Dungeon Oratoria Online

by asdf1asdf1

DOO is the first game to be created in a long awaited category, a VRMMORPG. Follow Kirito and co as they seek to clear out the depths of the dungeon located beneath the city Orario. However, this game is no mere entertainment, it's a real world, where death in the dungeon means death for your body. The only way they can escape the game is to clear the bottom floor of the dungeon.

20. Chapter 18

Author's Note

Hello again,

Sorry for the delay, but most of my free time is being eaten up with P5R. As I'm still not finished, the next Chapter will also still be slow. Since my pre-planning is garbage, I still don't have a confirmed direction in mind. So, if you'd like to influence the outcome, this is your best chance lol.

Enjoy,

-asdf

---

Chapter 18 – The Sixteenth Floor

Folkvangr:

"What is happening…?" Murmuring to himself, Kayaba Akihiko, Heathcliff now, could only look on in confusion at his holographic monitor. The whole display flickered as he sat in his room. He was the only person whom could still access their menu. That was never supposed to happen.

Even as he watched, another glitch appeared in the display. Like some force was slowly chewing away at the connection. Destroying his ability to affect this place. Once again Heathcliff hesitantly raised his finger to press one button. Closing his eyes for a moment, he confidently tapped it. Waiting for a second, he sighed and sat back in his chair.

LOG OUT

The giant red button showed no response. It had a strange irony to it. He could no longer log out. Heathcliff was now as much a captive here as everyone else. Less than some. For the second wave of players had come here knowing there was no escape. He'd always assumed he'd be able to leave.

"Ah, playing with your forbidden magic, I see," a voice interrupts Heathcliff's thought. He didn't need to look to see who it was. The dulcet tones that awoke desires in him he didn't think existed could only belong to one being, Freya.

"It isn't magic…" He murmured in reply for what must have been the fifth time. He'd originally tried to hide his menu, but Freya somehow kept finding him while he used it. As more and more functions went offline, it became less important. Besides he had the most important part secured. He was invincible.

"Ohh, I get to see it?" Freya asks in her lilting voice. Walking behind him she lays her hands on his shoulders as she leans over him.

Jaw loosening, Heathcliff's whole body begins reacting in response to the contact, to the smell of her, to the proximity to her essence. He refused to say it to her, but he relented. She was a true goddess; he was no more than a pretender. A pretender losing his powers.

"Hmm… I wonder what will happen if I press this…"

"Press what!?" Breaking out of her charm in surprise, Heathcliff panicked as he found what Freya touched. "Mental Health Counseling Programs… engaged? That worked!?"

Exclaiming in surprise, Heathcliff had no idea what the implications of that would be. The more interesting part was that it actually worked. He could have sworn he'd tried that button before and it hadn't worked. His memory was usually perfect but… Maybe he wasn't remembering correctly?

"My, my, I seem to have upset you. I'll bid you adieu."

"N…" Cutting off the syllable, Heathcliff prevented the traitorous word from leaving his mouth. He wasn't going to worship this capricious deity like the rest of his moonstruck familia members.

Despite his resolve, the room seemed to darken around him as Freya left. Shuddering at the consequences of his actions, Heathcliff closed the menu. It was past time he went to the dungeon.

---

Kirito:

"Urgh!" My left arm shook terribly under the impact. My muscles spasming as exhaustion gripped my limb. I shouldn't be getting this tired this fast. I should be able to do so much more. Yet, I can't. All because my motions are inefficient.

It takes all of my focus simply to execute my swings with my left arm. It's not that its awkward, simply unpracticed. I need to relearn everything as a mirrored action. It's frustrating beyond belief.

"Hiyah!" Growing angry with my continual defense, the Al-miraj cocks back its arm and lets the hatchet fly. Jerking my arm in front of it, the exhaustion gets to me. Block drifting low, the axe deflects off the blade at keeps going. Clanging against my chest protector, the impact lets out one singular clear peel across the chamber. Stumbling back a step from the impact, two more of the creatures take advantage of my slip up to jump on me.

Regaining my balance, I hesitate. My body tells me to block them using the gauntlet on my right arm. But if I do that… My hesitation costs me valuable time. The stone nature weapons flash before my eyes, heralds of my oncoming death.

A brighter flash intercepts them. Polished steel decapitates both of the rabbit monsters in midair. As the corpses crash to the ground, I nod at my saviour in thanks. Philia merely frowns in disappointment as she sheathes her blade.

"I know you are fighting off-hand, but what was that?"

"Sorry," I apologize automatically. "I'm just… tired."

The excuse sounds lame as soon as it comes off my lips. That doesn't mean it isn't true though. That headache I gave myself from practicing this morning still hasn't faded.

"No, no. I should apologize," Philia sighs, her own exhaustion on display. "You broke your arm less than an hour ago. That kind of injury takes a lot out of the body. It's my lack of ability that's forcing you to fight."

"Hey," I say, laying my hand on her shoulder, "we're in this together. I appreciate you having my back, but you were right to chastise me. We need to help each other, and I screwed up. I can't promise it won't happen again. I'm using an unusual fighting style that's draining me a lot faster than I'm used to. Alright?"

Philia chuckles faintly. "I'm not sure what part of that is alright. You just said that you are going to keep screwing up, putting your life in danger."

"Well…" I say, trying to put some humour into our bleak scenario. "This just gives you more chances to put me in your debt by saving my life."

I get the reaction I'm hoping for as Philia's cheeks light up again. "W-what are you saying? I wouldn't utilize a situation where we both may die to woo you!"

"Ah, I see," I sigh in disappointment. "Guess I can't count on having a hero save my life. I always liked that scenario…"

"W-well, I mean… If you want to be saved… I'll, uh… I'll do my best…" Muttering the words half to herself, Philia resumed walking towards the main path. While I wasn't being entirely serious, her manner has changed somewhat. She's staying closer to me, observing all passages. Acting more like a protector than a leader in a two-person party.

Despite the forced humour, a sense of despair is starting to grip me. We know exactly where we are, we know the route to take to get out, and still… It feels inevitable. That at some point on the sixteenth floor, we'll encounter one of them. In my state… Drawing on my beta knowledge, only one outcome comes to mind: defeat. Philia may be able to beat one, but me? What about as part of a monster party?

At this point it feels like a waiting game. All that's left is for the dungeon to decide which obstacle it will use to defeat us. I hate it. This feeling of weakness that I'm unable to fight to my potential. There's always my skill, but it has a limited number of uses.

"Do you hear that?" Halting her movement, Philia holds out an arm to stop me as well. As I draw near, the scratches of claws on stone reach my ear.

"Hellhounds," I decide. "A lot of them."

"Could also be a liger fang or two," Philia says, prepping for the worst-case scenario. While Liger fangs aren't as strong as minotaurs and aren't regarded with as much fear, they have one advantage: they're faster. Like lions from the real world, these monsters have the tools necessary to literally tear adventurers apart.

"I'm sure it's just another couple of hellhounds," I try and assure Philia as the noises get closer.

"Yeah, you're probably right…"

As the monster party turns the corner in front us, I realize with a shock that I couldn't have been more wrong. It's a pack of Liger fangs.

---

Rain:

"We need to be going faster." My words are practically spat at Asuna as we walk silently if not swiftly through the fifteenth floor.

I can almost hear the grinding of Asuna's molars as her jaw locks in irritation. "Look. I want to help Kirito as much as you. If we run, we'll only draw monster parties down on us, thus, slowing us down."

"If you wanted to save him as much as I do, you wouldn't have moved on so quickly." I regret the words as soon I say them. Maybe it's just that I'm unable to save them by myself. Whatever it is, I'm upset I have to rely on Asuna to help.

"I… What?" Flustered by my claims, Asuna sends quick glances at her party members to make sure they can't hear her words. "You have no idea! I had to do this. For him!"

Her words are a deadly whisper, those blue eyes piercing me with a fury. I can see the anger within her rising, a mirror to mine. "Really?" I scoff. I should be backing down. Why am I not backing down? "If your intentions are so noble, then why didn't you tell Kirito?"

My heart trembles as we stare silently at each other. While our pace hasn't faltered, I can tell the others have noticed. This girl is, or was, my friend. So why am I attacking her like this?

"I'll talk to Kirito when I see him," Asuna finally relents. "But I'll tell you this. You. Are. Not. Important. Enjoy your fun while it lasts, the rest of us have important things to deal with."

Enunciating each word, Asuna stalks off ahead of me, increasing the pace of the party. Her determined stride forcing some of the shorter members into an awkward jog to keep up. Refusing to be outdone, I take up an identical pace. Forcing myself beside her once again, I don't say anything. If Asuna wants to pretend to be all high and mighty, let her.

Maybe it's the stress of the situation, but suddenly a strong surge of jealousy flares within me. Casting a baleful eye over her figure, every inch is covered in high-quality gear. It's a far cry from my slipshod armour. The most expensive part of my outfit is the exterior salamander wool that Kirito bought for me. With my familia's debt's I can only spend the money absolutely required to adventure safely. Even then, I probably rely too heavily on Kirito's prowess; more than I really should.

Asuna doesn't know what this is like. All of her gear is pristine and solid. I have no doubt that I'd lose a duel against her sheerly due to difference in equipment quality. Those shiny leather gloves could catch one my slowly decaying blades. Each sharpening taking a little more from their lifetime.

How different would we be if we'd found our ways into each other's familias? Would I be preaching about people knowing their place? Would Philia and her be best friends, debating how to proceed with their shared love interest?

With this line of reasoning, all of my jealousy and anger flow away. Instead, the memories of our first meeting come to mind instead. The earnest girl offering to try and help us in the dungeon. She probably shouldn't have been trying to teach us, but she added another person to the party and introduced us to Kirito. The number of times she saved us while adventuring…

"I'm sorry Asuna. I feel like a failure and I'm just so scared for them."

"I… I also owe you an apology." Asuna admits. "I've been stressed lately and my familia doesn't trust… never mind. I acted against you and I shouldn't have. I…" Taking a deep breath, Asuna stabilized herself and took the chance to make sure the conversation was still private. "I shouldn't say this, but I had a lot more fun adventuring with you all. We felt… Like family."

As Asuna's cheeks go red, a thought rises in me. I probably shouldn't say anything, but… She shouldn't have either. "Asuna…"

The quiet word draws her attention back to me.

"Philia and I are currently debating on how to get Kirito to date both of us. I don't know anything about your situation… but I thought you should know."

"…Thank you for telling me…"

I'm shocked by how composed her words are. Looking over her though, I see it's a mask hiding the turmoil inside. Great, I've gone and destabilized our rescue mission leader right before entering a floor none of us have explored.

Of course, that's when the monsters show up.

---

The Blue Pharmacy:

"Hestia… Don't you think you're overthinking this?"

"Grr…" Her friend's continual doubt grated on Hestia's nerves for the last time. "Does it matter!?" She finally exploded. "If I'm right, then we should be ready for any ill effects, if I'm not, oh well."

"And how should we prepare?" Miach asks gently, his composure completely unaffected by Hestia's outburst.

"I-I was hoping you'd know…"

"Well I don't," Miach tells her forcefully. "If this is really that much of an issue for you, take it to Ouranos."

"Ouranos?" Hestia scoffs, "he cares not for the children. He sits on his throne still pretending to lead the city."

Shrugging, Miach seemed done with the conversation. Routinely he continued to scrub out glass vials. They needed to be washed in extremely hot water with a harsh detergent to ensure the insides were completely sterilized to hold the potion. Improperly cleaned vials could corrupt the potion inside of them, turning it into a poison. Miach insisted on doing the job himself. Without synthesize he couldn't make many of the potions. Therefore, he insisted on doing this job. One essential to his familia keeping the few regular customers that they attracted.

"Fine," Hestia sighed, exasperated by his lack of concomitance, "well what about the children? Do you think they deserve to know about this?"

This finally received a reaction from Miach as he lays the tubes back into the hot water. "What should we tell them, Hestia? That they may develop random abilities? On what, a hypothesis? They need to survive with the abilities they have. If more develop, celebrate them for they make their job easier. Don't stress them out about where they come from."

"Maybe… Maybe you're right. I'll leave now…" Shaken from the encounter, Hestia started to wonder if she'd been on a wild goose chase this whole time.

From behind the closed door to the garden, one adventurer listened rapt to the conversation. Her level two hearing allowing her to hear through what the gods had assumed was a sound barrier.

"What does this all mean…?" Resting her head against the cool wall in confusion, Nahza's eyes looked to the sky. The conversation had unsettled the cheinthrope. Steeling herself, she drew on her god's nonchalance and continued about her job.

---

Philia:

"Urgh…" Groaning, a black haze at the edge of my vision called to me. Trying to focus, I attempt to fight off its temptation. As I feel my eyes close, it's hard to resist. Hard to remember why I should.

"Philia!?"

Oh, someone is calling me. Are they important?

"Philia!"

Ah, yes, that's Kirito. He is trying to fight left-handed.

"Oh no," Eyes shooting back open, I grasp upon the pain in head. The hard impact where it connected with the rocky floor. Shifting my hand, I put more energy in it. I can hardly see anything. Probably has to do with the corpse of a Liger fang that's currently on top of me. Grabbing my right hand with my left, I force it upwards.

It should be…

"Crack!"

Smiling as the noise rings out, I feel the weight leave my body. Forcing my way through the cloud of ash, I take a moment to survey the battlefield. It isn't good. Kirito is surrounded and struggling against the final three liger fangs.

It's the first time I've seen such an expression of panic and desperation on his face. All of his usual cool has shattered. As I stare at him, he finally looks in my direction. Like a switch being flipped, hope returns to his eyes. It's as if the three monsters in front of him don't matter. Only I do.

Nearly dead at the hands of a large class monster, in incredible danger in the depths of the dungeon… and I find myself blushing. I once told Asuna that I wouldn't mind wrapping Kirito around my finger. I'd been mostly joking. Yet now I find myself snuggly around his. As I head back into the fight, I find I don't mind all that much.

All three of the monsters are squarely focused on Kirito. Not letting my advantageous position go to waste, I dash to the nearest monster.

Suppressing the shout that inherently rises to my throat, I slash out with my knife, aiming for the tendons on one of its hind legs. Tearing through it, speckles of black blood dot the air as I continue sprinting. Not letting my momentum halt, I swing at the second one. Another hit.

Continuing on to the third one, I fling my body to the side. Sharp teeth flash inches away from me as the third liger fang lunges at me. Panting heavily, I pick myself back up. The burst of energy from before is starting to fade leaving the pain of injuries and exhaustion from continual fighting.

Thankfully, I'm not alone. Taking advantage of my opening, Kirito jumps forward. The vertical slash may be slightly slower than his usual, but it gets the job done. One Liger fang down, only two injured ones left.

A second one jumps at Kirito's exposed back. Working in tandem with him, I step in to block the blow. Knife catching its claws, I deflect them to the ground. As expected, Kirito follows up finishing the second one. Moving on, we down the third one as a team.

Following the defeat of the monsters, I collapse against the wall in exhaustion. There's a ringing in my ears that won't go away.

"Thank god you're alive."

Collapsing next to me, Kirito lays a hand on my leg. Relishing in the contact, I close my eyes and imagine this happening in better circumstances. Head lolling to the side, I find Kirito's shoulder. That's the last straw for me as my consciousness fades.

---

Lili:

"I-I can't…"

Voice fading out, I'm completely in shock. After Bell had decided I wasn't a spy for Hermes, he slowly divulged his past. I obviously hadn't believed him. But this blade… My hand stretches out, as if to touch it.

Growling at my lack of self control, I force it back to my lap. Locking my two hands together, I put them between my legs. Hopefully that will crush any further delusions of touching something so expensive.

"Seriously Lili, It's just a sword… You can touch it."

Bell didn't understand. This is not a sword. It's a masterpiece, a princedom. The only people who could make blades like this are over a year dead. The blade is over three feet long. Slightly wider than three inches, the metal glows a faint white. The sword's blade is perfectly straight and unerring. The hilt stands in almost perfect contrast, the undecorated leather is rugged and worn from use. No ornamentation marks either the cross guard or the pommel. When in its sheath, the blade appears perfectly ordinary.

"This was… It was your father's sword?"

"Aye."

"A first-tier weapon…" I murmur, still frozen by the literal fortune sitting in front of me. "You could sell this for 100 million, no, even more."

"Apollo offered me 500 for it," Bell confirmed. "I don't know if he was being serious or not."

"I imagine he was…" I confirm. The amount seems impossible. I Struggled for years to make even a couple million. Sitting across from me in a hut on the outskirts of a farming village so small most maps don't mention it… Is 500 million valis. "At least you know that Hermes wants you alive."

"How do you mean?" Bell asks.

The conversation helping to settle my amazement, I describe my thought process. "Well, all it would take is one casual hint to drop about this weapon and you'd be done. I mean, I doubt even his familia would resist such a prize. With that much money you could establish yourself as a king anywhere you went."

"Is that what you think I should do?" Bell whispers, his voice flat and emotionless. "Sell my father's blade and establish myself as a king. Would you be my queen?"

"I… What?"

"Sorry," face flushing he ducks his head as I stare at him in confusion. "I can't say I haven't thought of it before." He admits. "Even for a fraction of the cost I could live in luxury for the rest of my life."

"But you could never sell this blade, could you?" I press him.

"No." Bell agrees. "Shortly after Hermes realized that, is when the attacks began."

"What are we going to do about those?"

Bell seems to fold in on himself a little more. My words adding a more weight to his burden. "What can I do?"

"I think you know." I tell him. Standing up, I walk around the table to his side. Rubbing his back slowly, I try not to lose myself in the contact. "Whenever you're ready, I'll be there for you."

"Thank you, Lili… I-I need to think."

The words are a dismissal. Bowing my head in recognition of his authority, I head for my bedroom. As I close the door behind, I sneak once last look at him. Bell's red eyes are reflected perfectly in the white surface of the blade. Two images, two options. Both of them mired in blood. Apologizing silently that I can't do more to lessen his burden, I allow the door to close.

---

Asuna:

"Hold fast! Absorb their charge!" Giving orders, I step back and drag Rain with me. The familiar draw of combat is a welcome change from Rain's confusing words. I can't think about the possibilities of what she may be offering at this time.

"Hey! Wait!" Rain yells at me. Smiling slightly, I figured she'd be mad that I stopped her from fighting.

"You've never fought with my party before," I tell her. "We'll use you as an independent unit that can go and fight wherever necessary. I don't want someone getting hurt because they don't know how you'll react."

"Fine," Rain snaps, clearly upset. "But we need to break through the monsters. We can't afford to get holed up here."

"We won't be," I assure Rain, a small smile flitting across my lips. At the same time, I sheath my rapier and pull my staff out from behind my back. The comfortable wooden staff is reaching the end of its lifespan. Hopefully the new one will be here soon.

"Rise and flow. I am the Master of Water, servant of Neptune.

Rise and obey. Destroy those who obstruct."

"Oh my…" Rain's stunned words give me a little bit of pleasure. I'm a different person from the last time she saw me cast this spell. Bringing it to a close, my party opens before me, giving me a clear hallway to shoot down.

"Vannforlengelse!"

Going back to the natural spears, I let them fire in wide waves consuming the corridor. Everything from the Al-miraj, to the Liger fangs lurking in the back are eviscerated. Putting extra force behind them, not even corpses are left as ash fills the air.

"What power…" Rain murmurs. "You were already so strong at level one. This is…"

"The result of a level-up?" I tease her. "Come on, Kirito and Philia are waiting to be saved."

The reminder brings some clarity back to Rain's eyes. "You're right. Let's go."

Returning to the front of the party, I take the swift pace back up again as I lead them to the stairs down to the sixteenth floor. I think briefly about pausing and giving another speech, but I've already said everything I have to. Stopping now would only highlight it as something to be feared.

Walking confidently to the mouth of the stairs and then down them, I make sure my pace never falters. An image of strength is essential to inspiring confidence. Even Rain balks slightly, her apprehension of a new floor weighing against her desire to help her comrades.

When they see me still striding ahead confidently, the rest follow, relief in their eyes. Or maybe pride. They are some of the first people from our world to reach this floor. Unfortunately, this is where the real challenge begins. The drop-down may be a straight shot back to the main route, but it is still quite far down a side passage. Including the twisting paths that we're currently on, they are maybe three kilometres away. Hopefully a little closer.

Desire reaffirmed; I push myself forward across the sixteenth floor. Immediately the difference is noticeable. The lack of light still affects me, even at level two. I've been through here before and know what to expect. I can only hope the others will be alright. Lind who came with me on the raids will also provide some help.

With no pressing issues, my mind instantly drifts back to Rain's words. What was that she said? Philia and I are currently debating on how to get Kirito to date both of us. It said so much and so little at the same time. Forcing down my own emotions and feelings on it, I try to look at it like a puzzle. How I'd analyze the cliques and gossips back at school. Like I don't have a deep-seated interest in its outcome.

First, it means that Rain and Philia have given up on competing against each other. I'll have to figure out why later. Next, she said that they are trying to convince Kirito. Does that mean he's denied them already? Finally, she told me about it. That in of itself is probably the most baffling piece of information. She had no logical reason to do so. She wasn't bragging either…

Forcing it from my mind, I try to pay attention to the path in front of me. Lives are at risk now. Matters of the heart can wait for another time.

---

Bell:

As the door closes behind Lili, I can feel the darkness press back in. It always manifests when I draw the sword. People see it as a white blade. I used to as well. Now, whenever I look into its surface, I only see an inky blackness. No reflection either, except for my eyes. My red eyes stare back at me. Cast upon the black surface, they look like monster eyes. Glowing red orbs emerging from the night, ready to devour everyone in sight.

Snorting in derision at my own stupid thoughts, I sheath the sword. It's a conundrum for me. I should have sold it to Hermes. Cast off my future as an adventurer forever, yet it's my last link to my father. So why can't I even look at it?

This blade shows the truth to its owner.

My father's words ring my ears. The truth that I keep trying to avoid.

A long time ago, I went on a journey and found a fairy. In response for my persistence, they both blessed and cursed the blade. Everyone will see it as white, except the wielder. They will see the colour of their soul reflected inside it.

"I'm sorry father…" I know it shouldn't be black. That I've lost something important. It was strange though. Just as I drew it to show it to Lili, I thought I saw a clear section. As if I could see the table on the other side of it.

Snorting to dismiss the thought, I contemplate instead my eyes in the blade. The wild bestial nature that threatens to consume me whenever I fight a monster. Is that why my soul is black? Is that why I'm evil now? Or have I always been?

Closing my eyes, I feel the exhaustion of the day press back in. Despite losing another person today, I enjoyed confiding in Lili. Telling her my past, how I came to be a farmer. When I had the sword out, I wanted to tell her my final secret. How I have proof that I'm a bad person. That's the real reason I don't want to go to Orario. The real reason I hesitate. For I know, that if I get stronger, there will nothing and no one to stop me from exacting my flawed desires on them.

Heading to bed, I know tonight will be another sleepless one.

---

Kirito:

Five minutes is all I can give her. Not allowing my head to lean back, I force myself to scan back and forth down the hallway. Philia's soft breathing on my shoulder is so seductive, however. I want nothing more than to rest my head on hers and fall asleep. Unfortunately, five minutes is all she gets. During that time, I need to fend off any monsters that approach.

Each second that passes by is excruciating. A duality of sensation and feelings assault me. A desire to give up and spend my last moments curled up with Philia. A sense of duty to protect her. One minute, then a second minute creeps by as these desires continue to battle within me. A deep underlying relief is what keeps me going. The dread from thinking I'd lost her. As the body of the monster laid on her, I had no way of knowing. That all faded as I saw her again. Standing immaculately amid the cloud of ash.

The image of her proud, serious face is burned into my mind. I barely remember the rest of the fight. Us working together perfectly to remove the last of them. Not that she really needed me. She moved exquisitely. It makes me feel bad for her. She was right; I have focused too much on Rain.

When they're together, I always paid more attention to Rain's contribution to the fights. She was the one on the front lines, the one who absorbed the rush of monsters. But Philia was just as important. Her support was crucial in so many of those encounters. Why am I only seeing it now?

"I'm sorry Philia…" Rubbing her back, I promise to try and pay more attention to her from now on. She can shine so brightly on her own. So why does she allow herself to fade into the background when Rain's around?

We'll figure it out together. The three of us are a party after all.

Smiling at the thought, I continue to make circling motions on her back. The contact informs me just how thin her armour is. This leather won't stop much. The salamander wool is only effective against fire, it won't stop a claw or fang.

Is Rain's gear this old as well?

Casting a more appraising eye over Philia, I also try to mentally appraise the quality of her weapons. They're certainly well maintained. The girls wield them with such familiarity and proficiency that they look better than they are. Same with the gear. The shimmering salamander wool easily covers up the deficiency in the other articles. Frowning, I can't believe I just noticed this. My party's safety is my responsibility.

Although, a small flicker of anger rises at them. They know better than to risk their lives like this. They certainly have the income to afford better. Unless…

With growing horror, I realize the debt that I'd forgotten about. How much of their income goes towards paying that? Should I give them some of the money? With all of the other issues that have been occurring, I've put off the decision about the money. Alternatively, buying them better gear may be more helpful…

"Graaoh…"

Head snapping to the right, a lone hellhound approaches from the direction we came from. It's only been three minutes. I'd like to give Philia another two.

Glaring at the hellhound, I allow my right hand to track down to the sheath that holds my throwing picks. If Philia saw this; she'd be extremely displeased with me. For some reason, the thought of her standing over me lecturing at me is strangely exciting. Pushing the distraction away, I act at the same moment as the hellhound.

Opening its maw, red flames build within the black depths. The sight is terrifying. How the red echoes build up within the depths, like the fires of hell have been made manifest.

But it's nothing I haven't seen.

Arm whipping forward, I abuse its motionless state to land the throw. It isn't something I do a lot, but the pick still flies smoothly from my hand. Shooting straight down the monster's gullet, it swallows the flames. Stumbling one, then a second step, the hellhound collapses in a heap. I crush the momentary stab of pity I feel for the dying beast. Even if they are more than pixels in a game, they don't deserve mercy.

"Urgh," arm spasming, I realize it isn't the only one in pain. The motion was too much for my still tender arm. Gritting my teeth, the pain returns as the muscles and tendons scream in displeasure. I attempt to moan quietly. Cradling my arm, I lean my head back hard into the wall. Taking deep breaths through my nose, the pain retreats to a manageable level. There's no helping it; if another monster shows up, I'll have to wake Philia. Hopefully they will wait the last two minutes.

It's a less comfortable companion, the pain, but it keeps me conscious. Somehow, the time seems to creep by even slower. Has it really been less than five minutes since Philia fell asleep? Good lord.

"Is it time to go?"

Shocked, I look at Philia. Mentally calculating how long it's been, I realize it has been five minutes. Just now.

"Y-yeah, if you're ready."

"I have to be, don't I? Besides, if anyone should be resting, it's you."

Chuckling quietly, I decide not to mention how I aggravated my arm so that I wouldn't disturb her. Without prompting, Philia sits up straight and slowly gets to her feet. Stretching languorously, her eyes have a new clarity to them. It may only have been five minutes, but the sleep clearly helped. Forcing myself to follow, I draw on that extra constitution granted to me by my level up.

"A hellhound?" Philia exclaims in confusion glancing at the left-over corpse. "How did you manage to kill it?"

"Oh, you know," I shrug, "just those throwing picks I keep on me."

My response draws a dead-panned stare from Philia. Her eyes narrow as she homes in on my right arm. "Did you throw with your right arm?"

"W-well, my left was occupied…"

Growling, Philia's eyes come alight with anger. "And does your arm hurt?"

Briefly, I consider lying, but discard the idea. Our lives could depend on Philia being aware of my condition. "It hurts."

"Gah!" She practically screams, "why do you do this!? You should have woken me! I'm not a helpless girl!"

"I know you aren't," I soothe her. "I didn't wake you because I'll need you to get us out of here. To do that, you'll need all of your energy. Aggravating my right arm was worth letting you sleep."

"You're right," Philia sighs. "Besides, this is my fault for falling asleep on you. I handicapped your fighting ability for my own selfishness."

"Hey," I smile at her, "whatever helps you sleep better."

The blush I receive is worth far more than the pain cost.

---

16th-floor dungeon:

"Out of my way!" Twin swords blazing in the dim light of the chamber, blood flew around the chamber as Rain tried to force her way through the monster hordes.

"Why are there so many of them!?"

"We should retreat!"

"No! This is the last wave, hold your ground!" Head whipping back and forth, Asuna used herself as a mobile unit. Dashing back and forth across the chamber, she fought wherever she was needed most. The only side she hadn't gone to was Rain's. The red-haired girl was like a force of nature as she forced herself deeper into the corridor that would lead them to Kirito.

The fight wasn't easy, but Asuna was experienced enough to know that they'd weather it. Already the ferocity of the attack was decreasing. They could, and would, do this. However, a warning in the back of Asuna's head was only increasing in strength. This flood of monsters didn't make sense. They seemed to be fleeing something. Another party of adventurers?

But no.

Only one answer made sense to Asuna. That something else was about to come out of that tunnel. Something that she had intentionally saved her magic for. Relying instead on pure brute strength to deal with these creatures.

"Oh no…"

Rain's words are the signal of the arrival Asuna predicted. Without wasting a second, she sheathes her rapier. She had a better weapon against what was coming.

The monster's silhouettes revealed their identity long before they came into view. Those distinctive horns could only belong to one creature after all.

"I guess I need to hold them off then?" Rain snorts, glancing back at where Asuna's spell begins to take form. "Well, best get to it."

Asuna couldn't help but wince guiltily as Rain went to fight the musclemen by herself. But this was the way Asuna could help best. They may be strong, but Asuna knew firsthand that her magic was enough to blow them away. It was a hell of a lot different though, knowing that no one stronger was around to defeat the creatures if you failed.

Entering a high stance, Rain waited at the entrance to the chamber as the first creature lumbered up to her. If she gave any ground, the others could surround her. Furthermore, she had no real prospect of getting help as the rest of the party was still encumbered by the other monsters. What a mess.

"Hi yah!" Flowing through a blow with her left sword, Rain expected the monster to care. To try and block the attack at least. It didn't.

Cocking back the large nature form axe, the minotaur took the attack without blinking. The sword carved a paltry line in its rough hide. The cut was almost invisible against the dark skin.

Rain lurched back, her right sword coming up to parry the massive two-handed swing from the beast. Her attempts were predictably ineffective as the large axe pushed her hastily risen sword aside. Riding out the impact, Rain rolled with the blow, stopping it from striking flesh. Instead, her wrist and arm took the damage from getting jolted.

Growling at her mistakes, Rain set to work on dismembering the level two monster. Ducking under the next blow, Rain had the edge in agility. Every other stat clearly went to the monster. Blow after blow rained down on the creature as the dual swords displayed their best trait. The minotaur was completely overwhelmed as it took shock after shock across its body, unable to keep up with the frantic pace.

As the fight between the two of them raged, one thing became abundantly clear: Rain's swords were too weak for this. These blades were meant for upper floor monsters. As the strongest level two monster in the cave labyrinth, the minotaur's thick hide endured the repeated hits exceedingly well.

"Graaoh!" Bellowing its displeasure, the minotaur put an end to their stalemate. Bringing the axe far behind its back, the minotaur's muscles pulsed with incredible power before launching the axe into the cavern. The throw would have put Olympic hammer throwers to shame.

Forced to throw herself to the ground, Rain left an open path for the creatures to enter. The one that Rain had been fighting was panting and its skin was slick with blood. The wounds piling up were depriving it of its strength. The three behind however, were fresh. Eyes glinting with renowned fury and bloodlust, the creatures let out simultaneous roars, each one echoing on top of the other. It became a palpable wall of force that slammed into the adventurers, stripping away their will to fight.

"How annoying." Unaffected by the monsters' vicious cries, Asuna's voice cut through the cavern. "Vannforlengelse!"

Realizing that the adventurers they thought to murder were turning the script on them, the monsters' eyes lit with fear. Like the cowards they are, the arrogance fled from their eyes as a desperate desire to stay alive consumed them. Shoving each other out of the way, they fled from the entrance. It didn't matter, Asuna's water was faster. One by one, the powerful monsters were brought low. It was death by a thousand blows. None of the individual spears could penetrate that thick hide. However, each one punched deep enough into their bodies to cause the full sum of them to kill.

"Wow you had that ready quickly," Rain murmurs impressed. If she needed more proof that Asuna had improved since the last time they'd met, here it was. She'd expertly read the scenario and had dealt with it.

"For awhile there I thought I wouldn't need it the way you were tearing into them."

Rain's mood soured somewhat as she looked at her blades. As much damage as she did to the lead minotaur, her swords had taken it in reply. The edges were dulled, and small nicks covered it. "I should have done more to them," Rain apologized.

Following her gaze, Asuna imperceptibly winced as she beheld the beaten weapons. It was hard to tell if they would last the day. "Sorry about your swords."

"Don't be," Rain denies her. "I should have been more selfish."

Asuna smiles faintly at the words one would have never heard in their old world. "It can be a difficult balance for adventurers. Your position in particular is unenviable."

"You could make it easier by coming by the store more often." Rain complains. Despite the words, she smiles softly to show Asuna she isn't serious.

Asuna winces anyway. "With my new magic we just don't need potions as often. I'll let out an AOE healing for everyone just before we head back to the surface." The gaming term sounding natural from her mouth.

"Yeah, yeah," Rain smirks, "too awesome for us. We understand."

"No, I…" Cutting off, Asuna glances around party. A faint blush suffuses her cheeks at the words she almost said. How she wished she could go back to adventuring with them. How she missed the fun that she used to have. Instead a steady focus consumes her days now. Simply on getting stronger and learning new things so that she can aid her familia better.

While Asuna certainly didn't resent her time spent, some days, late at night, she longed for the days spent travelling with Kirito's party. Days she knew would never return. At least not in form that they had previously existed.

"We should keep moving," Lind reminds them. "These minotaurs came from down the route they'd be on after all."

Lind's words are a sobering reminder of their situation. They'd just turned off the main route. They still had a long way to go.

---

Leafa:

I'm not going to give up on Kirito.

Silica's words should have made me angry. After all, she was a direct competitor for Kirito's attention. And yet… How could I wish that sweet girl anything except happiness? She saved me from my mistakes. Without her, I'd be dead.

Running my hand across her forehead, Silica's face is calm. The chamber is a place of death, yet here, with Silica's head on my lap, is peaceful. I doubt she has any energy left. None of the others needed aid. They were either dead or stable. Silica's in a similar position. I'm positive she'll wake up soon. Until then, we wait.

For some reason, I feel no fear that monsters will ambush us here. Even though the smell of blood must be permeating the air, I have a distinct impression that nothing else would dare enter the lair of that thing. It would be hours more before anything checked to see if it was still alive or not.

"It seems I have arrived too late…"

A distinguished voice interrupts my brooding. Turning my head to look, I'm careful not to shift my posture. The man's appearance matches his voice. Despite the silver hair, he appears to be no older than his early forties, if that. It's hard to tell. He's clearly a human, wearing armour of the finest make. The breastplate shines a deep silver. Each piece glitters with the look of recently forged gear. Either it hasn't seen much combat, or he never gets hit. As he shifts his arm, I see what does get hit. A thick shield, called a kite shield I believe, bore an extreme number of blows. Examining it, specific dents stand out to me. One caused by an Orc's landform club. Another from the hard spines of a hard armored.

Who is this man who can casually take such blows with a shield? What quality of armour is required to withstand such force?

"Arrived too late for what?" Ignoring his strange appearance for now, I question the meaning of his words.

"To fight the monster of course," he replies easily. "The possibility of fighting an ultra rare monster was too promising to not track down its last known location."

Thinking about it, I realize the anomaly now. Many different parties of people had heard about the monster spawning. They were all running this way. So why had none of them helped? But I already know the answer. Adventurers don't steal each other's monsters.

"Ah, I suppose you think I'm a thief?" The man asks.

"No," I sigh. "I just think it's sad so many people died because people refuse to work together."

"Hmm, are you perhaps from the other world?"

"Yes," I confirm nodding. "You're from here?" I assume, based on my observations.

"Actually," the man smiles, his lips a tight line. "I'm from your world as well."

"Really?" I ask sceptically, "you just referred to it as 'your world'."

"It's a bad habit of mine," he answers cryptically. "My name is Heathcliff, you are?"

"Leafa," I answer politely, bowing my head in greeting. "Hestia familia."

There's a pause of silence that follows my words. Offering up familia designations are a common curtesy. As far as I know, Hestia familia has no real enemies. Hestia doesn't like the goddess Loki, but they aren't exactly enemies.

"I'll go see about waking up the others," Heathcliff offers. "Is that girl in your lap going to be able to walk soon."

"Uh, yeah. Shouldn't be too much longer."

"Good." Talking solidly, he instantly takes charge of the situation. Walking around, he repeats my motions of examining the injured. He does the checks awkwardly. All the while muttering silently to himself. As if trying to remember information he'd never used. By the time he got to the last person, his checks had improved significantly. However, his lack of familiarity with healing people spoke to his claim from having come from my world. Despite how awkward his movements are, they're sincere.

"Urgh… I'm alive?"

Turning back to Silica, a rush of relief courses through me to hear her talking again. While I was confident she would wake up, it's relieving that she actually did so.

"Yes, you're still in the cavern on the tenth floor."

"Tenth…? Oh, right." Silica's voice becomes morose for some reason.

"Is something wrong?"

"I failed them…" Silica starts, "people are dead because of me."

"No, no, it isn't your fault!" Practically shouting at her, I hadn't expected this. I feel a flutter of panic that slowly grows stronger. "You did everything you could for them! You saved some of them!"

"I could have saved more if I was stronger. If I was like you."

"No!" I continue to yell. I won't let Silica blame herself for this. I can't. "If anyone failed them, I did. You're the hero this time."

"I…" Trailing off, Silica closes her eyes once more. Steadily, an expression of peace falls over her. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just infuriating to see how much room there is for improvement."

"I know that feeling," I chuckle quietly, helping her to sit up. "Imagine my feelings when I'm used to be being the best fighter in the family. Suddenly I come here, and my Onii-chan is leaving afterimages to my eyes."

Silica smiles faintly, her energy gradually replenishing. "Yeah, that must have been quite a shock for you."

"It was a rough couple of days," I agree. Pulling Silica to her feet, she finally notices Heathcliff who is reviving the other surviving adventurers.

"Who is…?"

"Ah, you've recovered." Heathcliff interrupts her, walking back to us. "Will you be ready to set out soon?"

"Y-yes, I'm ready to return to the surface, sen…" Standing up at attention, Silica instantly reacted to Heathcliff like he was a teacher in her school.

"That's good," he nods sagaciously, as if the respect is something he is used to or feels like he deserves. I don't know why, but it upsets me. Silica's the one who won the day. Not this latecomer.

"She'll be fine, worry about the others."

Raising an eyebrow at my curt tone, Heathcliff silently stalks off. Releasing some pent-up tension as he does, I realize that I subconsciously was behaving similar to Silica. I sat up straighter when talking to him. Talked more formally.

"Wow, he's scary," Silica mutters, quiet enough that he won't be able to hear her.

"He's an adventurer, same as us," I remind her, trying to convince myself of that same fact. Despite my words, I can't help but feel convinced that there's something special about him.

"T-that's right!" Silica echoes. "I'm… I'm an adventurer…"

"You are," I confirm for her. "Now let's get those people back on their feet and head for the surface."

---

9th-floor:

"We should have gone."

Yuna's words carry with them a silent judgement. Gritting his teeth, Nautilus doesn't reply. These small quips had followed him for the better part of an hour at this point. Their path had carried them back and forth through the final sections of the ninth floor. It was suboptimal farming. Too many people crossed the main path for monsters to congregate there.

Yuna and Nautilus didn't care. They weren't looking for monsters to kill. They were trying to figure things out within their party.

"Did you want to die, Yuna?" Nautilus spits back, his limit reached. "That's what would have happened. That's what is happening…"

"Don't say that!" Yuna bites back, "they're our friends! Don't you care about their safety?"

"Not as much as yours," Nautilus admits. "Besides, this is their fault."

"Grr…" Clenching her fists in anger, Yuna desired to slap some sense into this man. Unfortunately, nothing he said was incorrect. Leafa shouldn't have tried to force them to go to a lower floor. Silica shouldn't have joined her.

They'd split along familia lines. That fact wasn't lost to Yuna. Kicking a rock around the floor, it bounces along through the rocky hallway. Yuna had heard the thirteenth to seventeenth floors were similar to this. However down there, it was darker, more sprawling and resembled a natural cave. The tenth floor where Leafa and Silica had descended to were different from both of those. That perpetual white mist obstructed vision and changed everything. Fighting down there was wildly different mainly due to the difference in terrain. Combined with a steep increase in monster difficulty and the tenth to twelfth floors became the final difficult transition for level one adventurers. It required them to develop the ability to adapt and improvise.

But they can do it!

Confident in her assessment, Yuna stops walking.

Continuing for a few more metres, Nautilus comes to a confused stop. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes." Yuna declares, "there is. You've been upset since day one that Leafa is more skilled than you at combat. Should she have done what she did? No. Is she a perfect leader? Definitely not. So, prove yourself the bigger person. Let's go find them."

Nautilus bows his head, a complicated expression on his face. Various emotions flow through him. Embarrassment that Yuna noticed his inferiority complex, anger at them for ditching him. It all swirled together with a burst of love for this girl in front of him. Nautilus didn't remember when he realized what his feelings for her were. For years now, he'd tried to subtly seduce her to love him back. He'd thought maybe this game would be what he needed to finally win her. That's when everything went wrong.

"Well?" Yuna insists, desperate to help her friends.

"I… I will always try to protect you, in whatever you choose to do."

"Thank you!" Jumping forward, Yuna pulls him into a tight hug. Keeping a high posture throughout it, Yuna waits for that distinctive flinch. The one that Nautilus instinctively gives whenever she touches him. Ever since the last time they went to middle floors. Ever since Yuna…

"I'm sorry."

"Huh?" Yuna replies, confused.

"Ever since… Last time, I've treated you different. I knew you were struggling, but I still… I failed you."

Pulling out the hug, Yuna stared at Nautilus' guilty face dumbfounded. She hadn't expected this kind of thoughtfulness from him. "What brought this on?"

"I… All the other girls always talk about how kind and amazing Kirito is. I thought… maybe… You'd like me more if I tried to act like him."

"Are you… trying to compete with him?"

"No! I only care about one… I mean, uh…"

Blushing slightly, Yuna allowed Nautilus to stop the conversation. She was no fool. She knew how that statement ended. She knew how Nautilus felt about her. And yet… She just couldn't find the answering emotion. She cared for her childhood friend… But isn't love something more? A desire to touch them? Yuna didn't know. She only knew that she couldn't promise Nautilus anything at this time.

"Hey Yuna…"

The expectation in his voice makes her wince as they head towards the entrance to the tenth floor. "Yes?"

"Umm… Do you… you know, like, Kirito as well?"

"Huh?" Stumbling in surprise, Yuna could only stare at him, jaw hanging down by her chest.

"W-well… Everyone else seems to!"

"I… I don't think I know him well himself to say one way or the other." Even as she spoke the words, a scene flashed before her eyes. How Kirito was able to comfort her after she killed the man. It was only because of him that she can even think the words. But did she like him? She didn't know, only that they definitely had a connection now.

"…I see. Well, let's go find our party."

"Yes!"

---

Philia:

"Do you hear that?"

Pausing, I listen for what Kirito heard. After a couple of seconds, I find it. A clopping noise. The sound made when hooves strike stone.

"A minotaur," I answer tonelessly. The fear I expect doesn't come. Only a deadened resignation that they're an obstacle we have to face to achieve our freedom.

"Let's stay here awhile more," Kirito suggests, "It may pass by us."

"Okay." Answering Kirito, I keep my eyes focused ahead on the corridor. I can feel the confusion in his gaze as he stares at me. Just that brings a subtle blush to my cheeks. The five-minute nap brought me energy, perhaps too much. The near-death scenario we're in has me contemplating very bold actions. Actions that need to wait until we find Rain again. When that happens though…

"Are you alright?" Kirito presses for not the first time. "You're shifting again. The more you move, the more energy you waste."

"And I thought you said to be quiet," I quip back at him.

He sighs, but otherwise falls silent. That's good. As long as he isn't talking, I won't get the urge to seal his lips with mine.

Those thoughts fade as tension increases. The two of us wait in breathless anticipation as the sounds gradually increase.

"Can they smell us?" I whisper to Kirito.

"I… I'm not sure. Not much is known about their sense of smell. Most information deals with their personalities and bringing them down."

"Hmm…" I can't help but feel like I'm right. After all, they are half bull monsters. That should mean they keep the nose of one.

As if echoing my thoughts, the creature turns towards our tunnel. It's only a minor one. There's nothing important down it, but the large monster locks onto it.

"Here we go," Kirito sighs.

"Let me," I insist, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I can do this."

He opens his mouth to disagree, but slowly closes it. I can tell how hard it is for him to allow me to do this. "If something goes wrong, I'll help."

"I'd appreciate that, but nothing will go wrong."

Standing up from behind the rocky cover we were lying behind, the minotaur is already looking at me. The only good thing is that it's alone. I don't think I could manage more than one.

Speaking quickly, I use my magic before it can engage me. "Grant me the power to see beyond this plane. I reject secrecy and swear myself to the art of discovery.

Astral eyes!"

As my magic activates, the whole world shifts. I can still see everything as normal, but at the same time everything is different. Blue lights pulse in varying strengths in everything around me. Sometimes they form together as lines or pipes showing the flow of energy. The first few uses had left me dizzy. Staring at everything in open-mouthed shock. Now though, I'm able to differentiate between the strengths of the currents.

On the surface, the approaching minotaur appears a symmetrical beast. A perfectly balanced killing machine. With my magic, I can clearly see how right-hand dominate the creature is. Despite its perfect gait, there's also a weakness in its left knee. The power of my magic doesn't stop there though. I can see the deposit of metal sitting in the wall to the left. Also, that its right horn will become a drop item.

Information gathered, I drop the magic and charge. The shimmering blue lights are still far too distracting for me to fight with it on.

"Graow!" Roaring in answer to my charge, the minotaur pushes hard off its right leg and when it lands on its left, I throw.

The knife has little chance of doing any real damage. After all, their thick hides combined with the low quality of the weapon make it ineffective. Normally.

The knife lands solidly on the joint, point first. The force of the full-speed charge combined with the impact prove to be too much for the weak joint. Leg giving out, the minotaur collapses to the floor with a giant crash.

Jumping into the air, I rotate my body 180 degrees and land on its shoulders. Driving a second knife down with my momentum, it sinks in up to the hilt. Waiting anxiously for its death scream, I pause my movement.

Roaring with anger, the beast pushes itself back to its feet. Getting thrown from the monster, I roll roughly over the sharp rocks. I can feel my warm blood dripping slowly from the abrasions. The dull pain is a distant memory as adrenaline courses through my body.

The minotaur stumbles as it approaches enraged. Besides that, it seems barely slowed. I must have put the blade into its shoulder muscle. Unfortunate. Tsking, I draw my third dagger. I can't keep going through them like this.

Waiting patiently, I let it make the first move this time. Keeping my dagger low, I rely on my agility to dodge. There's no way I can block an attack. But in the weapon, there was… Shaking my head I dismiss the distracting thoughts. That's something I need to work on in my spare time.

"Hruhh!"

Swinging the landform axe in a vertical arc, I get to witness exactly how much damage my dagger did. The entire strike is slow, awkward and out of control. Easily sidestepping the swing, I rush for the beast's chest. Shoving my dagger up against it, I hold it there as the minotaur stumbles forward. Using its own momentum to drive it in, I strike true this time.

Ignoring the rising ash, I check my body over quickly for injuries. The scrapes from the rock are already scabbing over. They'll be full healed by tomorrow. Besides that, my muscles feel good. All in all, a good fight. Feeling proud of myself, I collect my daggers and my drop item, the right horn of the minotaur.

Maybe I can get it made into a dagger.

Just as I'm thinking this, my heart sinks. The knife I stabbed through the monster's back is entirely dulled. The force of the impact was clearly too great. Sheathing it angrily, I'm down a weapon.

"You fought well."

"Thanks," I sigh in reply, "it cost me a weapon though."

Kirito merely nods thoughtfully in response. "That's all right, we should be back on the main path pretty soon. Then the fights will be far and few in between until the surface."

Accepting his words stoically, I begin walking again. The tunnel in front of us is blissfully empty. Each step is one closer to safety. To surviving another day. Just as I start moving, Kirito lays a hard on my arm, bringing me back to a stop. "What's...?"

Trailing off, I sense it as well. Standing in the midst of the intersection, I can practically hear the dungeon's maniacal laughter. We're intruding into its world. We aren't supposed to escape.

On cue, silhouettes appear from every passage. Turning in a full circle, I feel that sense of helplessness trying to sink back in. Calming my deep breaths, I remind myself I've been in tighter spots than this. Just none that come to mind right now.

"What do you want to do?"

"Huh?" Whirling in confusion, I meet Kirito's gaze. Unlike me, he looks totally composed and in control. Why is he asking me? He should be giving orders! Lead us out of here! Despite wanting to shout at him, I hold the bursting emotions inside as the monsters approach. Instead, I take a moment and appraise the situation.

None of the creatures seem eager to be the first to reach us. The one we fought must have either the leader of this band, or maybe the most anxious. They don't want to fight, they want easy kills. So why did Kirito ask me?

"We need to decide."

I know that already! So why me? Why now? Because he can't fight them like this. With that one thought, I come up with a plan of attack. "Can you deal with one of them?"

"Maybe," Kirito answers honestly. "I doubt one can kill me, but I'll certainly struggle to kill it."

"Cast your magic," I order. "On the one in the direction we want to go. I'll fend off the other three."

"… Take this." Kirito offers after a moment of silence. Unhooking his shield, he offers it to me. "You can do this." Leaving it at that, Kirito turns away from me and begins his spell.

It's enough. Drawing my knife in my right hand, I wield the shield in my right. At one point I'd tried to copy Rain. Dual wielding knives instead of swords. While it's a perfectly viable fighting style, this feels infinitely more comfortable. Lifting the sturdy circle of black wood and steel into a defensive posture, I wait for the monsters. More than that, I feel complete. I just wish my knife was a bit longer and thicker. A blade that can take blows and dish them out in reply. That's something I sorely lack.

"Lord of the forest, king of trees,

Conqueror of the ground, and Herald of the skies."

Kirito's soothing voice rings out from behind me. Asuna's and Rain's spells always sounded like songs to me. Melodies of destruction woven to destroy any whom got in the way. Kirito's is different. Maybe it's just how he says it.

With a roar, the first of my three opponents enters the corridor. This one doesn't have a nature weapon. Swinging its big beefy fist, I step forward and jab the rim of Kirito's shield into its face. Sending it reeling backwards I take a step back and wait for my next foe to step up across from me.

"Let loose once more your power unto the world.

Let my body be your roots, my blade your sprout."

This spell isn't a prayer either. As I've heard some of them described as. It almost sounds wrong to listen to. As if the words are personal and my presence isn't desired when they're said.

The second minotaur comes in with a gigantic horizontal swing. Wielding its nature weapons in two hands, the corded muscles control the weapon through brute strength alone. There's no finesse in its motions, no strategy, merely force. Waiting for the backswing, I duck and use my shield to push it over my head. Even the glancing blow carries a tremendous force. However, it's nothing I can't handle. Springing forward, I land a blow on its joint and retreat. Off balance, it stumbles creating a gap for my third opponent.

"Graaoh!" The loud bellow comes not from my foes, but Kirito's. Jumping backwards away from my opponents, I rotate to see what's happening on the other side. Giving up its companions weakening us first, the minotaur charges. Down on all four's, it closes the distance in a blink of an eye. Right at the stationary Kirito. Breath hitching, my eyes widen in panic.

This is it.

Kirito's spell isn't done. He'll have to cancel it and try to fight with his left arm. I somehow have to deal with three more of the monsters which have been allowed to enter the corridor proper. It's hopeless.

"Misjudged and mistreated, Lonely and in search of friends.

I know your pain of isolation; I know your desperate search."

Denying my thoughts, Kirito steps around the charging beast. Two easy steps to the side. Such an easy maneuver. All the while the words drop from his mouth unfaltering. Stunned, I can do nothing but watch. It's impossible. Casting magic is difficult enough as it is. I wouldn't even want to try moving during my short spell!

Throwing all my logic back in my face, Kirito keeps moving. As the minotaur stands up and throws a punch, Kirito calmly steps backwards out of it. A small smile plays across his face as he brings his spell to a close.

"Absorber of light, Piercer of the skies, enter my blade and extend. Reach the limit and penetrate, break the rules and reforge destiny.

I call you here now by name, great guard of the north. Enhance Armament!"

The entire chamber seems to dim as Kirito's spell is finished. Holding his sword straight out in his left arm, I can see small motes of black energy circling the blade.

"Gigas Cedar!"

With the name cried out, his blade expands. The old steel sheen is nowhere to be seen as an inky black mass like a tree branch shoots forward from it and into the minotaur. Without caring for the monster's supposed high defenses, it keeps going. Crashing into a second of the beasts, it yet again splits straight through its chest. The writhing black mess extends for another fifty feet down the corridor before coming to a reluctant halt. Holding in place for a second, it dissolves, fading back within itself.

"Gruh?" Snorting in confusion, the other two minotaurs stare in confusion at where their companions used to be. Tracking their fate to Kirito's blade, they take one uneasy step back. Like the start of a breaking wave, the monsters turn and flee, hoping to escape their comrades' fate.

"Nice one, Kirito!" I congratulate him, deflating a bit as the tension fades.

As if to taunt me, a loud crack echoes in the room. Homing in on the source, Kirito's sword falls to the ground in multiple pieces.

"That's the problem with my spell," Kirito sighs, clearly expecting this outcome. "It looks like I'll be in your care until we reach the surface, Philia."

"Y-Yes!" I answer. Hands shaking, I withdraw one of my knives and hand it to Kirito.

"Thank you."

"Oh! Here's your shield," I offer it to him.

Shaking his head, Kirito denies the offer. "Keep it. It'll be worth more on you. Unless you want me to hold it for you."

Seeing the wisdom in his words, I hold onto it. Its presence soothes me. It's a piece of Kirito. A memento to his incredible talent.

"Let's keep going then," I say. Squaring my shoulders, I lead our way back to the surface. As I walk, I keep a tight grip on the shield. It's a promise to myself. A promise that I won't let Kirito's miracle from before be pointless. His act of heroism focused in my mind; I prepare to slaughter anything that crosses out path.

---

Rain:

Leaning against the wall of the cavern, I try not to let my impatience show. Almost everyone else is collapsed on the wall panting. It's not really surprising, the flood of monsters has been intense. If we didn't have someone to rescue, we would have peeled back as to not get surrounded. As it was, the further we pushed, the more monsters we encountered.

Like me, Asuna stood near the entrance, her eyes aren't settling on her familia members. They were focused instead on our destination. Wondering if Kirito and Philia still live after spending so much time on this floor. Could any two of us have survived against these forces?

But he can.

Calming down a little, I let my faith in Kirito return. I know he isn't invincible, but he's protected us against all odds. Philia too is more than competent. As long as they have each other, they'll stay alive.

Standing up, I frown slightly. My body tells me something just happened. Closing my eyes, I kneel down and place my hand on the ground. The small shudders are barely noticeable. I'm amazed I was able to feel it all, as distracted as I was.

"Is something wrong?" Asuna queries.

I'm not surprised she noticed my change in behaviour. "Something, no, many somethings are ahead. Enough to cause vibrations in the floor." Of course, there is only one 'something' that would be in the dungeon.

"Shall we retreat?" Lind proffers. "If it's another monster party, we don't want to charge head in."

My hand tightens reflexively at his cowardly words. However, the logic is sound. We're running out of resources. Asuna didn't even offer to heal people this time. I don't have any mind potions to offer her either.

"Hiyah!"

The piercing warcry reaches the room and our ears. With it, everything changes. "Philia…" Breathing out her name, I charge towards where the monsters must be.

"Wait Rain!"

Ignoring Asuna's shout, I pick up speed. With my light armour and high agility stat, I leave the rest of them behind as they pick themselves out of their rest. The corridor blurs around me as I reach max speed. I must be around 50 kilometres per hour. Maybe even faster. It sets a terrifying potential for what the higher levels can achieve.

"Groah!" Following the shout, a column of fire enters my view. The swirling tongues light the tunnel with a ruddy orange glow. Not slowing, I bury my fear, and draw up my salamander wool hood. Even though the blaze is mostly gone by the time I reach it, I can still feel the heat through my cloak as I push through the fading maelstrom.

How many hellhounds had been required to produce it?

Reaching the far end, I finally get a view of the combatants. Relief floods through me as I see them. Philia, Kirito, they're alive. The last lingering fear I'd felt that they didn't make it out finally fades. They're alive.

That joy inverts into terror as I behold the rest of the room's inhabitants. An entire pack of Hellhounds, residual flames licking at their maws marks the ones who fired that earlier blast. It's past them that the real problem lies. A pack of Liger fangs, A group of minoaturs, and al-miraj scattered throughout. There must be thirty or forty monsters in the chamber.

That's okay though! Kirito is strong, he can do this!

Staring at him, eyes filled with hope, I finally see them for what they are. Two adventurers beaten down from a long trek through the dungeon. Kirito's right arm is held uselessly in front of him while his left holds one of Philia's knives. Philia herself mans the front line, Kirito's shield in hand.

Stumbling forward a step, I unconsciously begin moving to get beside them. I need to save them.

"Rain!" Stopping me, Asuna grabs my arm.

"Let-Let go me! They need help!"

"How are you going to help them by running into the middle of the monsters? Hold them off while I cast my spell."

"Grr…" Growling under my breath, there's nothing I can do as Asuna begins her chant before I can say anything.

As her voice carries over the room, the monsters react. Heads turning, we become the center of their attention. The hellhounds step forward first, their mouths opening to release another torrent of fire.

"Get out of my way!" Screaming at them, I'm in their midst before they realize it. Swords flashing the hounds begin falling in droves. Releasing all of my pent-up anger at them, my vision goes red. Another, then one more, no monster lasts more than two strokes.

In the center of them all, they can't release their fire. I've stopped them from hitting Asuna, that's what important. But I'm still not satisfied. I can do more than this, I know I can. What's the point of a spell one doesn't use? I have my full mind left while Asuna must be running on fumes.

Dismissing the arrogant thoughts, I retreat a couple of steps as the last of the hellhounds in this area fall. Liger fangs are too strong for me to use this tactic against. Two head directly for me. Each one is sleek and fast, capable of going head-to-head with a level two adventurer. In stats anyway.

Rolling the first blow, my right sword removes its rear leg. Ignoring it, I move unto the second. My left sword, moving in tandem, comes crashing down on its head. That's when the third one lunges.

Spinning around, I catch the blow with my upraised crossed blades. The four hundred pound plus monster crashes into me sending me flying. Bouncing along the ground, my head collides solidly with a rock, stars swimming across my vision. Skidding to a halt on my back, I force myself to move.

Ignoring the sharp piercing pain encompassing most of my body, I push hard off my right arm. Less than a second later, the monster lands where I had been. Standing up, I wobble slightly. The spinning vision makes it hard to focus on the monster.

"Kra!" Letting out a squeal, the Liger fang collapses to the ground as a spear sticks out of its side. Thrown by Lind, the well-thrown weapon downs the monster with a single hit.

"Drink a potion!" Lind commands me as he leads the rest of his party into formation around Asuna.

I want to shout at him to not give me orders, but there is no time, and he's right. Downing one in a couple of gulps, my vision begins to stabilize. The pain remains, but I can deal with that.

"Gruoh!" Releasing it's trumpeting war cry, the strongest monster of the middle floors begins its assault. Head down, the minotaur charges straight for their lines.

"Shields!" Lind cries pointlessly. Faces hard, the men crouch behind the upraised steel barrier.

I saw their eyes though. They know it's not enough. "Gah!" Throwing the empty bottle to the ground, I dash forward, running an intercept course to the minotaur. If I can come in from the side and hit it… No. I'm too far away.

Why can't I help them?

Asuna's chant will be interrupted, Kirito and Philia will get overrun and killed. We'll follow as Asuna and I will fight to the death to try and save them despite knowing their dead.

What's the point of a skill you don't use?

Stumbling to a halt, the answer practically punches me in the face. Ever since I figured out what it does, I hated my advanced ability. It's mind manipulation. I can give people orders and they'll follow them. The stronger I get, the more outrageous I can make the order.

…But! If it let's me save them… "Everyone! Stop that monster!" Belting the words out, I don't speak them as an order or a command. I say it as a cheer. Pumping a fist into the air, I even wink at the men. How despicable.

"Let's do it!" Reinvigorated, the shield wall rushes out to meet the minotaur. Jabbing their weapons out in front of them, the steel cuts into the beast, hindering its momentum. Finally, when it crashes into the jabbed shields, the result is a tie. Working as a single entity, the level two adventurers fell the beast in moments.

Bracing myself, I wait for the backlash as Lind turns and looks at me.

"That was magic? No, a skill?"

I nod in confirmation. There's no point in denying the obvious. Staring straight at him, I make myself look at the eventual hate that's sure to come. Those adventurers I used it on last time. How many sullen glares had I gotten despite their thanks?

"That's amazing! I've never felt stronger! We'll be able to hold the line easily with you helping!"

"Huh? Aren't you angry?"

"Angry?" Lind asks, confusion heavy in his voice. "You just saved us from getting trampled by a minotaur. Why would I be angry?"

"Well…. I… Never mind." Cutting off my explanation for brain control, it will have to wait until after the monsters are dealt with. Another minotaur is approaching, surrounded by a pack of al-miraj. Burying my distaste, I recognize the truth in Lind's words. Asuna needs more time. "Everyone! Kill those bunnies!"

Pointing my right sword as the group of enemies, I hold the pose for half a second before rushing straight at the minotaur myself. I can't let it charge. That means holding it off until the al-miraj are dealt with. But how long will it take them to deal with the seven rabbit like monsters?

"Hurroh!" Letting out a cry, the adventurers jump forward with reckless abandon. Previous exhaustion forgotten; they lay into the monsters with their weapons. The fast-paced, net method that the Al-miraj employ is broken in an instant as the adventurers surpass their expectations. What would usually play out as a slow-paced back and forth brawl turns into a one-sided slaughter. Within seconds, all seven al-miraj are dead.

"Gruoh?" Snorting in confusion, the minotaur stumbles back in confusion. All of its back-up that it counted on had gotten itself killed before it landed a strike.

Taking advantage of its hesitation, I dash in low. A dual strike with both swords takes out one of its legs. By the time I turn back around for another pass, the monster is on the verge of death as the other adventurers set themselves upon it.

"I'm ready now."

Asuna's voice has a bemused ring to it. The all-out slaughter was far different from the conservative tactics her party had practiced to keep her covered before. Dashing to her, I take one last glance at the reduced field of monsters that still remains to be killed. Hopefully Asuna can pinpoint the monsters well enough to get most of them without hitting Kirito and Philia.

"Vannforlengelse!"

Before Asuna, twenty of so large spears of water form. The number is far less than she usually uses. The reason clicks a second later. She's trying to kill one monster with one spear. It will give her greater control over where the water goes and avoid hitting Kirito or Philia. Clever.

With a rush, the long spears of water fly forward with incredible speed. Where they hit, the monster doesn't rise against. The site is particularly gruesome as the enhanced missiles quite literally shred the monsters. Copious volumes of blood and innards fly through the room before being converted back into ash as the magic stone shatters.

Following the final spear into the room, I sprint for where the pair remain huddled behind philia's shield. The monsters closest to them are still alive. The creatures appear dazed at the change in flow. Stunned that all the backup they counted on to give them an advantage had disappeared.

With relentless precision, I begin tearing into them. One after another, my blades are a blur. The closer I get to them, the faster I move. My back feels like its burning, pressing me forward to where I belong. To the pair I was unwillingly separated from.

"Get out of my way!" Yelling at a pair of hellhounds that dare to intercept me, I remove them with one slash each. My blades resist horribly to cutting through them. The cutting edges have been reduced nothing. But with sheer strength, I pull them through.

Finally, I'm there. Skidding to a halt, it's hard to not grab them in a hug. Unfortunately, there are still monsters around, stopping our path out.

"Rain…" They murmur in twinned shock. Surprise flitting across their faces, I blush in response. I have to assume it's due to my ferocity in combat and not my presence.

"We need to get out of here." Kirito tells me, his face hardening. "Something's wrong on this floor. This number of monsters is unusual."

Remembering our struggles to make it here, I can't believe I hadn't put it together earlier. How many monster party sized groups had we already run into?

"Alright," I agree, "this group is almost done for. We can flee after that."

"Okay…" Kirito's voice speaks agreement, but there's a thread of something else buried underneath. Fear? No, that's not it. Resignation is closer. "Let's go."

Instinctively, I wait for Kirito to take the lead. To begin cutting enemies down with a ruthless speed. Unblockable blows that land with unerring precision. Of course, none of that happens. Kirito only shifts his feet awkwardly as he waits for Philia and me to start.

"Ah, yes. My bad!" Apologizing, Philia begins to advance. Shield upraised, it shows its worth in the first few seconds as a pair of stone tomahawks break on it.

Moving in tandem with her, I cover Philia's flank. Kirito follows us, acting less like a third member than a person we're escorting. The change seems wrong. However, it is also kind of nice. Being the one to protect him for once. That's probably why despite the desperate situation, Philia's eyes have an impassioned gleam to them.

Looking at me, Philia flashes me a large smile. The joy of being reunited surges through me as I answer her expression with a matching smile. Even if a thousand more monsters come, we'll handle it side-by-side. I can't believe I once thought of competing with her for Kirito. She's my sister.

"Let's do this."

"Yes!"

"I'll manage the fight," Kirito offers from behind.

Hearts beating together, we move as one. Philia knocks a Liger fang aside with her shield, I use the opening to kill it. With Kirito behind us, notifying us of movements, we progress rapidly through their ranks. Finally, a minotaur steps up to challenge our squad.

Philia darts in to start off the fight. Ducking the first swipe, she directly attacks the body with her knife. Each blow does minimal damage, but the minotaur is thrown off balance by the assault. Throwing an arm in front of itself, it stumbles backwards. Momentum turning in our favour, I jump into the gap she's created. Twin swords swinging on its undefended legs, the creature howls in pain. Unfortunately, it doesn't go down. Eyes filled with rage; it lifts its axe back for a massive overhead blow. Legs tensing to jump out of the way, our third member saves us. A throwing pick lands in its eye, sending it reeling back.

Unrelentingly, Philia and I follow it as it falls, ending its life. Pulling back, we're instantly mired in new foes. A pack of Al-miraj jump at us, hoping to use the opening. Cutting one out of the air, I duck behind Philia who blocks a second. Another throwing pick destabilizes them, and I rush in to finish the rest off.

Each second is exhilarating. The combat seems to last forever. A glorious eternity connected to the two people I love most in this world. All too soon the monsters break, and the moment ends. With it, so does the connection. It's as if my energy and the color in the room seep away as well. My body feels dull. Now that feeling of invincibility and connection is no more than a memory. A longing to feel that again could be dangerous. Glancing at them, I wonder if the other two felt it.

With a controlled pace, Asuna saunters over. Wobbling slightly, her eyes seem to struggle focusing currently. She looks moments away from a mind down. Despite that, she walks confidently all the way to us.

"Kirito."

"Asuna."

Their greeting is as awkward as last time.

"Thank you for coming with Rain to help us. I'll make sure you are refunded for the time and resources spent on the search."

"Kirito…" Asuna's voice deflates. I can see the pain hidden in my friend's eyes. A barrier between them that she doesn't know how to get through anymore.

"Sometimes," I whisper to Asuna as I walk past her, "You need to be brave enough to take the first step."

Sensing her stiffen in surprise, I don't pause to listen. With a small smile on my face, I reform together with the Loki familia troops at the entrance. I know it was stupid of me to help Asuna fix the rift with Kirito, and yet, I'm glad that I did. Not because I owe her for helping me find him, but because I want her to be happy.

Closing my eyes, the small smile grows into a big goofy one. Now I sound just like Kirito. I don't know if it will work, but I want us all to be happy.

---

Eleventh floor:

"What are you doing here?" Stiffening up, Liz practically spat the words at Welf. He was part of a party that was going past. The two of them just happened to glance at each other. Farming alone on the floor, Liz tensed up, thinking he was going to steal her kills like last time.

He was just trying to help.

Ignoring the internal dialogue, Liz kept a wary eye on them. To her surprise, he barely slowed.

"Something's happening on the twelfth floor. Just stay here and you'll be safe." With that, Welf continued jogging along with the party.

"Grr…" Unable to repress her curiosity, Lizbeth took off and caught up to Welf. "What is happening on the twelfth floor?"

"Migration of monsters reports say," Welf answers reluctantly. His gaze constantly shifting between guilt and anger when he glances at her. "Why are you coming? These guys are level two. We'll be fine without you."

"Because," I growl back at him. "Unlike you, I do my best to help my friends out. If something strange happens in the dungeon, he's sure to find it."

"Fine." Biting off the word, Welf sends one unhappy glare at her before speeding up to talk to Klein about their tagger-on.

---

?:

"Is it done then?"

"It is." The figure confirms in their toneless voice. With the mask on, it's impossible to tell if they're male or female. Even race is obscured completely. "We lost three people escaping afterwards."

This news doesn't appear to shock the master mind behind the plan. He merely nods in acceptance. "No one too important, I hope. But think of how many this will kill! Adventurers will be too scared to enter the dungeon soon!"

The figure shifts slightly at his zealous voice. A stronger reaction than they normally gave. "I must say, destroying the crystal in the pantry, no one has thought of that before."

"I'll take that as a compliment," the man replies, his slick voice full of charm. "I often have a unique solution to everything."

"I see."

"It will become even easier once we get strong enough to reach the forty-fourth floor and can harvest inferno stones. Then anyone will be capable of it!"

"Is this your endgame plan then?" The figure asks. "To continue to blow up pantries, causing monster migrations across floors?"

"No, of course not." The man laughs in denial. "But for now, we will see if it works. Adventurers rely more than they know on the continued operation of these pantries. It puts the monsters on a predictable cycle and pattern. It stagnates the monsters so that the adventurers can mop them up with ease. Remove one of those key cogs in the system and the cycle breaks down. It generates a directional flow that masses together huge groups of monsters unto the main path!"

Despite the impassioned speech, the figure doesn't reply. After another second they simply walk away. They need to inform their god about the members lost breaking the pantries on the twelfth and sixteenth floors.

---

Yuna:

"Are you ready for this?" Although I ask the question to Nautilus, I'm also debating whether I am. The path before us leads down to the tenth floor. Can the two of us really survive down there on our own?

"I… No, you're right. They're our friends, and that means we help them."

Nautilus' answer is everything I'd hoped it would be. The potential in my childhood friend that he never seemed to reach starts to shine through. I've always had some inkling of fear in my mind that I'm the one holding him back. That if he didn't know me, he'd be better off.

Shaking the thoughts away, we descend the ramp together. The rigid cave structure of the upper floors begins to shift as the hue of the walls' changes. The stone shifts from a lighter brown to a darker colour. And then…

"People?"

Halting in place, a strange man leads the way up. Despite his silver hair, he doesn't appear to be all that old. His gear also looks rich, with an immaculate sheen to it. Behind him though…

"Leafa! Silica!" Shouting in exuberance, I lurch forward past the man and wrap them in a large hug. "I was so worried about you!"

"Wait, you were coming down to the tenth?" Leafa asks in confusion. "You were coming… to help us?"

"Of course," Nautilus replies gruffly. "You're our party leader, right? We're supposed to protect you."

Leafa blushes in response, lowering her gaze.

Silica beams back at us. "Thank you two. It means a lot to know we have your support."

"We should move off to the side," the silver hair man interrupts. "More people are coming."

Only then do I take in the rest of the situation. There are more people following Leafa and Silica. All them bear a haggard expression. Most carrying two backpacks. My heart drops as I put together the most likely reason. I want to ask what happened, but there will be time for that later.

A parade of steel boots sends sharp rings out as they impact the rocky ground. They sound like they're sprinting. They run in two crisp lines, a barefaced woman leading them. I've never been embarrassed by my looks, but she puts me to shame. Her short navy-blue hair frames a beautiful face. Combined with her tall stature, she'd draw the gaze of any man. The sight of her finally seems to wake up the dead-panned men.

"Is that…?"

"Ganesha familia…"

"The new cane!?"

"You, adventurers." Stopping her party with a raised fist, she approaches us. "Have you been to the twelfth or sixteenth floor?"

"No," Heathcliff responds easily, apparently not affected by her in the least. "We only went as deep as the tenth."

"Farewell then." Turning to leave, she gestures at her party to continue.

"Wait!" I cry out. "What's happening on those floors!"

She casts me an irritated glance. "Monster migrations. We're going to fix it."

"Kirito…" Leafa's voice is filled with fear.

"I think they were only going to the fifteenth," Nautilus answers, "They should be fine."

"But if people are in trouble…" Silica murmurs.

"Then he'll try to help them." Leafa asserts mind made up.

"So, down to the twelfth?" I ask with a smile.

One by one they nod their agreement. Even Nautilus comes through in the end.

"Can you see yourselves out," Heathcliff asks the other men. "It appears I have somewhere else to be."

Barely waiting for their nods of agreement, he takes off and joins us. Tagging along behind the Ganesha familia group, the leader gives us one glance but stays silent.

Heart hammering, I run alongside my friends. Fear and excitement assail me in equal portions. This is nothing what I imagined it would be like. To go on an adventure.

---

Mountains West of Orario:

"Kruu… Kruu…" Whimpering pathetically, the injured Kobold struggled to pull itself along the ground. The once mighty pack leader was a sorry sight. It's legs no longer worked, and blood poured from it in multiple places. It moved now only through animal instinct. A final mechanism to keep its body going. To pray for some miracle to save it.

As a shadow fell over it, that miracle wasn't answered. The creature stood on four legs and looked down at the injured kobold. Black blood from the kobold's companions coated its jaws. Licking its lips, an insatiable hunger burned in the monsters red eyes. Lowering its jaws, the whimpers ended as a loud crack emanated before the mountain air fell silent once more.

Hunger pushed back for now, the monster raised its nose to the air and sniffed. The path led North, out of the mountains. For once, the monster hesitated. That direction held only unknown land to the creature. It had spent its whole life living and feasting within these peaks. As its stomach rumbled once insistently, it padded forward silently. Where prey went, it followed.