheimr slaughter quest that Asuna was talking about? Like, you work with humanoid Tyrants to eliminate the bestial ones?" Lizbeth said
Then all of sudden. Someone appear's in back from them. They all turn around. The person appear's and it was a woman that wall taller than them.
"She's huge..." Kirito said
"No way..." Sonic said
All of them were all surprise.
"I am Urd, Queen of the Lake. You fairies who have formed a bond with my servants... My two younger sisters and I have a request for you. Please save this land from the frost giants." Urd said
"Daddy, Brother, that's an NPC. But something's strange. She isn't using the set response routines, like normal NPCs. She's connected to a language-engine module that's near the core program." Yui said
"In other words, she's been turned into an AI?" Kirito said
"Is that right Yui?" Sonic said
"That's right, Daddy and Brother." Yui said
"Once, Jötunheimr was like ALfheim. It enjoyed the blessings of the World Tree, Yggdrasil, and was covered in beautiful water and greenery. We, the hill giants, and our servants, the animals, lived in peace. Below Jötunheimr is the land of frost, Niflheim. The King of the Frost Giants who rules that land, Thrym, snuck into this realm and cast the two Excalibers, the "swords which cuts all trees and iron," into the Urd's lake, at the center of the world. The swords cut the deepest root of the World Tree, and when it did, Jötunheimr was cut off from Yggdrasil's bounties." Urd said
"That's two Excalibers?" Kirito said
"Everything has changed a lot." Sonic said
"Thrym's frost giants attacked Jötunheimr, from Nifiheim, en masse, building many fortresses and castles, and capturing and imprisoning us, the hill giants. They built a castle, Thrymheim, on the massive block of ice that uses to be the lake of Urd, and they now rule this land. My two sisters and I escaped to the bottom of a frozen lake, but we lack the power we once had. The frost giants are not satidfied, however, and they are trying to kill all our servants, the animals, that live in this land. If they succeed, our power will vanish, and they will be able to elevate Thrymheim to ALfheim's surface." Urd said
"What? If they do that, it will destroy the town of Arun!" Klein said
"King Thrym desires to cover ALgpfheim in snow, and rise to the top of the World Tree, Yggdrasil. He desires the golden apple said to grow there. Thrym and his generals have grown upset at their inability to slay my servants, and have begun to ask for the help of you fairies. He offers two Excalibers as a prize, and his goal is to have my servants annihilated. But King Thrym has no intention of giving those swords to anyone. When the two Excalibers vanishes from Thrymheim, Yggdrail's bounties will return to this land, and that castle will melt and fall." Urd said
"Then it's a lie that the two Excalibers are the quest rewards? Can you have a quest like that?" Lizbeth said
"Thrym probably plans to bestow the false sword, Caliburn, which looks identical to the Excalibers " Urd said
"That's cheating! Is a king allowed to do that?" Leafa said
"That cheating is Thrym's most potent weapon. But he has made one mistake. He sent most of his giants down from Thrymheim, to assist the fairy warriors. That castle's defenses are weaker than they've ever been." Urd said
"I see." Kirito said
"There's so much information I haven't heard." Sonic said
Urd summon's a stone.
"When this stome turns completely dark, it signals that my servants all lie slain and my power gone. Fairies, infiltrate Thrymheim, and draw the two Excalibers from the keystone dais." Urd said
Urd make's a quest for them.
*Holy Swords of the Frozen Palace*
"I am counting on you, fairies." Urd said
*Later*
All of them wer almost close to there location.
"This had turned into a really big deal." Leafa said
"This is a normal quest, right? But the scale seems a little too big for that. Didn't she say something about how if all bestial Tyrants are wiped out, frost giants will invade the surface?" Sinon said
"She did. But I don't know if the GMs would do something like that with no update or warning. Normally, you'd have at least a week's notice." Kirito said
"But we must do it for Tonkii's sake. Right, Brother?" Leafa said
"That's right. The reason we came here today was to enter that castle and get the two Excalibers. If it isn't as heavily defended, that's exactly what we want." Kirito said
Kirito open's up his menu. Go to his inventory and summon's his sword. His sword appeared on his back. Sonic open's up his menu as well. Go to his inventory and summon's his sword. His sword appeared on his back as well.
"Okay! It's our last big quest of the year. Let's do this, and earm ourselves a spot on the front page of tomorrow's MMO Tomorrow!" Klein said
They all raised there swords together.
"Yeah!"
They were entering the location.
"Just wait, Tonkii. We'll take back your country." Leafa said
Kirito and Sonic both look at each other. They both fist bump.
"Let's see if your level actually paid off." Kirito said
"I looking foward it too." Sonic said
"Now then, Let's go!" Kirito said
"Let's win this together!" Sonic said
"Yeah!" They all said
To...Be...Continue...
"Next Time: The King Of The Giants." Kirito and Sonic as narrators