Author's note:

Hey again,

A little delayed. I held off on reading Vol 21 until this was published, hopefully it doesn't seem too rushed.

Many of our protaganists are struggling, some are absent, but I'm confident they'll get through it!

Enjoy :)

Chapter 37: Into the Abyss

Strea:

Red.

Everything is red.

Such a simple word. A common colour. Many things are red: apples, lips, peppers. None of those however, truly conveyed the meaning of what the colour now meant to Strea.

Curled up on herself, she sat with her back to the door. With it having no lock, it was the only way to prevent someone from entering the room. With her hands locked together in front of her shins in a death grip, Strea's eyes stared sightlessly at the far wall. It was adorned with only a single piece. A small rack where she could hang her blade. Somehow, even in its scabbard, Strea thought she could see the black mist leaking out. The dark red substance that it had drank ready to spill out onto the floor.

Oh gods, its on the floor.

Closing her eyes, Strea whipped her head back and forth. "Its not real, its not real."

Even as she closed her eyes however, the images from the raid on Ishtar familia flashed through her eyes. How she had hacked and torn her way through the aggressors. The wounds on her body increasing second after second. Only for the still-working elixir to try and patch them up, fueled further as Strea inflicted damage, her blade stealing her opponents' vitality.

Screams split the air. Cries for mercy, shouts of vengeance. The dull thud of metal on flesh mixing with the vibrant clanging of sword clashes.

Beyond the sounds were the visuals. How the floor had been coated. Everything turning red. Strea's entire body was covered in a mixture of her own and her foe's.

Still, it was what Strea had agreed to. She knew the position she had accepted, demanded even. Just that wouldn't have scarred her to this extent. "No, stop it…"

Begging with her memories, Strea was helpless to stop the final recollection. How the assault on the front door had withered, the amazons changing directions, hunting Hestia. Yui had grabbed Strea's hand and pulled her along.

When her older sister had finally let go, Strea stared horrified at the small girl's defiled hands. They were coated in red. Because of Strea. Unthinkingly, Strea had reached out. Her hand close to Yui's face, moving to brush back a loose piece of hair when it happened.

She flinched.

The person Strea felt closest to this entire world. More than the girls in her familia, her goddess, or even Kirito, had rejected her. Strea saw the haunted, wary look in Yui's eyes. She thought Strea was a monster.

Standing there, dripping blood, Strea agreed.

Strea wasn't sure how long passed as she sat there, unmoving. Cloaked in misery and consumed with her memories, Strea knew she had lost something. Something intangible. Whatever it was, the word didn't rise to Strea's mind. Nor did knowing it was gone bring forth regret. Strea still firmly believed in her actions. She did what had to be done to help the others. It was Ishtar's fault that things had gone so far. With a lack of regret, Strea also knew the emotion in her wasn't sadness. She was simply… hollow.

From right behind her, a sharp rap came at the door. The height and weight of the contact told her exactly who it was. Curling in even farther, Strea didn't say anything.

After a moment, the person who knocked spoke. "Hey, little sis, familia meeting downstairs… Will you come?"

Little sis, huh? Strea wondered if it meant Yui had forgiven her. But no, something had changed in that moment. It wouldn't be so simple to go back to how they were before.

Feeling a heavy weight upon her shoulders, Strea looked back at the far wall where the blade sat. Slowly, without making a sound, she stood up and crossed the floor to reach the weapon.

She had to know.

With exaggerated slowness, Strea reached out to the handle. It was a good size, just slightly more than double the width of her hand. That way she could use both hands—or just one if she was in the mood. Upright, the blade and hilt combined were only a hand shorter than she was. At the same time, the blade was wider than her fist. Despite the sword weighing an amount that a normal person would struggle to move, Strea felt only mild resistance as she wrapped her hand around the hilt and tugged.

Drawing it with rusty clicks, Strea winced at the sight of the thing. Most of the stains were gone, however the edge was chipped and desecrated. It was a miracle it hadn't shattered in the last fight.

Still, the state of the weapon wasn't what Strea was checking. Holding it before her in two hands, Strea stared at where she gripped the hilt. Not even a shiver ran through them. She was steady. She could fight.

Sheathing the blade, Strea strode to the door and flung it back. A silent Yui on the other side jumped. "I thought I heard… err, never mind…"

No!

Strea lamented silently. Berate me for drawing a weapon inside. Lecture me about safety!

Nothing happened as the girls stared at each other. Slowly, Strea reached out her hand. It was almost the same motion she had made last night. Once again, Yui saw it and jumped back. The motion was smaller than yesterday, but even the thought of touching Strea now was…

"We should go downstairs." Speaking abruptly, Strea pushed back Yui. Her heart hurt and her eyes threatened to blur over. She'd love the girl until she died, but Strea knew that no one would love a monster.

"Wait, sis, slow up!"

"Why?"

"I didn't… I was just surprised!"

Strea smiled softly at that and turned to look at Yui. "It's okay. I understand." Turning back around, she continued to the stairs. To have a meeting so soon was surprising to Strea. Something else must have happened and…

Her thoughts were interrupted by a collision against her back. Not even stumbling a step from the impact, Strea still paused in confusion. Yui's small arms were wrapped around her. Grabbing at her wrists as she ineffectively held Strea captive.

"No! You don't get to smile like that!" Yui cried, her face pressing deeply in Strea's back.

Confused by the outburst of emotion, Strea just stood there.

"You… You're the happy one! The one that always teases Papa and the others. The one that makes people smile… You don't get-You don't get to smile like that!"

Strea covered Yui's hands with her own. Rubbing the small appendages with her larger, calloused ones. Her once soft fingers had quickly turned into those of an adventurer. "I guess you'll have to be the one who smiles now, Yui. I don't think I can anymore."

"No!" The girl protested once more digging herself deeper against Strea.

"Yes," Strea insisted, separating Yui's hands with casual strength. "No one wants a monster to smile at them." Leaving her behind, Strea descended the stairs and entered the familia meeting.

Asuna:

"Urgh, why is the sun so bright?" Mumbling to herself, Asuna glared up through the tall windows lining the dining hall of Twilight Manor. As summer's final days ticked away Orario, much like Tokyo, still refused to cool off. The noonday sun beat down delivering temperatures in the low thirties.

It was strange to Asuna that it was almost the same positioning as when she had first entered this world, over four months ago. Summer had come and went, the land heating and finally cooling around her.

While the seasons had passed, Asuna as well had changed. The concept ran contrary to her initial determination. She had set off into the dungeon to stay herself. Somehow, in those depths, a kind smile and a mysterious pair of black eyes had altered her in complex ways.

It was thoughts of that very black-haired boy that brought a wry smile to her face as she considered her words. They were something he would say. No, it was something Asuna had heard him say before. During those brief days when she had adventured the dungeon with only Argo and him.

Those days felt like a dream to Asuna. She hadn't realized it at the time, but they were some of her happiest. Before interfamilial conflicts and fights with evilus had begun weighing on her.

Thinking that way only lowered her mood further. She hadn't gotten to bed until the early hours of the morning due to the conflict in Daedalus street. After the nightmares had consumed her and Asuna had fled to Mirel's room, time had flitted away quickly.

That meant noon was approaching as Asuna took her first bite of food for the day. Her habits were swiftly approaching what she guessed her absent boyfriend's were when he had no duties. He had continually grumped and complained about the early hour they entered the dungeon.

Asuna briefly paused as the scrambled eggs were on the way to her mouth. She was thinking about Kirito a lot lately. Am I really missing him that much? The thought made Asuna put the fork back down on the plate. Its ceramic surface reflecting the sunlight back up at her.

"Why am I so weak…"

Muttering to herself, Asuna sighed heavily. The sound lost amid the busy room. Her familia members encompassed a variety of emotions this morning. Those that only saw the outcome were ecstatic, thinking the threat had been sent scrambling. Others had lost friends and even lovers in the chaos. They had muted expressions, sorrow mixed with recognition of their hard work and dedication.

That left the small minority—that included Asuna—whose expressions were reticent. Primarily including the executives and other higher-ups in the familia, they all knew it wasn't over. This wouldn't simply be pursuing evilus into the dungeon. It was a trap.

Even knowing that didn't change their determination to go. Still, Asuna wondered if that determination would carry over to the ones that thought the serious fighting was over. It probably wouldn't matter. The mission requests should be going out to the other familias as she sat here eating.

It would be almost a repeat of her first raid, an event that felt like it was a millennia ago. Led by Ganesha familia, incorporating the raw power of Loki and Freya. Perhaps others would come this time.

Thinking that way, Asuna blinked. "No way, would he…" As the thought brought a chill over Asuna's body a cheery voice greeted her.

"Yo, Asuna! You sleep well?"

Blushing, Asuna couldn't meet the woman's knowing gaze. "Yes, Mirel, it was sufficient. And, err… thank you."

"No problem," the elf replied easily slipping in opposite Asuna. Spying the loaded fork that Asuna had dropped, Mirel's hand swiped forward. Before Asuna could even grumble in disapproval, the food disappeared into Mirel's mouth. "Tho gud!"

"Ergh, at least swallow first," Asuna replied grumpily.

Doing so with an exaggerated motion, Mirel handed Asuna the fork back. "Here, I'll go grab my own and be back in a jiffy!"

Asuna briefly thought about getting a new fork, but just sighed and began picking at the plate with it. Upon hitting level three, Asuna had picked up the Resistance advanced ability. With it, she wouldn't get sick from Mirel's germs.

That's not the point!

Logic giving way that there was nothing wrong with sharing utensils, her reserved Japanese upbringing brought a flush to her cheeks. Refusing to be denied, however, Asuna resolutely plowed through her meal.

Just as Mirel was sauntering her way back, a disturbance ran through the hall. Everyone stopped and began whispering excitedly. Taking that to be a good sign, Asuna stood up to see who it was. Coming in through the front entranceway was Loki, still striding nonchalantly despite having most definitely not slept at all last night.

By her side, looking more haggard than the deity was Astrid. She was still wearing her half-ruined armour. Her eyes were haunted with both exhaustion and the horrors of the night before. Besides their captain—who was still bedridden from his injuries—Astrid had been by far the most influential in keeping people alive yesterday. She had apparently dived straight through the fires Asuna was supposed to prevent to save lives.

Just as the spike of guilt was driving through Asuna's chest, Astrid found her eyes through the crowd. Her gentle smile carried no anger or blame in it. As always, Astrid was far too kind to blame Asuna for something like this.

Sitting back down, Asuna felt Mirel sitting back down as well. "Should be getting some interesting news soon."

"How so?" Asuna replied.

"They were probably at the guild," Mirel hypothesized. "If so, then they'll know the complete list of familias that will take part in the raid. As well as when it will be."

Asuna nodded along, more interested now. In fact, she struggled to maintain seated. She had to know. Was Hestia familia on that list? If Kirito knew about the mission, he would probably volunteer for it anyway. It was the one scenario Asuna was hoping to avoid. She didn't want Kirito anywhere near evilus members. She didn't want him to bear the weight of murdering those misguided souls.

"Oi! Y'all are like a pack of starving hyenas! Back, back I say!"

Asuna and Mirel shared a smile at their goddess' antics. As Loki fought of the encroaching wave begging for information, Astrid slipped away. Asuna only knew because the girl crashed onto the bench beside Mirel a moment later.

"I'm soooo hungry." Drawing out the word, all Asuna saw was a flash. Astrid had swiped her fork with one swift movement and began stealing food from Mirel's plate.

""Hey!"" Protesting together, Asuna and Mirel shot twinned glares at their sub-commander.

"Ohh issh is good!" Astrid continued obliviously.

Seeing her like this, Asuna's brief indignation faded. She was finished with the fork—although it was a little strange that all three of them had used it. Oddities notwithstanding, Asuna couldn't help but take in Astrid's ragged state now that she was right in front of her. The half-destroyed breastplate, pieces of shrapnel still sticking out of it. Half-healed burn marks that would definitely scar. In one location Asuna was sure the leather had melted to the point that it fused with her skin. And while Asuna hesitated to point it out, Astrid smelt like that and worse. It was at least equivalent to Asuna herself from wading in the sewers before she gotten a chance to shower and throw out the defiled clothes.

Mirel apparently had no such reservations as her nose crinkled up. "Dear gods, take my soul from this realm. Then I won't have to put up this horrid reek."

"Shut up," Astrid muttered, ducking her head in embarrassment. "I'll shower after I eat." Following up on her words, Astrid took another large bite of Mirel's food.

"You know that's my food, right?" The mage glared. "Get your own."

"Too tired." Astrid refuted happily, chomping away again.

"Ergh, you asked for it, disgusting cat."

Watching Mirel reach her hand behind Astrid, Asuna was not ready for the ear-piercing shriek that threatened to shatter her ears.

"NYAAA!"

In one swift motion, Astrid hopped from her place at the bench until she was perched upon it, both hands behind her back clutching the base of her tail. Her expression was that of an extremely ticked off feline.

Covering her mouth with a hand, Asuna tried not to laugh. Some in the room failed as snorts were quickly masked.

"M-Mirel…"

"Umm, you know what, take the food, I-I'l grab some more." Squeaking out the words, the elf mage disappeared into the kitchens.

After another second, Astrid calmed down enough to sit down at the table. When she looked at Asuna, the cat-like instincts from earlier were repressed. She was once again, the caring but powerful leader that Asuna had come to respect and admire.

"Urgh, I can't believe Mirel did that…" Astrid grumped, still clearly not over the embarrassing scene she had caused.

"Umm, what exactly happened?" Asuna ventured to ask.

Astrid winced but answered. "She pulled on my tail. I learned early from my sister how to repress the catperson ticks that tend to consume my race but…"

"Just jarred you out of it, huh?" Asuna smiled knowingly. "I-I don't really deserve to say anything, but if that's who you really are…"

"No!" Astrid shook her head adamantly. "That was pure instincts and pain. Please don't think I'm wearing a mask trying to deceive everyone."

"Of course," Asuna replied politely. Her instincts told her that the answer was probably somewhere in the middle. Still, Astrid knew herself better than Asuna ever could. With that issue out of the way, Asuna remembered her earlier concern. "Do you know who is coming tomorrow? Is it still tomorrow even?"

Plans had been far from finalized by the time Asuna had gone to bed.

"Yep, right here." Smirking, Astrid reached a hand into the still functioning half of her armour and withdrew a folded sheet of paper. Presumably from some secret pocket, Asuna was still impressed by how useful a spot it would be for storing small things.

Unfurling it, Asuna's eyes ran swiftly over the top half containing most of what she had expected.

Mission: Eradication of the group known as 'Evilus' for crimes of vandalism, destruction of property, and murder.

Any active member of evilus is to be returned to the surface either dead or alive based on the adventurer's discretion.

Leading familia: Ganesha

Commander: Shakmi Varna

Sub-familias: Freya and Loki

In the case that the commander is immobilized, command will shift to Freya and Loki familia, whom may break the operation into two units.

Nodding along up to here, Asuna raised a brief eyebrow at the command structure line but didn't comment. To her, she got the impression that Ganesha familia didn't have a second-in-command who would be able to take over if Shakmi was disabled. Not that Asuna expected that to happen. She had met the woman on multiple occasions now and was still blown away by her strength.

List of familias subject to guild penalties upon failure to send at least one party of sufficiently high-ranking adventurers:

Finally! Finding the section that she was most eager to read, Asuna quickly scanned the list, hoping against hope that Hestia familia wouldn't be listed.

Apollo familia

Dionysus familia

…

Ishtar familia

…

Magni familia

Modi familia

Upon reaching the M's, Asuna stopped and went back up again. With a heavy sigh she set the piece of paper on the table and let a small smile work its way onto her lips. They were safe.

"Did you see the strange thing at the bottom?" Astrid asked between bites. "Very strange that. Must have been a hell of a penalty."

"Huh?" It can't be…

Knowing the cosmic coincidence would be too great, Asuna found what Astrid had been talking about. Past the list of familias required to send a party, it sat there. Two inconspicuous lines scrawled on before the sheet was copied with a magic stone copier.

To waive guild fees, Hestia familia will accompany the mission with an indeterminate number of adventurers.

Mood crushed, Asuna sat there, eyes seeing nothing as Mirel came back, striking up conversation with Astrid. The two girls quickly talking like nothing had happened between them.

Neither of them broached Asuna on what was wrong. They both knew already. She had shared enough information that both of them knew of her crush. They had quickly figured out his familia as well.

Wondering if it was too early to go back to bed, Asuna sighed. It seemed her problems were far greater than simple nightmares now.

Imizael:

The masked being walked silently through halls of dripping crystal. They had descended below the true fortress that the surface dwellers remained oblivious to.

There was less than a day left at this point. Soon, very soon, the adventurers would begin their mad rush into the dungeon. Missing everything of importance and focusing on the clues that Imizael's familia had planted.

The higher-ups among the adventurers would recognize the trap. In fact, based on 5A's screw-up last night, they should know already that this is a trap. Did they suspect that the evilus base wasn't in these watery depths? It was impossible to say.

The missive from the surface was already clenched in their right hand. Filled mostly with nonsense, the being had finally felt something as it read the final line. He would be here.

Imizael still didn't know what it was, but they felt a bond to the strange boy in black. It was a bond, but Imizael knew that a large component of it came from jealously. He sauntered through the dungeon, sticking his nose in things while being adored by the people around him. Things just seemed to go right for him.

Unlike Imizael.

The figure tried not to shudder as the surroundings brought back painful memories. These crystal halls, filled with water and beauty was a scenic destination that many an adventurer had enjoyed. Imizael held nothing but hatred for it. Perhaps it was fitting that the culmination of Thanatos' plan would occur here. Well, the culmination of the first part.

Fortunately, it would require the sacrifice of most of their allies. They'd all end in a watery grave, freeing the deity from the bonds of their blind devotion. Imizael tried to interact with them as little as possible. Yet, somehow, rumours of the being's identity had trickled through the familia.

Imizael had a feeling it was Thanatos. Probably trying to get Imizael to bond with one of them. All it did was force them further away. As Imizael was resenting the other familia members and looking forward to their imminent death, a figure stepped out of the shadows.

Not turning, Imizael used their enhanced senses from multiple level-ups to track the presence. It was trailed by two others. None of them were part of Imizael's familia.

They were members of their 'ally' Ikelos familia. After numerous warnings, Thanatos was beginning to doubt Ikelos' cooperation. The god simply didn't care enough to be a stalwart companion. Their familia could betray them all to the guild for money and he'd only laugh.

"What do you want?" Imizael's words were flat. Muffled by the mask, any trace of gender was removed. What the outsiders didn't know was how much each word hurt.

"Oh, just coming to check up on Thanatos' 'secret weapon'," a jovial voice replied. "Can't have you of all people flaking on us."

"…Liar." Turning to face the man, Imizael stared down the three newcomers. Like Imizael, they were all covering their face through some sort of mask or device. The one to the right went as far as creating a bone-like one with eyes that shone red. It was immensely impractical. It would disrupt the adventurer's ability to perceive things in battle.

"Hey, no need to get defensive," the man chuckled spinning his giant cleaver casually around his finger. "Did you know though…"

The man added on the words as if they were an after thought. Imizael didn't move. They didn't care.

"…The guild still has a big bounty on your head. Probably enough to buy me a new weapon."

"Oh, what about me boss! I could get some new poisons!"

Imizael snorted loudly. The sound was gruff and interrupted the conversation easily. "You may try… If you wish."

Staring at the three men, one after another, the two on the sides took a step back. The louder, more obnoxious one that was serving as Ikelos' proxy to Thanatos merely smiled.

"You got it all wrong, I was just letting you know out of the concern in my heart." The man smiled darkly. "Don't want the entire force mobbing you trying to collect that bounty."

Imizael stayed silent. There were no further words worth the price to speak. Turning back around, Imizael strode away. They had one last task to complete today before the adventurers stormed this place.

"Hey!" The man shouted after you. "Thanatos wanted me to ask you, what are you doing tomorrow?"

Imizael paused, the beginnings of a smile cracking their lips beneath the mask. "Hunting." Speaking one word, they continued out of the tunnel into a wide-open chamber.

As the monotonous roar of triple waterfalls striking their plunge pools consumed the area, Imizael drew their blade. There was killing to do.

Leafa:

"ROAARGH!"

The growled utterance lacked any shred of humanity. Accompanying the noise were heavy footfalls. Each one shaking the barren grassland upon which the beast trod.

It was an orc. An abomination that guarded the bottom of what adventurers called the upper floors. Standing over three metres in height, its skin was a pasty, green colour. In its right hand was a fearsome club, gifted to it by the dungeon itself. Many adventurers had braved the upper floors only to freeze in terror before the large category monster and get squashed to death.

Leafa was not many adventurers.

With a bare tightening of her eyes, her body seemed to blur past the approaching foe. The orc barely had time to question what had happened when sensations in its body halted altogether. Then, with a sickening squelch, its upper half separated from its lower.

Surveying her work, no further emotions fluttered across her already angry face. Remembering to clean the blade upon the orc's fallen corpse, Leafa jammed it angrily back into its sheath.

"Another clean kill…" A soft voice spoke from behind Leafa.

Not turning to look at Silica, the cat person, Leafa spoke bitterly. "Another pointless kill. I can't hit level three like this."

"…"

Receiving no reply, Leafa felt a brief moment of guilt. Silica knew what Leafa was feeling better than anyone else. They both felt trapped, struggling to overcome the same objective. Meanwhile, the back of the boy they both loved disappeared further beyond it.

Still, that was a minor issue. Leafa was frustrated at how everything was turning out. It felt so unfair that they had fought so hard for things to turn out like this. Bell gone, Lili distracted, Strea haunted, Yuna and Nautilus captive.

Now, as if things weren't bad enough, they already had to accompany a mission into the dungeon tomorrow. All so that they would avoid further punishments from their actions the night before.

"We should head back," Silica spoke softly. "It must be nearly sundown."

"…I know." Leafa agreed sadly. Sighing with frustration, she ran a hand through her hair. She'd finally given up on it and put it in a ponytail. If Onii-chan had noticed any difference, he didn't comment on it.

Trailing behind the slightly younger Silica, Leafa wondered where the girl got her strength from. How did she not crumble in the face of these impossible circumstances? Leafa had always thought of herself as someone could go further than the average human. She had spent countless hours drilling kendo techniques. Pushing through pain, aches, and sprains to cultivate her skills. By combining that bottomless determination with her love for her brother, Leafa had been able to secure a path into this world and begin the arduous task of rescuing both of them.

Yet, at the same time, this younger girl, with the look of a spoiled child, had kept up. Sometimes, Leafa felt like she was the one falling behind.

Like right now.

Each step felt it would be Leafa's last. She just wanted to collapse against the wall. It wasn't fair. None of it was fair. "How do you do it…"

"What was that?" Silica asked, turning her face. However, her expression was still covered by one of her pigtails.

"…Nothing." Leafa sighed.

Soon after, they exited the side room on the tenth floor that Leafa had led them to and exited into the main chamber. Unconsciously, both girls walked a little easier out of the mist. Despite having senses what would allow them to navigate the floor blind, something about being able to trust your sight again relieved some instinctual fear from the girls.

At this hour, the 'prep chamber' was almost completely empty. Many adventurers called it that as it was the last point until the entrance to the thirteenth floor that was free of mist. Parties adventuring on these floors often stopped after the ninth to sort through their gear and make adjustments. Right now, there were only two groups of three on different sides. They appeared to consolidating their drops.

Ignoring them, Silica led them back to the ramp that sloped out of this area of the dungeon and back into the top sections. Once there, the chance of them dying dropped to essentially zero.

Out of the mists of the other side of the floor, another two adventurers emerged. Just as Leafa was going to look away from them, she tracked them with her eyes, frowning. It took her a while, but Leafa eventually realized what it was about them that was strange. Neither person had a bag with them.

While it did happen, it was extremely rare. The realization that every monster you killed and couldn't take the stone of was simply throwing away money led people to bring a bag even during brief ventures. Plus, for almost everyone, the tenth floor wasn't a brief trip. From here to the twelfth was the limit of the average adventurer.

The pair caught Leafa's glance and returned her stare. Getting caught looking, Leafa returned her eyes to the back of Silica's head. Still, she couldn't help but steal glances as their paths brought them inevitably closer together.

The room was large, but after thirty seconds, they were within four metres of each other. They were walking parallel towards the ramp to the ninth. By all estimates, they would continue in this proximity to the surface. It happened sometimes, especially during busy hours, but there was just something that was unnerving Leafa.

"Hee, you girls look a little young to be walking the dungeon without help!"

Skin crawling, Leafa reached out a steadying hand to Silica who looked startled to find not only adventurers next to them, but adventurers talking to them. Something that happened only rarely.

"We're fine, Sir," Leafa informed him coldly, stepping up beside Silica.

Now that she was closer to the two men, Leafa could see more details. Both of them were wearing black cloaks. Unlike the one Onii-chan wore, they both had hoods which were pulled low over their eyes. It obscured any gear that they may be wearing on their body as well as their figure.

"Leave them," the second, and slightly taller man spoke. His voice was a thin line. It felt razor sharp and emotionless.

"Aww, but they're sooo cute!" The first continued as if he didn't care. His voice reaching levels approaching what Leafa would define as squeaky.

Sharing a disgusted look with Silica, the pair of them sped up in unison. Not answering at all felt like the smarter move.

However, the pair of men sped up in unison. Their speed keeping them in line with the girls. Despite rejecting the first man, the taller one didn't seem at all hesitant about mirroring them.

"Grrr…."

Casting a worried glance at Silica, Leafa shook her head. "Don't do anything."

"So, would you two like to come over? Think of it as payment for us protecting you."

Leafa tried to put a helpful hand, but Silica shook it off. Stopping, she glared at the men. "We don't need your help! Stop following us!"

"Ehhh?" The high-pitched one squeaked. "Come on baby, don't be like that!"

Now that they were stopped, Leafa finally got her first glance beneath their hoods. She was shocked the taller one had a mask on. It was strange, in a skull-like pattern. The eyes, however, gleamed with red light. Leafa took an instinctive step back.

"Scared?" The man mocked.

Stiffening her lip, Leafa glared back. "Can you even see through all that red light?"

"I can see your fear." Was his response.

Still, as Leafa and the taller one stared each other down, their groups had stopped moving. It was a strange situation that had arisen spontaneously. The ramp was right in front of them.

"W-Well!?" Silica pressed. "Are you going to stop following us?"

"Of course!" The first continued happily. "If you agree to follow us."

"Grr…" Silica growled, gnashing her teeth together. Her tail flicked side-to-side as she displayed her agitation.

Growing more concerned, Leafa placed a hand on her sword. She really hoped that they didn't force her to draw. Leafa didn't want to start an interfamilial combat with someone else—they had enough enemies.

"Are you sure?" the taller one spoke quietly. Still, to Leafa's enhanced ears, each word was clear. No doubt Silica's more sensitive could hear it as if he was talking normally. "We can't be tired for tomorrow."

While that perked Leafa's interest, it could mean many things. Also, the smaller one didn't appear to be going anywhere. Even with his eyes hidden beneath his hood, Leafa could sense unbridled anticipation rolling off him.

"Now, Little girl, what say you try your best to act like a lady who is getting rescued by a hero?" Smiling cockily, the man walked forward and stretched out a hand to run it down Silica's cheek.

Moving, Silica blurred with the speed of the fastest race in the world. Powered by rage and her upper level two status, Silica held a knife to the man's throat. Even Leafa struggled to track the movement.

Feeling the steel, he froze unnaturally, his fingers a moment from Silica's cheek.

"Touch me and I'll slit your throat!"

Ah, so she isn't doing any better than me…

Leafa wasn't sure why it took her so long to realize, but Silica was easily as distraught as her. The young girl's features were a rictus of rage and confusion that went far past this situation that they found themselves in. The sound of a steel blade sliding from its scabbard reminded Leafa of the danger that they were in. Looking at the taller one, Leafa stared into his red lights, a thin blade pointed at her chest.

"Don't move or I'll run you through."

Leafa analyzed the two-metre space between the tip of his narrow blade—like an elongated needle than a proper blade—and herself. She decided to stay where she was, hand on her katana. Had this been before recent events, she would have drawn her sword and attacked. Now though, she didn't need anymore screams of pain and death haunting her nightmares.

With Silica threatening the short one, and the tall one threatening Leafa, a terse ten seconds ticked by in silence. The bravado seemed to have gone out of the one that had been harassing them.

"What's happening here?"

The deciding factor came not from any of the four, but from other adventurers. The two groups of three and finally finished preparing for the trip back and were looking to use the ramp back up. With Leafa and co facing off just in front of it, they would need to walk within a couple metres of one of them to get passed. This led to the six other adventurers to hover nervously ten metres back.

"Well?" Leafa prompted. "My companion isn't bluffing." Speaking confidently, she had no idea if Silica would actually do it. In fact, she was more worried Silica would.

"And yet," the red-eyed one sneered, "I bet she values you more than I value him."

It was probably accurate, as the smaller one froze, but Leafa thought the bluff was empty. The red-eyed one was simply to far from Leafa to have the same threat level that Silica provided.

"Come on, break it up!" One of the adventurers waiting to return to the surface called out.

"Yeah, take your fights elsewhere!"

Leafa wanted to smile at their attitude. The adventurers didn't care that they were seconds away from bloodshed, they just wanted to get home.

"Release him, Silica." Leafa commanded, hoping the younger girl would listen.

With only a small grumble, Silica shoved the man's chest sending him staggering back a few steps. As Silica shoved, Leafa stepped back. Once more, a gap had been generated between the two groups.

"…Let's go Johnny."

"…Fine Xa," the shorter one answered with a sigh. He seemed remarkably putout yet confident despite having had a knife to his throat moments earlier.

In short order, only Leafa and Silica were left in the tenth floor chamber. The other three groups had gone ahead while they stood off to one side.

"…Sorry." Silica spoke quietly. "I put you in danger."

"Nah," Leafa denied. "He didn't have a right to touch you which you reminded him of. Still, what familia would produce creeps like that?"

"I don't know," Silica agreed, looking up the ramp in disgust. "I felt like an object in their eyes."

Leafa nodded along silently. The conversation was good, but it felt like a distraction from the real matter at hand.

"Hey Leafa…" Silica started. "Are you… okay?"

"…No. Are you?"

"No."

Sharing a look, the girls giggled in unison. They were both being honest. Leafa could see the mirrored haunted look in Silica's eyes.

"But… I think… things will get better."

"I know it will." Leafa assured Silica. Reaching forward, Leafa messed up Silica's hair.

"Hey!" Jumping forward, Silica returned the gesture.

"Gah!" Finding herself under assault, Leafa wrestled briefly with Silica. The pair of them flailing wildly to maintain their position as the hair muser.

"Wah!" Feeling Silica's legs wrap themselves around Leafa's waist, the girl stumbled under the weight. It wouldn't normally be enough to off-balance the level two adventurer, but caught in surprise, Leafa tumbled to the ground.

Once there, Leafa stared up at Silica who sat proudly on top of her.

"Got ya."

"That you did."

Staring for a moment longer, the girls burst out into a fit of laughter.

As they calmed down, Silica rested her head against Leafa's shoulder. The cool metal couldn't have been comfortable, but Silica didn't complain. "You're right Leafa, we will be okay."

"You know what?" Leafa continued wrapping her arms around Silica and holding the girl close, "We're going to be way better than okay. We'll be the best."

Those words drew another giggle from Silica as they lay in companiable silence for just a little longer. Leafa closed her eyes and allowed the warmth from Silica's body to seep into her. Despite everything that had gone wrong, they were still alive and would continue to fight for those that need it.

Kirito:

Unable to leave the house, Kirito waited impatiently as Strea continued to argue with him. The familias would already be assembling at Babel. Unconcerned about that, Strea stood her ground, armed for combat.

"I thought I said Strea…" Kirito sighed, not wanting to put up with this today.

"Yes, well I ignored you!" The girl replied with a wide smile. Despite the expression, there was no warmth in it. "You need me."

Struggling to maintain his composure, Kirito continued despite being cut off. "Yes, I do need you."

"See? Isn't this-"

"I need you here." Kirito returned the favour of cutting her off. "We have too many enemies that may take this chance to kidnap Hestia. Please Strea!"

"…Why not ask one of the others?" Strea intoned softly.

"W-Well, Silica and Leafa have a lot of experience fighting together. I'm forced to go on this mission, so…"

"Hmpfh!" Making a loud noise, Strea glared at Kirito. Her smile inverting into a comically large frown. Kirito couldn't laugh, however, as the look in her eye was harrowing. Strea was clearly grappling with something from the fight against Ishtar familia that Kirito couldn't comprehend.

"Please Strea?" Kirito didn't want to beg. As the familia captain, he should be able her to just order her to do this. But issuing orders was something Kirito didn't really want to do. He wanted them to work together and collaboratively figure out the correct answers.

"I… I have nothing else to do but fight. To stay behind means I don't have a purpose."

"W-What are you talking about?" Worried, Kirito stepped forward and grabbed one of her hands. As the girl focussed on him again, Kirito continued. "Strea, you are a precious member of our familia. This has nothing to do with not wanting you on the mission. I want you here because I know you'll be able to keep Hestia safe."

"Kirito…" Strea's eyes were trembling. "Are you… being honest?"

"Of course I am!" The boy asserted, trying to put a playful smile on. Despite his expression, Strea's didn't lighten.

Vulnerability shining through, Strea asked the true question that was on her mind. The one that had plagued her for a month now. "Kirito… What… What am I to you?"

"What are you…?" But Kirito didn't need to finish the question. He understood what Strea was truly asking. Biting his lip, Kirito wasn't sure if he had an answer for her at this point. "I… I'm not sure Strea. You are my friend and familia member. As I said, you're important to me… and…" Looking into her bright lilac eyes, Kirito forced himself to finish. "And maybe more one day. That's all I can promise at this time."

Strea seemed to deflate. Rather than being angry or upset, Strea just looked resigned. "As you wish. I will guard Hestia."

"Thank you Strea. When I get back… I want to hear everything that happened to you. I want to hear everything you've done to help us."

"Okay… Then, be safe."

"You too." Smiling at her, Kirito wished there was something else to do as he turned to leave. Exiting the house, Kirito found the rest of his familia assembled there. Silica was trying not to stare. No doubt her advanced hearing had allowed her to catch every word.

Kirito waited for the flush of embarrassment, but nothing came. After both publicly acknowledging his harem as well as encounters with actual prostitutes, he found that Silica simply hearing his emotions about Strea was nothing noteworthy.

"Let's hurry, we're late." Kirito said.

"And whose fault is that?" Hestia muttered, tapping her foot impatiently.

Not glancing at Strea who locked the door behind her, Kirito set a fast pace as they set course for Babel. Kirito had persuaded Hestia, Strea, and Yui to seek shelter at Takemikazuchi familia. The friendly familia was in no position to deny them and hopefully the conglomeration of people will prevent an attack from Ishtar familia.

Their group made waves as they walked through the street. Although uninformed, the masses of Orario could tell that something different was happening today. There were too many high-level adventurers getting ready for a trip into the dungeon. Too many battle parties with near synchronized departure times.

If they can figure it out, then Evilus definitely knows, Kirito thought grimly. This wouldn't be an attack on an unprepared target. They would be fighting in the dungeon against a group expecting their arrival. The only question was whether they would find cowering rats or a caged mountain lion.

Either way, this is the end for them.

Fueled by that thought, Kirito crossed the intermittent distance to Babel in a few dozen minutes. By the looks of things, they were one of the last to arrive. Reminiscent to the sight three months ago, Kirito saw the flags of Ganesha, Freya, and Loki familia proudly on display. While those three made up the majority of the horde, there were plenty of others. Sullen groups of dwarves, elves, amazons, and beast people milling about keeping to themselves.

Ears perking up, Kirito caught the sound of nearby raised voices in the hoard and quickly keyed in on it. There, he found an unlikely sight. Unkept red hair surrounded by a fading bandana. It was none other than Klein, part of a Modi familia party that was arguing with their rivals in Magni familia.

As Kirito got closer, he recognized one of the Magni members. A tall man that had been working with Diavel to hunt down that Irregular in the dungeon. The strange Wall Shadow that could summon small monster parties.

"Yo Klein, making trouble already?"

"Ah, Kirito!" The boy replied happily. "Nah, you know how it is. Luvis and Dormul love a chance to butt heads!"

"…I bet." Taking those to be the names of the respective familia leaders, Kirito was surprised when they stopped fighting and turned to face him.

"You?"

"Oi, you're the boy that almost tagged that damned werewolf a ways back, yeah?"

"Err, yes?" It took Kirito awhile to remember, but slowly he pieced it together. He had gotten these two familias to help him in a bid to trap the Freya familia leader when Ganesha familia had released the prize orbs.

"Oh, Blackie!" The tall man called out. "Glad to have you along!"

"Haha… You too, umm…" A-something. But Kirito didn't say that. The name lingered like a phantom in the back of his memory. He wasn't the best at names and had been pretty distraught the one time he'd heard it.

"So is it true?" The tall man whispered conspiratorially, leaning down to Kirito's level. "Are you one that brought us back the egg reward?"

"Egg…" Trailing off, Kirito's memory once again failed him. Thankfully, a look at Klein happily nodding helped jog it. "Oh, yeah. S-Sorry that happened to you…" Kirito wasn't sure what else he could say as way of apology without giving away that the supporter behind him was the initial thief.

"Oh, thanks for that!" The man continued, reaching over his back and bringing worth a wicked looking axe. Double-bladed with a thick oaken handle made for an impressive display. Kirito thought even Liz would be impressed by the level of craftsmanship. "Got this custom ordered from Goibniu familia, partly funded by that money!"

"I mean," Kirito spoke, "it was your money… I just returned it."

"Yeah," the man shrugged, "but you didn't have to. Most people wouldn't have."

"R-Really, it isn't a big deal…"

As Kirito trailed off awkwardly again, the man appeared to realize that Kirito was missing crucial information.

"Call me Agil!" He declared, reaching out a large hand to Kirito.

"…Kirito." Taking the handshake, Kirito wasn't surprised by the strength in it. After a single firm shake, they released.

"Ha, think I'll keep calling you Blackie!"

"B-Blackie?" Kirito protested weakly as Klein sniggered. "Why?"

Agil shrugged. "Just works better. Besides, no way in hell am I saying Black knight."

"…Got it," Accepting the name, Kirito felt there was something else in the title that Agil hadn't mentioned. Based on the man's warm, slightly goofy smile, Kirito deduced it wasn't anything hostile.

"Well, as you can see, Kiri my boy," Klein interjected, slapping Kirito on the back. "We owe you quite a bit. Just follow behind us and enjoy the day!"

"Ohh, well…" About to deny them, Kirito glanced behind himself at where his familia was still stewing about, waiting for him to return. "I'd appreciate that."

"Ehh? Wait, seriously?" Klein burst out.

Agil as well gaped in surprise.

Kirito clammed up beneath the gazes of the taller, older men. "You offered! Besides, we have a level one supporter with us, and I don't know how deep we're going."

"Ah, I see…" Kiriot's explanation alleviated most of their surprise.

Thanking them one last time, Kirito quickly returned to his own familia. As he was pacing over, the big three familias started pulling themselves together. Final checks and preparations finishing quickly. Kirito spied runners from the guild going around with lists, making sure every familia properly answered the mission. One caught up with him as he arrived to where the rest had stopped beside a large tree.

"Hestia familia?" The man asked in a nasally tone. He was built like a beanpole, thin and with a full head of height on Kirito.

"Yes," Kirito replied sharply.

"Very good… How many are going?" He asked, jotting something down on the clipboard he carried.

"Four."

"Very well, stay safe."

With the short exchange finished, Kirito released his breath. "Guess we can't back out now…"

"It will be fine, Onii-chan," Leafa smiled at him.

Trying to return the gesture, Kirito knew that his was weak and lacked confidence. Even with the strongest adventurers in the city around, the dungeon was unpredictable. More than that, Kirito felt drained. His life has been a constant fight for the past two weeks and change without a single day off. The training in martial arts, the interrupted expedition, the fight against Ishtar familia, and now this.

So many times Kirito had felt like he was at his limit. Unable to even pull himself out of bed in the morning. Yet, each time he managed again. To push past that barrier. Rather than confidence, it wore away at him. Kirito couldn't help but wonder if there was approaching a time he wouldn't be able to continue moving. A limit he can't surpass.

It was because of this; Kirito was so impressed by Leafa and Silica. The two girls stood resolutely at the front of the group. Backs straight, bags prepared, ready to conquer the mission put in front of them.

Keep moving for them.

Straightening himself, Kirito addressed Hestia. "Goddess, we are on our way. Please be safe."

"You as well, Kirito." Hestia smiled warmly in reply. Recently, Kirito couldn't help but notice that the way Hestia was interacting with the familia was slowly changing. Her actions were becoming warmer, more motherly towards all the members. "We'll be fine. Yui and Strea will take care of me."

"If you are going to work tomorrow, please let them walk you there," Kirito pled, knowing it would likely be ignored. Once she was in a Hephaestus familia store, she would be safe—even Ishtar wasn't stupid enough to draw the ire of the blacksmithing familia.

"Stay safe Papa! Mama Leafa, Mama Silica, Lili." Yui added on, giving them each a hug as she said their names. It was an endearing sight that brought a smile to all their faces. Lili, however, did look a bit disgruntled getting a fierce hug from a girl that was slightly taller than her.

Giving Yui one last comforting rub on the head, Kirito tried to catch Strea's eye. However, the tall girl was unresponsive, her gaze fixed to the pavestones beneath her feet. "Strea…"

"Strea!" Kirito called again when she didn't answer. Even now, she didn't say anything, but lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. Her head tilting slightly as if surprised. With everyone watching though, Kirito found himself with nothing to say. "…Keep them safe."

"…On my life."

The words were hard, and lacking Strea's playfulness. Wishing that he could abandon this mission and try to help Strea, Kirito simply nodded.

"Well… Looks like it's time."

"We'll be fine, Onii-chan!" Leafa assured him again.

Silica moved closer to Kirito. Her hands hovering moments from his. "That's right! Leafa and I will take care of all the monsters and gain a bunch of excelia!"

Kirito chuckled. It isn't monsters I worry about. Keeping his troubles to himself, the last minutes ticked past quickly as the train of adventurers entered the dungeon. There were easily a hundred adventurers here. About half of those were from the big three. It clearly wasn't their entire force, but it also meant that every person here was seasoned and reliable.

Part of that was evident in how easily the impromptu group moved together. Despite being an amalgamation of different familias, the more experienced adventurers tended to have more patience for foreign adventurers. It was far different from the almost outright hostility that low level adventurers possessed.

Kirito took the difference to mean a couple of different things. The higher concentration of people in the higher floors often led to competition for monsters. Furthermore, they tended to engage in the disagreeable practice of 'pass parades'. It happened in some MMOs that Kirito had played as well. Drawing aggro of a group of monsters and "passing" them off unto another unsuspecting group. The major difference being that lives were at stake here. Which is probably why the maneuver was so popular, particularly by unprepared parties in the middle floors.

Entering the dungeon through Babel, Kirito walked in a tight group at the head of his party. The four of them forming a narrow diamond through the upper floors. Despite the number of people, it was an eerie silence. The sound of metal boots rocking against the stone floor and faint screeches from monsters. Other than that, almost every single party proceeded without speaking.

Not unnerved by it; Kirito would say it concerned him. These were people that had done dungeon delving thousands of times. Where was the idle chatter? The jokes and talks about supper plans? How annoying this mission was even?

"Quiet…" Silica muttered from behind Kirito, echoing his thoughts.

"Yeah…" He muttered, not wanting to be the only ones talking.

"The ones further up… They keep muttering about how strange this is."

"Huh?" Turning to throw a look at Silica, Kirito often forgot exactly how good the girls hearing is.

Silica blushed under his look but kept talking softly so that the other groups wouldn't be able to overhear her. "They seem to think that Ganesha familia should able to handle this themselves. Also, there appear to be key members missing from Ganesha's forces."

"Missing, huh?" Kirito muttered. His stomach tightened painfully. He could guess pretty easily what 'missing' meant in this case. Those vibes must have been echoing through the column, ensuring no group was going to begin talking easily.

"Man, this quest sure is a pain!"

Of course he would.

Smirking, Kirito watched Klein's back as he complained loudly to his party. Either unconcerned or not noticing the silence, Klein doubled down on his initial statement by talking about this move he wanted to practice.

Grumbles came from the others. Glaring at the offender producing noise, the adventurers held their silence. However, that didn't mean they didn't whisper among themselves.

"Buncha youngin's…"

"Gotta go the whole day listening to this?"

As Klein kept chatting the way he could, the conversation eventually changed to jokes—usually at Klein's expense. As the laughter started pouring out, the other groups of adventurers softened their glares. In only a couple more minutes, they were talking among themselves.

Shaking his head, Kirito was impressed by Klein's strange ability. It was something he never could have done. Something I'm too socially awkward to do. Completely fine with that, Kirito was always highly conscious of how those around him were judging him. Even now, he struggled to shrug off the observant gazes that he drew whenever he walked through town.

As the column continued through the upper floors, it was the most peaceful walk Kirito had ever experienced. Even with his raid group, they were small enough that he had been aware of every fight, even if he didn't take part in them. Now, however, besides a couple of distant monstrous screams, there was no sign of the native inhabitants. In this fashion, the ninth floor disappeared and the tenth appeared. Unsure of how deep they were going, Kirito expected something soon as over an hour of walking ticked by. Through the misty tenth, then eleventh, and finally twelfth.

Finally! Kirito thought as he saw a large group bunching up at the entrance to the thirteenth. However, his assumptions were dashed shortly. The group was experiencing a traffic jam. Compared to the open rooms of the twelfth, the entrance to the thirteenth was fairly narrow. Trying not to sigh, Kirito didn't miss the shared giggle between Leafa and Silica.

"Ugh, I wish we had a better idea of how deep we were going…" Kirito put his thoughts out loud.

"Lili agrees," the small prum frowned. "We prepared antidotes for the colossal tree labyrinth. Lili's concern is if we go beyond that."

"B-Beyond?" Silica stuttered.

"What's after it?" Leafa asked, her gaze moving back and forth between Kirito and Lili.

"Water…" Lili shivered in fear.

"W-Water!?" Leafa schreeched with tangible fear.

"The new world…" Kirito explained doing nothing to dispel Leafa's terror of water that she developed by nearly drowning in their home's pond.

"Lili thinks we should not enter that area. We have no experience and no Undine cloth."

Kirito nodded his agreement. He was still in the process of learning those floors. What he had learned was terrifying. Canals of water running through the tunnels of crystal. Vicious fish monsters that lurked below the surface, ready to jump out and drag unsuspecting adventurers below.

"If it comes to that, I agree. We can stay and guard the entrance to the twenty-fifth."

"T-Twenty-fifth?" Silica asked breathlessly. "The tree place starts on the nineteenth and lasts until the twenty-fourth!?"

"Uh, yes?" Kirito agreed as they got their turn to enter the thirteenth. He still managed to give Silica a surprised glance. "How do you not know this?"

"Err… I… Well, I was more focussed on the killing part…"

Silica's uncertain answer drew laughs from the group. All except Lili who simply sighed and rubbed her head.

"Don't worry," Leafa patted the girl comfortingly, "that's what Onii-chan and Lili are for. They're the ones who memorize this stuff. We just kill it."

The casual mention of killing was a shocking sign of how badly their priorities were shifting. The fact that they could casually murder monsters was reflective of how inhuman the monsters were. The creatures were incapable of summoning pity from even the most soft-hearted person. Kirito knew this because Leafa was one of those soft-hearted fools—err, people—that would befriend a 'cute' monster.

Now fully in the middle floors, the race downwards continued again. Besides a change in scenery, little was different. It was the easiest journey through the area Kirito had ever experienced. The closest he saw to action was a hellhound letting out a burst of fire into the passage 15 metres ahead of him.

Thankfully, the adventurers in the way managed to endure the heat and kill the beast. Besides that one time, nothing got close to the party and they quickly descended.

"Hey, Lili, are there floor bosses alive right now?" Kirito asked as they approached the seventeenth. A fight against the goliath would be far easier than last time, but he still sometimes had nightmares of the leering giant preparing to kill his familia and friends.

"No," the prum answered swiftly. "I checked while we were at the guild. Goliath was killed a few days back by the Rivera rouges. Amphisbaena was defeated by Ishtar familia on their expedition."

"Ishtar familia?" Kirito mumbled in confusion. For some reason the claim seemed strange. He didn't doubt the familia's ability especially since they made it to the thirty-seventh but…

"Don't fret," Lili assuaged him, catching the mumbled words. "Despite our disagreements, even they wouldn't dare lie to the guild about something as important as this."

"I see…" Muttering a noncommittal response, Kirito still couldn't remove the doubt from his mind. The goliath he had killed wasn't supposed to be alive yet either. A clerical mistake the guild had called it. Misinterpretation of dates between the dungeon and the surface. Was that really all there was to it?

Kirito's thoughts were disrupted as their party entered the final chamber of the seventeenth floor. Almost as one, they shivered from the bad memories. All of them except Lili had been moments from death in this place.

Still, true to the report, goliath was nowhere to be seen. Occupying the chamber instead were the remains of monsters that were now piles of ash. It signified the work that the lead group had been putting in.

Looking at them, Kirito muffled his envy. One day, he'd be strong enough to lead this entire raid. Yet, as he entered the eighteenth floor, the sensation disappeared beneath the gentle night sky.

As long as I'm with the ones I love, I'll be alright.

Smiling at nothing, Kirito walked more easily than before along the grassy paths.

Asuna:

"It's desynced again…" Staring up at the ceiling of the eighteenth floor, Asuna walked slightly behind the leaders of her familia. It happened at a pretty standard interval with the cycle here being around eighteen hours.

"Yeah, I like it when it's bright better," Mirel grumbled beside her.

Not what I meant.

Keeping her thoughts to herself, Asuna hadn't said it, but she loved the nighttime scenery on this floor. It reminded her of that magical night she had spent with Kirito here. The time she had finally been able to admit her feelings—mainly due to Kirito's prodding, but…

Smile hidden in the night, Asuna almost ran into Astrid's back as the column came to a jerking halt. "What is it?"

"Rogues from Rivera," Astrid sighed, her eyesight superior to Asuna's. "They must want in for the bounties on the top evilus members."

"Isn't that good?" Asuna asked quickly, her gaze flitting between Astrid and the darkness ahead to get a better look.

"Depends," she replied, her face twisting into a grimace. "There are only two real roles for them since they tend to be so disorganized. Either stay behind each floor as lookouts to relay information or as a first wave to attack them straight out."

"Bait?" Asuna surmised harshly.

Astrid nodded. "Basically. They're here for the money. To collect the money, they need to be first."

"…Will Ganesha familia accept them?"

"Yes," Astrid sighed. "Shakmi won't turn away help, even if that help dies in droves. They know the risks."

Asuna nodded mutely. Somehow, it seemed both fair and unfair at the same time. She wished there was something they could do to help the rogues, but it was probably better like this. Loose them in the dungeon and get their help flushing out evilus.

Shortly after, swift footsteps returned to the column as Phineas sidled up to Astrid. "We'll be moving soon. About fifty rogues are coming with. They have confirmed that a group of people ran through here yesterday morning. Based on clothing and anonymity, it was evilus."

"How much deeper can they go?" Astrid said. "Even if they have Imizael helping, there should be a limit, they simply have too many level ones that rely on magical items to fight."

"I don't know," Phineas replied honestly. To Asuna, the Prum looked a lot more serious now than he once had. Rather than cocky swagger and a habit of yelling at anyone who didn't call him Finn, the man now possessed an aura of determination. "Do you have a solution for the traitor should we find them?"

"Surround them," Astrid replied honestly, with for only the second time Asuna could remember, awe and fear mixing in her voice. "I don't put much stake in the rumour though."

"Rumour?" Phineas rebutted, "Shakmi reported at the final meeting that they dropped a ceiling on her!"

"Still…" Astrid replied but seemed mollified. "It can't be…"

"Umm," Breaking in, Asuna raised a hand by her head almost as if she was asking a teacher. "Who is this person?"

Astrid and Phineas shared a look. "A phantom from the past. Nothing more, nothing less."

"G-Got it." Accepting the answer, Asuna backed off. Neither of them appeared to want to talk about it any further. This person they both knew would remain an absent mystery. Wait, a ceiling dropped on them!?

Asuna stumbled slightly as she recalled the scene. She'd been there. Could that figure really be the one leading evilus? It was probable. If that was the case, then Asuna owed them some payback.

Setting off into the nineteenth with a hop to her step, Asuna felt comfortable in the jungle halls. It was only her second time here, but with her familia around her, she expected no issues.

In short order, a horde of monsters rushed the raid group. Probably drawn by the unmistakable sound of hundreds of feet, the monsters crashed against them with loud howls. A monstruous din that would send a seasoned warrior running. Together though, the adventurers appeared to beat back the creatures with contempt. As if it took no more energy than smacking a misbehaving child. Smirking at the analogy, Asuna's thoughts drifted to the present situation and forgot the previous conversation.

Taking almost an hour a floor to ensure they were empty, the raid group progress through the nineteenth, the twentieth, twenty-first, to the twenty-second. Once there, Asuna was surprised at the hold-up. The rogues from Rivera were clumped together whispering to each other. A buzz of anger travelled swiftly through the Ganesha familia members.

"Find out what's happened," Astrid commanded Phineas.

"On it." Disappearing in a rush, the prum slid through crowds with natural ease.

"He's much more tolerable now I find," Astrid smiled teasingly back at Asuna and Mirel. Giggling, the girls soon cut off as Phineas returned, eyes wide.

"Asuna come, you too Astrid."

Sharing one concerned glance, Asuna did her best to race after the Prum. The Ganesha familia members moving swiftly to the side to form a passage for them. Thoughts racing, Asuna wondered what she could possibly have to add. She had limited experience in this area. Did they want to drink her magic?

Stepping up by the head of the column, Asuna no longer had time for idle thoughts. They were blown apart by the ugly sight before her. Slumped on the ground was a person, or what was left of one. The left arm stopped at the elbow. A ragged wound that gave the impression it had been torn off by a monster's jaws. The fresh wound was still leaking blood as a healer applied potion to it.

That was only one of his multiple horrendous injuries. Both legs as well had been severed midthigh. These wounds were slightly less jarring to Asuna as they looked slightly older. If she had to guess, Evilus did it and healed the stumps before dumping the adventurer in this location so they wouldn't run off.

As she leaned down to begin the process of healing him, Asuna found the main damage. Half of his torso was burned. The improperly cared for wounds would become scarred and infected swiftly. He must have fought against evilus on the surface. One of Ganesha familia's 'missing' adventurers.

"Let it rise within me and heal.

"Let my blood grant you life."

Starting the spell, Asuna kept her right hand on her staff, the wooden hilt pressed firmly into the ground. Her left she extended and touched the man's forehead with her left.

"Give your pain to me and find shelter in my song.

"Give me your wounds and find harmony in my arms."

This was the spell Asuna was less familiar with of her two magics. However, she was experienced enough to know of its two different modes of casting. It could be used as a general area heal for everyone within range. Alternatively, the way she used it now would only heal one person.

"I am the healer of wounds and arbiter of peace,

"Undine's blood!"

The golden magic circle beneath her feet easily encompassed both Asuna and the injured adventurer. Unwilling to let him perish, Asuna had poured a significant amount of mind into the healing spell.

From it, hundreds of golden sparkles filled the air. Remnants of her healing energy, washing over the nearby spectators. Under her discerning eye, Asuna saw the bloody stump close over. So did even the worst of the burns, only mild scarring left behind.

"Amazing…" Someone muttered.

Unable to prop herself up, Asuna stumbled, reaching out a hand to the ground. Before she connected, a pair of strong arms caught her. "Don't go passing out on us yet, girlie."

"Girlie?" Asuna protested Astrid's words. Pulling herself upright, Asuna barely had time to look back up again before a force crashed into her. "Eep!"

The arms were like a vice. Asuna couldn't have escaped even if she wanted to. "Thank you."

"N-No problem…" Replying weakly, Asuna was shocked to see the captain of Ganesha fmailia herself pulling out of the hug. Giving Asuna a small smile, her face was completely serious again as she turned away. Addressing them as a crowd, Shakmi spoke.

"This man is Tomos, a member of my familia. He was captured two days ago in a fight with evilus and presumed dead. Apparently he spoke a few words before fainting when we arrived. 'They're deeper' and 'it's a trap'."

Eyes hard, Shakmi glanced around at the assembled leadership. "I refuse to see one of my familia members treated like this. We continue."

"They thought something like this was necessary after everything they did to Orario?" Astrid mused. "No, this is just a way to upset us. They're hoping that we lose control of our emotions."

"Agreed," Phineas muttered back. "But… do they honestly think they can win? This just means we're unlikely to leave them alive."

"I… I don't know." Astrid admitted. Both of them looked at an empty spot where Goran should have been. The dwarf's absence was a serious blow to the familia. Astrid had never been in a major leadership role before. Always, there was at least one person above her to take responsibility.

Asuna thought she could see a little of evilus' plan in the way they stood here now. How both of the level four leaders actually began to doubt their capability to win.

"You two done being pessimistic?" Mirel asked in a drawl, rolling her eyes. Phineas hadn't told her to, but the mage had come along anyway. "We'll fight against anything. All you two have to do is point out the direction."

Mirel's chastising words appeared to have done the trick. Astrid and Phineas shared a confident nod. Rejoining their familia, the group continued moving. The injured Ganesha familia man was being escorted back to the surface. Either way though, his adventuring days were over.

With a burst of new energy, the group made quick work of the twenty-second floor. Almost as expected, they found another Ganesha member on the stairway down in the process of being devoured by monsters. Unable to save them, the raid took off running. There were still members missing.

Again, the same scene played out at the twenty-third floor's end and finally the twenty-fourth. Gasping upon finding the fourth and most horrendous display, Asuna struggled to contain her bile. It was a scene she knew well from her family's religion: a crucifixion. Arms spread wide with nails driven through the wrists into the rock behind.

"It's recent," Astrid muttered. "The dungeon is repairing itself; the metal slowly being forced out."

"How are you so calm!?" Asuna asked. Shaking, the image of the man's twisted face wouldn't leave her vision.

"I have to be…" Astrid answered, "besides, that means they were probably dead prior to being hung up. It isn't much of a consolation but…"

"Better than nothing," Asuna agreed, forcing herself to look. To imprint the sins of evilus in her mind. "I-I can't forgive them."

"I agree," Astrid muttered in the coldest tone Asuna had ever heard her use. "Leave forgiveness to the gods in the afterlife."

Astrid strode off, into the twenty-fifth floor. Ready to enter the world of water again, Asuna bid the man farewell and read the words above his head one more time.

THE RIVERS WILL RUN WITH BLOOD.

Astrid's statement may not be what was preached in church, but Asuna's chest blazed with fury. If they wanted blood to flow, she would oblige.