Level Twenty Six: Harmony
May 26th, 2025 - 11 am
Akemi stood with Kazuto and Makoto, waiting for both groups to show up at the cafe. Akemi was checking her phone as Mikan and Takuto walked up to them, the older couple teasing Kazuto and Akemi about getting closer to one another and showing more affection towards one another. Soon after, a black haired girl arrived, introducing herself to Kazuto as her gaming handle, Kage, only to get scolded by Akemi and re-introducing herself by her real name, Hana. Next, Shino arrived, being driven around by Ayaori, apologizing for being late before ending up in a friendly argument with Kazuto as Aya stood against the wall, brooding as always. Soon after came Asuna and Rika, Keiko trailing along behind them. And finally Suguha and Hiwa showed up, the girls walking together. "That's everyone." Akemi sighed, exhausted. They all went inside, the girl at the register smiling.
"Welcome back, Akemi-chan~ I see you and Aya-kun have plenty of guests today~" she handed them all menus as Akemi ordered her usual, consisting of a slice of Melty Chocolate Cake and a fruit tart with a large Strawberry Milk Tea. Ayaori ordered his usual as well, A slice of Citrus Cake, a slice of Black Forest Cake, and a cream puff along with a large Strawberry Milk Tea. Everyone else, having never been to the cafe, or have only gone a couple of times were asking for suggestions and stuff from the two who had made their orders. Kazuto ended up ordering a Strawberry Parfait and a Plain Milk Tea on Akemi's recommendation. Asuna ordered a Peach Tart, Rika ordering a Apple Cake, Suguha ordering a Pear Turnover, and Keiko ordering a Chocolate Roll Cake, all 4 girls ordering a medium Extra Sweet Milk Tea. Next, Mikan and Takuto ordered an Orange Cream Bread Cone and a Green Tea Tiramisu, sharing an extra-large Melon Float. Hana ordered a Lemon Tart and a medium Black Tea with sweetener while Hiwa ordered two Strawberry Short Cake Slices with a medium Chocolate Milk Tea. Makoto stared at the menu, Akemi helping him out and soon ordering a Melon Pan and a large Pudding Milk Tea.
"Wow, it took a while for us to order..." Rika mumbled as they sat down.
"Well at least Akemi was here to help~ And Ayaori too~" Asuna smiled. Shino sat next to them, Hiwa and Hana across from the younger glasses girl.
"Yeah, and they seem like regular customers." Keiko nodded, Suguha agreeing as they formed the first group.
At the next set of tables sat Takuto and Mikan, who were talking about what game to conquer while Mikan waited for challengers to the Chrysanthia Kingdom. Akemi and Kazuto sat next to them, with Makoto next to Kazuto and Ayaori next to Akemi. The group took up a good third of the cafe, but having this many cute people in one place made customers flow in through the door. The day went on, and before heading home, the girls made plans to go out in a few days to the pool on the holiday, without the boys around.
May 30, 2025 – 9:30 am
It was the morning of the swimming pool meetup for the girls, Akemi having arrived first thanks to Hiwa having slept over and woken her up with threats to take pictures of the girl and send them to Kazuto. Hiwa was smiling, wearing a white button down sleeveless shirt, a soft pink flowing skirt, and white sandals, her pale brown hair done up in a bun with a flower pin holding it together. Akemi on the other hand was wearing black elevated slippers and shorts, a plain navy camisole, and a grey collared over shirt, sleeves rolled up to her elbows, her long hair pinned up by a claw clip and forming a sort of fountain ponytail. "So, do I get to send swimsuit pics of you and your glorious bosom to your hubby~?"
"No." Akemi stated simply.
"Aww come on~" Hiwa grinned, teasing her friend. Hana arrived next, the girl wearing a deep green pair of shorts, a spaghetti strap white tank, brown wedge sandals, and an olive green 3/4 sleeve jacket, her black hair tied back in a high ponytail . "Hanaaaa~"
"... What, Hiwa?"
"You're so sexy with those legs of yours, get yourself a boyfriend~"
"Sh-shut up!"
"Now now you two..." Akemi smiled as her friends argued with one another about who needed a boyfriend first. Soon all the younger girls arrived, Asuna wearing a pink long sleeve shirt that hung off of her shoulders, a dark red a-line skirt, and white leggings with red flats. Rika wore a brown straight skirt, earthy pink t-shirt, and brown boots. Keiko was wearing a blue t-shirt with a white scalloped collar, and a pair of khaki shorts with blue sandals. Suguha was dressed in a mint green dress and calf-length charcoal tights, her white jacket cover had pink trim, wearing simple sandals, and Shino was wearing a grey-blue jacket over a charcoal tanktop and black leggings under her long light grey skirt. They all headed off to change into their swimsuits in the locker room, chatting about things and complimenting one another on their clothes as they went.
After changing, the girls emerged one by one from the showers, changed into their swimsuits. Asuna was out first, wearing her red and white striped bikini. Rika came next and wore a deep pink and brown one piece with a frilled skirt. After her was Keiko, who was self-conscious that all the other girls had a bust while she was flat, wearing a yellow bikini with a 2-layered frilly skirt and pink trim. Suguha came out wearing her school swimsuit, soon becoming embarrassed and having not realized people had brought their personal swimwear. Shino came out a short while later, wearing a black bikini with white trim, the outfit somewhat resembling her avatar from AGSO. The younger girls waited as the older three changed. Hana emerged first, looking slightly annoyed, cheeks tinted pink, swearing under her breath at Hiwa as she walked over to the others, wearing an olive green halter bikini accented with well knotted ties. "I swear, Hiwa's a goddamn pervert."
"Aww but Hanaaaaaaaaa, your legs are so well toned~" the smiling pale haired girl emerged, wearing a pink strapless bikini with white ribbon ties. "And besides, Akemi went into hiding so I couldn't grope her boobs~"
"And you wonder why." Akemi came out to where the others were, wearing a black one piece that cut a deep u-shape that clearly emphasized the ample bust size of the girl, her cleavage pushed up by her crossed arms. She was wearing a shawl around her shoulders, glaring at Hiwa, still wearing her shorts. "I also need to avoid getting my ass grabbed."
"Awww but Akeeeeee, you can't cover up such a pretty body~"
"Don't make me slap you, woman." she grumbled, heading outside with the others to the pool and beginning to swim immediately to avoid Hiwa's grabby hands, Hana doing the same. Soon, everyone was swimming, Suguha being taught very patiently by everyone since she had yet to learn. If she couldn't swim, she couldn't help them on the Harbor Quest in Rise of the Autumn Moon, which required them to swim into the ocean with the help of Asuna's breathing charm and complete a quest. It was said to be difficult, but everyone really wanted to do it, and they needed Suguha's agility and sword skills. Not to mention Akemi had offered up to each of them who participated a little "date" with Kirito in game. But for Suguha of course it had to be IRL, but they had kept that between themselves so as not to upset the others.
"Eeep!" Suguha jumped when hands wrapped around her and groped her, Hiwa chuckling and complimenting the girl on her physical features.
"Hiwa, no flirting with Suguha." Akemi called from across the pool, dripping with water as she emerged from the pool to get onto the diving board.
"Aww but Akeeeee, I'm just teasing~" she grinned, letting go of Suguha. "If you won't let me touch her, I want to touch you~"
"And like hell I would let you." She sighed, diving into the water and watching as Rika pulled the plug on Suguha's floatie. All the girls encouraged Suguha to swim without it, Akemi being the first to help the girl with the issue of how to breathe while swimming. Rika was the one to demonstrate how to pull water back, and Keiko showed Suguha how to push off the wall. Asuna was helping with the rhythm of swimming as a whole with Hana, who was demonstrating and adding in how to make it efficient. Hiwa showed Suguha how to stop on the other end.
The girls spent the rest of the day reminiscing and enjoying themselves at the pool, making sure to give Suguha some lessons as they went, not wanting to waste the day.
Grand Arc of the Sea Dragon - Harbor Dungeon Entrance
Kirito stood with the others, waiting around for Akemi, who had said she was going to be on a little late thanks to family business. Asuna, Silica, Lisbeth, Klein, and Merona waited with him and chatted, the girls playing in the water a bit. The older girl finally arrived, smiling as she walked over with Aya in tow. "Sorry we're late... Aunty tried to feed me thirds." she smiled a little, Ayaori looking as stoic as ever. Sinon and Majin had signed up for Rise of the Autumn Moon and were currently off training at the lower levels so they could do their best to catch up to them and attain the level 25 clearance needed to get access to Willow Lake Pure when it came out in a couple of days.
"Let's go." Kirito said, leading the way into the dungeon. Asuna cast her spell, everyone being able to dive without worry of drowning or becoming incapacitated by immense pressure in the Harbor Dungeon. They made it to a platform, landing on it and looking around as they began figuring out what to do next, not seeing any signs of anything around.
"Welcome." a hand reached out and Silica screamed as it touched her shoulder. It was an NPC with octopus arms. "Are you here to help us?" After a short explanation, it was made clear that the objective was to destroy the monster octopus that had cursed this underwater city and laid it to ruin. The group swam towards what looked like a large mound of sand. But as they landed, the sand shifted.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, I'm sure."
"Come on, this way." But as they headed towards the other side of the hill, Asuna, Silica, Lisbeth, and Merona all screamed, being picked up by 4 monstrous tentacles with giant suckers.
"Crap! We're standing on the octopus!" Akemi jumped off and landed on a nearby rock formation, Kirito slashing at the monster as Akemi brought out her leviathan. But when Kirito attempted to cut the tentacles, they absorbed the blow and healed.
"What the hell, it regenerates?!" Klein began attacking as well, both boys having trouble. Even the leviathan wasn't doing much good. Akemi backed up and tried to think of a plan, worrying about the potentially R18 scene that was occurring in front of her.
"Akemi, below! By the rock shelf!" Kirito exclaimed, being pushed back by the octopus. Akemi looked down to where Kirito had mentioned and saw that the octopus was missing an arm. It was charred… like something had burnt it off.
"Akemi, a little help!" Klein exclaimed, trying to get the girls out and barely being able to keep out of range of the grasping octopus arms. Akemi looked over at Kirito, the boy making eye contact with her. She nodded, turning to their companion.
"Klein, re-equip your flame sword! Kirito, I'm transferring Kazumi to you!" Akemi stated, preparing the transfer and pulling off her bandages on the arm that Kazumi was on, running her fingers over the tattoo above the little fire fox.
"What?! We're in the water!"
"Just do it, Klein!" Kirito accepted the transfer and put Kazumi's summon into his sword as a temporary boost, his sword's shape changing into a flame-based sword, much like Klein's.
"Wake, o great bearer of flame! I call forth the flaming star that rebirths from the ashes! Phoenix of Crimson Wings, Aeven!" the bird emerged from the tattoos, putting out a soothing warmth that seemed to cause the octopus to recoil. "Phoenix Blazing Fire!" Aeven flew straight into the octopus head, impacting and causing the creature to flail in pain.
"Burst Berserker!" Klein sliced into the Octopus arms, severing them with a searing heat from the technique he was using.
"Flaming Steel!" Kirito did the same, freeing the girls.
"How the heck does fire even work?!" Klein asked, but grinned as the girls moved away from the octopus. "This is way too cool!"
"Klein, watch out!" Merona blocked an attack for him, both getting caught in a plume of ink. "Pay attention, seriously!" she coughed, Asuna healing them quickly as the octopus tried to escape. Akemi caught Asuna glancing at Kirito and sighed, firing off another attack at the octopus as one of its other arms tried to catch her, the girl turning to look at Akemi.
"All of you are getting distracted…" she stated, smiling. "Come on, we're not here to mess around." She stated, Asuna glancing away. Kirito and Klein finished off the octopus as Akemi floated over to Asuna. "You alright?"
"I'm sorry… even though you two are together I still…"
"Don't make sad faces." She ruffled Asuna's hair. "After you told me, I didn't know what to think… but I promise, Asuna… love finds its way… even if it's not with the person you thought, it does…" she smiled knowingly, Asuna nodding her head. "Good good~ Big sis Ake is proud of you~"
"What are you two talking about?" Lisbeth and Silica floated over to them.
"Nothing~" Akemi chuckled. "Come on, the monster's dead~ Let's go back~" she said, the victory window and thanks for her participation in battle coming up in front of her. She paused though. "Do you wish to accept the gift?" she tilted her head. She pressed the blue button, a light shining before her, the shape changing into what looked like a weapon. She touched it and the light vanished, her eyes going wide. The panel opened up as she caught the item. "Congratulations on your special item drop!" it read. "Th-this is…?" the others gathered around her and stared in fascination the item.
"It looks like… a staff…?" Asuna looked it over as Lisbeth tried to figure it out, pulling up a weapons catalog and searching for the item.
"AAAAAAAAAH!" the pinkette jumped back a little.
"Wh-what is it?" Silica asked.
"Th-this is a God Seed Staff!"
"A-a God Seed Staff?!"
"This staff belonged to the once great Fire God that roamed the land, creating destruction and hellish death wherever he went." Lisbeth began reading the description. "It is said that when it was taken from him, he fell into the ocean and created a crater that is now the Harbor of the Sea Dragon. His staff no longer possesses hellish destructive force, but instead creates a means for storing power, summons, or healing as it's wielder possesses. This staff will be available for the owner's use in Willow Lake Pure! Oh my god, Akemi, this is item drop's rate is less than 0.0003%!"
"What no way!"
"Akemi, you have all the luck." Kirito grumbled.
"Haha, do I?" she asked, smiling and hugging onto the boy. "I think that's because of the lucky charm you bought me~"
"He bought you a charm?" Merona asked, scanning Akemi's avatar.
"Not here, IRL. I wear it on my wrist when I know we're going into a dungeon~" she smiled. "I almost never fail to get the item drop~"
"No way!" the girls were all chatting about it the whole way back to the ruined city, and once they got their rewards, they headed back towards the surface. But suddenly, Asuna's magic ran out and everyone began struggling to swim. But as this happened, a large shadow came up under them, lifting them quickly to the surface. When they breeched, they realized what was under them.
"Whoa, a whale!"
"Ah, this is so cool!"
"It's huge!"
"Wow, this is amazing~!"
"Guys… calm down…"
"It's just a whale, chill out…"
"Let them enjoy it. They've earned it." Akemi said, sitting on the back of the whale and watching the sun setting over the water. "… This was a great day~"
"And the day after tomorrow we get to see how they revamped Willow Lake…" Kirito added, sitting next to her. "This is gonna be great."
"Isn't it?" Akemi smiled. "… I can't wait~"
May 31, 2025 - 11 pm - Location Unknown
The brunette man with the pendant sat in a comfy chair at his home, reading through forums as he waited for the morning to come. Finally, his plan would become a reality. Tomorrow, when Willow Lake Pure came online and opened to the public, he would be able to enact the first steps of his plan. "Oh Florien, you old fool." he laughed. "Your plans were flawed... you left vulnerabilities that were so obvious... I will not make your mistakes... I will succeed." he laughed. "Thanks to that idiot brother of Ishigami's, I was able to figure out the fox's lover IRL... ahaha, their relationship is so sweet~" he cackled. "But soon everyone will know... and once they do it will be too late for that wretched Black Fox to fix it..." he looked at a timer, smiling. "Just as soon as the server goes online, this post will ruin you, Akemi Ryugazaki..." he spun in his chair laughing. "And soon, very soon, I will be able to exact my revenge for what you did to me." he picked up a single dart from his desk and threw it against the board, where a picture of a much younger Akemi Ryugazaki was taped up, the picture full of dart holes.
((A not so mysterious new villain arrives on scene o v o
If you don't get it, check back to last chapter there's a hint there.
So this was my filler episode ahaha- /crais
Anyway, I hope you enjoy it and look forward to the prologue for the next round~
Also, I hope you're all prepared to see what twist I have coming up o v o
-Winter Cheshire))