Hello again,

This chapter is the chapter that wasn't going to be. I'd initially planned for a time skip here but decided to add a few extra scenes in beforehand to tie it up a little better. Therefore, part two of this chapter will pick up awhile later.

Anyway, if you do read it, hopefully you enjoy it.

PS. I recently found english covers of the SAO OP/EDs by AmaLee that are surprisingly good. I'd recommend giving them a listen if you have time.

Later,

-asdf

Chapter 24: Preparations for Ascension Part 1

Sugou:

"Any update on the hacks?" Sugou pressed as he strode back-and-forth through the small room. Stationed at the back of one of RECT's floors, Sugou had secretly acquired a private server to run his independent research. Helped only by two like-minded techs, Sugou couldn't contain his impatience.

"Hacks, is a very simple way of describing what we are doing," the one argued back. Only his exhaustion at the long days giving him the confidence to talk back to Sugou.

"That's what they are though!" Sugou yelled, not caring if anyone heard. "We know Kayaba designed some. Skills that would be automatically acquired upon acquisition of a falna. We just need to design our own and give them to a single person. We'll clear the game becoming heroes and acquire our test subjects at the same time."

"We know the principal behind it," the second sighed, slumping to his desk. "We helped you come up with it after all."

"Then what's the problem!? We have the game's engine. This should take a couple of hours, not weeks!"

"Months…" The first one sighed.

"If not years," the second added on.

"Then tell me WHY!"

"Because," the first one sighed, "Kayaba designed an immensely complex AI that studies the target thoroughly and decides the skills, magic, and growth rate of an adventurer."

"That's not the main problem though," the second one picked up, "this live version is… different."

"The servers are practically dormant."

"It may as well be another world, not a game."

"Shut up," Sugou growled at them. "Enough with the delusional fantasies. I've heard that hypothesis enough in the media. The rumours of the players slowly transitioning to another world. I don't need that shit from you two!"

"But we can't access it!" They groaned in despair. "Without server data it's impossible to determine a way to manipulate a player's status. Even if we had Kayaba's login, it wouldn't help."

"…Are you telling me it's impossible?" Sugou's voice is low and quiet.

"It very well may be." The first tech answered, ready for the backlash. However, Sugou needed to hear this. As each attempt the tech made ended in failure, he became more and more confident of the rumours spreading. That this was no videogame Kayaba had trapped them all in.

"Wow!" the second interrupted, excitement tainting his voice. "They've confirmed it…"

"Confirmed what!?" Sugou snarled, ignoring the claim of impossibility for now.

"A zero-upload connection," the second one murmured, scrolling through a private communication, distributed through a small private network for the time. "One of the original players is now officially no longer sending or receiving data from an exterior source."

"But…" Sugou wanted to call him out on it, to claim that was an impossibility. Reading over his shoulder, Sugou scanned the data and tests himself. Connectivity was one of the few readings they were able to collect. "How…"

Giving it up as impossible, Sugou stumbled to the far wall and slid down in disbelief. His dreams were crashing around him. Sugou was unable to understand any of it.

"What the hell man…"

"Does this mean the NerveGear can be removed now?"

"Or it will never come off…"

Not hearing the conversation, Sugou began laughing. Starting as small chuckles, it quickly built into a full-bellied boom. Even that changed into manacial, insane cackling. With tears pouring from his eyes, Sugou looked well and truly insane.

"…What the hell is wrong with him?"

"Who knows…"

"Did you plan this Kayaba!?" Sugou yelled at no one, staring up at the ceiling. "Was this this your master plan? I think not!"

Breaking off, Sugou pounded the ground as howls of laughter were torn from his throat.

"This beat you, didn't it? You didn't get your dream fulfilled, but I will! I'll harness this magic and with it, master human emotions. You hear me!"

Staring at their boss in fear, the techs slowly returned to their work as Sugou sat on the floor laughing. Small chuckles continuing to rise from him for hours after.

Leafa:

Sitting in the dark, only the status on my back allowed me to see anything. Silica sat across from me, struggling less than I was. I couldn't help but wonder if that was another benefit of her race. Her cat ears twitched as she stared around the room, looking at objects that would be little more than vague shadows for me.

"We must come to a decision about this." As I speak Silica's eyes finally settle upon me. Those big brown orbs, shimmering under the faint light. For a brief delusional moment, I almost expected them to glow like a cat's.

"I agree," Silica responded, her voice wavering between confidence and hesitancy. "We told Hestia we would see her tomorrow morning for a status update before going to the guild with Bell and Lili."

"That would make sense…" I breath, partly relieved that Silica would be there to face the goddess alongside me. "So, umm… Do you think… that it's true?"

The entire day, I struggled to get the revelation out of my head. Silica was likewise plagued. In a way, her dilemma was far worse than mine.

"I… I can't believe it Leafa." She responded slowly, "if I do… How can I go on?"

Wincing, I didn't know how to respond. I could only sympathize with a part of her pain. "I'm so sorry Silica. I know I like him from before I got here… The passion in that kiss, I know my feelings aren't wrong. And yet, this rumour we heard… It's shaken me as well."

"At least you have something to fall back on," Silica grumbled. "I have nothing anymore… I wanted to become an adventurer not a supporter… so I could help him. If he really was…" Breaking off, Silica lowered her head, the beginnings of tears forming at the corner of her eyes. "I have nothing…"

"That's not true!" I interrupt her, grabbing her hand. "You have me! No matter what happens."

"…You're right," Silica agreed after a pause. "Kirito or no Kirito, we'll be friends. I just… may need awhile to adjust."

"I think we all will," I mumble in agreement. Breathing deeply once, I try and change the topic. "So what do you think of all our new members?"

"I'm happy Lili is back," Silica smiled softly, picking up on my not so subtle strategy. "Strea and Yui make an interesting pair, although I wish Strea was a little less physical with Kirito."

Snorting, I roll my eyes in agreement. "At least it seems that she's genuine with her affection."

"Yeah, poor Bell had a rough time."

At the name of the second boy in our familia, the mood got a little tenser. "And him?"

"At first, he seemed really mature and dependable," Lili admits. "Kind of like the perfect adventurer…"

"…But?"

"I tried talking to him a bit after supper. He seems to be about my age after all, and I thought he could use some support as the new person. However…" Breaking off, Lili looked a little guilty gossiping about the new member.

"If it's bugging you, tell me." I urge her.

"True…" She mutters. "When I talked to him, that adventurer exterior dissolved and he seemed like a shy boy. He could barely look at me. Until I mentioned some of our adventures in the dungeon. It was like I could feel the anger rolling off him at the mere mention of monsters hurting people."

"He must have a hard history," I murmur. "After all, not everyone can get Lili of all people to look at them like that."

At this Silica chuckles in shared amusement. "I could almost see the hearts in her eyes."

Laughing slightly along with Silica, it quickly died. It was late, and we were weary from worrying all day. "I'm sure he'll be fine," I add on, "after all, he has Lili looking after him. Plus, I'm sure Kirito and him will hit it off."

"Are you really sure we want the two of them sharing ideas?" Silica questioned.

"You're right," I shiver at the thought, "Kirito will corrupt him and fill his head with thoughts of women."

Laughing together, I felt like the final darkness had finally been expunged from my thoughts for now. Sharing a final humorous look, we both knew it wouldn't happen. Kirito tended to get along with most people it seemed. There was no doubt that Bell would be the same.

Knossos:

"Was that really wise?" Rang PoH's voice from the shadows. Taking a step forward, the shadows appeared to melt around him. Eventually they solidified into a human outline. The fine details fading into obscurity in the dim light.

"I did what I must," the god answered barely acknowledging his presence.

"…"

"You may ask your question."

"How do you know we can trust her?" PoH asked. "She's a goddess."

"You may be an expert at reading people," the god replied with a teasing tone, "but when it comes to deities you still have much to learn. She will play her part."

"How can you be sure though?" PoH pushed again. The plan they had devised was risky. Extremely risky.

"Because in order to fulfill her only goal, she needs us." The god answered straightforwardly.

PoH could only trust him. If he was confident enough to risk everything on this, then PoH could only assume he was absolutely positive about that goddess' motivations.

"What did you think of her?" The god asked suddenly, "she is a goddess of beauty after all."

"…I had to avert my eyes," PoH answered honestly, surprising himself. "She reminded me of a Venus fly trap for men. A sickening aura surrounded her."

"But one you couldn't help but desire to dive into, yes?"

"…Yes."

"Haha," Laughing loudly at PoH, the sound was unbefitting the somber surroundings that they found themselves in. "At least you're honest about it. She cranked her charm up high enough to affect a monster. No doubt trying to get us to reveal something we shouldn't."

"…I see."

"One last question, do you think the plan will work?"

Bowing his head, PoH thought over the god's question. The plan they were attempting to pull off could cripple Orario in one fell swoop. If it failed, however, the same could be said of them.

"In one month… The Amphisbaena spawns. That same day we will draw the combined forces of Loki, Freya, and Ganesha familia, plus anyone in Riveria, down to the water capital. There, utilizing the strength of Ishtar familia, as well as our two familias forces, and our leftover inferno stones, we will destroy them all."

"Yes," the god agreed, with all the nonchalance of someone not directly involved in the plan.

PoH could already imagine the slaughter, monsters and adventurers thrown together in a confusing tangle, friend and foe barely distinguishable from each other. He didn't particularly care about the deaths; the only issue was that it made his own survival extremely unlikely. No matter who won.

"It will certainly deal a grievous blow to the adventurers, no matter who wins. I can't help but feel like there's a way to change it so that our members are more protected."

"Then we go ahead with it," the god replied. PoH doubted he would have changed his mind no matter what he said. "Although, if there is an edit that can save followers… I will listen."

"As you wish…" Muttering the final reply, PoH watched the god leave. Staring sightlessly ahead at the barren room, PoH could barely recall the initial drives that had led him here. How excited he had been to finally see hordes of the filthy Japanese die.

Now though, as it was finally being finalized, PoH couldn't find that emotion. That pure hate which he had spent a lifetime accumulating simply wasn't there. Or if it was, he couldn't generate the joy that used to arise form the thought of killing.

Knowing he would surely die if he didn't get his mind straight, PoH exited the room after the deity. He had four weeks to get stronger. Four weeks to attempt to get another level. Level two today, level three the day before the plan was carried out. Trying to convince himself it was possible, PoH left to train.

Silica:

"Please goddess Hestia, we have to know."

"Haha… I can't believe Kirito didn't tell you…" Hestia responded evasively.

"I don't think he realizes we know," Leafa stepped in, backing up my request. "Based on your wording though…"

"Yes yes," Hestia grumbles, "what you heard was an exaggeration. Kirito can't force people to like him."

"Thank god…" Breathing out, the invisible weight finally lifted from my shoulders. It was false. My feelings were my own. It terrified me how one rumour could shake my entire foundation of trust. How weak I was that I could doubt my reasons for entering the dungeon every day simply because of something I heard. Glancing over at Leafa, it seemed she was having similar worries.

"…" Staying silent, only a pained grimace touched her lips.

"Well, enough brooding!" Hestia spoke with forced enthusiasm. "Let's update those statuses while you're here, yeah?"

"Yes please," Leafa answered instantly, leaving me behind.

With nothing to do but wait my turn, I retreated to the entrance. There was no real point in me leaving, after all, Hestia would want to do me right after. Trying to draw up my courage, I pulled my sleeping shirt off and held it to my chest. With no coverings underneath, I felt exposed. Logically I knew that it was only women in the room, but even that wasn't enough to get me to lower my arms.

Wait! What if Kirito starts…

Going bright red, I felt my body begin to shake. There's no way he would make us do something like this, right? But what if the other girls pressure him into it!?

Mind beginning to spiral, I stood there in a daze. Mouth hanging slightly open, a bit of drool began to trickle from my mouth. "N-no… don't take my clothes away…" Muttering nonsensically to myself, I felt like a computer in summer. Extremely close to overheating.

"Congratulations on level two Leafa."

"L-level two!?" The words shook me out of my daydreams. Gaping at the bed where Leafa was getting off, my shirt fell from my unfeeling hands. She looked as dazed as I felt, a nonbelieving look in her eye.

"I… I did it…"

"You did!" Hestia agreed. "With a super cool new spell and skill to boot!"

"Wh…" Cutting off my question, I know better than to ask. If Leafa wants to tell me about her abilities, she will later. "M-me next!" Practically throwing myself on the bed, I wait anxiously for Hestia's ministrations. If Leafa did it… I can too! Right?

Breathing heavily from the anticipation, my body felt like it was on fire. First the images of Kirito and now this. It was a surreal moment to consider. Catching up. It had always been such a lofty, far off goal. I never really considered that out statuses were entering the range where a level-up became possible.

"Here I go," Hestia informed me, Ichor touching my back and melting away, the warm blood awakening the magic symbols inscribed upon my back. Despite staring at the white sheets of the bed, I felt like I could see it, the numbers ticking over as Hestia touched up the status, drawing forth the untapped potential that I had garnered. "…I see."

"Well?" I ask expectantly.

"You have the ability to level up," Hestia informed me.

"Yes!" Jumping up, I almost knock Hestia over before I wrap my arms around her and pull her in for a hug. "Thank you for being the best goddess!"

"Ack!"

"Umm, Silica, I think you're chocking her. Also…"

"Huh?" Breaking off the hug, Hestia falls to her side coughing as I take a moment to look at Leafa. Her words had a strange hesitancy to them. She was averting her eyes, a strange blush touching her cheeks, as she stole glances back toward me, each one deepening the colour. Following her eyes… "Eep!"

Squeaking, I quickly cover my chest with both arms. I'd completely forgotten about my state of undress with the ongoing events.

"Gah," Hestia coughed one last time, regaining her composure. "I admire the enthusiasm Silica, but make sure you don't walk around Kirito in this state, you hear me!?"

"K-Kirito!?" I stammer, "No, I would never think about him seeing me topless! Not even if the other girls were!"

"…"

An eerie silence follows my blabbered thoughts. Wincing, I cower before the two women staring daggers at me. I had all but confessed the contents of my nightmarish fantasy to them.

"S-so where is my status!" I ask before Hestia can unleash the fury that I see building in her eyes.

"…I'll let you off for now," she grumps. "As I was trying to say, you have the ability to level up. However, to be blunt, your stats are lower than Leafa's. I want you to wait to officially level up until you accumulate more falna."

"…Oh." With that, my dreams were crushed. "Why should I wait?"

"To get stronger," Hestia informed me. "The more points you get before levelling the better! …Or so I'm told."

Ignoring the last part, I try to work my way past my emotions. To see the logical side. "One week." Picking a time randomly, I decide that's the limit I'll wait. "No matter how much I've grown, you are levelling me up a week from now."

"Agreed," Hestia answered, looking slightly taken aback and also strangely pleased at my will. "Here is your status."

Silica

Level One

Strength: E 414 → E 490 Defense: D 513 → D 598 Utility: D 562 → C 612 Agility: C 659 → B 767 Magic: I 0 → I 0

Magic: ()

Skills:

Dragon Trainer: Increases the user's ability to tame Dragon-type monsters.

"Kirito didn't get magic until level two either, right?" I ask Hestia warily.

"That is true," she answered with a slight nod. "Honestly, you aren't really behind him in terms of status and how long it took to get here." Hestia tried to comfort me. "I know it feels like you're falling behind, but you'll get there."

"Thank you," I respond, more at peace now. Setting the sheet down, I struggle to maintain control. All the emotions tumbling through me demand a response. Trying to emulate Kirito's calm aura is a challenge. But I don't want them to see me as a child that can't control herself.

"Umm… Silica…" Leafa's pained voice spoke once more.

"Huh? Ahh! Stop staring at me!" Unable to contain the outburst this time, I dive for my shirt left all the way at the entrance and throw it quickly over my head. Panting, I lock eyes with Leafa, whose blush has yet to fade.

Answering the expression in kind, I lead us out for an awkward walk back to our shared room.

Kirito:

"Wow…" Murmuring, I couldn't believe my eyes. The torn and ruined church from before was absent. Instead, a pristine entryway greeted me as I walked through the thick oaken double doors. One of the few features that remained intact, although they had to be remounted and polished. Some of the openness had been removed. There was now a ceiling at about twelve feet instead of the vaulting entranceway of a church. This added a second floor for bedrooms which we were in dire need of.

Turning around, I couldn't help but smile wildly at the small group that had come for the grand opening. Hestia and Yui were holding hands, looking extremely pleased with themselves and their decision to fund this rebuilding project. Right behind them was Strea, bouncing with excitement despite having only seen the old church once. Behind them were the final two people who had come today, Rain and Philia. While they looked a little awkward at seeing the new building for the first time with us, since they weren't in our familia, it still only felt proper that they were here. After all, our familias had worked together closely now for a long time. At this point, it felt like the line between our familias was getting blurred.

It doesn't help that I'm dating two of them.

Thinking on it now, I realized I never actually asked Miach's permission to date his familia members. Neither had Rain or Philia brought it up. That would be an awkward conversation I'd have to have at some point.

It was unfortunate that Silica and Leafa weren't here, along with Bell and Lili. We really should have gone to the house as an entire familia. I was informed this morning, however, that Silica had dragged Leafa, Nautilus, and Yuna into the dungeon. Likewise, Lili and Bell had gone off to the guild for registration followed by shopping for gear and maybe a quick trip into the dungeon. Miach and Nazha obviously had to run the store, but everyone would be coming by later for a celebration.

"Come on, Papa! Let's go look!" As Yui bounded forward with an innocent smile, I felt my hand get captured by a smaller one. Smiling down at her, I couldn't help but blush as I observed the chain the three of us made. Yui in the middle, each of her hands locked firmly around one of mine and Hestia's.

"Cuute!" Strea intoned as usual. Bouncing up and down, the girl looked moments away from scooping all three of us into a giant hug.

As if sensing the oncoming disruption, Yui turned her head back to stare at Strea. "Behave yourself little sister. There will be a time for hugs later."

"…Fine."

I couldn't help but shake my head in awe at the strange dynamic the two of them had constructed in only a few days. To everyone else, Yui behaved like a little girl, full of innocence. In front of Strea, however, she quickly turned into the responsible older sister that was forced to reign in Strea's wild ideas.

Catching a knowing glance from Philia and Rain, I quickly look back at the church again before my cheeks can heat any further. The entire situation is a little surreal as we take out first steps through the open double doors. Past the entranceway, it had a kitchen and dining area visible as you entered. Despite dividing the interior into two floors, the interior still felt spacious and accommodating. Walking slowly, the new hardwood floors shimmered with fresh polish. In spite of my worries that my hobnailed boots would scuff it, the floor seemed to have no issues.

"This is beautifully done," Rain murmured from the back.

"Yes…" Philia agreed, talking quietly as if the space still retained some of its original holy aura.

"We need to do a shopping trip, however," I add onto the girls' conversation as I take in the room a bit more seriously. While it looked great, as they said, there was a noticeable lack of furnishings. Perhaps most importantly, there was no dining room table, and the kitchen was missing everything except the installed sink. Not even a magic stone stove to heat water on.

"Yeah…" Hestia chuckled, taking in the surroundings. "Forgot about that part."

"Well, that's alright," I say, unwilling to let us get bogged down into unpleasant thoughts on what should be happy day. "We should still have money left over to buy what we need. After all, common living goods tend to be cheaper than adventuring supplies."

"True…" Hestia replied, sulking a bit, "but it will almost wipe out our savings…"

"Hey," I say, flashing her a smile. "We have a new house now. One where we can all live together. If we have to tighten our belts for a couple days, it will be worth it."

"…Thanks," Hestia replied, looking away awkwardly.

Flinching slightly, I remember the uncomfortable parting we had last time. Where I stormed out of the house after learning the truth about my advanced ability. Everything has happened so suddenly that I keep forgetting that Hestia doesn't approve of my harem. We will need to come to an agreement about that, and quickly. Bell's accusation floats back through my head. How I have abandoned the needs of my familia in order to hit on girls.

That's not true though!

Unfortunately, the empty thought doesn't prove my resolve to anyone. I need to show my ability to function as our familia's leader and an adventurer while maintaining my harem. Easier said than done as we continue our inspection of the new premise.

At the back, where the trapdoor previously hid the stairs down had been removed. Now the start of a railing marked the beginning of the stairs down as well as a new flight that lead up.

"I'm going to be the first!" Calling out her challenge, I stumbled under a new force that pushed down on my shoulders. Instinctively looking up at the shadow passing over my head, I blush at the flash of white thighs as Strea passes over my head in her dress. The fabric flaring out around her.

"Oh no you won't!" Yui met the challenge releasing my hand as she dashed for the stairs.

Despite seeing the status for myself, I still couldn't quite believe the sight as Yui took off running with the speed of an average level one adventurer. Nonetheless, it wasn't enough to match Strea who possessed a status on par with level two's. Jumping, she easily cleared Yui's head and gave herself a big lead.

"Not so fast, little sister!" Crying out, Yui dove forward and grabbed the back of Strea's dress. Planting her feet, the move stopped Strea for about half a second before her level two strength won again. The loser in this encounter was the frilly summer dress that Strea wore. Ripping slightly, the fabric slid off Strea as Yui fell backward, Dress in hand.

"Eep!" Strea squeaked in the first show of impropriety that I'd seen her display. Trying to cover herself with her arms, Strea stood most of the way to the second floor with only her underwear on. "Yui! Why would you expose me like this in front of Kirito! You meanie!" As she looked at me, I was shocked to see tears forming in her eyes. "Why are you staring Kirito!?"

"S-sorry!" Somehow made the bad guy in this, I quickly turned my back on the debacle. Still, Strea's alluring figure was burned into my eyes, even as I turned my back. Her body possessed a maturity that the other girls had yet to develop.

"Hehe!" Yui giggled her voice distorted by distance, "I win!"

"No fair!" Strea called her voice moments from breaking. "You cheated!"

"I don't remember hearing rules!"

As the girls' argument faded into obscurity, muffled by the separation of floors, I spoke hesitantly, "can I turn around now?"

"Yes," Hestia sighed rubbing her head.

"Those girls sure are something," Rain giggled.

"Indeed," Philia nodded magnanimously, tapping her finger against her chin in thought. "I never would have thought Strea had such a girly side. I half expected her to finish ascending the stairs and then tempting Kirito to take the rest off."

"H-Hey!" Hestia roared. "Y-you two better not be getting any ideas."

Closing my eyes, I prayed to whichever god this place used to be dedicated to. That they wouldn't provoke Hestia. That they wouldn't say that single word which would set off a chain reaction.

"Why?" They asked in dual surprise.

Suppressing my groan, they said the inevitable word. All I could do now was stand there and hope they resolve it peacefully.

"W-why!?" Hestia roared back. "B-because Kirito is my child! If I don't want women seducing him then there better not be!"

At this point, the other two merely replied with chuckles. I could practically imagine those twin smiles of humour and disbelief; unsure how serious Hestia was being at this point.

"It's not women seducing Kirito you need to worry about," Philia answered lightly, "with that mouth of his, one kiss and they're his."

A light whimper escaped my lips at this. The girls must be under the impression that Hestia and I had worked this out already and it was fine.

"W-Wait!" Hestia predictable screeched. "Y-you've been kissing!?"

"Of course!" Rain answered happily bounding over to my side and linking arms with me. "Like this." The touch of her lips is light, but also familiar at this point. Even if she hadn't spoken, I'd have been able to differentiate her touch from Philia's. For some reason, that thought makes me happy in the second before chaos descends.

"Ahh!" Accompanying the screeching, I feel another body hit me. My head wrapped by arms as Hestia hangs off me. "Kirito is mine! You- You can't take him from me!"

"Goddess Hestia…" Philia murmured softly, perhaps finally beginning to understand. "You understand Kirito is a person, right?"

"Of course!" Hestia spat back, "and he chose my familia, mine! If you want a boy to fool around with go find your own god. He's enough of a playboy to keep you all entertained!"

Even without being able to see, I could feel the temperature in the room drop about ten degrees. The piercing glares as Rain and Philia tried to make Hestia see reason.

"How dare you call our god a playboy!?" Rain fired back, anger in her voice for one the first times since I've known her. "He helps people and spreads kindness to people. Unlike you who wants to keep it all for yourself!"

"I-I…!" Sputtering indignantly, Hestia was unable to mount a defense.

"You know…" Philia informs Hestia kindly, "If you want to join the harem… You could just ask. I'm sure Kirito likes you as well."

"T-that's not…" Once again, Hestia was unable to mount a defense.

Standing motionlessly through it all, I felt like an outsider watching a private conversation. I know that I play a large part in the discussion, but at the same time, I also simply wanted to observe. To truly see if it was possible. So far, every member of my harem were friends with each other. Could I add a member who wasn't? Or would everything break down at that point? How important was my own relationship with them? In contrast, how important were the girls' relationship with each other?

That final question seemed to be the key to all of this. After all, one of the founding decision makers for this was because of Rain and Philia. How I inadvertently attracted both of them while they attracted me. How by the end of it all I could no longer choose between them and doing so would ruin their friendship.

Smiling beneath Hestia's arms, I felt a strange calm as my reasons came back to me. The remembrance that this wasn't a one-sided street that I walked. Each of the girls had accepted this knowing full well who was involved and still believing it to be the correct solution.

Because they want each other to be happy.

Such a simple idea, and yet so profoundly difficult to achieve. The only issue now was ensuring I could achieve Hestia's happiness without sabotaging theirs. The slowly tightening arms around my head told me that doing so would not be an easy, one-step process. However, I had confidence that it could be achieved.

"Is something wrong mommy?" Yui called. "You haven't come up and I heard yelling…"

"Uhh…" Hestia murmured awkwardly. "Mommy is just trying to protect papa from these thieves. Don't worry about it."

"Grr…"

"Thieves?" Yui questioned. "But I thought… they were also my Mommys?"

"H-huh?" Hestia stuttered. "B-but I'm your mommy!"

"You're one of them," Yui agreed slowly as if not understanding Hestia's arguments. "But the other girls, they also care about Papa."

Strangely, I remembered Yui saying the same thing when we were first introduced. She really did have such a simple worldview.

"But this is…" Cutting off her words, I felt my head get released as Hestia slid back to the ground. "I need to… inspect the outside."

Stomping off, Hestia simply left with no pomp. Her small frame disappearing out the front door.

"I feel a little bad now…" Rain murmured.

"I know what you mean," Philia agreed slowly. "I think she doesn't know what she wants yet."

"What do you mean?" Rain questioned.

Looking back at the stairs, I saw that Yui slowly retreated back up them. While her intervention had been most timely, I couldn't help but feel like she knew more than she let on. Somehow, she seemed to be a master of emotions. Able to sense how people feel about each other with a simple glance. Even when they may not know themselves.

"I…" Trailing off, Philia looked disturbed. After settling herself with a breath, she continued with her deductions. "I just put myself in Hestia's shoes. Kirito was her first and only member. She probably figured she'd get months alone with him to figure out their relationship. Now she's being left behind and rushed to find an answer."

With a Tsk, Rain shook her head in disbelief, muttering a string of inaudible Russian. "You're being too nice, she's a coward. Unable to make a decision."

"Don't insult her," I interrupt Rain. "She's still my goddess and has helped me a lot. I owe her a great deal."

"…My apologies," Rain answered softly. "I wasn't really talking about Hestia."

"You mean yourself?" I ask in disbelief. I couldn't conflate Rain and coward. It simply wasn't possible.

"Yes," she muttered, clearly uncomfortable. "I'm too scared to pursue a career as an idol. Too scared to reach out to my younger sister. I can't stand to remember how I used to be before meeting you."

"Well," Philia says conciliatorily, "that means if anyone can help Hestia, it should be Kirito, right?"

"Probably," Rain agrees with a smile, "and… if she does end up joining, we will welcome her with open arms."

"That would mean a lot, thank you." Shaken by the unexpected, moving conversation, I gently wrap the two girls in my arms. Their warmth a welcome feeling, a salve spreading joy and contentment through my body.

"Hmm…" The happy sigh is echoing through all three of us. I can't put my delight into words about how mature and understanding the two of them are being. Already, the initial hiccups seem to be fading.

"Umm, we should go," Philia interrupted, bringing the hug to an end. "We'll be back for the supper, unless you need us earlier for something. Good luck with everything until then."

"Thank you…" I reply surprised. "But you don't have to leave."

"No," Rain sighs, "Philia is right. You all need to explore your new space and figure out who will be sleeping where, and which is for storage, and cooking roles, and shopping roles, and…"

"I get it, I get it," I reply wincing. Rain's list felt like a bucket of icy water. Reminding me of the grim reality and challenges facing our expanded familia. It all sounded very adult. Next they'll be telling me to do taxes.

Hestia familia home second story:

"That was mean…" Strea mumbled for what must have been the seventh time. Yui wasn't even in the room to hear this time. And yet, despite the embarrassment, Strea felt grateful toward her older sister.

All this time, Strea had thought that romance and attachments were straight forward. If you want to hug someone, you go and hug them. Nothing really mattered. Now though, Strea blushed at the thought of the things she had done. How little she actually knew Kirito.

Pacing around the small room, Strea decided this is the one she would sleep in. Completely devoid of furniture, she tried to turn her mind to decorating instead of the enigmatic boy she'd embarrassed herself in front of. A bed over there, big enough to fit a Kirito-sized body pillow but only barely so that they would have to be cuddled together, and…

Shaking her head, Strea tried to clear the blush that arose. It had been so simple to think of such things before Yui had come along and corrupted her.

"You're so mean Onee-san…"

"Why am I mean?"

"Eep!" Squeaking, Strea awkwardly turned to face the girl that had found her out. "N-nothing!"

"Okay… Well, umm…" Breaking off, Yui's face began to flush red as well as she shifted awkwardly. Refusing to look at Strea's face, Yui couldn't finish the sentence.

"Y-Yui?" Strea asked.

"I'm sorry for my behaviour earlier!" Yui spat out quickly, bowing deeply at the same time. "I humiliated you in front of papa."

"Oh…" Strea blinked, unsure how to respond. "Umm, that's okay. I think… I should thank you actually."

"Why?"

"Well…" Trying to put together her previous thoughts, Strea struggled to get it out in a comprehensible way. "I think I wasn't receptive to others feelings before now."

"I see…" Yui answered, a knowing smile touching her lips. "I hope you don't lose your energy though. The others feed off it more than you realize."

"R-Really?" Strea asked, excited again.

"Yep!"

"Thank you, Onee-san!" Leaping forward Strea wrapped Yui into another hug, unrelenting as the smaller girl struggled pointlessly for air.

*Hours Later*

"Hey…" Walking into the room, Kirito smiled at Yui. The day had turned hectic once Hestia had re-entered. The four of them had spent hours lugging supplies back from Miach familia house. Then shopping for the essentials required for their celebration which was only a couple hours off. Kirito had expected the busy day to drain the small girl. Kirito knew he wanted a nap before supper.

Looking at the sight before him, he felt his eyelids closing. There, laying across Yui's legs was Strea, soundly asleep. The two of resembling older and younger sister for the first time in Kirito's eyes.

"Come sit Papa."

"Are you sure?" Kirito asked, not wanting to interrupt the tender moment.

"I'm Strea would enjoy it," Yui smiled at him.

Taking the invitation, Kirito slid down beside Yui. Shoulders almost touching, Kirito was able to stare at Strea's sleeping face, a serene mask free of the day's worries. Unable to help himself, Kirito reached out and tucked a strand of her lavender hair behind her ear. Pulling back his hand, Kirito briefly ran his finger along her supple cheek, getting a smile in response from the sleeping girl.

"You like her Papa."

Kirito got the feeling Yui's words weren't a question. "It's hard not to," Kirito replied honestly. "She's fun to be around with her infectious energy."

"That's true…" Yui murmured in a reply. "It will be challenging to be her older sister and her daughter at the same time."

Ignoring the implication in Yui's words, Kirito focused on the second half instead. "Why do you call her that? It doesn't seem like you are actually related."

"…I think," Yui replied hesitantly, "it has to do with where we are from."

Waiting patiently, Kirito hoped that she would expand on her explanation.

"As the days tick by, I find myself growing more and more capable of understanding things, and people. There are times I find Strea's mannerisms childish and naïve. Yet others, when Hestia pats me on the head, or combs my hair, I find myself going along happily, content to enjoy the sensations."

"That must be rough…" Kirito replies sadly. "So this place you came from, is it my world?"

"Are you impatient Papa?" Yui teases with a mature insight. "I was getting there. I think… I had a role before. Or I was supposed to have a role. Maybe built for one? It's hard to understand."

Kirito could only blink dumbly, not really comprehending all of it. Deciding to change the topic, he asked about the other strange thing he'd heard. "I heard from Argo that you claim to be the person that stuck us in that hole. Is that true?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes." Yui agreed easily.

Stunned, Kirito wasn't sure what to do. The claim was impossible, but Yui's face conveyed such sincerity that Kirito wasn't able to bring himself to doubt her. "How?"

"Well… After my cage opened…"

"Cage!?"

"Papa!" Yui pouted, "do you want me to tell you or not!?"

"S-sorry…"

"Anyway," Yui continued, casting another pouty glare at Kirito to make sure he wouldn't interrupt again, "after it opened, I wandered these strange halls for awhile. Eventually I came to a console that allowed me to observe this world, and that dungeon you enter."

"Obser…" Biting off the word, Kirito pretended to zip his lips as Yui began to give him another glare.

"I saw that you would be consumed by the blast, so I put the three of you into the hole. I wanted to take you out after, but the thing said I had intervened and then exiled me here."

"And then you wandered around until you found Hestia…" Kirito mumbled, completing Yui's history. The more he heard the less the boy understood. "So… You think Strea was in that place as well?"

"I think so." Yui nods. "From what I can gather she was watching me secretly as I tried to save you and then disappeared."

"That makes sense… I guess." Despite trying to come across tough, Kirito felt completely lost. He had absorbed maybe 10% of the material. Almost all of which was that Yui and Strea came from the same mysterious place, and that Yui had saved his life. "I owe you a debt for putting us in there."

"That's okay Papa!" Yui smiled back. "Instead, you can get along with everyone so that I have many Mommas!"

"Haha, well I hope I can manage to do that…"

"That means Hestia and Bell!" Yui chided him. "You need to figure out how to repair your relationship with them soon!"

"Yes, Ma'am!" Kirito replied obediently, a small smile touching his lips. "But… how do you know?"

Yui could only shrug in reply, a sad tinge touching her eyes. "I don't know. There's so much I don't know…"

"Well, we can figure it out together if you like," Kirito replied, the end becoming distorted as he yawned. Like a mirror image, Yui yawned again right after him, her eyes slowly closing. "Come here."

Placing his arm around Yui's shoulder, Kirito brought her close so that she could sleep against him.

"So sleepy…"

"Me too…" Kirito agreed laying his head back against the wall. Before he could find the solace of a nap, one more question came to his mind. "Hey Yui, did you mean to pull Strea's dress off?"

"…Yes," she answers guiltily. "I thought it would help her learn more about humans. I realize now… It was a little too mean…"

"Huh?" Jolted awake, Kirito stared down in confusion at Yui. After a few seconds, he heard the soft breaths from her sleeping form. However, he couldn't get the words she'd said out of his head.

Learn more about humans.

Failing to convince himself the wording wasn't as strange as it seemed, Kirito found sleep elusive, even with the sweet melodies of the two dreaming girls beside him.

Bell:

"Hi yah!" Jumping off the wall, I pushed my body faster than ever before as I threw myself at the goblin. The monster was unable to keep up as my short sword split it into two halves. Landing lightly, I surveyed the corridor for any other foes. Panting heavily, exhaustion rode strongly upon my body.

Taking the brief respite, I looked down at the weapon in my hand. It had taken Lili and I the better part of an hour to pick it out. Now after double that in the dungeon, I was beginning to resent the decision. While the weapon itself had been chosen for its superior quality and versatility, I simply couldn't get used to it. Not only did the balance feel off, it was heavier than I'd have liked and most importantly, I was struggling to adapt my fighting style to it.

Unaware of my thoughts and internal criticisms, the blade sparkled back, barely scathed by the countless fights with goblins. The craftsmanship was truly impressive, especially for the price at which we had bought it.

"Not a fan?" Lili asked, somehow knowing my displeasure.

"I can't seem to get used to it," I admit, wincing thinking about how she had paid for it out of pocket.

"That's okay."

"Huh?" I blink in confusion, not expecting the answer. "How can you be okay with that?"

Lili tilted her head and gave me that look unique to her. The one that wondered whether I was really stupid enough to ask that question, then deciding that yes; yes, I was stupid enough.

"It wasn't that expensive and other members in our familia can use it if you feel you aren't going to get any use out of it. Before we spend another hour wandering stores, do you have an idea of what kind of weapon you're looking for?"

It took everything I had not to beg for forgiveness at the exasperation in Lili's voice. Although she had been supportive of me, I could see the question in her eyes every time I moved onto to examining another weapon: Why didn't I use my father's blade?

For one, it was too heavy for prolonged use. Second, that blade would be wasted against weaklings like this. It would be disrespectful to the sword and my father's memories. Lili was too much of a pragmatist to understand any but the first.

"I think… I may try a dagger. Or maybe a pair of daggers. But then again… a two-handed sword could be pretty cool…"

"Yes, yes," Lili groaned, "Spear wielders also look awesome when they bust their moves. Then again, flails have a certain aura of death that makes them cool as well. Should I keep going?"

Blushing, I looked away from Lili's piercing glare. I couldn't believe I had talked aloud when shopping. How naïve am I?

"Well?" Lili asked. "Back to the surface then so that we can finishing shopping before the celebration?"

"I…" Staring up and down the first-floor corridor, it felt like a waste of a day to stop now. The puny magic stone shards in these goblins would sell for under a hundred valis. In total I'd made probably somewhere around 1000 to 2000 valis, if my knowledge on exchange rates was still accurate.

"I promise you Bell," Lili told me, walking over to ruffle my hair while doing so, "the dungeon will be here tomorrow. You got your feet wet and did amazing. We can find you a weapon you prefer tomorrow morning and then spend the day venturing through the second and third floors."

"…No."

"So then, let's get out of here!" Lili continued, not comprehending my word. "Then we can… Wait, what?"

"I said no." I repeated stronger. "I have spent over a year running away from this place. I'm not doing it again."

"Bell…" Lili replied weakly, stunned by my words. "Be reasonable, I know you hate monsters, but…"

"NO!" I scream at her, that dam inside me finally breaking again, "you don't understand! Nobody understands my pain! Nobody knows the sheer loathing I feel when I see their disgusting bodies!"

Seeing red, I charged for the nearby stairs. The surrounding bright rock blurred around me as I charged single-minded to the second floor. I had felt the anger building all day. I found goblins and I killed them. Then, like clockwork, they came back. It was a never-ending cycle of futility. I thought I had understood that. Known about the fight the races have waged upon monsters for more than a millennium. But seeing it happen. To see how cheap a monster's life was. It broke me again.

"Bell!" Lili called, refusing to give up on me.

"Go home!"

"No!"

"Yes!" I know I sound like a petulant child, but I couldn't bring myself to care. "DIE!" Finding a kobold on the second floor, I dive toward it, blade swinging wildly in front of me. Despite being slightly faster than its surface companions that I'm used to, it goes down easily. Each swing tearing more and more of its life away.

Panting, I stare uncaringly at the ruined corpse beneath me. A hundred cuts crisscross its body. Leaving it behind, I keep running. I can still hear Lili behind me. Drawing more speed from my body, I learn an uncomfortable fact, she's faster than me.

"Stop already!"

"No… I can't stop…"

Already though, the heat is beginning to die down. The pointlessness of my actions. The impossibility of my dream. They seem all too real now.

"I can't…" Crashing to my knees, the stone floor blurs as tears form in my eyes. Back shaking, I feel overwhelmed. Moments away from breaking down completely.

"Why won't you just talk me…" Murmuring softly, I feel Lili's hand run through my hair once again. "I want to help you."

I can't say anything in reply, but I allow Lili to pull me toward her. Her small hand running up and down my back, bringing comfort to my tortured thoughts.

"Is it… Is it impossible?" I ask weakly, my voice fragile.

"Is what?"

"Destroying all the monsters. Stopping people from dying." Clamming up, I wait nervously. I don't think I'd be able to endure it if Lili called my dream impossible. I don't know when it happened, but I'd come to rely on her. To trust her. Sometimes more than I trusted myself.

"Hmm… Do you know why the gods descended to this world?"

"…What?" Confused, I raise my head to look at her. I have no idea where she's going with this.

"It's because they get entertainment from us of course. Their world is boring, and you know why?" Not giving me a chance to answer, Lili continues. "Because it never changes. Things change down here. Life is only precious because it has an ending. You will never be able to stop people from dying Bell."

"So…" Confused again, I frown at Lili. This girl is so much smarter than me its scary. I can't understand what she is trying to tell me. "…I can't destroy all monsters?"

"That's a different question though, isn't it?" Lili teased. "Like I said, life is precious because it ends. You may hate them, but monsters are alive. For that reason exactly, yes, it is theoretically possible to kill every monster. On the surface at least, I don't know anything about how the dungeon creates them…"

"You know… you could have just said yes."

"Where's the fun in that," Lili smiled back. Moments after, however, her smile disappeared, and her face grew serious. "While I think your goal is noble… Please don't let it consume you Bell."

"I'm sorry Lili… It already has."

Biting her lip, the girl finally had nothing more to say. Unconsciously, both of our gazes were drawn to my short sword. The last few inches of the blade were a disaster. I carved the metal against the kobold's bones repeatedly. Throwing it around without a care. As a result, the end of the blade was bent and dull.

"See?" Lili murmured, looking back at me. "This is what happens when you throw yourself face first into your problems without maintenance."

Hestia:

"Is there anything left to do?"

"No, that's fine." I deny Kirito with a shake of my head. I want to berate him, but his guilty expression and stuck out hair are simply too cute. If only he looked like this more often. Descending the stairs behind him are an equally sleepy looking Strea and Yui. While I don't like the thought of Kirito and Strea sleeping together, with Yui chaperoning, they should have been fine. "Was Papa taking a nap with his daughters?"

"Yes Mommy!" Yui smiles happily. The expression melting my heart a little more every time I see it. "We are all recharged for the celebration!"

"Is there seriously nothing left to do?" Kirito asked again, guilt thick in his voice, as he awkwardly tried to pat down his hair.

"Come here," I instruct.

"Alright?"

"Say ah!" Taking a bit of the sauce out with my finger, I proffer it to Kirito.

"G-goddess!?"

Taking his talking as permission, I quickly stuck my finger in. "Eep!" Squealing in delight, the sensation is everything I hoped it would be as Kirito's tongue quickly laps it up off my finger.

"Oh, that's delicious!" Kirito agrees with a nod of his head, totally forgetting about my finger. Unsure whether to take that as I compliment, I simply smile. Interacting with him is beginning to get easier again.

Until I see him getting lovey dovey with one of his girlfriends again.

Just like that, my good mood evaporated. Being around Kirito always brought back those thoughts and feelings that he'd awoken within me so long ago. Yet, nowadays, it was impossible for me to look at him without thinking about all of the other girls that he gives his attention to. Perhaps most unfortunately, it was getting harder and harder to keep blaming Kirito, and not myself.

"There you are!" Two girls yelled simultaneously at Kirito at the doors flew open. Rain and Philia's glares were understandable. After all, I'd practically forced them to help with cooking after we had settled into our new home. They walked awkwardly, each one burdened by the weight of two chairs each.

"Thank you, girls!" I smile at them, briefly pushing Kirito from my mind. "Put them just here. Yes, like that." Instructing them, I cast an appraising eye to make sure they were spread equally around the table that I had forced them to drag here earlier.

"Finally done…" Philia groaned, stumbling away in relief.

"Only celebrating left," Rain agreed, slightly more upbeat. "Come on Philia, it will be worth it to celebrate with everyone!"

"Actually," I interrupt the girls with a happy smile. "I need one of you to chop up vegetables and another to keep an eye on the sauce, it needs to simmer for longer."

"Are you…"

"Goddess…" Kirito mumbled awkwardly, "I can always…"

"Sit down? Great idea!" I finish for Kirito. Gesturing to one of the chairs, I don't take no for an answer as I shuffle him into it.

"Please goddess, you can't use them like…"

"And you can't attend this celebration with your hair like this!" I stop him. Drawing out the comb I keep on me for Yui now, I begin to work at the mess he's caused.

"Ow!"

"Don't be a baby," I scold him. "Although it wouldn't be this tangled if you cut it once in a while."

"Cut it?" Kirito's hand came up to touch his hair, but I smacked it away.

"What do you think you are?" I scold him. "Only deities don't have to cut their hair. Even mighty first-tier adventurers need to go to stylists to maintain their cool look."

"That's…"

"The sad true?" I finish for him yet again. "Yupp! No matter how mighty you become. Your slowly extending hair will refuse to bow to your power!"

At this, four snickers came from the girls in the kitchen. Although I hadn't told them to, Yui and Strea moved to help Rain and Philia. Turning back to Kirito's hair, I couldn't help but feel at peace. This aura of comradery was addicting. How easy it would be to get lost in its allure.

Beneath my hands, Kirito had stopped struggling. Something told me that despite the embarrassment, he was enjoying it. Unfortunately, it felt so fleeting. Like the tangles in Kirito's hair, it would quickly be concluded.

It doesn't have to though.

Closing my eyes, I run my fingers once more through his hair before withdrawing my hands. I know what my heart wants me to do, but I simply can't. Not after all this time. I'll watch from the background as he lives his life, grows, and changes the world. As a parent should.

"Are you done?"

"Yes. Yui, get over here, yours is just as bad."

"Yes Mommy!" Bounding over, she rapidly took Kirito's spot who wandered slowly over to the kitchen, casting the occasional glance back at me.

Trying not to stare at him, I focus on fixing Yui's hair. The problem with the monotonous task was how much time it gave my mind to wander. I could usually lose myself in the silky soft sensation of her hair. Today though, it simply wasn't enough to settle me.

I hated how useless I am. Constantly switching between helping and hurting, peace and war. I knew how it wore on Kirito, gave him more problems to deal with. Unfortunately, I simply couldn't figure out how to deal with it.

"Are you alright Mommy?" Yui asked quietly, so that the others wouldn't be able to hear you.

"I'm not sure," I admit, answering in the same tone.

"…Mommy, why are you never honest with Papa?"

"W-what do you mean?"

Turning around to face me, Yui spoke with a mature matter-of-factness. "If you don't tell him the truth, you'll lose him."

Sighing, I make her turn around again and start back on her hair. "I already know that Yui. It isn't easy for gods to change…"

Continuing to work, I eventually fell into that same contented pattern as laughter rang from the kitchen, the children's shenanigans lightening the atmosphere in the house. One that had been too dark of late.

"I'm home…" A tired voice declared, one door swinging open to admit the solitary form.

"Silica?" I exclaimed in surprise. "Are you hurt?"

"I got better…" She muttered, clearly exhausted from her day in the dungeon.

"Where did you go?"

"Umm… down to the tenth," Silica mutters. "With Leafa being level two now, it's not too dangerous for us."

"And, where is she?" I asked.

"Stayed behind," Silica sighed, already beginning to walk. Following her gaze, I was sure she was headed for the bath downstairs.

"Hmm…" Allowing her to go, I cast a look toward Kirito who was just now noticing Silica's presence. He would no doubt be concerned about Leafa, however… "She'll be fine."

"I agree," Yui nodded sharply, somehow picking up on my whispered words.

Giving the young girl a quizzical look, I kept having to re-evaluate my opinion of her. She shouldn't know of Leafa's new magic, so why was Yui so confident she would be fine?

Ignoring it, I reply briefly, "I'm done with your hair." With that done, I head over to Kirito. After all, there's no reason for him to try run around pointlessly looking for his sister that doesn't need him to rescue her.

Leafa:

Shuffling nervously, I cast an anxious glance over my shoulder. Every few seconds I feel like something is watching me. The rocky walls of the ninth floor seem to possess more shadows today than any previous. I had underestimated the raw primal fear produced from navigating the dungeon alone. I'd always had at least Silica with me, usually Yuna and Nautilus as well.

Now though, I had volunteered to be left behind in this dingy place so I could cast my new magic without interruptions. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. Despite nothing being different, I felt closer to Kirito. He used to do this a lot, and even now still finds times to sneak away into the dungeon by himself. By oneself, there was no one to slow you down, but also no one to save you if you faltered.

Taking one last look around, I nod in satisfaction. This room is probably the best I can find. Isolated, with a ceiling that vaults up to six metres in the center. Although I worry it won't be enough, I don't have time to second guess myself, monsters could show up or spawn at any time.

Prepping myself with one last big breath, I recall the chant in my mind. The scant stanzas flow through my head easily, despite the short amount of time I had gotten to remember them. Each line stuck in my head with a strange permanence. I felt like the words should be important to me, despite having never encountered a decent portion of them.

"I am the daughter of wind, protector of Sylvain.

"Let my blessed wings bear me to new heights."

The magic energy flowing through me is so familiar, and yet so different at the same time. I can feel the greater reserves within me from levelling up. More than though, there was a difference in how the magic itself was forming around me.

"From all corners, let the purifying winds of the Sylphs hold me aloft.

"From my will, let me raise all Sylphs in a never-ending spiral."

That's right. My other magic used the energy within me to create weapons and shoot them at others. This one though. This one collected itself within and me and gave me access to new heights.

"Through peak and valley, sea and cave, let the eternal breeze touch all and bring life.

"Freeing gust, destroying storm, travelling gale, hear my feeble cry and surround me!"

Power. Overflowing. As the magical energy inundated me, it took everything I had to hold onto to that fragile thread keeping the spell going. How easy it would be to release it and soak in this power that was now mine to wield.

"Come final wind and blow through me forever. My name is Sylph!

"Lady of the Sky!"

With an anticlimactic finish, the magical energy surrounding me faded. With it, the feeling of endless power. Sighing with disappointment, I tried to take a step forward. It was time to go home. I don't know what went wrong, hopefully someone would be able to tell me.

"Huh?" I wasn't moving. Trying to take another step, nothing happened again. "What the hell is… HUH!?"

Gaping at the ground, I found my feet hovering a few centimetres above the ground, unable to find purchase. "Ahh!" Panicking, I began flailing my legs, however, no matter what I did, I couldn't touch the ground again.

"Oh my god, I'm dead, I'm so dead…" Beginning to reach full-on panic attack, I didn't know what to do. None of my kicking or flailing did anything as my body stubbornly floated in place, refusing to lower me to the ground. "The monsters are going to get me…"

Groaning, I never expected it to end up like this. The spell description had said it gave the user the power to conquer the skies. Not float uselessly in place!

"My sword!" Inspiration flashing, I drew my sword quickly, the action rotating me a full 360 degrees. Trying to line it up, I slowly lowered the tip until it brushed against the rock. Putting energy into my arms, I tried to push myself forward.

"No, No!" Screaming again, I found myself drifting forward, but mostly up. "Why did I have to try this by myself!?" Complaining about my stupidity, I glared up at the slowly approaching ceiling. However, just out of poking range, I stopped again, floating high in the middle of the empty cavern.

Trying to force myself to calm down, I closed my eyes and began taking deep breaths. Imagining myself back at home, in the dojo, doing breathing exercises before kendo practice. That's right, that's all I'm doing.

A few minutes later, I opened my eyes. Looking down, I found myself in the same position. I hadn't gone to the ground but that was fine. "So, what's keeping me here…"

Trying to tilt my head, I found my body slowly rotating as I did so. Facing front again, I evaluated the problem with panicking. Yes, definitely no panicking happening. Twisting my body right, I turned my head left, offsetting my rotation.

"Wings…" Blinking at them, it took a couple seconds for the sight to sink it. "They're beautiful." Quickly moving up and down, two perfect pairs of gossamer green wings were keeping me suspended. Reaching a hand back, I smiled at the soft sensation of the rapidly moving appendage hitting it. More so though, I felt like I could feel it in two different places. Frowning, I instinctively grabbed at the wing to figure it out.

"AHH!" Screaming in terror, I plummeted rapidly. Releasing my sword and the wing, I closed my eyes and prepared for a hard impact. Despite tensing up, the impact never came. "Ohh…"

Opening my eyes, I blinked awkwardly at the ground a few inches below me. Horizontally floating above the ground, I put my legs down and stood up. Immediately, I started to lift off, propelled by my legs contacting the ground.

"Slower." Strongly speaking the command, I focused mentally on the wings. At once, they slowed down, landing me on the ground with a thud. Nonetheless, I felt light. Striding across the ground, I realized I was maybe half my weight, suspended by the wings.

"Up now." Order given, I once again imagined my wings speeding up. Faster than they had been going originally.

"AHH!" In a second, the roof was right in front of me. Throwing my body to the side, I passed an inch from the rocky surface and pointed toward a wall. Trying to turn again, the speed was too great.

"STOP!" Yelling at my wings again, the gossamer appendages creaked to an instant halt, sending a jolt of sharp pain through my back. Groaning from the unfamiliar sensation I crashed into the wall. Bouncing off of it, I fell to the ground a couple metres below.

Laying on my back stunned, I stared at up the spinning ceiling. "That sucked…" However, a smile was growing across my face. The sensation of flying, it was amazing. I wanted to do it again. Not in this small cave but outside, where the winds blew. Where my wings could take me anywhere, I wanted to go. They allowed me to reach anywhere… and anyone.

Smiling giddily and the thought, I stretched my hand above my head. Stretching it toward the infinity that had been so unreachable before. "I can keep up with now… Onii-chan."

Deciding it couldn't hurt to practice some more, I pulled myself to my feet. Stretching each limb individually, I was surprised at how good my body felt. This level two endurance was no joke. That collision would have put me out of commission at level one.

Blinking, something was irritating my eye. Quickly locating the source of the sensation, loose strands of hair. I never let my hair get this long. I hadn't expected it to keep growing here. Thinking about it though, Kirito's was getting shaggy at this point. Plucking it off my eye, I stared at the golden strand and tossed it to the side.

Golden strand?

"Huh?"

Grabbing a larger bunch, I stared open-mouthed at it through my peripheral vision. It was a perfect yellow-gold. My natural black was nowhere to be seen.

"I-it…" Stuttering form the confusion; I try to put my thoughts together. "It must be another effect from the magic. I transform into a Slyph, getting the wings and hair… I suppose."

"I wonder if Kirito will like it…"

Blushing at the final thought, I psyche myself up for more experimenting. With this power combined with my skill, I will soar to new heights.

Leafa

Level One → Level Two

Strength: B 754 → I 0 Defense: C 613 → I 0 Utility: B 752 → I 0 Agility: A 849 → I 0 Magic: D 520 → I 0

*New* Hunter: I

Magic:

Wind Blade: Produces and shoots blades of hardened wind in the desired direction

Lady of the Sky: Inhibits the user with the power of the Slyphs. Gives them mastery of the skies.

Skills:

*New* Harbinger of Wind: Allows the user to infuse their weapon with magical wind energy. The faster the user is moving the greater the effect. Active activation.