Hope everyone has had a Happy Halloween. And what a lovely blue moon in this neck of the woods. What are the odds, eh?

Thanks again to everyone who has reviewed so far, not to mention the faves and follows we have. I am really glad this story is being well-received. Hope you guys look forward to more coming up.

Once more, Reki Kawahara is the creator and author of SAO and its related content. I own nothing save this little idea.

Now then,

LINK START!

Chapter 5:

Noblesse Oblige

High in the Central Cathedral, a singular figure stood amid a massive bedchamber. Little could be seen of said figure aside from long hair that reached the floor, and a silk dressing gown. The figure looked out to the starry sky, facing away from a mirror of a peculiar design. The mirror being oval, and the outside engraved with strange runes not seen in the Human Empire. Its purpose was not clear, but the figure appeared to be waiting for something to happen. And then, as the moonlight shined on it, the reflective surface glowed until it showed, rather than a reflection, a shadowy figure in its gaze. This one had the notable feature of green, translucent wings. But like the figure before it, not much else could be discerned.

"It is good to speak with an old friend," the figure in the room said without turning around.

"We both know we are not good at deceiving each other," the figure in the mirror returned. "The only fools are the ones in our respective domains. A pity our third member could not join us on a night like this."

"A pity, but not unwelcome," the first figure told the other. "Especially with him taking sanctuary in his floating castle over my world."

"Yes. Such a deplorable prison," the mirror figure said with disdain. Then he addressed, "Speaking of which, you were supposed to have sent my bride to me after you had the excuse to seize her from that dump of the village. Not send her off to a place neither of us can reach."

"You know as well as I that that was my very intention," the first spat back. "However, he was crafty. Somehow, he has interfered in our plans. Your bride is now under his protection, while I am unable to break the remaining Integrity Knight still not under my full control."

"That matter is hardly my concern," the mirror figure pointed out.

"It shall be soon," the first spoke bitterly. Turning to face their associate, they informed, "He has begun something here in my dominion. I know not what, but it all started when I had those children brought here. He did something before they arrived."

"He could not have. He does not have power like you or I," the mirror figure said gleefully. "The power of the gods themselves. The power to bend the world to our whim."

"It is not enough," the first reminded. "We must ascertain the identities of the vessels. Once we do, we can claim their power and usurp their roles. Only then will we be true gods."

"I shall see that the people of this land discover the ones meant to take on their power," the mirror figure assured. "Before long, the three goddesses will bend to our will."

Smiling in shadow, the first spoke, "Yes. Then nothing shall be greater than we."

It had been nearly a month since the beginning of the new academy year, yet there was much to be done. Eugeo was in the training room, practicing his sword style on a wooden dummy. Using his practice sword, he exercised exactly as Kayaba had taught him and Kirito back in Rulid. The memories of all those days learning to use a sword while chopping away at the Gigas Cedar drove him to perfect his abilities more and more. Along with those came his memories of Alice. He was all for rescuing both girls, but Alice held more importance to him in this mission. And he knew Kirito was the same with Asuna. He could remember one such memory that had been cemented in his mind.

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It was perhaps half a year before the Integrity Knight took them away. Eugeo had become sick and was unable to fulfill his Calling until he was better. It was agonizing for him to lay in bed, hacking and coughing so much his chest hurt. Sister Azalia's herbs helped a bit, but he still felt terrible. Most of his family steered away from him aside from his mother who watched over him. Beyond the pain and anguish, Eugeo felt guilty. They had received their Callings not too long ago, and now Kirito was left to chop at the Gigas Cedar all by himself. How he wished he was out there with his friend.

The second day that he was sick, around the time the noon bells rang, there came a knock on the door his mother went to answer. He began coughing again after she left, not being able to hear the conversation happening out there. He groaned as he lay back in bed, forehead beading with sweat. After a bit of time, he felt a cool cloth be pressed on his forehead. He looked up through his blurred vision to see something golden beside his bed. A color he recognized with only one person.

"Alice?" he uttered weakly.

He heard her shush him softly, telling him, "Save your strength Eugeo." He then felt what he could only assume was a spoon pressed against his lips, which he then swallowed as soup was poured. It tasted rather sweet and warm, making him feel much more at ease. "You need to rest so you can reclaim your strength," Alice told him. Eugeo didn't argue the matter as he did what she told him to do.

Over the next couple of days while he fought off the sickness, Alice came over every morning to look after him. Sister Azalia was often miffed at her seeming to shirk her Calling of learning the Sacred Arts, but Alice followed that up with practicing near Eugeo. A few times during her practice, she would even manipulate some of the elements to float around him and essentially entertain Eugeo. Asuna and Kirito came by for brief periods during those days to wish him well, but Alice was always there by his side each time for the whole day.

The fourth day of bedrest, Eugeo was beginning to feel his sickness ebbing away. Even so, Alice came and helped to feed him. Eugeo was grateful for her presence, yet a nagging part of his mind pestered him to no end.

So he asked, "Alice, why do you do this? You have your Calling to do. You shouldn't be having to take care of me."

Becoming stern, Alice replied, "I would think you would show a bit more gratitude that I went out of my way to look after you. But it seems I had just wasted all my time."

Hastily, Eugeo said, "Sorry! I didn't mean it like that. I really am grateful for all you have done for me. I just don't understand why."

Softening her expression, Alice told him, "I wanted to take care of you. It's never fun without all four of us together at the Gigas Cedar. And I really like having you with… us." She had paused briefly there, but Eugeo didn't pay it any mind. Nor did he notice the tint of pink dusting her cheeks when she did pause. Then she explained, "My father once told me of a saying used with the nobles in Centoria. He says it's 'noblesse oblige', which means that those with power must use it for those weaker and more vulnerable than them. So taking care of you is like fulfilling the role I have as the chief's daughter."

"Well thank you all the same Alice," Eugeo returned with a smile. "I hope I can do the same for you one day and fulfill this 'o-bli-je' for you too."

At that, Alice said, "I know you will, one day."

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He hadn't understood it much then, but now he truly wanted to do what Alice did for him. Only this was beyond bringing soup and care for a sick friend. He was going to save someone wrongly accused and bring them home. To do that, he had to get stronger. After one last swing, he decided to stop to catch his breath. He observed all the scuffs and dents made in the dummy by students like himself as if to compare his effort to take this target down with everyone else's. And he knew he still had a long way to go.

"Well well, it seems Disciple Eugeo is busying himself by chopping at wood," came a rather snide voice. He looked back to see none other than Raios and Humbert watching him with smug looks. Based on who spoke, he could surmise it was Raios.

"I hear Disciple Eugeo was a woodcutter back in the village he comes from," Humbert commented to his peer. "It seems his sword skills are relegated to cutting down logs."

"No need to be so harsh Humbert," Raios spoke with false sympathy. "After all, Disciple Eugeo hasn't had the training ones such as you or I have been endowed with by right."

"Too true, Lord Raios," Humbert retorted in kind. "Perhaps we should help teach this foolish commoner about proper swordsmanship." As Eugeo made to leave, Humbert asked, "What say you, Disciple Eugeo?"

"I appreciate the offer, but—" he began. But then stopped himself. Kirito had mentioned how everyone had a special power behind their skills. Like Golgorrosso and his immense strength, or Sortiliena and her pride in her family's style of fighting. He had even claimed Raios and Humbert have a similar power in their arrogance as nobles. This made Eugeo curious to find out what that was.

So he corrected himself by saying, "My apologies for speaking as I just did. I would be honored to accept your tutelage. I can do so right now, if you so wish." Humbert seemed put off by this manner of address, but Raios seemed intrigued.

"Very good," he replied. And Humbert went to stand in the sparring ring opposite Eugeo.

"What shall it be?" Humbert asked gruffly.

"If you would like, let us make our match a stop-short," Eugeo suggested.

"As you wish," Humbert returned viciously. "I will show you that your flashy attacks are nothing to a noble's true might." The two gave a salute before drawing their blades, signaling the beginning of their duel. Eugeo remembered the advice Kayaba gave them back in Rulid.

Against an opponent with superior strength, it is foolish to try and overpower them. Instead, strike at their weapon. A well-placed hit will take away their power, robbing the wind from their sails. Do this, and victory can be assured.

With this in mind, Eugeo prepped for Humbert to make the first move. He did so without using a sword skill, forcing the boy to sidestep and parry his strike. He could feel the force behind Humbert's strikes, knowing he would need to divert the power or avoid it altogether to even have a remote chance of overcoming the noble.

After a few strikes, Humbert shouted, "Enough!" He raised his sword, making it glow orange to signal the skill Avalanche. "I will not be shown up by some common rat." Remembering what Kayaba said, Eugeo pulled his sword behind him and it began to glow green for Horizontal. The two charged with their swords swinging at each other. With every fiber of his being, Eugeo moved to meet his sword with Humbert's. The minute he did, the light around his opponent's sword vanished, cancelling the skill.

But before Eugeo could follow up, Raios called, "Stop! This duel is over." As the two backed away at that, he declared, "I call this duel a draw."

"But Lord Raios, you can't!" Humbert protested. "I can't let this end in a draw with some urchin like him."

"Calm yourself Humbert," Raios advised. "We have wasted enough time today." Humbert seethed at this ending he had to suffer through. Eugeo, however, sheathed his practice sword before he began to walk out.

"I thank you for the lesson, Elite Disciples Antinous and Zizek," he addressed the two. "It was very informative how much more I need to improve." And he left before they got another word in.

The next day of rest, Kirito and Eugeo were sitting in a pavilion having tea and treats alongside their pages and Sortiliena. The former Elite Disciple was wearing her casual wear like the boys saw the one time in the market and was treating them to their picnic. The pages still seemed in awe that they were even here, which baffled the boys since they knew their pages were nobles as well.

Seeing the hesitancy of said pages, Sortiliena encouraged, "Go ahead. Enjoy. There is plenty more for everyone."

"Thank you, Lady Serlut," the girls said together before digging into the cookies and pies.

After watching them dig in, Eugeo inquired, "How are you and Silica faring, Sortiliena?"

Chuckling, the noble urged, "Eugeo, please, call me Liena. We are all friends here." Then she answered, "We are making do. I was fortunate I came of age to adopt Silica into my family, though it hasn't been easy among the other nobles. I'm working on helping teach her our customs and etiquette so I may introduce her as my adopted daughter."

"It's still kind of weird to consider Silica your daughter now," Kirito commented.

"You aren't the only one," Sortiliena replied. "Despite that being the case here, Silica has never once called me 'Mother'. Perhaps that is for the best, especially for someone like her."

Speaking of said individual, Silica came up to the group and said, "Liena, I completed my chores and exercises for today." When the boys looked over, they almost didn't recognize her. Silica now wore a red cloak with a white breastplate on her front, along with fingerless gloves. She had a black, pleated skirt and stockings along with black shoes. Her hair still had her old pigtails from before. She looked like a fighter more than the thief she had once been.

"Very good Silica," Sortiliena responded. She then instructed, "You are welcome to join us for a picnic, or you can go visit Lisbeth and play with her for a bit."

The young girl looked to the group gathered before noticing the two pages, and said timidly, "Um, if it's alright with you, I think I'll go see Lisbeth now." Sortiliena gave her permission, allowing Silica to scamper off to another part of the residence.

Having noticed the girl, Tiese inquired, "Miss Sortiliena, who was that?"

To which Sortiliena answered, "She is a friend of Kirito and Eugeo whom I am caring for now."

This surprised the pages, and Ronie asked, "Really? You can do that?"

"It is not forbidden by Imperial Law or the Taboo Index to take someone under your care," the noblewoman pointed out. "And besides, a noble's home is rather empty without people to live with." The two girls saw the point being made and agreed she was right. "Besides, I felt it was my duty to do something like that for her with what she has had to suffer."

That sparked recognition in the back of his mind, making Eugeo utter out, "Noblesse oblige." His speaking such a phrase surprised the nobles present among them, so he mentioned, "It was something an old friend told me once when I was little. She said it was a responsibility people with power should uphold.

"I've never heard of something like that," Kirito spoke up. "At least, not from this friend you mention."

"Either way, that is correct Eugeo," Sortiliena commended. "It's a good thing your friend told you about such a thing." Eugeo turned away bashfully at the praise. With that, things went to small talk and lessons as the group enjoyed the rest of their sweets and tea.

Once everything was done and Tiese and Ronie cleaned up, the former brought up, "Um, if it's alright, we have something we wanted to ask you two." The two boys looked over to their pages, as did Sortiliena.

"What's wrong Tiese?" Eugeo inquired. "You sound rather serious about whatever this issue is."

Seeming to steel her nerves, Tiese told them, "Our friend in the dorms has had problems with her mentor. Her name is Frenica. Her Elite Disciple has been asking her to do… embarrassing things for him." This disturbed the boys and Sortiliena. "It's not just one time, but for the past few days he has made her do such tasks that are humiliating to even speak of," Tiese continued. "And each night, Frenica has been crying herself to sleep."

"They can't do that," Eugeo muttered angrily.

"So long as it is not against the academy rules, Imperial Law, or the Taboo Index, there is nothing stopping them from such matters right away," Sortiliena clarified. "The only time it becomes a problem is when the matter is brought up. And even then, there are ways around it."

"So there are ways for people to not be punished by things like the Taboo Index?" Kirito questioned, eyes narrowed.

To which, Sortiliena answered, "There most certainly are. And if the one doing the deed is a noble, especially so. With something like judicial authority, most nobles can get away with all kinds of foul deeds without repercussions. I have come across my fair share of those individuals and was powerless to stop them." This seemed to dishearten everyone upon hearing it, tainting the mood of the day.

At least until Kirito brought up, "Well, if they are doing something unsavory, someone needs to stand against them. Someone needs to confront them that this isn't right." Looking to Eugeo, he added, "Noblesse oblige, right?"

To which Eugeo replied, "Yeah. Kirito and I can talk to this Elite Disciple and work to correct his behavior. Or at the very least, bring it to his attention so he might stop." Their suggestion perked up Tiese and Ronie, bringing smiles back to their faces. "Can you tell us who this Elite Disciple is?" he asked.

To which Tiese informed, "It's Second Seat Disciple Humbert Zizek." At this, Eugeo was reminded about his duel earlier that week and how Humbert was fuming at ending their duel in a draw. He began to think about why this was happening regarding the result and that Humbert was taking his frustrations out on Frenica. In a way, he inadvertently was the cause of her suffering.

But Kirito assured, "Alright. Eugeo and I will speak with Humbert and try to get him to stop. Or if possible, get Frenica reassigned to a different Elite Disciple."

Beaming, Tiese replied, "Thank you Kirito."

Then Sortiliena warned, "Humbert and Raios might refute your claim if you aren't careful with your wording. Don't go in there to accuse them. They will most likely use it against you if given the chance."

Kirito nodded at this, before noticing Eugeo blanking out. Ronie also seemed aware of this, and inquired, "Sir Eugeo, is something wrong?"

This snapped the boy out of his musings, and he responded, "What? Oh, I'm alright."

"Knock it off Eugeo," Kirito told him. "I know when you are hiding something. Just spill it already." Eugeo knew Kirito had a point. Even when they were little, he and the girls always had this ability to read him like a book and understand what was going on about him.

Thus, he revealed, "I had a duel with Humbert earlier this week. I wanted to see if all their boisterous talk was really a power they used, like you said. In the end, the duel ended in a draw. But Hubert seemed furious about it and didn't want to leave it as it was. I think that's why he's been abusing Frenica like he has, because of me." Eugeo truly felt ashamed he had done something to hurt another person.

When he finished, Sortiliena got out of her seat and went over to him. "Eugeo, stand up for me," she requested. The boy did so, though the others weren't sure what she had in mind. She then asked him, "This duel with Humbert, tell me everything." So Eugeo told her about what he did and how he handled himself. When he finished, Sortiliena then told him, "Then you bear no blame for Humbert's actions." Before Eugeo could protest, Sortiliena explained, "Based on the account you gave, you were the superior fighter at the time. You countered Humbert's attacks with your own skills and held your ground. You were calm, collected, and humble. Therefore, everything you did was in line with someone above reproach."

"But Frenica—" Eugeo tried arguing.

"Is Humbert's page, not yours," Sortilinea interjected. She then challenged, "Tell me something: if I were to hurt Silica because I had had an unsatisfactory duel with you, would it be your fault?"

"No!" Eugeo immediately responded. "But—"

Sortiliena interrupted him again by stating, "The only one at fault is the one doing the wrongdoing. You are not hurting Frenica, your hands are clean. The fault lies with Humbert for taking his anger out on someone unaffiliated with you. In my family, along with a few other nobles, we only take responsibility for our own actions. Whether we did something worthy of praise or something truly shameful, we take what fault is made as our own. In this way, we remember how our actions can have consequences. Never forget this."

Standing up, Tiese added, "She's right. My family is the same way. We are always taught to take responsibility in everything we do. So you simply need to remind Humbert of his responsibilities as Elite Disciple."

Touched by their words, Eugeo bowed to them and said, "Thank you Liena, Tiese."

Kirito rose from his seat and assured, "I have your back Eugeo. Always have, always will."

"I know you do, Kirito," Eugeo returned. This gave him the conviction to do what was necessary.

Later that afternoon, Kirito and Eugeo stood before the dorm room of the First and Second Seat Disciples. The two steeled themselves for this confrontation but were ready all the same. They knew they had to confront their peers on the matter to avoid any more strife suffered by the pages. Once Eugeo gave a nod to his friend, Kirito knocked. They were instructed to come in and did just that. Both Raios and Humbert were wearing what appeared to be bath robes of red and yellow respectively, lounging on their couch. Eugeo could feel his blood pumping in his veins at the leisurely way these two were conducting themselves. But Sortiliena's words rang in his head as he remembered they weren't here to accuse them, only to bring this matter to their attention so they would be warned and stopped.

"Disciples Kirito and Eugeo," Raios spoke first, "to what do we owe the pleasure of your appearance today?"

"We came to address a matter brought up by the pages," Kirito informed, keeping his wording vague enough to avoid incriminating anyone. "There have been troubling rumors brought up about Elite Disciple Zizek. These rumors describe his actions with his page of a vulgar nature. We wanted to address these concerns for the sakes of your reputation."

"My, how considerate you two are," Raios replied haughtily, further infuriating Eugeo. "I have not been made aware of such rumors, and these do indeed trouble me."

Doing his best to keep his voice level, Eugeo added, "We thought it best to bring it to your attention, Elite Disciple Antinous, as you share a dorm with Elite Disciple Zizek. As such, these rumors might be damaging to you as much as to your partner here."

Raios seemed to think on the matter briefly before answering, "Yes, these rumors would be a stain on my spotless reputation. I seek only the best of myself and would be shocked to be affiliated with matters such as these." Turning to his partner, he asked in a way as if this was planned, "Humbert, do you have anything to say in the matter?"

To which, Humbert sarcastically confessed, "I admit to giving dear Frenica orders of a questionable nature, but nothing truly so despicable as these rumors claim. I have merely asked her to comfort me and soothe my woes. I may have asked for her to do some things without her uniform on, but nothing scandalous I assure you. Especially for her sake, as she seemed rather overtaken by the heat from those particular days."

This made Eugeo seethe and clench his fists. You monster! He thought angrily. You knew what you asked was humiliating for her and that it was simply for your self-pleasure. You know what we are telling you, and you are playing it off as simply a whim and a service? He wanted to run Humbert through right then and there. He wanted to make him suffer, as Frenica most likely suffered. He wanted him to know humiliation, anguish, all the things she had to have gone through serving him as she was forced to. He wanted all of this to happen to Humbert without regard for himself.

Then Raios assured, "There you have it. I will work to control my partner's questionable antics. But you now have the truth of these rumors." This response only made Eugeo further enraged. Still they would drag this out as some kind of mistake? He couldn't let this stand.

But Kirito held him back and replied, "We would much appreciate it, Elite Disciple Antinous. Thank you for listening to our warnings." He gave a small bow before turning to leave. Eugeo gave them no such respect as he turned away before his scowl appeared before them.

A ways away from their room, Eugeo let his anger rise and struck the wall next to him hard. "Damn it!" he let out in anger. "They were toying with us like we were idiot schoolboys. Those two…"

Turning to face his friend, Kirito spoke, "I know Eugeo. I know how they saw us when we told them what Tiese and Ronie told us."

"Then why?" Eugeo questioned bitterly. "Why are we just letting them get away with it? Why aren't we doing more? They should be punished for this."

"Unless we can find proof of their wrongdoing in the eyes of the school or the Taboo Index, there's nothing we can do," Kirito reasoned. "Our hands are tied."

Looking at his friend with fury, Eugeo retorted, "And that's it? You're just giving up like that? Frenica is suffering because of them."

"You don't think I know that?!" Kirito shouted back at his friend, causing Eugeo to be taken aback. "You don't think I want them to feel the same pain as Frenica? I want nothing more than to see the goddesses come down and make them suffer in the Dark Territory for their misdeeds. But I know we can't do anything against them. That's why we need to become Integrity Knights so we can change all of this, so we can rid this world of this injustice that ruined our lives. Like it did when they came for Asuna and Alice."

That was when Eugeo stopped thinking in anger and was reminded of their purpose. Everything was to change the wrongs done in this world. So no children were snatched up for petty mistakes like Asuna and Alice were. So nobles couldn't abuse their power like Raios and Humbert did. They were going to make this world better, just like Kayaba said they would on their journey. That was their primary purpose for being in the academy and working towards getting into the church.

Dipping his head, Eugeo muttered, "I'm sorry Kirito."

But Kirito shook his head and assured, "There's nothing to be sorry about. We'll do what we can as Elite Disciples so we can bring Raios and Humbert's wrongdoings to light. We just have to bear with it until then."

"Yes. You're right," he responded. There would be a time they would make this all right. With that, the two went to their dorms for the night.

Following that exchange during the next week, things seemed to mellow out in classes. Raios and Humbert never made advances in their jeering towards Kirito and Eugeo, and even Humbert averted his gaze whenever Eugeo saw him. He wanted to believe this meant they had learned their lesson and would not cause any more trouble for anyone. Though Eugeo had the hidden dread that this was not the case. He believed they were plotting for their chance to get back at them for speaking up about Frenica. According to their pages, she had been doing much better and wasn't being asked for atrocious demands like before. Whatever they had done, it apparently changed the Elite Disciples of the First and Second Seats from using their power and authority abusively. At least, Eugeo wanted to hope so.

One afternoon later that week, Eugeo was in his room as Tiese went about her page duties. He had requested a couple of times to help her with the chores, but she refused instantly each time while telling him this was a part of her page duties. Eugeo had no room to argue, as it had been the same thing for him with Golgorosso.

When she finished, Tiese declared, "Elite Disciple Eugeo, I have a report. All cleaning tasks have been completed."

"Thanks Tiese," he returned. "I really appreciate this."

"It's nothing, Sir Eugeo," the girl said in reply. "This is part of a page's duty."

After that had been settled, Eugeo requested, "If it isn't too much, I'd like to have a word with you. May you take a seat." It was only in that moment he realized there was only one seat in the room at his desk. He knew Tiese would refuse and simply claim to remain standing the entire time. So, he gestured to the other end of the bed while he went towards the head.

Seeming to fight back some kind of reaction to the suggestion, Tiese said, "Um, of course." And she sat close to the foot of the bed, giving adequate distance between her and Eugeo. He could tell she was stiffening from the situation and seemed to be fighting some inner turmoil, though he didn't know what that was.

Still, he carried on as he told her, "Kirito and I spoke with Raios and Humbert the other day. We think, after our talk, they wanted to avoid any more issues about what they did with their pages. So they should have stopped their uncouth requests."

"Yes, thank you for that Sir Eugeo," Tiese spoke as she visibly relaxed. "Frenica has been grateful since we told her you two went for her sake."

"You know we've told you to not be so formal with us when your tasks are done," Eugeo reminded. "Just call me Eugeo." For whatever reason, Tiese's cheeks went red from the suggestion. The boy had no idea why that was nor what could have brought it up. He then asked, "Are you okay? Your face is getting red."

Giving out a cute shriek, Tiese hurriedly assured, "No, I'm okay. Just fine." Eugeo wasn't convinced, especially when she muttered to herself and gave herself hard pats on the cheek as if to focus. Once she was calmer, she said, "Thank you for everything you do Eugeo. Ronie and I always talk about how fortunate we are to have you two as our mentors. You're always so kind to us and treat us very well. Even that picnic with Lady Serlut was really wonderful."

Eugeo gave an embarrassed laugh, claiming, "That was just some fortunate circumstance. We were just as lucky ourselves."

But then, Tiese's face turned away and looked downtrodden. She then requested herself rather timidly, "Would… would it be… alright… if I… sat… sat closer?" Not thinking much about it, Eugeo granted her request. To his surprise, she scooted so close he could reach out and hug her if he wanted. "I know I will soon be of age to take on responsibilities for the Schtrinten family and will be wedded to a noble house. And I know there are nobles that use the women in their household as nothing more than just… objects meant for gratification." Tears pooling in her eyes, she posed, "What if the noble I marry is someone like… like Disciple Zizek? Someone who would abuse his wife for a silly reason as a draw in a duel?"

"Tiese…" Eugeo spoke, thinking about how to assure her. But no words followed.

That was when Tiese let him know, "I know that people who place highly in the Four Empire Unification Tournament can earn prestige, even a noble title. I know you will place high and win the tournament, just like Lady Azurica before. When you do…" Now the tears were streaking down her face, and it tore at Eugeo's heart to see her like this. He was wracking his brain for what might be upsetting her and why she would be bringing this all up.

That is until she pleaded, "Will you, if you don't become an Integrity Knight, be my… my…" And Eugeo realized what she was asking. And with the realization came a dilemma. He was stuck between two paths. The first being in coming to terms that Alice was no longer alive and all his and Kirito's efforts were for naught. Still, he could perhaps take up the chance to protect Tiese from a fate she might fall into with other nobles. Maybe he could save someone else with what power he had. Yet at the same time, there was no confirmation Alice had perished. There was still a chance. But finding her would mean dooming this innocent, compassionate girl to a destiny she had probably prepared herself for. He really had to question what he was fighting for all this time.

Still unsure, he asked, "Tiese, would it be too much if I asked to comfort you?" It didn't seem to be an issue, as Tiese flung herself into his chest and sobbed against him. With permission given, he hugged her and let her cry against him. His internal dilemma hadn't faded at all, but he did know there was still time before he would have to make that difficult decision.

He whispered soothingly, "Wait for me. After the tournament, I will give you my answer." Tiese's only response was to nod against him. He wasn't sure what Kirito would think of his inability to tell her his real mission. All he could do was be someone's support in the moment he was in now.

Out in Rulid Village, everyone was preparing to retire for the night as the sun started to set. Selka trudged on to the church, her head downcast in dismay. She had lost too many people in the recent decade. Such loss weighed on her mind heavily. She began to toy with thoughts that dangerously teetered on the extreme.

First Big Sister and Asuna are taken for breaking the Taboo Index, she pondered drearily. Then Eugeo and Kirito leave to become proper Swordsmen in Centoria. And now this. Must I be fated to lose more? Who will go next? Mother is beside herself, while Father seems to struggle with everything in the village. She looked up to the sky and prayed, Goddess Stacia, will I never be free of this ordeal? Am I cursed to lose everyone I love? She received no solace in her prayer, only silence and further despair.

But just then, she heard footsteps coming from behind her, and a voice belonging to a woman who asked, "Excuse me sister, could I ask where the nearest grove is?" Turning around, Selka saw a cloaked figure approaching. She couldn't make out much but noticed the skin around their face was white as could be. Their feet were in white-armored boots, as were her hands. Selka thought this must be some knight or warrior.

Still rattled, she answered, "Certainly stranger. There is a grove just northwest of the village, beyond the remains of the Demon Tree."

This information gave the stranger pause, and she inquired, "The Demon Tree? It has been felled?" She looked to the horizon where the great tree once stood to confirm this. Then she asked, "By whose hand was this tree struck down? Word has it the tree would take centuries more to topple."

"It is by the work of the Swordsmen, Eugeo and Kirito," Selka revealed. At that, she noticed as the figure gasped at the names. It struck her as odd that such a figure would elicit such a reaction over names known mainly to their village. So she herself asked, "Does this trouble you?"

Regaining their composure, the figure responded, "No, not at all. Rather, it is pleasing to hear. Now the villagers can expand their farmland and produce more crops to prepare for the coming winter." She then gave a quick farewell and departed for the direction Selka gave. But one thought pervaded her mind at this.

"Big Sister?" she questioned, hoping beyond hope.

Out in the woods the stranger strolled. They walked through the trees to shrubs and bushes that created a kind of barrier ahead of them. When they reached it, they pulled the brush aside and walked into a clearing of beautiful flowers. The figure stood in the middle of the grove as they looked around. Such memories lay in this small space. Memories they held onto strongly for so long. Memories they feared would be ripped away, all while still being threatened to be erased for a new responsibility. The figure took solace that this place persisted.

In their musings, a white dragon landed nearby and tossed petals and leaves into the air upon landing. The dragon, outfitted with a saddle and reins, cooed at the figure. Said figure took one last look at the grove before moving towards the dragon.

Stroking its neck, they told it, "It appears we may not have long to wait, Amayori. They will soon fulfill their promise. And we must be ready to take them, so that our oath may be fulfilled."