Dungeon Oratoria Online

by asdf1asdf1

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

43. Chapter 40

Author's note:

I knew it had been awhile since I last updated but not that long. My bad. Delay was mostly due to horrendous writer's block. I'd sit down to write and get nothing. Oh well. The chapter came together finally.

It's a little sad, but overall it should be happy/funny with just a hint of spice.

Next after this is another interlude that should contain nothing relevant to the plot. After that, probably a set-up chapter or two before the conclusion of what I had originally envisioned being the first half of the story. Even if it took longer to get there than anticipated.

Later,

-asdf

---

Chapter 40: Super Important Ingredient Retrieval

Asuna:

"Sunlight…" Talking to herself, Asuna blinked away the bright light threatening to form tears in her eyes. Excluding the fake sunlight on the eighteenth, it had been three days since Asuna had last stepped on the surface.

The first day had been the dreadful race to the twenty-seventh floor. Somehow surviving against an enhanced floor boss, the day had finally ended, blood shed unending as the final surviving evilus members were tortured exactingly for every last detail. The moderate groups of the raid party didn't have the stomach to put an end to their screams.

On the second day, they returned to the eighteenth floor. From there, Kirito left with his familia for the surface. Asuna was forced to remain to help clean up the repercussions from the raid. Exchanging information and interrogating everyone led to conspicuous holes in why it had been conceived. None of the familias said that they submitted the report of evilus members being present at high numbers below the eighteenth. The sheer amount of false information and confusion had taken forever. Made worse by the adventurers' mutual distaste for each other. Worsened by the recent deaths, the whole affair was extremely unproductive.

Finally, on the third day, Asuna surfaced with the rest of her familia. Somehow, they had escaped casualties, all but Mirel. The elf's body was held in Droymann's arms, as it had been since he returned from the tunnels.

Yet, despite their shared grief, Asuna found herself unable to approach the stoic man. She had nothing to say. Nothing that would come off as sincere. In the end, her sorrow was but a shadow of Droymann's. He had known her for years. Perhaps envisioned the day they would start a family: If Mirel ever accepted him that is.

Compared to him, Asuna felt like an outsider. No, she knew that she was an outsider. She hadn't grown up in this world. Hadn't dreamed of one day ridding it of the threat of monsters. Even now, Asuna could barely bring herself to see the monsters as anything more than a nuisance. A presence designed to stop Asuna and the others from returning to their world. She still struggled to fathom their bottomless hatred of the denizens that dwelled there. If she was truthful, she viewed them as little more than what she had thought they were going to be: video game creations. A combination of pixels that a computer could produce infinitely.

Yet that roar from two days played in her mind. The enhanced floor boss that simply couldn't be a mindless program. It had emotion in it. A bottomless hatred for the one's that had disturbed its home. An ability to adjust to the circumstances and create strategies to kill them.

"Hey, Asuna."

The unexpected words shocked Asuna out of her pensive thoughts. Turning her head, she found the new girl. A fellow elf, no, a real elf. One that Asuna expected was very close to her age. Despite that, her eyes were shadowed with grief that far eclipsed Asuna's.

"…Yes?"

"That boy… You should keep your distance from him."

Asuna's stomach clenched. Astrid hadn't said anything, but Asuna was certain the girl knew. Asuna's heart belonged to him already, nothing would change that. "…Why?"

"Inter-familia relationships are dangerous." Was all the girl said. Following a belated silence, the elf sighed and continued. "Although if she had been in a different familia, I can't say I'd have followed my own advice."

"She…? You have a girlfriend?" Asuna couldn't think of a candidate that would fit in the familia.

"N-No, I would never be worthy of something like that! She was my… idol. My reason for… Never mind. Do what you want. Someone like me has no right to criticize your choices."

"Uhh… Right." Responding slowly, Asuna didn't know how to respond to the elf's mood swing. For just a moment there, Asuna had seen radiant light filling her eyes as she talked about this lost girl. Now, the shadows were deeper than ever.

Watching the elf begin the journey back to their shared familia home, Asuna heard Mirel's voice in her mind. Taking one last look at the girl who was being transported in the opposite direction by Droymann towards the Adventurers' graveyard, Asuna trudged after the elf.

Walking beside her, Asuna got a surprised look but no comment. Trying not to let the moodiness get to her, Asuna started another conversation. "That magic you used was pretty impressive. Mirel was saying something strange about it not being yours…?"

Sighing again, the elf consigned herself to a conversation. "That's correct. My alias is Thousand Elf."

"Thousand Elf… But that can't possibly be accurate…"

"No. But it isn't far off. I can cast any elven magic as long as I know the entire chant and its effects."

"O-Oh…" Asuna recoiled slightly. She felt violated in a way. The unique magic that only she could cast, was no longer unique. This more powerful mage beside her could now do it; and, Asuna worried, do it better.

The elf noted the reaction and smiled wryly. "I've seen that expression before. I can't just use the spell, I need to use a starting magic first, elf ring. You should have heard some of its chant."

Chagrined at having been read so easily, Asuna nodded affirmatively. Thinking back on it now, that while the last two casts were connected, the first one had been a different melody. So, the final spell she used was a borrowed one, but the first one had been her own spell.

"Do you have any magic that's just yours?" Asuna asked.

"You? Please just call me Lefiya. We are in the same familia after all."

"G-Got it. Then Lefiya… err, same question I guess."

Chuckling lightly at Asuna's antics, Lefiya nodded. "Yes, two. One is an attacking spell that sends a bolt of light that tracks it target. It never misses. The other creates a barrage of light arrows over a wide area."

Asuna blinked and reassessed the slight girl beside her. The elf's features were cute and youthful. But she was no fairy of healing and restoration. She was a goddess of death. Both of her inherent magics were designed to kill. Any healing or protection required her to copy it.

"Umm… I see you don't have any weapons on you. Are you a pure mage then?"

"Yes," Lefiya nodded again. "I may have access to the strongest magic, but I require a vanguard in front of me."

As she talked, it rang a bell in Asuna's mind. A faint expression she had heard Kirito say once… what was it? Snapping her fingers, Asuna spoke with excitement. "Glass cannon!"

"…Huh?"

"Ah, sorry." Asuna hastily apologized. "It refers to someone with extremely potent offence but few defensive options."

"That's me," Lefiya agreed. "That sounds like a sort of thing the gods would say. A… cannon, was it? I suppose the glass is for fragility."

"Y-Yes…" Asuna agreed. She didn't want to begin explaining gunpowder-based weaponry. That was an advancement this world would need to find on its own. "This is a little impolite… but what level are you?"

Lefiya's face hardened. Her eyes darkened into bottomless wells. "…Four. I reached it on that day."

Her voice was monotone but still managed to make Asuna shiver. That day could only refer to one. The prelude to everything. "I'm sorry."

"You shouldn't be. We fulfilled the final quest. The last of the monster gods died. Humanity finally reclaimed the surface… So why… why does it feel like we lost?"

Asuna had her own answer but she didn't speak it aloud. Lefiya wouldn't want to hear it. Walking beside her in companionship, she knew Mirel was right. This haunted elf badly needed professional therapy. In lieu of that, Asuna hoped she could be a balm.

All the while, Asuna couldn't help but glance down at the street. Miles below them lay the deepest floors of the dungeon.

Even now, was it happening?

Could it happen?

The rebirth of the gods?

---

Philia:

"Is this really going to work?" Talking half to herself and half to Nazha, Philia couldn't help but shuffle awkwardly in the guild headquarters.

"Of course." Nazha nodded lazily. As usual, the Chienthrope barely looked awake. Her eyes were dropping just like her dog ears which rested flat against her light brown hair. "Just need to find… her."

The subject of Nazha's declaration was a pretty half-elf. Wearing the guild suit, the girl cast a striking figure. Philia knew instinctively that she was the type of person that would make men's eyes follow her when she walked past.

"Somehow, I'm going to assume that Kirito knows her?"

Nazha nodded, making a beeline for the half-elf. "She's his advisor or so I'm told. She was also the one that had the letter Bell sent."

"Ah, I see." Philia said. Things made sense now.

"Yupp. We'll use Kirito's philandering ways to get us a permit to leave the city."

"Ugh," rolling her eyes, Philia wished that Kirito would at least tell them the girls he was flirting with. Although the list is probably so long it's better I don't know…

Even as she thought about Kirito, Philia couldn't help but recall that deadened look he had in his eyes when he had left the dungeon earlier in the day. He said maybe a dozen words as the plan had come together.

Philia had no time to worry as the half-elf greeted them curtly, her eyes still focused on the paper on her desk as she scribbled away. "I'm sorry, this desk is currently closed."

"That's okay, you'll open it for us."

"No adventurers, you will leave immediately if you want to avoid guild-imposed sanctions."

Who spat in her coffee? Philia wondered.

"That would be challenging since you don't even know who we are," Nazha pointed out, a slight smile growing on her lips.

The half-elf blushed slightly as her bluff was called. Sighing, she set down the quill and rubbed her temple before glaring up at them. "Wait, aren't you…?"

"Miach familia." Nazha cut her off. "We want to issue a quest for Hestia familia."

Blinking, the half-elf had a somewhat guarded expression. "Hestia familia has currently undertaken a mandatory mission. Unless…"

"Here you go." Nazha presented a document that Kirito had brought out of the dungeon with him. It was a contract signed by the captain of Ganesha familia acknowledging Hestia familia's completion of the mission.

"W-Why do you have this?" The half-elf breathed out. At the same time, her tensed shoulders finally relaxed. "This means that he, err, they survived, yes?"

"All four escaped with no serious injuries," Philia spoke for the first time. "We volunteered to give it to you since we were coming anyway."

"Ah, yes… I'll be sure to fill this in right away. What was that about a quest though?"

"We need ingredients." Nahza declared. "Lots of them."

"Umm, you don't need to issue the quest through the guild if you've contacted the client directly…" The half-elf replied slowly.

Understanding her confusion, Philia explained the need. "They're in Melen."

"The ingredients are… in Melen? The fishing town?"

"That's right." Nazha confirmed. "This is very important."

"Umm… What are the ingredients? I need the information to get the release passes… As well as an explanation as to why they can't simply be imported."

"It's all here." Nazha replied easily, expecting the question.

Philia shifted as the guild employee began to read. The reasoning in the letter was extremely superficial. They needed an official reason for going, even if that wasn't the primary reason.

"The lake… has exotic wildlife and plantlife that needs to be transported fresh for studying the healing properties of the ingredients… For this reason, both adventurers and pharmacists are required. I see…"

Putting down the letter, the guild employee removed her spectacles and rubbed her eyes.

"Be honest with me, how much of this is a vacation?"

"Not zero percent." Nazha smiled slyly, wagging her tail.

The guild employee sighed for umpteenth time and tapped her fingers against the desk. "Alright, here is my decision."

Tensing up, Philia prepared to hear the bad news.

"I can approve this quest on the condition that I accompany you."

"…Huh?" Sharing a confused look with Nazha, this hadn't been the Chienthrope's idea either. Communicating silently, they both shrugged.

"Are we in agreement?"

"We are." Philia confirmed. "The list of people coming is attached below."

The guild employee scanned it quickly. "Bell isn't coming? No wait… this isn't just for vacation either, is it?"

"Haha…" Laughing uneasily, Philia sent the guild employee an apologetic smile.

"Urgh… I get the feeling that Hestia familia is going to get me fired sooner or later."

"Don't worry," Nazha said, stretching her arm over the desk to pat the half-elf on the head. "This is a super important ingredient collection."

"Well, I can't say no if it's super important." The half-elf smiled wryly. "My name is Eina, I look forward to working with you."

---

Bell:

"Do you think anyone is coming?" Bell asked, sprawled out on the beach. After reaching Melen, they had split off from Cli'Wil the Hume Bunny. Giving her the stolen wagon, the three of them were once again left destitute. Bell's stomach rumbled hollowly.

"Of course," Mikoto replied, standing at the edge of the lake. "It isn't an easy task to obtain a permit to leave the city."

"Besides, isn't this fun!" Haruhime smiled from where she stood in the lake. Her kimono was pulled up in a strangely lascivious way. Bell found his cheeks heating and once again averted his gaze to the sky.

For not the first time, the sound of Haruhime's squeals split the air as she splashed around in the water. Every second brought about another pleasant discovery for the sheltered girl.

"Soo… what are we eating today? Mikoto asked hesitantly.

"Urgh…" Bell complained. Folding a hand across his stomach, Bell lifted his head and searched for the sun. It was still in the south-eastern sky.

"Umm… What about those funny looking things with five legs down at the ocean?"

Bell's face paled. "Y-You want to eat those!?"

"P-Please don't say such things…" Makoto shivered visibly.

"Huh? But if you grill them…"

"Haruhime!" Makoto complained again.

"Fine," the girl pouted. "But the amazons in Ishtar familia ate far stranger stuff."

"I can see that…" Bell agreed. Letting his hand flop against the sand, Bell let the soft white substance play through his fingers. "This would be a nice place to visit as a familia. Have a vacation."

"It would," Mikoto muttered. "I wonder who is going to come see us… If anyone will."

"Don't say that. They won't risk leaving Haruhime so close to Orario. We've forced them to act."

The girls fell silent under Bell's somber declaration. Now the sandy beach didn't feel quite as warm. The pale autumn sun shone down with hapless rays. Haruhime shivered, as if the water had dropped five degrees.

"A war game against Ishtar familia." Makoto spoke slowly.

"This is because of my selfishness… Isn't it?" Haruhime spoke. Her tail dropped down as she shuffled out the water, allowing her clothes to fall back down.

The unspoken words reached Bell. He had watched a few in his youth. They were uncommon in general due to the high stakes. Anything and everything could be wagered. On top of that, most rule sets permitted killing. Once again, Hestia familia would have to risk their lives for Haruhime.

"You have a right Haruhime…" Bell decided, pushing away the potential consequences. "You have a right to live where you want, with the people that you want. Not to be used as a sacrifice in a scrap between goddesses."

"Bell…" Haruhime's cheeks were tinged red from her time in the water, the reflected sunlight unrelenting. Definitely the reason.

"That was very mature of you Bell," Mikoto spoke, blinking in surprise.

"Y-You think so… I just don't want… I don't any of us to regret this. I think."

Haruhime giggled as Mikoto rolled her eyes. "Just like that you're back."

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" Bell gaped.

"Nothing. Nothing at all."

Huffing to himself, Bell shot one more reassuring smile at Haruhime. The fox girl with the oh-so-familiar golden hair turned her head half away. As the girl grabbed her tail in her hands and swayed back and forth, Bell couldn't help but stare at the picturesque sight.

Bell knew he was right. No matter what the cost of his ideal was, he would save her. He would save everyone.

---

Yuna:

"Is that… Melen?" Speaking softly, Yuna wasn't sure her words were audible. Grimacing, she held a hand to her throat. At this point, Yuna wondered if she had drunk more potion or water since Rain rescued her.

Either way, the consistent healing formula was slow to fix her. The mind eating drug that she had been forced to consume had done extreme damage to her.

Sitting in the sunlight, Yuna shivered. The memories of that day refused to fade. The burning throat had been bad enough. But now the pain was merely more than a reminder of what Nautilus had been willing to sacrifice to help her.

Yuna didn't know what to think about that. He had acted so strange beforehand, and now… Looking at the boy at the back of the cart, staring at his lap, Yuna blushed and averted her gaze. Staring back at the approaching city, her stomach lurched. It was accompanied by an almost painful confusion. She had no idea how to approach him anymore. How to view him. Everything had changed.

"How are you?" Rain whispered quietly, sliding in beside Yuna.

"…" Yuna didn't even bother replying. There was no point using her little speaking capacity on something so stupid.

Rain simply nodded sagely as if Yuna had said something profound. "I know that feeling. Ishtar familia is really screwed up, aren't they?"

Yuna nodded her agreement. She knew what Rain was trying to do. But she didn't need a girl younger than her to try and sympathize.

"Hmm… I guess you weren't there for the fight at the end. Philia, Leafa, and I ended up fighting one of the level three executives."

Yuna just sat there watching as the city grew larger in the late afternoon light. It explained why Rain managed to hit level three herself. Beyond that though, Yuna couldn't bring herself to care.

"I thought I was going to die…"

"Huh?" Eliciting a verbal response, Yuna turned to stare at Rain, but the half-elf was staring into the distance, her mind somewhere else entirely.

"I could feel my consciousness beginning to slip away. I had only seconds left when Leafa healed me. In that moment all of my previous worries, well, they just feel inconsequential now."

As Yuna stared, Rain turned and met her eyes. Smiling, Rain grabbed Yuna's hand.

"I realize your situation is a little different, but I'm sure Nautilus refused to sit there and watch you die, no matter the cost. You'll need to find a way to come to terms with his decision. I just don't you to waste time hating each other."

"Huh?" Yuna gasped. Even as she sought clarification, Rain sidled away, poking Philia and starting a conversation.

I don't… How could I ever!?

Instinctively, Yuna's eyes drifted back to Nautilus. Unlike last time, he was staring straight at her. The light-brown eyes that used to be so full of life were sunken. Somehow, Yuna wasn't sure if it was accusatory, but she could imagine his words echoing in her mind.

I did this for you.

More confused than ever, Yuna stared back at the ocean. Their trip had come to its end.

---

Philia:

"Oh my, the boy moves fast, doesn't he?" Philia commented casually, staring down at three sleeping figures.

Sharing a look with Rain, Philia knew the laughing fit would arrive imminently. Bell was fast asleep, with his arms cradling his head laying against a tree on the edge of the lake. The girl who must be Haruhime was also sleeping contently with her head on Bell's chest. The biggest surprise to Philia was Mikoto who had passed out with her head on Bell's thigh.

Figuring she'd save the exhausted Take Mikezuchi member the embarrassment, Philia shook her shoulder. "Hey, naptime is over."

"Huh? Did I… pass out?" Blinking, Mikoto's consciousness slowly returned. Awaiting the anticipated moment, Philia couldn't stop her smile from reaching cheek-to-cheek. "Where… EEP!"

"HAHA!" Rain blurted out from behind Philia.

Philia was only able to retain her own mirth by stuffing her hand in her mouth.

"No! I've been tainted, Take will never want me now!"

"What's… the ruckus?" The renart asked sleepily. Bell as well was slowly stirring.

"I slept with a man!" Mikoto moaned to the other girl. "How could this happen!?"

On her knees, Mikoto grabbed her hair with both hands and pulled. Her eyes were wide and brimming with tears. Philia thought the whole thing was a bit dramatic.

"Eh? When? Who?" The renart asked, coming alert in a second. "Weren't you here watching for people?"

"You don't understand!" Mikoto wailed. "I got tired watching you sleep, and I fell asleep on Bell!"

"…Eh?"

Philia couldn't hold back the torrent any longer. Spitting out her fist, Philia unleashed the torrent of laughter that had been building. Stumbling against Rain the two girls built off each other.

"I-It isn't funny!" Mikoto protested. Her high-shriek wail rousing Bell from his nap.

"Are we getting attacked by sirens?" His bleary voice asked.

The description of Mikoto's voice renewed Philia's laughter. The renart, however, did not smile. She let out a big sigh as Mikoto stay oblivious.

"P-Please stop! Can this be undone? Maybe I can…"

"Hush," Haruhime commanded the distraught far eastern girl. "You know, if you actually win Take's love and ask him to sleep with you… he'll be very disappointed."

"W-What do you mean?" Mikoto asked. "Is this not what you… oh." Face slowly flushing, Mikoto fainted into Haruhime's arms. The renart shaking her head sadly as she stroked Mikoto's long black hair.

"Oh Mikoto. I remember being that innocent." The renart spoke sadly.

"It's okay…" Bell's still tired voice rang out. His hand floated up to the renart's head and began rubbing. The girl blushed bright red, not moving away from the contact.

"Damn, he moves fast," Philia whispered in awe to Rain.

"Reminds you of a certain blockhead, doesn't it?"

Turning as one, Philia stared longingly at the boy in the center of a large group of people. Philia had barely seen him since the day of the raid on Ishtar familia. Even from afar, Philia could see how much had changed. The playful half-smile and gleaming black eyes had faded. He walked like a puppet; his limbs stiff as he held a strange rapier like it was the only thing keeping him upright.

"How can we help him, Rain?" Philia whispered morosely.

The red-haired beauty bit her lip. "That's how."

Following her eyes, Philia smiled. "Of course. We just need to remind that there are other things to life than fighting, right?"

Together, the girls shared conspiratorial grins as they stared at the serene lake. "Remember, this mission is super important."

"Right," Philia winked back, "super important."

"To complete it we'll have to collect items from the water."

"Hmm, would be a shame if our clothes got wet. If only we had a wise leader who prepared proper gear beforehand."

"Ahh yes," Rain smirked. "Much like the swimsuits that I packed for everyone?"

"Something like that. Can't have our gear getting wet and ruined."

"Although, there is an appeal to that as well…"

The girl's shared a conspiratorial grin built on intimate trust built through months of working together and surviving near death experiences. Kirito, even without hearing the conversation got a chill down his back.

"Oh, we could have a barbeque by the lake tonight!" Philia suggested.

"B-Barbeque!?"

"Eek!" Suddenly getting ambushed, Philia jumped away from the triple assault. Mikoto, Bell, and the renart were on their knees in front of her, saliva drooling from their mouths.

"Foood…" Bell moaned.

"Oh my…" Rain sighed. "We'll get something started quick. You three just lay there and… well keep on sleeping together I suppose."

"P-Please don't tease us like that Miss Rain!" Bell whined as the red-haired beauty sashayed away back to the main group.

Following behind, Philia's gaze was once again pulled to Kirito. She couldn't help but feel extremely guilty. Rain had been the only one Argo could get out of their house. Philia had been trapped twiddling her thumbs while they both underwent great trials.

As everyone went back to the wagon to begin the process of setting up camp, rather than pay for an inn, Philia sidled over to Kirito. As the only group at the lake currently, they were very fortunate. Even as Philia was thinking so, a cool breeze disabused her to the reason.

"That weapon seems interesting…" Philia commented. The awkward words making her wince.

"Yes…" Kirito spoke back. His voice was flat. Normal to a stranger but to Philia, it was missing its vibrancy. The teasing, inquisitive life that filled Kirito's every action. A life that drew people to him.

"…I should have been there. I'm so sorry."

"…No, you would have just died if you were with me."

Philia winced from the insult. It didn't even seem intentional; it was just Kirito's true opinion on the matter. "You know… I did fight a level three amazon during the raid. I'm not completely useless."

"Level… The more time I spend in this world, the more I believe that the metric is not as important as people think it is."

The conversation had drifted far from what Philia had hoped for. Sidling closer to Kirito, she slowly wrapped his left hand in her right. Kirito neither pulled away nor reacted to the contact. Hearing the others returning, Philia let it slide out.

"After supper is ready, do you want to go for a swim?" Fearing he'd find a way out of it, Philia forged on. "Some of the ingredients we need are pretty deep in the lake. It would really help us out if you could…"

"Wait, we are actually collecting stuff?" Kirito's face finally showed an emotion today. "I thought the whole thing was an excuse to talk to Bell and Haruhime."

"Not quite," Philia pouted dramatically, not wanting to let Kirito's expression go to waste. "Nazha jumped on the opportunity and devised a whole list of things not readily available on the market that she wants to test."

"Huh. If you need help collecting things then of course I will help."

But not because you want to swim, huh? Philia thought unhappily. Before she could pry further, a third person joined the conversation.

"Kirito," Hestia said, her face warped into a terrifying visage of happiness. "Are you and Philia discussing evening plans by any chance? If so, I think I may have an alternative…"

"Lady Hestia," Philia said before Kirito could interject, "I thought we could all take a swim."

"All… I see. Kirito!" Striking a dynamic pose, the goddess shoved her finger between Kirito's eyes. "I order you for worrying me so badly on this quest to go for a swim with everyone."

"…As you wish."

Philia struggled not to scream. This will be a process. Taking a deep breath, Philia pulled on Kirito's hand. "Come on, we may need your big muscles to help with supper."

---

Eina:

"Yes, that is correct… No, just the signature is enough… Very good, well, I'll be off. What inn? No, they're camping…"

Finally escaping the guild building in Melen, Eina frowned at the nearly black sky. It had taken far longer than she thought it would to inform them of the quest. The branch manager had appeared to be searching for an error in it.

Trudging back out of town, Eina wondered for not the first time that day why she was there. Volunteering to come along was the fastest way to get the mission approved. However, there was no need for her to come along. In fact, as she had travelled many of the members kept giving Eina strange looks as if they were keeping a secret.

They had appeared strangely glad when Eina asked to be dropped off at the town before they went to the lake. Pondering this information, Eina began the trek to the lake.

From the guild branch in the center of the fishing town, the lake was on the rise to the North-East. Due to the small size of the town, it was only a little more than a kilomel of walking.

As she crossed the streets for a second time, Eina couldn't help but smile at the wooden houses. Compared to Orario, the buildings here were less ornate and in general, older. Still, the whole village had a rustic charm to it that Eina had never gotten to experience before.

Leaving a smile to build on her lips she let herself admit, at least internally, that she had always wanted to get a chance to see new sights. As a young child she had joined the education district and spend her life studying. After graduating she was employed by the guild and had worked and worked.

In fact, in her five years of experience, this was the first true vacation that Eina had taken besides a few choice holiday days free of work.

Left in a better mood, the town disappeared under Eina's feet as the last light of day did. Working by lantern light, Eina navigated the well-trod path to the lake.

"I still need to get out of Hestia or Kirito where Bell is…" Muttering to herself, Eina refused to believe that the boy had died. But still, why would they leave him behind?

The lantern cast shadows through the trees edging the lake. It was a terrifying display of shifting images. Every time Eina thought she saw something, by the time she focused on it, there was nothing there.

"Urgh, this forest it…"

"Uuurgh…"

"W-What was that!?" Heart racing, Eina froze in place. "I-Is someone out there!?"

No matter how she waved the light, nothing appeared in her vision. Her breath came fast, each one bringing a small puff of condensation as the temperature began to drop rapidly.

"Uuurgh…" The sound came again.

"C-Could it be!? A monster…" The light became useless as Eina's hand shook like a leaf. She was by herself in the middle of nowhere.

Tuning her head, Eina briefly considered running back to the town. However… she didn't want to risk the trek back. Facing the lake again, Eina shuffled forward once more.

"Please don't find me, please don't find me." Muttering under her breath, Eina got conclusive proof that she was right to not pursue becoming an adventurer.

"Ugh."

"YAAA!" Screeching, Eina whirled, dropping the lantern. The light splayed across the forest floor, illuminating a body. "N-No, is that a victim!?"

Twitch.

"…Huh?" The body… moved?

"Urgh…"

"NOO!" Eina yelled, stumbling backwards. Tripping over a root, Eina found herself on her backside. Her body was unresponsive. Trapped in a box of encroaching shadows, Eina felt the aura of death.

"Umm, are you okay?"

"…Eh?" Blinking, Eina's scared mind couldn't figure it out. There was a far eastern girl in front of her. No, wait… she was the body!

"Did something scare you?"

"W-Wait!" Ena protested, embarrassment replacing the fear, "you were the one scaring me! You were letting out a moaning sound! I thought… I thought…."

"Ah, s-sorry about that." The girl quickly apologized, reaching a hand down to Eina. "I made a fool of myself and was repenting."

"What happened?" Eina asked.

"I… well, I thought I was the only sane person in the party but then…" even in the almost total darkness Eina could see the girl's blush. "I thought I had slept with Bell! How was I supposed to know what the real thing was!?"

"…Eh?" Eina froze again, for a completely different reason. Feeling almost possessed, the guild employee rose from the ground.

"I mean, I didn't mean to fall asleep on his lap, but they looked so peaceful, and I couldn't keep my eyes open!"

"You… with Bell Cranel?"

"Yes! …Wait, you know him? Actually… Who are you?"

"Grr…" Sticking a finger in the far eastern girls face, Eina sounded more monster than human as she spoke. "Bell is far too young to be doing that sort of thing yet! Not to mention naïve! Bell's the type to let any girl order him around just because they're a girl!"

"I-I'm so sorry!" Not denying the claims, the far eastern girl collapsed on all fours. "I didn't consider Bell's feelings when I used his lap as a pillow! Then I was so confused about losing my purity that I never considered his feelings! Please punish me!"

"E-EH!?" Staggering back a step, Eina found herself powerless in the face of the ultimate repentance. Hit with a divine technique, Eina suddenly found her herself apologizing. "N-No, please ignore me. If I can make a request though… please lead me to Hestia familia."

"R-Right away!" Springing to her feet, the far eastern girl snapped a salute for some reason before turning and marching back to the path that Eina had stumbled off of. "Ah…" Muttering, the girl turned back around. "My name is Mikoto, I'm an adventurer in Take Mikazuchi familia."

"Nice to meet you Mikoto," Eine bowed lightly. "Wait… Take Mikazuchi? But no one from that familia left Orario with us... I signed every pass myself."

"Umm… P-Please return to the camp with me!" Mikoto bowed deeply. Then, without giving Eina a chance, Mikoto grabbed Eina by the wrist and pulled her along the dark road.

Feeling like she had been duped somehow, Eina muttered to herself as she finally saw other light coming from a campfire. "Super important ingredients, huh?"

Entering the opening, Eina took a moment to stare at the wide encampment. The horse and carriage had been pulled nearby as well. Various tents were erected but everyone was still awake. Conversation was lively and flowing. Most of the people, despite the chill air were in various states of undress, their skin shimmering wet.

"W-What is happening here?"

"Oh, guild girl is back!" Hestia spoke loudly. "Umm, I see you met Mikoto…"

"G-Goddess Hestia!" Eina replied stalking forward. Spying Bell in the circle, Eine stopped and stared at him. To one side was a person with the brightest hair she'd ever seen. The golden strands were shimmering brilliantly under the waning moon. Even without having seen her before, Eina knew exactly who this was: the Renart they had attempted to free from Ishtar familia.

"I… How?"

"Haha…" Hestia laughed weakly. "Some things happened, and I guess they managed to get outside of Orario!"

"That's not enough of an explanation!" Eina shrieked back.

"It's fine… Eina."

"K-Kirito…" The boy had appeared from nowhere. He had been riding in a different cart. Eina had barely caught a glimpse of the boy on the way here, yet alone a conversation. "W-What do you mean?"

"We are going to win her from Ishtar properly in a war game."

"Eh? That's not an explanation either!" Eina whined again, her mind overheating.

"I-I'm so sorry, Eina!" Bell apologized, rushing over to her.

For the second time that night, a person fell to the ground before her on all fours.

"I couldn't let Ishtar sacrifice Haruhime! In order to secure her place in Orario we are going to win a war game in order to get her back!"

Seeing it for a second time, the dogeza had less impact on Eina. "What the hell do you think you're saying!? A war game!? Against Ishtar familia!? No way! That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"

"It's fine," Hestia spoke authoritatively. "Kirito can take their leader in a one on one. In fact, she may not even try very hard to win."

"You're being naïve!" Eina argued back. "Why do you think Ishtar would ever agree to a war game she could lose!? In terms of resources and experience you lose! In every metric you. Lose."

"We won last time!" Bell argued back from his position on the floor. As Bell glanced up at her, Eina was captured by the intensity in his eyes.

They were flickering in the firelight, the red light blending seamlessly with the rubellite irises. Eina, captivated, felt her cheeks begin to heat. "T-That's not the point! You could die! You could all die! Kirito, talk sense into them!"

"…"

Turning to the boy expectantly, Eina was struck speechless by his expression. His eyes were hollow, as if the life in him had faded. It wasn't an unfamiliar expression to Eina. It was one she had seen quite often as an advisor. Typically, adventurers looked like that after their party died but… Eina couldn't think of anyone that fit the description.

"Eina…" The boy began slowly. "If they need to do this to be happy then…"

"Grr…" Eina wrapped her left hand around her right wrist. Without it she probably would have slapped the morose boy. "They can't be happy if they're dead!"

"…They also can't suffer any longer if they're dead."

"Huh?" Eina knew she wasn't the only one surprised by Kirito's words. Glancing around the attentive circle that was pretending to not pay attention, Eina saw many of the people looked conflicted.

"Hey now, calm down Ms. Advisor! Just relax, eat good food and enjoy the vacation on the beach!"

"V-Vacation…?" Eina asked weakly. She had had an inclination about it…

"Umm Goddess, you said the silent part aloud." Bell mumbled.

"D-Did I? O-Oh well, come on Ms. Advisor, sit here and have some food while before its all gone."

"S-Sure." Letting herself get dragged to a free tree trunk that had been pulled out unto the beach, Eina pointlessly dusted off her pants before sitting down. She felt very overdressed compared to everyone else in swimsuits. On the other hand, the temperature was continuing to fall. The night would drop close to freezing. Hestia, like Eina, had a shawl wrapped tightly around her. The rest of the adventurers appeared to not notice, however. Their dress acting as a stark reminder in the difference between their potentials.

"O-Oh my…" Eina felt her stomach rumble as Bell delivered food to her. It was pieces of grilled meat stuck together by a wooden skewer. "W-What is this?"

"Shish kebab!" The boy declared happily.

Grabbing the skewer hesitantly, Eina examined it. Thankfully, other conversations were popping up around the circle. While it did look good, Eina was nervous about the strange finger food.

"Go on," Bell supplied, taking a seat beside her.

Giving him a disapproving look, Eina went ahead and took a bite. Her eyes widened as the unexpected spices and juices exploded into her mouth.

"Well?"

"Its… really good. Thank you."

"Haha, I didn't make it," Bell admitted, scratching his head. "I'm glad you enjoy it and that uh… Thank you for helping them get here. We were starving."

"Do I want to know how you got out here?" Eina sighed. "And with an Ishtar familia member at that?"

"Haha, I'll tell you if you want."

Looking at him again, Eina saw that he was being sincere. Knowing she wouldn't have the heart to report him to the guild, Eina nodded. Some things were more important than her job.

---

Philia:

"Oh really? So you always make sure to do those vocal exercises? That's so interesting!"

"Ugh…"

"Yes! I find them very helpful to making sure my whole diaphragm is engaged when I sing!"

"This is enough," Philia decided. While the words were said aloud, no one responded to them. Rain and Yuna were too busy talking to each other about singing. It was almost the first free time the girls had to do so.

Thankfully it appeared that the evening spent at the lake had finally begun to heal the damage to Yuna's throat. Or, it was Silica's pet monster blowing bubbles at her. Philia wasn't sure.

Standing up from the hard tree trunk, Philia decided that this method of sitting was overrated in those coming-of-age films. Rubbing her sore butt, Philia found Kirito standing away from the group, eyes out over the lake.

Smiling nastily at the unobservant girls, Philia sauntered over to the lone boy to claim her time with him. "Howdy, Kirito."

"…Philia."

Pouting, Philia hated his new mannerisms. So somber. So… broken. This was the last chance they had to help him heal. Narrowing her eyes, Philia made a promise to herself.

Whatever it takes, regardless of what I have to do… I will save him.

"Umm, can I ask what that new blade you have is?" Philia repeated her question from earlier.

"…A reminder of my failure."

"I see…" Taking a moment, Philia plastered a happy smile on her face. Bouncing in front Kirito, Philia tried her best to replicate an impish smile. "Hey, why don't we take a night swim together?"

Philia wiggled with joy as Kirito's cheeks heated slightly as his eyes tracked down from hers, examining her almost naked body. The two-piece that Rain had brought her was on the skimpy side. If she was bustier, Philia would be constantly worried about falling out of the light blue fabric the same colour as her eyes.

"You know…" Philia continued with a sly smile, "I heard this lake has a rare crab that comes out at night. Supposedly, it's responsible for all sorts of wardrobe malfunctions."

"W-Wardrobe malfunctions?"

"Uh huh, I may be in trouble by myself, I need you there to protect me from the scary crabs."

"If that… will make you happy."

"Grr…"

"D-Did I say something wrong?" Kirito asked.

"I'll take that as a yes, come on!" Pulling Kirito by the wrist, Philia stepped back into the water.

To most people, Philia was indistinguishable from a human. The misunderstanding arose due to her height being reset by Kayaba on the day she had been trapped here. In reality, she was a half-prum. As such, Philia's eyes were still able to make out details in the surrounding environment despite the lack of light.

Unfortunately, her abilities didn't extend to the water. Seeing things in various shades of grey in the night, the lake meanwhile was a black puddle in the center. Despite logically knowing it was safe, her heart fluttered uncertainly as she stepped into the abyss.

"It's darker here than the dungeon…" Kirito muttered. The light of the campfire was over forty metres away making it unreliable.

"Scared?" Philia teased, turning to steal a glance of him. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe."

"T-That wasn't what…"

"Aww, never fear my little Kirito. Philia is here to make sure nothing goes wrong!"

"…Thank you." Kirito sighed, following her into water.

Walking side-by-side, Philia was glad for how shallow the edge of the lake was. The gentle slope meant they could walk a long time before having to swim.

As the water licked at the back of her knees, Philia felt the temperature difference. Having been under the sun all day, the water was warmer than the night air.

"Did you have a good talk with your advisor?" Philia asked in an attempt to break the ice.

"Not really. She brings up good reasons to not do this."

Philia frowned, feeling the conversation quickly moving in a direction she didn't want it to. "That is just her opinion. We need to resolve this dispute between our familias once and for all. Otherwise, we will never be safe again."

"…I agree." Kirito sighed. "But how many will I…?"

Unable to catch the end of his words, Philia brought them to a halt. Turning back to look at the fire, it shimmered at the edge of her view. It gave off less light at this point than the moon overhead.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Huh?" Confused, Philia glanced to Kirito and saw his eyes directed skyward. Following his gaze, Philia stepped into his side and wrapped an arm around his bare torso.

Kirito was right though. It wasn't just the moon hovering almost straight above them. The stars were thick in the sky, creating swirling constellations and even the auroras of distant galaxies. It was a bewildering sight that one would never get to see in old world.

"Thank you, Kirito."

"For what?"

"For giving me a life worth living."

"W-What are you saying all of sudden."

Bringing her eyes down from the sky, Philia fixed her sights on something far more beautiful and precious to her than the night sky.

"P-Philia."

"Kirito… I know you're struggling with something right now, but…" Trailing off, Philia ducked her head. Her only contact now was a hand pressed against his chest. The water swirled around their waists. "I… I love you!"

"P-Philia?" Kirito repeated again in much the same way.

"You say you want us to be happy, right?" Philia pressed the boy, raising her head. Even as the embarrassing words poured out of her, she couldn't look away. Philia cared more about Kirito than her own comfort.

"Yes… That's…. that is all that is keeping me going."

Philia's heart almost broke as Kirito's face twisted. The pain and hurt in his eyes were something new. Whatever happened on the raid to the lower floors had almost broken the poor boy. No, there was a chance it did.

"Kirito…" Taking a deep breath, Philia made sure he was staring back at her as she spoke. "I will never be happy unless you are."

"W-What? Philia, don't say stuff like…"

Philia stopped his foolish words with a finger on his lips. "Kirito, if you have one girl that you like, you should choose her. If she is your true love then I'll be happy knowing that you are."

"P-Philia!" Kirito stuttered for what felt like the tenth time. "I… No, I…"

"Say it." Philia prompted him. Pushing her chest against his, Philia stared up into his eyes from a hairsbreadth away.

"I…"

There was so much confusion in his eyes. Philia wondered if she was making a mistake. What if he did push her away? Trying not to let the indecision show in her eyes, Philia continued to wait.

"…I want a harem."

As the words ended, a deep silence penetrated the gap between them. Philia realized they were both holding their breath. Slowly, over the course of over ten seconds, a smile stretched across her lips.

"I think that was the first time I've heard you say what you want."

Kirito's cheeks heated faintly in the darkness, almost invisible despite the lack of distance. However, his gaze never left hers.

Filled with a budding heat, Philia moved forward. Kirito didn't move to meet her, but he also didn't retreat.

Philia had to restrain a moan as she tasted his lips. The sensation was raw and powerful. Like last time, the contact only deepened Philia's desire for Kirito's touch. Like his lips were breaking the dam behind which she kept her desires, flooding her body with them.

"Wait…" Kirito gasped, grabbing Philia's shoulders and holding her at arm-length. "I don't… I deserve this. I couldn't… I couldn't save her."

"Hmm, so you failed to pick up a girl in the dungeon?" Philia muttered in displeasure. Her body was screaming for Kirito's touch.

"That isn't it!" Kirito barked back angrily. "I was wrong before Philia. I don't deserve happiness."

"Kirito!"

Yelling at him, Philia glared as he tried to turn away from her and begin walking to shore. Unwilling to let things end like this, Philia took a large step forward.

"…Huh?"

Feeling her foot slide on something underwater, Philia's body tilted forward. Reaching out for something, Philia's hand found Kirito. More specifically, Kirito's swimsuit.

"…EHH!?"

"Glurg!" Spitting out the lake water, Philia sat up, just getting her mouth back above water. As she took in the sight before her, her mind froze.

Is that Kirito's…!?

"D-Don't stare at me like that!?" Kirito whined.

For some reason, he sounded like an anime schoolgirl to Philia as he crossed his legs and blushed.

"Haha, those darn crabs, am I right?" Philia chuckled blankly.

"Don't give me that!" Kirito protested. "You pulled down my trunks!"

"W-Well you shouldn't have stalked off like a sullen child!" Philia replied, focussing on Kirito's face rather than the daunting sight of his lower body.

Glaring at each other, they both realized after about ten seconds that Kirito had still failed to pull his shorts back up. Blushes deepening, Philia wondered if Kirito had left them down as an invitation.

I'm not ready for this!

Any worries Philia had about Kirito's expectations vanished as a third voice interrupted them. "Phi. Li. A."

"Ahaha…"

Looking around Kirito, Philia caught sight of the girl Philia was closest to in this world: Rain. The beautiful half-elf with a shimmering curtain of red hair was emitting a ferocious aura stronger than a floor boss's.

"I thought we agreed that our first time with Kirito would be together and here I find you trying to get a head start."

"Ah…" Philia winced, seeing where the misunderstanding had come from. "S-See Rain, Umm…"

"A-although…" Rain interrupted, her aura vanishing in a moment, as her gaze fell to the water, her body shifting side-to-side. "It doesn't look like you are too far along yet, so I'd be fine umm… joining in here."

""Eh…?"" Philia and Kirito muttered in unison.

"I know I can come off as quite upfront and confident b-but… I'm a little scared. P-Please be gentle with me Kirito…"

""EHH!"" Once again matched in tone, Philia and Kirito gaped at Rain.

This can't be real, are we seriously…?

"N-No, Rain!" Kirito protested, waving his hands at her. As he did so, Philia was left with an unobstructed view of his backside. That meant…

Philia blushed for Rain, whose jaw physically dropped as Kirito tried to plead with her. Having spent enough time with her, Philia knew that Rain had shut down. Her overwhelmed mind struggling to come to grips with what her eyes were seeing.

"N-No way…" Rain spoke, cutting off Kirito's words. "T-That supposed to… in me?"

"…Eh?" Kirito finally followed Rain's eyes. "AHH! I-I'm so sorry."

Finally thinking to fall to his knees, Kirito hid his body in the water as he fought with his swimsuit to restore it to its natural position.

Smiling faintly, Philia was glad for the drama. However, she couldn't forgive Kirito's words that he had said earlier.

While she still had him in a vulnerable position, Philia tightly wrapped in a hug from behind. "Ne, Kirito?"

"Y-Yes?"

"I'll keep what you said a secret but… nothing could make me sadder than you believing those words."

"…Okay."

Getting only a noncommittal reply, Philia sighed and let her cheek rest against Kirito's strong back. The night hadn't gone quite the way she'd hoped but Philia hoped it was a start.

Either way, Philia knew they had a very important job tomorrow, and it wasn't collecting potion ingredients.

---

Kirito:

"Urgh… Ah…" Tossing and turning, Kirito's body was covered in sweat. The tent he was sharing with Bell was small but not cramped. Its white walls were made out of cheap but sturdy wool. As such, it had deflected the autumn chill with ease, creating a stuffy interior.

Steadily waking up for at least the fourth time, Kirito wondered if it was finally time to get up. In his head every time he tried to sleep, the same scenes and feelings invaded.

He couldn't stop seeing that moment.

That twisted smile as Imizael gave up on him.

Like a scared child searching for his mother, Kirito pawed at the tent until he found the possession he was searching for: her rapier.

Clutching the hard leather to his body, Kirito felt the trembling slowly subside. Either way, he felt exhausted. His last proper sleep felt like a week ago. He had as little energy now as when he went to bed.

"You up?" Bell called from outside the tent.

"…" Hesitating for a moment, Kirito knew that at least when he was awake, he wouldn't have to relieve those moments again. The sensation of his blade splitting both armour and bone. Experiencing the excruciating hell she had been living in. "Yes."

A moment later the flap was moved to the side and Bell entered fully dressed. Kirito took that as a sign that he had managed some sleep at least.

"It is pretty late in the day, everyone else is awake and eating."

"…I see."

Diverting his gaze back to the tent wall, Kirito expected Bell to leave.

"Can I… see that sword?"

No. Muzzling the instinctive thought, Kirito felt a brief rush of surprise. No one had asked to see it. Philia had asked about it, but everyone else had never broached it. Leafa and Silica included.

Sitting up, Kirito showed it to Bell.

"It really is…" Mumbling, Bell's eyes were filled with wonder as he brushed the sheath with a finger. Grabbing the hilt with his hand, Bell pulled the blade out so he could see the striating lines of blue engraved into the metal.

"You knew her." Kirito accused the boy.

Bell blushed, but eventually nodded. "More like knew of her. I thought she joined evilus…?"

"…Kind of." Kirito answered unhelpfully.

"I heard Hera say… err, I mean, I heard a rumour that Hera said that she was in a constant state of suffering. That she should have died long ago. Umm, how… how bad was it?"

"…Horrible." Kirito replied. He could tell instantly that Bell was withholding something. The boy was a terrible liar. "I wouldn't have lasted a day in her condition without killing myself."

Bell's eyes shadowed with grief as he gripped the handle tighter before jamming the rapier back into its sheath. "Thank you then… for kill…"

"Don't you dare!" Kirito hissed at Bell, cutting off those cursed words. "You of all people should hate me! I should have… I should have saved her…"

Bowing his head, Kirito waited for his judgement. The judgement that Bell had meted out upon their first meeting. Kirito had been too naïve to see it then, but his words were coming true with a vengeance.

"I think you did."

"…What?"

"I… I don't know a lot about what happened, but I do know about you."

Glancing up in confusion, Kirito felt Bell press the rapier back into his hand. It pulsed with that warm glow that was keeping Kirito going. The sensation that had enabled him to keep moving, to find his way to the central chamber and finish off the amphisbaena.

"You try so hard for everyone and never take care of yourself. This is a little embarrassing after my initial claims but… I'm really happy you're the leader of this familia."

"…Huh? But you…"

"O-Of course I still want the position one day but…" Scratching his cheek, Bell looked five years younger. Turning away from Kirito, the boy shuffled through his belongings until he came up with a longsword with a clear gem in the pommel.

"Bell?"

"Here."

Still confused, Kirito felt a great weight as the weapon was forced into his hands. With the rapier leaning in the crook of his arm, Kirito felt a little silly sitting here holding two weapons.

"Umm, this is the sword you showed up with, right?"

"Correct. It's always belonged to the leader of the familia. As such, you should have it."

"Huh? Always belonged? But you…"

"D-Don't sweat the details right now!" Bell protested with a blush.

Seeing the boy able to be so innocent brought a smile to Kirito's face. He was completely different from the jagged ball of anger that Lili had brought back with her.

"You must have suffered so much…" Kirito guessed, "how… how did you come back to normal? How did you move past it?"

"Move… past it?" Bell wondered aloud. "I never could have on my own. It was only through meeting so many wonderful people, Lili, Goddess Hestia, Eina, Haruhime that I was able to remember my true goal."

"True goal?"

"I told you before, didn't I?" Bell smiled gently. "I want to save everyone. No matter who, or their circumstances."

That did nothing to clear up Kirito's confusion. "How did that possibly help? You have buried yourself under an impossible task. Every day more people die that you can't help."

Bell's eyes were shadowed with sorrow, but quickly cleared. "That's just because right now I'm not strong enough. But one day, I will be able to."

"You're a hypocrite…" Kirito breathed in awe. "You amass strength by killing monsters. You saved Haruhime by killing the members of Ishtar familia. Your very goal is a contradiction."

"Ehh? Err…" Scratching his head again, Bell seemed to struggle coming up with an answer. Eventually he settled on a broad smile. "I guess that's a problem I'll need to figure out in the future. Right now though… I'm going to keep moving forward. What about you?"

"Me…?" Kirito glanced down at the blades in his arms. One was warm and prodding, the other was heavy and silent. It reminded Kirito of a giant storm cloud, dark and brooding. "I…"

I will never be happy unless you are.

With Philia's words from last night invading his thoughts, Bell spoke again. "Hestia also told me your goal. I hope you continue striving towards it. This familia wouldn't be the same without you… Captain."

Left to himself, Kirito stood up. Throwing the swimming trunks back on, Kirito also pulled on a light cotton shirt, black of course. Laying down his newest sword on the trunk, Kirito didn't know what to think about it currently.

Standing with the rapier in his hand, Kirito felt the sensation change. Rather than pushing him on again, he felt its desire change.

Stop relying on me.

Kirito could almost hear Imizael's pure, unburnt voice chiding him in his mind. "I hope you were able to find her…" Saying a final goodbye, Kirito wiped away the budding tears and placed the rapier on the floor.

His familia needed him.

No, that wasn't it.

Pushing aside the flap, Kirito smiled at the circle of people in the distance.

Kirito wanted to be with them.

---

Silica:

"Urgh…"

"Is something wrong?" Leafa asked predictably.

"No," Silica grumbled, taking a large bite of breakfast. The porridge wasn't tasty, but it was filling. With the second scoop, Silica raised the spoon past her mouth to her forehead.

From above, the beak of a feathery dragon snapped down and gobbled up the majority. "Pina!" Silica chided the monster. After failing to come up with a different name, Silica had settled upon her cat's. The familiarity had already made Silica forget that the creature perched on her head was supposed to be a monster, feared worldwide for their thirst for human blood.

"Just tell me," Leafa sighed, "you know that you're going to eventually."

Silica pouted, but also knew that Leafa's assessment was accurate. The two of them shared a room back home and were sharing a tent here. "There are too many well-off women here."

"Well-off? Oh, you mean…" Blushing, Leafa covered her own shapely chest. The two-piece swimsuit she was wearing accentuated all the development that she had undergone these past months. Even the white t-shirt she put on overtop did little to hide it.

Silica meanwhile had very little to show even though she only wore a blue one-piece. The dark fabric made it similar to the school swimsuits that were so popular.

"To be honest… It is a little intimidating, isn't it?" Leafa admitted in a whisper.

Nodding together, Silica scanned the circle of women. Bell was just emerging have gone to fetch Kirito. Besides those two and Nautilus silking in the shade, the rest of the company was all female.

Hestia, and Strea had been bad enough for Silica's confidence. But with Mikoto, the guild advisor Eina, and the renart Haruhime showing up, Silica knew she didn't stand a chance. The only solace Silica took was that they didn't appear to have any interest in Kirito.

"I feel strangely glad that Bell joined our familia…" Leafa muttered, echoing Silica's thoughts.

"Yeah, haha," Silica laughed weakly. "Although I wish I knew more about this advisor… I get the feeling she's got both of the boys wrapped around her finger."

"Hmm… She has that mysterious air of an older sister," Leafa mumbled in agreement. "She kind of has that strict teacher aura, you know?"

Silica nodded frantically in agreement, eliciting an angry squawk from Pina who almost found herself dislodged from her resting place.

"B-But doesn't that appeal to boys? Like the stricter the teaching the sweeter the reward!?"

"Urgh," Leafa twitched in disgust. "K-Kirito doesn't have a fetish like that… does he?"

Staring at each, Silica and Leafa both turned to stare down the guild advisor who was once again wearing that sharp black pantsuit. While it would have been considered men's clothes back in the old world, all it did was accentuate the half-elf's delicate female figure.

"K-Kirito wouldn't…"

"Kirito wouldn't what?" The boy's voice rang out from directly behind Silica.

"EHH!?" Shrieking, Silica tumbled to the down along with her bowl of half-finished porridge and Pina. The three of them wound up in a pile on the ground, the bowl somehow replacing Pina on her head.

"O-Oops?" The boy wondered.

"Oops?" Leafa scolded him. "Look at her swimsuit, and her hair!"

"S-Sorry Silica," Kirito apologized, reaching a hand down to her. "Why don't we go to the lake and wash you up?"

"W-Wash me up!?" Gaping at Kirito, Silica found her cheeks heating. "T-That's so forward!"

"Hmpf! Onii-chan, be more considerate of Silica!"

"W-What did I say, Leafa…" Kirito pouted.

"N-No, thank you for the help Kirito." Putting the bowl on the ground, Silica deposited Pina in Leafa's lap to a sad chirp before walking toward the nearby lake. Unlike yesterday, it was no longer completely deserted. Another group had pulled up early and were lounging on the beach a way away.

Without a word, Kirito joined her in lockstep. "Sorry about that. It seems I'm always causing trouble for everyone…"

"T-That's not true!" Silica denied him quickly, shaking her head so fast a piece of porridge flew off her forehead and stuck to Kirito's cheek.

"Hah," Kirito laughed. Taking his finger, he scooped it off his cheek and tried it. "It's good. Who was cooking today?"

"R-Rain was supervising," Silica answered. "We all helped out though…"

"Except for me…"

"You were injured! You needed time to rest!"

"Injured?" Kirito muttered, staring forlornly over the waves. Standing at the edge of the lake, the water rippled over their feet. Unlike last night, the water had cooled off and was chilly to the touch. "Maybe I was."

"You were…? D-Does that mean you're feeling better now!?"

Staring up hopefully at Kirito, Silica felt her heartrate increase. The last few days had been filled with confusion. The Kirito they had come back to had been a different person to the one that had left. Asuna made them swear not to push him to talk.

"I… I am." Kirito declared. "I'm finished sulking. I think… I'm ready to take what I want."

"T-Take…" Stuttering, Silica was swallowed up by the gaze in Kirito's eyes. She had seen a similar look before, when Kirito was fighting. It was the first time she had experienced his uninhibited gaze head-on.

"Come on, let's clean you up."

"Y-Yes…" Letting herself be meekly led, Silica sat at the edge of the lake, only a few meters in. The water threatened to freeze her core, but Silica was able to push past it, her thoughts still focused on Kirito. When without watching him, Silica could follow his movements perfectly through sound alone.

"Watch out…" Kirito warned.

Before Silica could reply, she found her head doused with water.

"Ah!" Jerking straight, Silica's breath came faster as the chilly sensation washed over her body. Her cat ears flicked in annoyance at the sensation. "C-Cold!"

"Sorry about that," Kirito replied lightly.

"You don't sound very sorry!" Silica bit back as another puddle of water hit her.

"Well, the noises you make are pretty cute."

"C-Cute? Weirdo…"

"Yeah, there's definitely something wrong with me." Kirito agreed lightly. Unrelenting with the water, Silica knew that their time together was coming to an end.

"W-What do you mean by that?"

"…"

Getting silence, Silica tried to turn around, but encountered Kirito's hand. "Stay there, I'll wash out your hair."

"…Okay."

Facing forward again, Silica struggled not to emit any further noises as she felt Kirito's hands on her hair. They were thoroughly rubbing out the thick paste and particles that had stuck there.

Eventually, Kirito's hands drifted from the hair unto her ears. "Ahh…" Unable to contain the gasp, Silica's back arched as Kirito's hands rubbed the fur. "K-Kirito…"

"I should feel guilty… but I don't."

"K-Kirito? Are you feeling alright?"

"Haha," he laughed weakly in answer. "I'm not sure. But Silica… we never really talked about err… well talked about our relationship."

"R-Relationship!?" Silica squealed. Regardless of how important the conversation was, how long she had been waiting for it, she was still struggling to concentrate. Kirito's hands rubbing against her ears felt so good.

"Yes… It is of course your decision, but I want you to be one of my girlfriends."

"I-It isn't fair of you to ask that when you're doing this…" Silica breathed back in answer.

What did I just say!?

Silica wanted to punch herself. Why did she ruin the perfect moment!?

"Oh, sorry."

Silica sighed heavily as Kirito's hands left. Covering her ears with her hands, they already felt cold. She wanted Kirito's hands back.

Knowing the moment had ended, Silica turned to face Kirito head-on. "I… I have a request."

"Err… Yes?"

Surprised by how hesitant Kirito's voice was, Silica's intuition picked up on the new emotion hidden in his eyes: fear.

He's scared I'll say no?

Smiling at the discovery, Silica continued with renewed confidence. "I'll become one of your girlfriends and do my best to be accommodating with them all… but!"

"But…?" Kirito asked anxiously.

"I-I…" Blushing, Silica struggled to speak her request. Closing her eyes she yelled it to the world. "I want you to rub my ears at least once a day!"

Stomach tight with the fear of rejection, Silica heard Kirito's small chuckle at the same time his hand once again patted her on the head.

"Sounds like a win-win to me."

"S-Seriously?" Opening her eyes, she gazed at Kirito in wonder.

"Seriously."

"Eh?" Blinking in surprise, Silica couldn't figure out why Kirito's face was getting larger. Maybe she was hallucinating?

No, wait!

Figuring it out at the last second, Silica had nowhere to escape to as Kirito's lips locked unto hers.

"Umpfh!" Making a muffled sound against his mouth, Silica tried to reflexively retreat. However, she was trapped there by Kirito's arm around her back.

All too soon, the contact faded. Silica's eyes were blurred over. "M-My first kiss…"

"W-Was that too soon?" Kirito asked worried. "I'm sorry if you weren't ready…"

"Of course I wasn't ready!" Silica cried in despair. "I demand a redo!"

"Y-You got it…"

This time Silica waited with anticipation as Kirito got closer. Leaning into it, it truly did feel like her first kiss. The rush of new sensations and tastes threatened to paralyze her. It was somehow both wet and dry, firm yet soft. It was perfect.

"C-Can I add another request?" Silica mumbled weakly when Kirito broke off the contact.

"Haha, of course."

"Umm, can we also k-kiss once a day."

"That sounds achievable," Kirito murmured, his face drawing near once again.

Their third was the longest. Silica melted into the contact. The world could have been burning around her and she wouldn't have noticed. Nothing existed in that moment except Kirito and her.

Suddenly, Kirito broke away, a guilty look on his face.

"O. Nii. Chan. What were you doing to Silica?"

"Uh oh…" Muttering to herself, Silica withered as she took in Leafa's expression. The smile was just a little too large. She wasn't even the person it was focused on.

"I was… well… I was kissing her." Kirito admitted.

"…"

"…"

Silica tensed up as the tension grew even thicker. Wondering if she should step in and clear up the misunderstanding, Leafa's expression shifted.

"Yaay!"

"Huh?"

Silica had no time to wonder as Leafa lunged at them. "Eep!" Letting out one last strangled syllable, Silica's head was thrust under the water. Stunned by the surprise attack, Silica forgot for a moment to struggle.

Finally, as Silica tried to cough up the water invading her lungs she pushed against Leafa. The attempt was futile as Silica's vision was filled with shades of black.

She's on top of me!?

Figuring it out, Silica pushed hard against the black mass enveloping her head.

"EEP!"

The strangled yelp was loud enough to cut through the water barrier. Silica's vision finally returned as Leafa retracted. Sputtering up water, Silica sat up as well and glared at the girl who glared back.

"Y-You shouldn't have done that… It's sensitive." Leafa blushed with her arms crossed.

"Don't push my head underwater then!" Silica snapped back, sticking out her tongue. After a few seconds however, the girls' expressions morphed into mirrored smiles.

"I'm so happy for you!"

"Hehehe," Silica giggled back as Leafa pulled her into a normal hug. Feeling Leafa's genuine appreciation sent another wave of happiness through Silica's ecstatic body. It had come from nowhere but hearing Kirito's feelings was amazing.

"I don't know why… but I get nervous when you congratulate each other like that…" Kirito said.

"Onii-chan!" Leafa scolded him, breaking out of the hug, "this only took so long because you refused to approach Silica!"

"H-How is that…" Kirito withered under Leafa's glare and turned to Silica. "I-I'm sorry it took me this long to consolidate my feelings."

Silica couldn't restrain another giggle at Kirito's twisted expression. He alternated between guilt, confusion, and joy at regular intervals. "N-No, I'm glad it happened now. I've finally reached a point where I can be helpful to you. With Pina's abilities helping me…"

Trailing off, Silica sent a worried look to Leafa. "Umm, what did you do with Pina?"

"Pina is hanging out with Rain and Philia and eating their breakfast!"

"Uh oh," Kirito joked, "we can't let her bully the cook."

"True!" Silica agreed, popping to her feet. Looking down at herself, Silica realized that she was soaked from Leafa pushing her into the water.

"Onii-chan," Leafa continued her lecture to Kirito, "don't forget about Strea alright? She's been struggling from the raid and really needs you!"

"I-I know, I know," Kirito pouted. Blushing, the boy averted his gaze from Leafa. "A-Also, you shouldn't wear that in the water."

"Huh? What are you- Ahh!" Shrieking, Leafa pushed Kirito back into the water as she covered her chest with her right hand.

The white shirt she was wearing over her swimsuit had gotten soaked from hugging Silica. While she was technically wearing more than just the swimsuit, the effect of the see-through shirt created a sensual effect.

As Leafa ran back to the shore to change, Silica helped Kirito out of the water. "I-I know I said it before but…" Staring into his warm eyes, Silica knew the rest of the words were unnecessary.

Kirito stood up in one fluid motion so that he was towering over her. Rustling her hair again, Silica felt her face flushing. It was unfair how easily Kirito could make her do that.

"Thank you Silica," Kirito whispered directly into her ear.

Hearing the words repeated back to her, Silica timidly followed Kirito back to shore. Her tail flicked back and forth, powered by her uncontainable delight. No matter what happened the rest of the day, Silica knew it would be one of the best in her life.

---

Bell:

"I-I can't believe we actually have to collect things…"

Groaning, the boy stared up at the overhead sun that was beating down on him. Even with its presence however, the cold wind coming off the ocean kept him cool as he went about his work.

A few hours after breakfast, Rain had suddenly declared that it was time to begin material collection. Swept along by her dominating personality, Bell had swiftly found himself in a group with Haruhime, Mikoto, Lili, Hestia, Eina, and Nautilus. That left Rain leading Philia, Kirito, Strea, Yui, Leafa, Silica, and Yuna.

Hestia had mumbled something about obvious biases in the selection. Bell wasn't sure what she was talking about, but even the goddess crumbled in the face of Rain's terrifying smile.

"Why am I helping with this!?" Eina complained.

Bell looked over at his nearby advisor, but quickly blushed and looked away. After being pressured by the other girls, Eina had changed out of her guild suit into something more breathable.

That something had turned out to be far more revealing than Bell had anticipated. The two-piece swimsuit revealed a larger chest than her guild suit suggested. The mix of white and yellow fabric suited her skin tone well. The bottom was a frilly yellow that bounced in tantalizing fashion.

Bell consistently had to rip his view away from Eina.

She's my advisor!

Unfortunately, even as Bell reminded himself of that, his old god's voice echoed in his head.

That's the best part!

"AHH!"

"I-Is something wrong!?" Eina asked concerned at the sudden outburst.

"Bell is overwhelmed by the too large woman here!" Lili complained bitterly. "Especially those that refuse to leave him alone!"

"Haha," Laughing weakly, Bell didn't know how to respond to the Prum's criticisms. Yet today was indeed troubling. Every time he tried to bend down to pick up another clam, or sea plant, his view was filled with female skin.

"Oh Bell, look at this!"

Following Haruhime's finger, Bell flashed a smile as she pointed out one of the rare one's they were briefed on. At the edge of the ocean grew numerous small plants interspersed in the rocks. Bell didn't understand what they would be turning into, but they were advised that the ones which produced a light blue bulb at the end were especially important.

Reaching down, Bell's fingers brushed against Haruhime's. "S-Sorry, you did find it after all."

"Oh no, I should leave this to you to Bell. I'm sure I'll find some way to screw it up…"

Seeing Haruhime's dejected expression, Bell instinctively rushed to cheer her up. "N-No way! I'm sure you can do it!"

"R-Really!?" Her mood swung rapidly, her tail swishing back to side and her golden ears sticking back up again.

"Grr…"

"Eep!" Haruhime squeaked as Lili's elbow found her side.

"Of course you can do it! Any moron can pick up a bundle of grass and stuff it in a pouch!"

"W-Why are you so mean to me?" Haruhime sniffed dejectedly. "I-I just don't want to screw it up for everyone…"

"Grr…" Lili growled again, but Bell could see the guilt in the Prum's large eyes.

"Don't worry about Lili," Bell smiled to Haruhime, "she's a hard-worker and really good at supporter stuff. Stuff like this comes naturally to her."

Not that it is complicated…

"Can we hurry this up?" Eina asked. "It isn't very warm out…"

"Y-Yeah," Bell nodded in agreement, grabbing the special plant and storing it in the bag he had on him. All of them were carrying at least a leather pouch to hold the ingredients that they collected.

As a supporter specialist, Lili had brought the oversized dungeon crawling bag that she used when adventuring.

Bell thought it was a little cruel to make the girl wear it at the beach for an excuse that Miach familia had thought up, but when he offered to take it, she had refused vehemently.

"Belllllll!" Hestia whined.

"Y-Yes!" Voice turning into a high-pitched squeak, Bell froze as he felt his body get encircled by Hestia's arms from behind.

Wait, that sensation isn't her arms!

As something soft rubbed against him, Bell knew there was only one option. Two divine existences that transcended mortal understanding. Softer even than silk, or feather pillows.

"Carrrry meee!" Hestia whined again. "My feet hurt!"

"Grrr…. Stop throwing yourself on the boys and do some work for once!" Lili yelled, peeling Hestia off Bell's back.

"Hey!" The goddess protested. "It isn't my fault that they simply like me more than an angry prum!"

"Grr… says the lazy goddess that uses her lumps of fat to get her way!"

"Umm…" Scratching his head, Bell was unprepared for this fight. "W-Why are you two arguing?"

Eina sighed heavily from her viewpoint on the side. "Kirito figured it out at some point, but…"

"Yes, Bell like certain other males remain oblivious." Mikoto nodded sagely.

Accumulating a cold sweat, Bell searched frantically for an escape. Everyone else except him seemed to know something about the situation. Even the airheaded Haruhime had a strange expression on her face.

Stepping forward, the foxgirl spoke to the fighting Lili and Hestia. "Umm, if you both want Bell, why not share?"

"Huh?"

"EEP!" Hestia shrieked, pointing a finger at Haruhime. "I-I knew it! You prostitute want to come into this familia and poison Bell with Ishtar's beliefs! I am a virgin goddess and as such Bell will… Urgh!"

Lili rolled her eyes as her elbow ended a second rant. "Are you still saying that? What about Kirito, huh? All over Bell because you can't have him to yourself?"

"T-That's none of your business!

"No, I've figured it out!" Lili continued with a head full of steam, "the virgin goddess is trying to create a harem of cute boys! You're as bad as Apollo!"

Hestia gasped loudly. "You take that back!"

"I will not!"

"It isn't my fault they look so adorable together. Hehe, can't you see them fighting over who gets to massage my tired feet after a long day of work?"

Goddess… This isn't helping.

"Umm, Bell," Haruhime whispered quietly. "I'm sorry I'm just realizing this now… but it would be an honor to massage your feet after…"

"HEY!" Lili noticed Haruhime's comment. "I'm Bell's supporter. If anyone should be… err…"

Noticing what she had been volunteering for, Lili's face quickly heated to an unreasonable shade of red. "I-I should…"

Half smiling at her, Bell's mind was running a mile a minute. He didn't know how to escape this. Things were continuing to escalate.

Girls constantly arguing over a guy…

This was exactly the type of situation Bell's father had warned him would happen when one tried to form a harem.

I wonder why it's happening here…?

"Everyone please," Eina sighed, "we need to finish gathering the ingredients."

"Yes please…" Mikoto sighed.

The last member of their group looked on with a curious expression. Stroking his chin, Bell got a bad feeling as Nautilus stepped into the mix.

So far, Bell had had little to no interaction with man. While he could sense that Nautilus was older than him by at least a couple years, there had been a hollow look in his eye, as if he had recently undergone a trauma. The awkward looks he kept stealing at Yuna made him wonder if the two had recently broken up.

"If I may offer a suggestion…"

P-Please don't…

"This is a rare opportunity to be outside Orario and sleeping in tents. You should have a cooking competition with Bell as the judge!"

"…Ehh?" Bell muttered. That didn't seem so bad. It was only noon now so by the time they finished up here and got back to the lake there would still be plenty of time.

"The reward of course, is getting to share Bell's tent for the night!"

"…EHH!?" Shrieking, Bell's head wobbled back and forth, frantically searching for someone to bail him out.

"Ohh, my own personal Bell hug pillow… not bad." Hestia nodded thoughtfully.

"Hehe, finally a chance to lock him down!" Lili intoned with an evil expression.

"W-Wait!" Bell shouted into the mix before things got of control. "You can't do this, you see because… umm… That's right! K-Kirito is in the tent and it would be too tight with three of us!"

"Double body pillow!" Hestia shouted, drooling slightly at the fantasies in her mind. Even as Bell retreated a step, Nautilus struck down Bell's salvation.

"I'm sure Philia and Rain will graciously allow Kirito a place to sleep tonight."

Darn you and your harem! Bell cursed his absent leader. All he saw in his mind was the black-eyed boy winking before sauntering off with each arm around a woman.

Eina sighed heavily, "I suppose I must compete to protect Bell from these people…"

Thank you Eina! Bell silently praised his advisor. Wait, won't sleeping in a tent with Eina be just as bad!?

Confused, Bell almost missed Haruhime run over to Mikoto. "P-Please help me with this. I need your skill to win!"

"Umm…"

Nautilus nodded sagaciously. "Yes, I will permit entering as a pair. If your dish wins you can both sleep in Bell's tent with him."

"W-Wait," Mikoto began protesting. However, her mouth closed as Haruhime's large golden eyes plead with her. "Fine… I'm already tainted. I suppose one more time is no worse."

"Hold it," Lili asked suspiciously. "What do you get out of this?"

"I'll be co-judge!" Nautilus declared proudly. "Hehe… all that delicious food…"

Hestia sighed heavily, "he sounds like Kirito all of a sudden. Did someone poison him?"

Bell wanted to know that as well. Sighing in defeat, he hung his head. Oh well, good food in exchange for one sleepless night of nervousness? It wasn't the worst trade.

---

PS. Eina's swimsuit is based off her Midsummer Maiden unit in the Danmemo game.