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.

13. Chapter 11

Chapter 11 – Just a game?

Twelfth-floor dungeon:

"Oof!" The silverback's fist impacted solidly with Rain's midsection sending the girl flying.

"Seriously?" Philia berates her. However, she doesn't rag on her more as a knife collides solidly with the silverback's eye. Roaring in pain, the beast is unable to take advantage of Rain's vulnerable state.

"Bad bats coming," Kirito called out. "Also, an Orc, I'll deal with it." Drawing his blade, Kirito moved in to help the two girls. The past two days, Kirito had done very little fighting and held more of a supporter position within the party. The reason for this was trying to push as much falna as possible unto Rain and Philia.

All three of them were looking at making a run down into the middle floors. To make that a reality though, they wanted everyone to be level two. Technically, they were within acceptable status limits as is, however, none of them would feel comfortable without more power.

"Damn it!" Rain cursed, peeling herself off the ground. Gripping her twin swords even tighter in her fists, she flung herself at the silverback. Injured, the poor creature was quickly overpowered under the girl's assault.

As they collected the stones and recuperated after the fight, a grim silence gripped the group. They were all feeling the sensation of stagnation setting in.

"I think we should head for the thirteenth tomorrow," Rain declared, her eyes burning.

Staring at her resolve, Kirito and Philia didn't know if came from confidence in their abilities, or anger at her recent injury.

"I'll check with Eina…" Kirito responded slowly. He could feel his new power, and knew exactly how much stronger he was now, but even with that, the middle floors are not a place to take lightly.

Throwing her hands in the air, Rain curses in Russian, "Do you need her permission for everything?"

Face going stoic, Kirito assumed something else was bothering the girl.

"Geez, who spit in your coffee this morning?" Philia asks with a roll of the eyes.

Growling at her briefly, Rain eventually averts her eyes. "No one." The now sulky voice brings a smile to the lips of Kirito and Philia.

Holding back laughter at the pouting girl, Kirito rubs her head lightly. "So, what is it?"

Sighing Rain leans against Kirito, letting the boy keep her upright. The contact has become more natural in the past week and a bit since their five-man unit dropped down to three.

Staring at them with hard eyes, Philia said nothing and merely waited. For as the skinship between Rain and Kirito slowly increased, Philia kept herself at a distance. She resided herself to jealous stares and sulky glances. Like now, the contact is usually initiated by Rain, and where blushes used to perfuse Kirito's cheeks followed closely by stammers and pulling away, those were all fading.

"I want to get stronger," Rain murmurs.

"I know the feeling…" Kirito mumbles in acknowledgement.

Walking over to the pair, Philia begins rubbing Rain's back in a show of support. The three of them linked by both goals and bonds.

---

Kirigaya House:

YOU DIED.

"Gah!" Throwing her hands up in disgust, Suguha glared at the ominous message on the screen. "Why are these things so hard?"

Cursing video games in general, Suguha shut down Kazuto's old computer. Being in his room was hard for her, but she had very few other options. It seemed like the simplest way to learn about them.

As the day of logging in fast approached, Suguha's nerves only increased. She spent multiple hours every day both reading about and playing video games. After starting the habit over three weeks ago, Suguha had finally gotten over the denial phase and was into acceptance; she had no idea what was going on still.

Everyday she thought she'd figured things out only for her expectations to be betrayed again. Even more concerning was that all the reports spoke of how this DOO game was harder than any they'd played before.

Yet again, Suguha felt her resolve waver. Video games were always Kazuto's domain, not hers. Why did she think she could this?

Nonetheless, she straightened her back and dove in for another attempt. Even if she wasn't an expert right now, she had to do this. She had to find Kazuto and rescue him from his imprisonment.

Hold on Brother, I'm coming.

Sending out this one desperate plea to any listening god, Suguha dove back into the game.

---

Hephaestus store:

"I, unlike some people, am very busy. If this is another plea for help, you will be thrown from this store. Do you understand Hestia?"

The Goddess with short flowing red hair, the colour of living fire spoke coldly. A black eyepatch covered one half of her face, while the one remaining focused intently on the diminutive goddess in front of her.

"D-don't be like Hephaestus!" Hestia pled pathetically. "I don't need to eat off anyone else's plate anymore!"

"Oh really?" The red-haired goddess arches her single eyebrow suspiciously. As Hestia stood tall under her scrutinizing gaze, Hephaestus gave a grudging nod of approval. "So, why have you requested a meeting?"

"I want…" Trailing off, Hestia revised her words. "Can I tell you a story?"

Giving a curt nod, Hephaestus follows it up with a stern warning, "Make it short."

"My child…" Hestia began, "He hit level two a while ago, the first of the one's from the other world."

"I heard," Hephaestus interrupts, "an impressive feat. I certainly hope you don't think he deserves a free weapon for this?"

"Of… Of course not!" Hestia answers. "Not a free weapon… But he keeps holding off on getting a better sword. Even when his last one broke, he replaced it with another weapon that's too weak for him…"

"And how am I supposed to fix your child's irresponsible financial management?" Hephaestus cuts in, boredom entering her voice. Despite how she tries to repress it though, sympathy wells up inside her. She kept trying to remember the long months as Hestia took advantage of her hospitality to lounge around all day and read. This goddess with bright eyes and a desire to move forward didn't resemble the couch potato at all though.

"I-I know you can't," Hestia, "But if you could give, er, loan me a weapon, I'm sure he'll see that he needs to use better!"

Narrowing her lone eye, Hephaestus allowed a heavy silence to fall between them. Just when she judged the tension to have reached a maximum, she smiled. As soon as she did so, it turned the stern face of a god of blacksmithing into a beautiful woman. This dual nature had stolen countless hearts from the children over the years.

"I have a different proposal."

"Y-yes!" Hestia squeaks.

Not elaborating, Hephaestus removes a quill and writes a quick note. Standing up, she paces around her desk and presents it to Hestia.

"Tell you child to go there at that time tomorrow." Hephaestus explains. "I have a child from the other world as well in my familia. She has the makings of a great blacksmith but needs a contract. It may solve both of our problems."

"Thank you!" Knowing it was unwise to expect or ask for anymore, Hestia grabs the paper and wraps her oldest friend into a giant hug.

Chuckling lightly, Hephaestus allows it. The good memories of the thousands of years in heaven reminds her that she does actually like this petite goddess.

---

Kirito:

"I was given this note…"

Presenting the slip of paper, I'm not quite sure what else to do. Trying to stare at the receptionist, I have to fight to keep my eyes open. For some reason, the meeting was scheduled at 8 o'clock in the fricking morning. Not only that, it was all the way at Babel.

Standing in one of the ninth floor Hephaestus stores, the workers were organizing things for the day as the early risers had the aisles to themselves.

Nodding, the worker points. "The one you want is her."

Following the finger, I find a girl leaning against the store entrance with a grumpy look on her face. While she looked somewhat cute with her short brown hair, her facial expressions were less than inviting.

"Thanks…"

"You'll need it…"

Not appreciating the ominous farewell, I walk over to the girl.

Giving me an initial glance as I approach, she resumes her watch over the entrance. Pausing briefly, I muster my courage and greet her. "Yo."

"Hit on me later," the girl sighs, "I have a meeting scheduled for…" checking the time she trails off, "two minutes ago."

"I know," I inquire, a little put off. "I'm the person you're meeting."

Blinking, the girl revaluates me. "I-I see. I thought a level two would be a bit more…"

"Impressive?" I volunteer.

"Yeah, that's it!" She agrees.

Blinking, I try to move past her… eccentric personality. Reminding myself that she chose to become a blacksmith in a world where there are no aids in doing so, it makes a little more sense.

"Do you want to go sit somewhere?"

Nodding, she turns away from me. "Follow me."

Resigning myself to an awkward talk, I trail along behind her.

"So, what are the deeper floors like?"

Barely allowing a moment of silence between us, the girl starts asking questions.

"How deep are we talking…" Asking with a restrained voice, I narrow my eyes at the girl. My dungeon range is far more limited compared to some in this world. Is she teasing me?

"I've only been to the seventh," she admits with a shrug. "So, anything below that."

Nodding, I take a moment to process the information. Hardly noticing, I realize we're now walking side-by-side. "Well, the eighth and the ninth are very similar to the seventh."

"Just with poison moths," see adds in quickly.

"Just with poison moths," I agree, my mouth quirking up into a smile. "On the tenth, the whole dungeon changes again…" Elaborating about the fog and the nature weapons, the girl is an avid listener. Her eyes are full of wonder as she soaks in the information and asks for more. Finally arriving at our destination, I continue to talk about the dungeon.

"So, how did you hit level two?"

Pausing at the interruption, I hesitantly reply, "What do you mean how?"

"What deed did you do!?" She clarifies, "I've heard you have to do something great to level up!"

"Ah," I exclaim lightly, "I slayed an infant dragon." Saying it with as little pomp as possible, I'm still not sure how I feel about it as an accomplishment.

"Whoa…" The girl's eyes are wide as she waits for me to elaborate.

"T-that's it…" I stutter, "it wouldn't have been possible without my party."

The words seem to disappoint her. Maybe she was hoping I'd be more confident about it.

"Oh well… So, a contract…"

The heavy words remind me of why I'm there. "R-right. I'm not sure what that means…" Trailing off, I'm forced to admit my own ignorance.

Blinking, the girl seems surprised. "A contract between a blacksmith and an adventurer creates a mutually beneficial agreement." Sounding like she's reading out of a textbook, I allow her to finish. "The adventurer uses the blacksmith's weapons to perform great deeds, this shows everyone the skill of the blacksmith, so then they get more customers."

"Umm, and does the adventurer benefit?"

Rolling her eyes, the girl clarifies, "you get weapons and armour and stuff from me."

"You mean for free?" The thought is baffling.

"Some," the girl shrugs. "You'll get the initial trial one for free and no labor costs. If I need to purchase a metal to make something for you, then that cost is on you."

Nodding, the prospect is actually really exciting. Despite coming here today fairly confused, the potential upsides are really shining through. The only downside was… "How strong are your weapons?"

Blushing slightly, it's apparent the girl is holding back a snappy retort. She must really want this contract. "Can I see your weapon?"

Nodding, I withdraw the blade and pass it too her.

Holding it in one hand, she runs the other down the length of the weapon as she passes her eye over it.

"I can do better than this." She answers confidently. "A lot better if I have a good starting material."

Nodding, I try and hide how impressed I am. I'd be surprised if this girl had known the first thing about blacksmithing when she entered this world. "So, you're saying I've been using a bad blade this whole time?"

"Not bad per se," She shrugs, handing back the sword. As I slide it into my sheath once more she continues, "just a little rushed. Some low-ranking blacksmith hammers out ten of those a day. They won't get famous, or better doing that, but it's a living."

Nodding, I think I understand. This is how the guild manages to sell them for so cheap after all. "What's next then?"

"That's up to you…" She answers warily. "As a rising adventurer, many smiths will be looking to become your contract. It all depends on whether you want to gamble on me or not…"

Examining her, I'm surprised by her honesty. She's right though, I would be safer with a native blacksmith. As I think this, a man behind her catches my eye. Flaming hair, his easy smile reminds me of Klein. Maybe someone like him would be better…

"Do you have a weapon I can try out?"

The words are impulsive, but they also feel right. Hestia said she was friends with Hephaestus and that this girl was directly recommended. If her goddess believes in her, then there's no reason I shouldn't.

Blinking slowly, her mouth stretches into a giant smile. "So, you want to try a provisional contract?"

"Yes," nodding strongly, I meet her gaze head on.

"YES!" Echoing my words, her declaration is one of joy and success. "I swear my sword won't let you down Mr. Kirito!"

"M-Mr.?" I reply weakly, unsure about her change in attitude.

"Huh?" Tilting her head, a slight blush suffuses her cheeks. "Would you prefer master?" The words seem to be a huge struggle to actually say for her. An indignant look in her eye speaks to how hard it was to offer that.

"N-no!" I answer quickly. Shaking my head quickly, I keep the image of a cute blacksmith maid from my mind. "Just Kirito is fine… Wait, how do you know my name?"

"Your level up was posted in Babel…" she answers like I'm an idiot. Nonetheless, the relief is prominent in her voice.

"Actually, maybe master is best…" I tease her. The distance between us has shrunk enough that it doesn't feel to strange to say.

Glaring at me, her former demure attitude is nowhere to be found. "You wish!"

Putting up in my hands innocently, I try to convey that I'm joking. "So, uh, what is your name?" It feels like a stupid thing to still not know… But one thing led to another.

"Oh, oops." Blushing, the girl sticks out her hand. "Lisbeth, Low Smith of Hephaestus familia."

Accepting her offer, I'm surprised by how firm her grip is and how rough the skin is. "Kirito, Adventurer in Hestia familia."

"Good!" Lisbeth declares. "Now, follow me!"

"Okay?" Walking behind her, we exit Babel. "So, where are we going."

"To my workstation," Lizbeth declares, walking easily at my side. Crossing the park North of Babel, the sun is still rising. Normally I'd just be getting to the dungeon at this time.

Some chatter passes between us, but in general we make the trek in peace. As we walk, I get more chances to examine her. She's a little shorter than me, and a clip keeps her bangs from falling in front of her eyes. Her cheeks are lightly freckled, but instead of detracting from her look, they enhance the cuteness of her smiles. For clothes, she wears heavy pants and a shirt. No doubt they're smith attire that's non-flammable.

"Here we are!" Announcing our arrival, I can hear the smiths inside the nondescript building pounding away. A column of clean smoke rising from its roof. Grabbing the thick metal door, Lizbeth pushes it aside just enough to let us enter.

Walking through, I feel like I've run into a wall as Lizbeth closes the door behind me. It's incredibly hot and stuffy in here. That's to be expected I reason, as I count the six, seven, eight active forges. The blacksmiths spare us one glance but no more. A couple of the ones not currently involved with making a weapon wave a hand at Lizbeth but that's it.

"Come on." Apparently unconcerned with being the only one talking, Lizbeth raises her voice to be heard over the continuous clanging of metal on metal.

Walking somewhat uneasily through the midst of the blacksmiths, I'm thankful for the lack of scrutiny. I get the occasional glance, but no more than the mild observation of checking out the stranger in their place of work.

"Hold your arms out!" Lizbeth commands having reached her designated area. Bringing out a measuring tape, Lizbeth jots down my arm span, then my height, then my leg length. After measuring a couple more parts of my body, she puts in down and scans over the numbers.

"What now?" I ask tentatively.

"Huh?" Looking up from her sheet, Lizbeth seemed to remember I was there. "I don't need anything else. You can pick up the blade tomorr… In two days."

"Okay…" Looking like I had nothing else to do here, I turn around and start heading for the exit.

"Wait!" Lizbeth's frantic word halting me. "Just to confirm, it is a one-handed longsword you want, correct?"

"Yes, that's right." Nodding as I do so, it finally begins to set in that this is my weapon being made. I can get it personalized for my needs. The endless options I'd never considered before spilt out before me. "Is there any chance you can make it heavier than my current sword?"

Focusing on me again, Lizbeth purses her lips in thought. "Can I see your sword again?"

Handing it over, I watch as she examines it and weighs it in her hands. Handing it back to me after a long pause, she shrugs.

"I'm using a denser metal, so it will be automatically be heavier. Making the blade itself thicker to increase weight is risky though. It becomes easy to throw off the balance of the weapon."

For the first time, I fully appreciate her knowledge as a blacksmith. "I'll leave the decision to you then," I murmur, a little embarrassed.

"I-it's not like I won't," Lizbeth replies quickly, before I can leave. "I just want you to know what you're getting into with your request…"

"Make the weapon you think is best," I state firmly. "We can work from there."

Smiling at me, we bid each other farewell. Only when I get to the exit do I realize how much my words resemble a promise.

---

Asuna:

"It's alright," I instruct them calmly, "We have this." Despite not being the official leader of our party, my words do more to calm the men than the leader's.

"Yeah, exactly." Lind adds on with a slight huff.

Standing beside Lind, we watch as our four-man frontline attempts to deal with a pack of imps. The final member is tracking a bad bat.

Since joining the party we've made swift strides through the upper floors. On the tenth though, our pace is wavering. The reason for that is not ability, or even teamwork, it's fear. The primal terror of the mist combined with the large class orcs and increased tactics of the monsters should scare anyone. And yet, I only felt impatient being on these floors. I'd already cleared them, I'd been deeper, far deeper. So had Lind though.

Glancing at him out of the corner of my eye, I wonder if he feels the same. What drives him to venture down here? I found that I didn't really care. As long as him and his party would venture down here, I'd use them to help me get stronger. After all, it's been almost two weeks since that fateful day. Although the notice wasn't posted until three days later, it had to have been then that Kirito hit level two. That was the time gap that Kirito had as an adventurer over me. As the days ticked on, I felt my impatience for improvement continuing to grow. Especially in light of…

"Good job everyone!" Lind announces as the last of the monsters were felled. "Let's collect the stones and head out!"

Gritting my teeth, it takes everything I have not to reject his statement. It's barely past two in the afternoon. Nonetheless, I keep my teeth firmly clenched against each other, a serene expression on my face.

"Welcome back," Nodding to the guards, I bypass the front door and go around back to try and find Astrid.

For the past week or so, in addition to my lessons on the dungeon, I've been receiving combat instruction. Really it boils down to me getting knocked around repeatedly as I try and stab her.

"Ah, Asuna!"

The catgirl is exactly where I thought she'd be, kneeling amidst a clump of flowers, pruning them. No doubt Astrid would be able to tell me every little detail about them if I asked. I had quickly learned not to, however.

Brushing off her gardening apron, the now level four adventurer turns and faces me. Along with Goran, the recent raid to the twenty-seventh had pushed her over the edge. Hanging from her waist was another new addition, the silver rapier constantly drawing my gaze. In Ganesha's recent 'game', Loki familia had ended up with two of the orbs, two went to Freya familia, and the last two I don't know. The prize in the orb Astrid had ended up with was a ticket for a top-tier weapon from Hephaestus familia. Combined with her recent level-up, Astrid now wore the immaculate blade proudly.

"I've come for another lesson!"

Declaring my intent, I stand straight and look my subcommander in the eyes. A lesson that not all of the new recruits were learning is that these people are adventurers. If you want them to respect you, they have to feel like they can trust you in combat. They don't want subservience, they want confidence.

"Of course," Astrid laughs. "Lind really needs to push you harder in the dungeon."

Nodding curtly, I agree wholeheartedly. However, I can't verbally agree without undermining my party leader. Another thing Astrid would frown upon.

Leaning my staff on a nearby wall, I draw my rapier and step out in the middle of the garden where we won't be obstructed. Astrid too, draws her blade and sets it beside my staff. I shudder to think what would happen if she actually used it in one of our contests.

Unbuckling my sheath, I hand it to Astrid to use as a weapon. Squaring off against each other, our portraits are mirror images. Both of us are of a similar height and build.

Bringing my rapier back by my ear in a high stance, I wait. A fraction of a second later, Astrid attacks in a showy move. Whipping around in a circle, her weapon aims for my head. Even though it's just the sheath, I'd no doubt be knocked out if it connects with me.

Ducking the attack, I feel the rush of wind as it passes over my head and charge. Putting all of my speed behind the attack I lunge at Astrid. If the blade connects with her unarmoured body, it will sink in causing a serious injury. Even as I lunge at full speed though, I know it won't happen.

My blade approaches within an inch of her shirt, before everything shifts. Her body moves and my sword stays still in comparison.

Completing the lunge, I'm now far overextended.

"Oof!" Bringing the sheath around mercilessly, it connects with my stomach. As all the air rushes out of me, I collapse to the ground. Gasping heavily, each breath brings a new wave of pain. Kneeling there, it takes over thirty seconds for the sensation of breathlessness to fade. In its place is left the dull pain of a developing bruise.

"Try and fight through it next time," Astrid instructs. "Being able to buy even one more second may be the difference between life and death."

"Yes." Moaning my answer, I clamber slowly back to my feet for another round.

---

Guild Consultation Box:

Tapping her finger against her lip, Eina simply stared at the adventurer across from her. The earnest black-haired boy had quickly filled a void within her that she hadn't known existed. In him, Eina saw hope. Not in the form that the great adventurers of old had provided, but in a resilience and force of will to achieve his goals.

Now he made a request she couldn't refuse but wished that she could. Even as a three-man cell, the middle floors should theoretically be a breeze for them. Give them a month or two experience on them, and they would be, even if their statuses didn't grow. It was that initial learning curve that's the problem, however.

"So, we are clear to go?" The boy asks. His face and voice are calm, but something hides behind his eyes. Staring intently at his face, Eina finally picks up on what's there: Excitement mixed with a touch of fear.

"You may not appreciate the words now Kirito…" Letting the statement hang in the air, Eina gathered together what she was trying to say. "But the middle floors are different from the upper floors. You don't have a mage with you that can clear rooms. In a second you can find yourself in the midst of tons of foes."

"I understand Eina."

That calm tone hiding the emotions of the boy underneath… He really has changed. Eina wasn't privy to all of the details, but she knew enough. She'd heard the slaying of the infant dragon firsthand. This insane will to push forward and get stronger was something she'd never witnessed before.

Always before the adventurers she'd instructed had some goal in mind, be it strength, riches, or a call to the unknown. None of them could match this burning passion she sensed within Kirito.

"Why do you want to get home so badly?"

The words are out of Eina's mouth before she even understands how personal of a question that is. Also, how stupid it is. Who wouldn't want to return to their own world?

Kirito, however, pauses slightly. "I don't necessarily want to get home…"

The words puzzle Eina, completely opposed to his drive.

"I want to get everyone to have the option to leave. It isn't that I hate being here or the people…"

As a blush starts to suffuse Kirito's cheeks, Eina giggles. The boy was too kind to say outright that he wanted to leave. Of course, he's doing it for everyone else.

"Here you go."

"What are these?" Holding up the three coupons, Kirito reads the writing.

"Tickets for Salamander wool," Eina explains, "or well, a 20% discount. I know you don't have a lot of extra money, but with these, I hope you'll outfit your party."

"Fire resistant…" Kirito murmurs, "Hellhounds."

Nodding her head, Eina is unsurprised Kirito caught on so quickly. "The greatest danger on the thirteenth floor."

"This is great Eina," Kirito smiles widely. "Thank you so much."

Standing up slightly, the boy bows deeply at the waist.

"Ah, no need for that!" Waving her hands in front of her, Eina tries to fight the rising heat in her face. "S-so, have you used your advanced ability?"

Pausing in place, Kirito slowly sits down. "I don't know." The words are filled with disappointment and confusion.

Nodding sympathetically, Eina feels a small thorn of guilt. Two weeks ago, after hitting level two, Kirito had come to her for advice on which advanced ability to select upon leveling up. He had three options: Immunity, the standard poison resist, all top-tier adventurers had to get it at some point; Hunter, a prized ability only available at level two; and Aura, a completely unheard-of ability.

According to Kirito, Hestia had said that Aura was the way to go and would make him 'super-awesome'. Eina had told Kirito Hunter was the safer choice and would help him build up his money and status safely and quickly. It was Eina's final statement though that had really sealed the decision for Kirito.

Standard adventurers don't reach the top. Every single one of the greats had some ability, some skill, that was unique to them.

These words had lit up Kirito's eyes and confirmed the decision. Now though, Kirito looked upset that he couldn't figure out what it was supposed to do.

"Has Hestia said anything else?" Eina asked hopefully. As the one's who bring out the skills and abilities from falna, the gods tend to have exceptional insight into what abilities do.

Shaking his head, Kirito pursed his lips. "Nothing new really. Just that it will help me achieve things. Make me impossible to ignore, or something like that."

Truth be told, Kirito hadn't really understood Hestia's words. Every time she got to taking about it, she stood on the bed or table and began punching the air dramatically. He tended to be too busy protecting the room from Hestia and Hestia from herself to ponder her words.

"Well, best of luck then." Apologizing silently that she couldn't help more, Eina bid Kirito farewell.

Stopping at the door, Kirito turned around to ask one question to his Half-elf advisor. "Do you think forming a contract with a blacksmith is a good idea?"

Giving the boy a big smile, Eina replied immediately. "I think that's a great idea."

Giving her one final smile as thanks, Kirito set off for a late start to the dungeon. Philia and Rain were busy helping their familia leaving Kirito to go solo today. Shuffling his backpack on his shoulders, Kirito buried the nerves of adventuring by himself.

---

Twelfth-floor Dungeon:

Clutching her spear nervously, Sachi waited with bated breath for the battle to end. This was their first time in a long while adventuring as a full familia. Hiding in the back with her spear clutched against her, Sachi tried to stop her hands from shaking pitifully. She was getting better at controlling her fear, but the monsters still scared her.

"It's alright." The calming, quiet words are spoken by another equally as shy girl, Chigusa. Equipped with a bow, the black-haired girl was peerless with the ranged weapon. Even the confident Mikoto who seemed to excel at everything couldn't beat Chigusa with the bow.

More than the monsters scaring Sachi, it was the weapon that resided in a sheath on her waist. The dagger's blade was bright red and the reward for the orb that she'd successfully carried until midnight. Using every manner of trick possible, Takemikazuchi familia had surpassed the odds and claimed one of the prizes. A magic sword.

Now blessed with the ability to create flames at a whim, Sachi was promoted to guardian of the weapon due to her instrumental role in obtaining it. Despite the high price it would fetch on the market, the familia had unanimously decided to keep it. The blade was about more than money, or the failsafe it provided, it was a symbol of their familia's abilities.

"Groah!" Letting out an enraged howl, the silverback threw its hands over its eyes, one of which had an arrow protruding from it.

"Hiyah!" Letting out a confident shout, Mikoto's silver katana finished the beast off with one quick slash.

The last monster going down, people began faithfully extracting magic stones and drop items and sorting them carefully into the appropriate bags.

Moving to help with that, a hand on Sachi's arm stopped her. Looking over, it the giant that led their familia, Ouka.

"Y-yes?" Sachi stuttered pathetically. She knew that as a person Ouka was very kind. Despite that, she struggled to get over his menacing aura. It didn't help he carried his double-headed war axe still dripping blood in his left hand.

"I want you to fight the next pack of imps."

"W-what?" Sachi squeaked back uncomprehendingly. This was supposed to be a learning trip where the six veterans showed the new recruits how to operate on floors ten through twelve.

"Ouka!" Chigusa protested sticking up for Sachi.

The big man turned a frown to Chigusa, surprised to hear her disagreeing with him. Instantly, her upturned eyes were lowered, a faint blush consuming her cheeks.

"This isn't a punishment," the man explains, "It's experience. An individual imp isn't stronger than you, and you will have help."

The big man was one of few words, preferring to lead by example rather than explanation.

Nodding her head, Sachi felt faint at the motion but followed the man to the front lines. Greeting her fellow front-line fighters with a queasy smile, Sachi fell in line as they made their way to the next set of enemies.

"This will do," Ouka declared confidently. "You all know what to do."

Easily removing his war axe from its belt loop, Ouka went to fight the large class monsters, while Mikoto dashed after the more elusive prey, Armoreds and bad bats.

Lowering the tip of her spear, its point shook violently. Trying to fight like this would be impossible. Breaths coming rapidly, fear began to clog her throat and fill her vision. The dog-eared creatures yelped their usual notes as their forms swirled in the fog. As one they encroached on the group of four.

"Calm down Sachi!"

"Yeah! You got this!"

Acting as supporters for now, Keita and Ducker cheered for her. The unusual noises pierced the dungeon and helped Sachi control herself. If she focused on the cheers it felt like a game. If she won, they'd slap her on the back and congratulate her. If she lost, they'd tell her better luck next time. That's all that would happen.

It was a fragile defense against the encroaching reality, but it was enough for Sachi to get a handle on her emotions. Automatically, the spear transitioned itself into the proper position. During the months of weapons training, the spear was the only one Sachi had demonstrated any real proficiency with. Although she wanted to be an archer so she could stand on the backlines, her arrows consistently missed the mark.

With her spear though…

"Kree!" Throwing itself forward, the imp had spotted the lapse in Sachi's concentration and jumped on the opportunity. Long arm slashing forward, the deadly sharp claws searched for skin to shred.

"Eep!" Squeaking in surprise, Sachi's body reacted automatically. Spear shooting forward, the imp didn't have time to react before it was cleanly run through. Pulling back into a defense formation instantly, the kill was flawless.

The others could only look on in surprise at Sachi's impressive display of talent.

"Umm sorry?" Feeling the gazes of everyone on her, Sachi reflexively apologizes. Despite the ever-lingering presence of enemies, the entire familia breaks into laughter and chuckles. Seeing their shyest, most conservative member thrive, new life fills Takemikazuchi familia in their endeavour to finish off the remaining monsters.

Planting the butt of her spear in the ground, Sachi leaned heavily on the weapon. There had been more monsters than originally thought. Wave after wave had hit the familia. The only bright point was that the monsters had been staggered or they surely would have been overwhelmed and forced into a retreat.

The only two who looked ready to keep on fighting were Mikoto and Ouka, the familia's level twos. Even they weren't unfazed, however. While all the monsters they fought were categorized as level one, a level two adventurer could easily find themselves overwhelmed by sheer numbers.

"Let's clean up the room and take a break," Ouka ordered. "Good job everyone."

Their leader's stoic words helped revitalize the weary adventurers. Standing up they set out collecting the fruits of their hard work.

As they completed their jobs, ominous cracks rang out from the exterior. There were so many monsters in this room for a reason, no one had been here for a long time. That didn't mean the dungeon was out of resources though. As the walls split, an entire section fell away revealing the oldest trick in the book, a monster party.

"Uh oh." Ducker's surprisingly calm words accurately summed up what each adventurer keenly felt. This wouldn't be easy.

"Everyone form up!" Ouka called, "we can fight this!"

"Yes!" Answering the demands of their leader with differing enthusiasm, the new recruits were sluggish in keeping up.

"Mikoto, flank and distract them."

"Yes," moving before Ouka's commands had even come out, the raven-haired girl knew exactly what was required of her. Relying on her ninja training, she disappeared into the mist like a wraith. Her eerie silence scary even for her party members.

"We can do this," Chigusa assures Sachi once again. Nodding resolutely, the shaking had returned to her hands. As the forms kept increasing in number, Sachi couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness as she stared at the waves of monsters.

Roaring, Ouka ran forward to meet them. As the sole level two remaining among them, he took it upon himself to absorb the attention of the enemies. Cutting through an Orc's club like tissue paper, he moved on to a bad bat and struck the flying creature out of the sky.

It was a fearsome display of both status and technique. Despite his bulk, his control of his body was immaculate. Nonetheless, without help, it would be futile.

"Let's go!" Living up to his moniker as the leader of the computer club, Keita roared his determination. Stepping forward, he stabbed his spear into the belly of an Orc looking to grab Ouka.

Roaring in pain, the creature turned to Keita. Ignoring the spear currently lodged in its stomach, the giant green creature turned its focus to Keita and changed targets.

Spear stuck, Keita could only look on in horror as the large hands approached, seeking to wring the life from him as one may wring a wet towel.

"Be more careful!" Berating the overeager warrior, Ouka cleanly removed one of the orc's arms.

Abashed, Keita fell in line with everyone else and used his superior range to keep the creatures at a distance.

"Kruu!?" Suddenly, a cry went up at the back of the monster lines. Their momentum broken, the mass of creatures began turning around in confusion, trying to find what was happening as a figure cut them down from every side.

"Now!" Leading them with a cry, Takemikazuchi familia showed off the result of their dedication to weapons training as they cut the monsters as one coordinated force.

"Yah!" Letting out her own small war cry, Sachi felt the exhilaration of the battle replace the fear as she began stabbing at enemies with a ruthless abandon.

"Watch out!" Suddenly Mikoto's worried voice cut through the din.

Everyone glancing towards the words, the reason was obvious. A Hard Armored was currently rolling through the monster party towards them.

Extracting her spear from a fallen Orc, Sachi was slow to face the creature.

"Huh?" Head whipping to face the creature, her face went white just before contact. Only the hard months of training kept her alive. Still possessing a relatively low status, an impact like this could easily be fatal.

Getting the weapon between her and the hard scales, Sachi loosened her stature and allowed it to push her. With a loud crack, the haft of the spear snapped and Sachi was sent flying. Airborne for over a second, Sachi hit the floor hard, all air expunged from her lungs.

Looking around dazed, Sahi's vision wavered as the three claws on the Armored's hand became six. Rather than fear, now that the moment for her death had arrived, a peace filled her.

At least I tried.

Closing her eyes, Sachi accepted her fate.

As she lay there, she continued to receive stimuli, the sounds of combat as her familia finished up the monster party. The shriek of dying monsters, and yelled commands. Frowning, it seemed wrong to the girl. Why would she be hearing this after dying? Had Kayaba lied to them? That didn't seem possible.

Peace disrupted by curiosity, Sachi opened her eyes to get an answer. The Armored that had hit her was now laying a few feet away, body cleaved completely in half. Between her and her familia stood a black figure, a longsword held by his side.

Did he?

The answer was obvious. Sachi had been saved. Sighing heavily, Sachi began moving. Now that she was still alive, that meant she had a job to do. After struggling to peel herself off the ground, Sachi drank a potion to calm the pain radiating from her chest.

"You did well."

"Huh?" Reacting poorly, Sachi focused in on the mysterious person. The words must have been his. "What do you mean?"

Turning his gaze on her, Sachi let out a noise of surprise, she knew him. The men in the familia loved to tell stories about how he had single-handily defeated an infant dragon to save his party.

"You absorbed its charge. It could have killed you, but you sacrificed your weapon and escaped with barely a bruise."

"Oh." Sachi blushed deeply, turning her face away. As she did, the battle caught her attention. "Ah, I have to help!"

Rushing to pick up the pieces of her broken spear, Sachi then hesitated, searching for another weapon she could use. Flustered, Sachi ended up accomplishing nothing while the man simply stared at her.

Finally managing to draw a short sword, Sachi turned back to the fray just as the last enemy was killed. Nervously surveying her familia, Sachi was happy to find nothing more serious than scratches plagued them.

"I'm so glad you're okay Sachi!" Rushing over, Keita fawned over the girl. Getting perhaps closer than Sachi cared for.

"Thank you, Kirito," Ouka's deep voice silenced the cavern. Out of the corner of her eye, Sachi caught Mikoto sliding over to her.

"It's nothing," he dismissed with a wave of his hand. "I'm happy to begin repaying my debt to you."

Grunting, the words sat strangely with Ouka. He didn't like the idea of having anyone in his debt. "No, there is no debt between us. Adventurer's help each other in times of need, that's all there is to it."

"If only it were that simple," Kirito replied with a light chuckle. "I guess I'll be seeing you around then." Waving them off with one hand, Kirito began walking further into the room, searching for enemies to fight.

"Wait!" Crying out, Mikoto's words split the air. "Do you fight alone today?"

Stopping, Kirito sends an appraising eye over them before nodding curtly. "My party members are busy."

"Why not come with us then?"

Drawing a sharp look from Ouka, Mikoto ignored her leader as she proffered the suggestion.

Hesitating, Kirito ran his eye once more over the twelve gathered adventurers. "I don't want to impede your progress…"

"No, I insist!" Mikoto replied firmly. "Miach familia would be devastated to hear that something happened to you!"

Blinking slowly, Kirito was forced to re-examine his relationship to Takemikazuchi familia. It had started as one of mutual acquaintances. They both had ties to Miach familia which bound them together. Now though, after their various encounters, Hestia was re-establishing her forgotten friendship with their god. As now friendly familia's, Kirito couldn't ignore them.

"Thank you for the invitation." Bowing deeply, he took up position on the left flank.

Almost immediately, Kirito was beset by questions. Which of the girls is he dating, who was the cute elf, how did he hit level two so quickly?

Sachi was getting irritated just listening to the unending barrage. She couldn't imagine how Kirito felt. Yet, as she glanced at his face, he seemed composed under the onslaught.

When it seemed like it was going to end, Mikoto asked one. "Are you heading to the middle floors soon?"

Nodding, Kirito answered. "Tomorrow is our first day."

A silent exchange seemed to pass through Ouka and Mikoto. Sighing, it appeared like the large man lost.

"Would you like companions?"

"Huh?" Glancing around at the twelve assembled adventurers, doubt shadowed his features. "I don't mean to be rude but… the middle floors are a lot harder than the upper ones…"

Shaking her head swiftly, her long black hair flew in front of her face as Mikoto quickly rebuked his statement. "Not all of us, Just Ouka, Chigusa, and me."

"I see…" Giving the three named people another look, Kirito nods. "It would be my pleasure to have you."

---

Kirigaya Household:

Dear Mom,

Please know that I love you very much. I wish there were some other way to do this, but I have to leave, and you would have to stop me if you knew.

Groaning, Suguha highlighted the text and deleted it all for what felt like the hundredth time. As her final days to prepare dawned, the final task she'd been putting off was finally here.

She needed to leave her mother something. Some note, or message to explain why she entered the game. To convince her that she'd return victorious with Kazuto. Every word she tried to write though felt hollow. How was she to convince her mother, that she'd lose another child for at least a year?

There was only one answer in Suguha's mind, she couldn't. There was no way to deaden the impact of the surprise.

Standing up in a flurry, Suguha darted to the washroom. Just getting to the toilet in time, her stomach contracted, and her throat burned with bile. All the water she'd been trying to keep down came rushing back up again.

Groaning weakly, Suguha lay her hot forehead against the rim. Despite all the symptoms, Suguha knew she wasn't sick. As the guilt ate away at her, Suguha found herself returning to the washroom more and more frequently.

"Are you alright in there?" Once again Midori's kind voice called for her.

"I'll be out in a minute."

"… Alright." Accepting the statement, Suguha waited for the footsteps of her mother walking away. They didn't come though. "I… I made your favorite for supper. I know your sick, but I was hoping it would help…"

"Okay, I'll be down shortly." This time the footsteps did signal Midori's departure. Holding herself together for another second, the tears now freely flowed. Hugging the toilet like a last lifeline, Suguha allowed herself to weep freely, one last time. One last supper, one last sleep in her bed. Then she'd be transported to a new world she knew nothing about.

Having given herself another five minutes, Suguha had spent the time applying light makeup, obscuring the bags around her eyes, and her flushed face.

"Are you going out?" Her mother's voice has a forced light tone to it. They both knew that Suguha wasn't going anywhere.

"I'm not quite up that yet." Doing her best to respond equally as lightly, a tense silence fills the room as Suguha takes her spot across from Midori.

As one, their gazes turn to the place the used to be occupied. Although grumpily, Kazuto would always leave his computer to come eat dinner when Midori was home.

Taking one bite, the food tastes like sand in Suguha's mouth. She knew how delicious it would be under any other situation. Now though, the overpowering guilt turns every morsel of food into the bitter taste of betrayal.

"When's dad coming home?" Breaking the silence, Midori seems startled by the question.

"Ah, it seems like he'll be back next month. His stay got extended."

"He should be here…" Mumbling the words, Suguha stares at the table, knowing that if she looks at Midori, she'd start crying again. It would be easier to leave if he were here. Then at least they'd have each other.

"It's okay," Midori comforts her. "At least we have each other."

Before the thought had been soothing, now it was anything but. Large tears welled up silently and dropped unto the forgotten food. Midori said nothing but watched as slowly Suguha began shaking, light sobs accompanying the tears.

"You're entering the game then?" Midori's voice contains a resigned note to it.

Head whipping up, Suguha could only stare in open-mouthed horror at her mother.

"Don't give me that look," Midori scoffs with a small smile; still trying to keep things light. "I am a journalist you know."

"I'm so sorry mom… I-I have to!" Voice rising to a frenzied shout at the end, Suguha's frayed emotions had finally reached their breaking point.

"I hoped it wasn't true…" Midori mumbled softly, head lowering. "Both of my children… at the mercy of that… game." Spitting the final word, Midori's mask was threatening to crumble, releasing her pent-up sorrow.

"I'm going to beat it!" Suguha declared. Placing her hands on the table, she leaned over it and stared at her mother with resolute eyes. Trying to convince her, to convince both of them that she can do it. "It's like kendo! I'm really good at it! I'll save big brother!"

"But… I can't lose both of you…" Finally, the last of Midori's mask crumpled, revealing the emotions within. Only a mother, on the verge of losing all of her children can truly understand the pit of despair that consumed her. Watching her daughter, not even in high school, about to leave her, probably forever.

"I-I have to!" Resolve wavering in front of her mother's despair, Suguha knew she was on the verge of losing this encounter. This is why she didn't want to say anything. To leave it to a letter. Already her responsibility to her mother was filling her head, demanding that she apologize and forget her silly plans.

"That's why… you'll both survive right? You'll come back to me?"

Blinking, Suguha thought she must have misheard her mother. But there, where despaired had ruled on Midori's face, a new emotion had surfaced. Just a flicker in her eyes, but it was there. Hope.

Her mother believes in her.

Nothing else could have revitalized Suguha so quickly. "Yes!"

Shouting the words, Suguha ran around the table and buried her face into her mother's chest. Tears staining her mother's shirt, Suguha felt the remnants of illness and doubt leave.

All that was left now was to fulfill her promise.

---

The Middle Floors:

"Oh my god!" Screaming in terror, the fire reflected in Philia's eyes as she threatened to burn to death under the blaze emanating from the Hellhound's maw.

"Calm down!" Scolding the terrified girl, Kirito jumps between Philia and the blast and wraps his arms around her. With Philia cradled in his arms, Kirito felt the heat of the blast hit his black coat, and punch straight through. The power of his new red shirt and pants however, easily dispelled the heat. It reached slightly unpleasant levels, like a fire that Kirito had walked to close too. As the flames dispersed, even that quickly disappeared.

"I'm on it." Announcing her intent, Mikoto's slash quickly felled the giant black dog.

"Nice one!" Rain called out, enthusiastic as ever.

Ignoring the commotion, Kirito examined his cloak with a sigh, there was a giant hole in the middle of it now. Just thinking about his appearance elicited another sigh. He couldn't wait to become strong enough to not need the Salamander cloth. Obeying Eina's wishes, his shirt and pants were completely made out of the bright red material. The black coat and boots he wore over them clashed horrendously with it, drawing snickers from adventurers they passed.

The only other clothing he had though… was the outfit the girls bought him during that shopping trip oh so long ago. The white cloak with red trim, and white boots would go very well with the material. Actually donning it though… Caused a shudder to pass through the boy. He'd need to go shopping after returning. Find clothes or armour that did a better job of covering the salamander cloth.

Which isn't the point.

Kirito thought sourly, fingering the massive hole. If he had been willing to wear a cloak made of the stuff, his outfit would still be intact.

"These dogs sure are tough," Rain commented when she noticed the hole.

Kirito could only nod mutely in response. None of the Takemikazuchi members had any salamander cloth. Chigusa's hand was bandaged from where an errant blast had caught her. The result was a hi-potion down and bandages used.

Looking at Rain and Philia, they too were decked out in the red cloth. Rain wore it proudly, perfectly matching her eyes and hair. The cloak wrapped snuggly around her body, leaving her arms free to slash as they may. Philia, however, had opted for a style similar to Kirito. The red material was worn as an undergarment, her leather armour concealing most of it.

"Shall we keep moving?" Ouka asked, stepping forward to garner attention. Since they considered themselves tagalongs, they looked to Kirito as the leader. While he wasn't super comfortable leading the more experienced adventurers, Kirito nodded in response. There was also a hint of embarrassment in Ouka's voice whenever he talked to Kirito.

Pondering it throughout the day, Kirito had decided it was because of the Salamander cloth. Three outfits of the stuff, even after the discount had completely drained the familia savings.

Philia and Rain had claimed they'd pay him back, but Kirito waved it off. After all, he was the leader of this party and was responsible for their safekeeping.

"Almiraj coming," Mikoto announced staring at the gang of white rabbits that hopped around the corner.

"Almiraj," Philia repeated in disgust.

Nodding sympathetically along with her, the party was receiving their first taste of level two monsters. While the status of an individual Almiraj was still in the level one range, the pack's status, combined with their nature weapon axes made them fearsome opponents. Despite hellhounds having the vicious reputation, the majority of deaths on the thirteenth floor could be attributed to these two-foot tall rabbit monsters.

Stiffening, Kirito felt a faint tremor in the ground under his head. Frowning he examined the surface. "I think something is down there."

"Yatano Black Crow," Speaking its name, Mikoto activated one of her two dual skills. "Dungeon worm. Watch out Chigusa!"

The warning came just in time. As the timid girl threw herself to the side, a long worm with a giant mouth filled with spiked teeth burst up from the floor.

"Hah!" Moving with speed not befitting his size, Ouka cut the monster in two with a swing of his trusted battle axe.

"Scary…"

"They aren't so bad," Mikoto assured everyone with a smile. "With some knowledge they can be anticipated."

"Look out!" Interrupting the conversation, Kirito's blade intercepted a thrown stone axe out of the air. With the dungeon worm appearing, everyone had forgotten about the Almiraj pack. Upset at being ignored, the group of six charges, the one which had thrown its axe already picking up a replacement.

Clashing heavily with the front two, Kirito puts all of his strength into the sword to prevent himself from being pushed back. Silently he cursed himself for not drawing his shield.

"I'm here." Taking his position on the front lines beside him, Ouka went to work thinning out the rabbits' numbers.

The large axe descended with a deadly grace towards the closest rabbit. Letting out a sharp chirping noise, the creature jumped backwards out of the way of the weapon. The feat required an agility beyond any monster on the upper floors had.

"Kra?" Letting out a surprised noise, the Almiraj crumpled to the ground, a throwing knife protruding from it. The combination between Ouka and Mikoto had been flawless. Reading each other's moves, Mikoto had been able to anticipate where the Almiraj would end up and hit that space with a knife before it even landed.

The death of the first Almiraj turned the tide of the battle. Rushing forward, Kirito swiftly deflected the stone axe before downing a second. To his right Philia and Rain worked together to handle two more. On the left, Mikoto and Chigusa moved as one to finish off the monster group.

As the final creature fell, a calming atmosphere came over the group. It had been their cleanest fight yet. Each time they encountered the enemies, the better they got at dispatching them. The thirteenth floor was quickly becoming a comfortable hunting ground.

"Can I ask you about that skill?" Kirito asked hesitantly.

Nodding, uneasily, Mikoto allowed it.

"It shows you all monsters within a certain range?"

"Not quite," Mikoto rejects with a shake of her head. "Only ones I've encountered before."

"When had you met a dungeon worm before then?" As conversation flowed between the pair, the group continued moving, looking for monsters to fight.

"We tried coming here before," Mikoto admitted. "Things didn't go so well."

"Sorry…" Chigusa apologized from the back.

"It wasn't your fault," Ouka cuts in strongly. "I wasn't strong enough."

Sharing a glance, Kirito and the two girls understood what had happened. Chigusa had probably been injured forcing them to retreat.

"Was it just the three of you?"

"No," Mikoto denies, "all six of our original members went."

"I see," Kirito murmurs in response. Conversation faded into companionable silence. Breaking it a couple seconds later, Kirito gives rise to an observation he'd made yesterday. "That new recruit of yours, Sachi, is quite skilled."

"She is," Ouka agrees cutting in. "Without gaining some confidence though…"

"I believe in her!" It was the loudest they'd ever heard Chigusa's voice.

Hiding his smile, Kirito remembered the way Sachi had relied on Chigusa to tell her what to do. In battle though, whenever Sachi stopped paying attention to the monsters and her fear, she performed admirably. None of the others had really drawn Kirito's eye during the time he'd spent with the party though. Excluding their two leaders of course.

"Armoreds," Kirito says in disgust upon viewing the pair of creatures walking towards them. Even after hitting level two, they weren't easy to deal with.

"I'll deal with one." Mikoto offered, drawing her katana and moving to the front.

"Then I'll handle the other," Ouka intones, in his deep voice.

Nodding disconcertedly, Kirito prepared his shield to step in should they fail. He was unused to having party members as strong or stronger than himself. Leaving them to others was both relaxing and upsetting.

Holding her Katana by her waist, Mikoto rushed forward towards one of them just as it began rolling. Eyes widening, fear constricted Kirito's throat, there was only one outcome from this encounter.

If he'd blinked, he would have missed of it. The narrow blade of the katana passing perfectly between the narrow gap in the plates. The perfect slash destroyed the Armored with ease.

Ouka took another approach. Raising his Axe over his head, he looked like he was about to chop wood. Arms flexing, his large muscles tensed powerfully under his clothes. Grunting, he timed the slash with the Armored's approach. Impacting its front edge, the creature came to a halt as scales and flesh were rent asunder.

Whistling, Kirito was impressed. The display of agility and strength had overpowered the challenging monsters with ease.

"Amazing…" Philia's statement accurately summed up everyone's feelings about the previous fight.

"It-it was nothing!" Mikoto declared, flushing bright red. "Well, let's keep going!"

Whether forgetting she was wasn't the leader or simply not caring, Mikoto led the six adventurers further down the hallway.

---

Kirito:

"Wow…"

Holding the blade in my hand, I can't get over how much better it feels than the one I had been using. Lizbeth had been right; the new ore added much needed weight to it. Feeling its solid presence, I could tell this was the strongest weapon I'd ever used.

"It's fantastic," I tell Lizbeth honestly.

"Really?" The girl beams proudly at my words.

"I guess we need to finish the contract then?" I ask.

"About that…" Lizbeth says nervously.

"What?" I ask. Faint trepidation rising. The suspense of the words tying my stomach into a knot.

"I want to change the conditions of the contract." Lizbeth tells me honestly. "I talked to my goddess yesterday and revaluated my desires."

"And they are?" I press, tension increasing.

"I'll forge all of your equipment for free." Lizbeth begins, offering me a better deal than she had previously. "In exchange, you help me in the dungeon until I hit level two and acquire the Forge ability."

"Forge?" I ask dumbly. Immediately another question enters my mind. "So, our contract ends when you level up?" That would be upsetting. Frowning, I clearly convey what I think about that.

"I-it's an advanced ability," Lizbeth tells me with a slight stutter. A light flush reddens her face as she averts her eyes. "And if you accept, then yes, but we could always revaluate the conditions when that time comes."

Chewing my lip, I stare at the blacksmith as she continues to shuffle her feet. Eyes widening, I finally understand why she seems so nervous. I have no reason to accept her new conditions. I'm far more valuable to her than she is to me.

"Well, if you aren't doing anything, why don't we go test your skills in the dungeon?"

"Huh?" Lizbeth yelped in surprise; eyes jumping up to find mine. "You-you mean you'll accept my contract?"

Hefting my new sword, I give her an incredulous look. "You think I'm planning on letting you go after receiving this?"

"I'm not a possession," Lizbeth grumbles back. Nonetheless, a happy look shimmers in her eyes.

"I'm aware," I assure her, naturally rubbing her head.

"Hey, no touching mister!"

Giving me a mild glare, her pouting expression only makes me want to tease her more.

"And wipe that smile off your face!"

Feeling my face, I realize I do indeed wear an evil grin. I'm glad the other blacksmiths present are too busy working to overhear our conversation. Waiting silently, Lizbeth pulls out her gear from a cubby beside her designated forge.

With a practiced hand the girl throws her armour on over her clothes. First a mixture of a metal chestplate with leather underneath, then greaves and gauntlets. The combination created an array where the blacksmith had sections of heavy armour mixed with the much lighter and versatile leather armour. If used properly, the armour gave the wearer both the durability of thick plate, combined with the agility of leather. If not… It merely slowed the user while still leaving them vulnerable.

Watching her put the armour on one piece at a time, the image bothered me, but I can't place why.

"S-stop staring at me!" rebuking my presence, the stammered words bring an answering blush to my face. Turning my back, I waited as Lizbeth finished donning her armour.

"Ready!" Announcing her preparedness, Lizbeth comes and stands besides, doing a little twirl as I examine her. Nodding my approval everything seems to be in place. She is a blacksmith, I remind myself. It would be a bad sign if her equipment was out of order.

Walking along North main, we trek the long journey to Babel. With the sun continuing to approach its zenith, we won't get a long time in the dungeon.

"You belong to a small familia, right?" Lizbeth asks as we go along.

"You could say that," I answer, a light smile touching my lips.

"Looking forward to tomorrow then?" she asks in an interested tone.

Shrugging my shoulders, I look at the sky. "My goddess and I plan on going tomorrow at any rate. Whether anyone shows up, and whether we recruit any are a different story."

"I see," Lizbeth chuckles lightly. "Our familia is so big that my goddess doesn't bother. Don't have a lot of people like us though."

People like us. I tilt my head in confusion for a moment before I understand what she means. She means those of us that come from a different world. "Is it because of how hard blacksmithing is?"

Nodding, Lizbeth doesn't deny my question. "If you don't learn the trade growing up…"

I give her a sympathetic glance but that's all I have to offer. "You're surprisingly good at it for how hard it is."

Beaming proudly, Lizbeth walks a little taller. "I've worked hard these past two months, you know? Also…"

"Also?" I press as Lizbeth stops talking.

"My goddess has helped a lot." Lizbeth admits. "She's been personally instructing me whenever she has time."

"Is that why you don't join a party in your familia?" I ask.

Nodding, a sour look overcomes her face. "While her instruction has made me far better than I would be otherwise, the others are jealous that they don't receive the same teachings."

"I'm sorry to hear that." I'm glad the words of sympathy come to me easily. Now though, they feel inadequate. As if I should help more, but I don't know how. The thought is frustrating.

---

Yukiko's House:

"This is it then?" The long black-haired girl asked nervously. Her usually perfect appearance was marred. Running out of nail to chew on one of her fingers, Yukiko changed to the next one. A habit her mother had beaten out of her long ago, Yukiko had resurrected it today.

Her hair had been chewed to completion in the morning as she waited for 1 pm to roll around. The frayed ends would be impossible to fix. It would have to cut. Yukiko didn't care about any of that though. Not anymore. Having the house to themselves, they'd broken the lock on her father's safe and extracted the NerveGear's laying within.

With that complete, they stretched an ethernet cord from the modem to a futon that they'd found in storage. Everything was setup. All that was left was for Suguha to connect once the correct time rolled around.

Even though everything was prepared, the plans perfectly laid out, Yukiko's stress only increased. The source was the second gray-black headset that continued to draw her gaze. Every few seconds, like a magnet it would pull her gaze back to it.

"Hey, it's alright," Suguha intoned softly, resting a comforting hand on Yukiko's shoulder. The Kendo practitioner was the complete opposite from the rich girl. All of Suguha's stress and worries had been dealt with yesterday. Today was one of excitement and new beginnings.

Once again Yukiko felt her vision drawn back towards the spare headset. All the while, what felt like a voice whispered in her head. Telling her what she needed to do.

"I should go with you. Help you free everyone."

Gasping in surprise, the two girls stared at each other. Evaluating the new friend, Suguha knew where the motivation came from. The mixture of loss plus seeing her enter the world, brought out Yukiko's guilt. A feeling that she should be doing more. It was most certainly one the government had preyed on when finding recruits.

"No," Suguha denies. "You aren't a warrior, and you can do more from here."

Flinching from the harsh words, Yukiko's eyes were still filled with indecision. "I… I just…"

The tentative words conceal the desire within. This past month had been a reawakening for Yukiko. Just when she'd consigned herself to the road her parents had set for her, she'd had sense beaten into her, literally.

The one who had done this. The one who in Yukiko's opinion had saved her live, was Suguha. To be separated from her now… would be cruel. She wanted to come along, to visit the new world beside her.

"Ah, it's almost time!" Glancing at the clock, Suguha rushed to the bed and threw on the NerveGear. It was already booted up and calibrated for Suguha. Time was of the essence when connecting. There were a limited number of spots available after all.

Having lost her chance to say anything, Yukiko followed her with morose eyes.

Laying down with the NerveGear on, Suguha paused, mouth open as indecision plagued her. These would be her final words to Yukiko, what should she say?

Kneeling down beside her, Yukiko wrapped her hand around Suguha's. "I have your mother's number. I'll let her know when you've been transferred."

Nodding, a lump rose in Suguha's throat. Would Yukiko and her mother sit beside her as she and Midori once did for Kazuto? Posed on each side of her, praying for her to return?

Yukiko's eyes swam with tears as she looked down upon Suguha, yet none of them fell. One last display of strength during this final farewell.

"Will you do one thing in there for me?" Yukiko asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

"Anything."

"Figure out why that world was created. Why my Grandfather…"

"Of course," Clasping her hand tightly, Suguha held it to her chest to seal her promise. "Goodbye Yukiko and thank you for everything." Locking eyes once more, Suguha said the words to transport herself to another world, "Link Start!"

Yukiko could feel as Suguha lost control over her body. The hand she clasped become still and her eyes slowly drifted shut.

"Goodbye my hero…" Leaning down, Yukiko did what she'd wanted to for so many weeks now. Pressing her lips lightly against Suguha's she sat back up again, tears now freely falling. "Goodbye my love."

She had many things that needed attending now that Suguha had successfully connected to DOO. Despite that, Yukiko took a moment to herself, in the dark basement of her house, to grieve. For memories gained and opportunities lost.

---

The Blue Pharmacy:

"Do you think we'll see Kirito over there?" Rain asks as she walks alongside her familia. Forming up around their blue-haired god, Nazha walks by his side while Rain and Philia trail him.

Having entered a more comfortable place financially, the familia had made the decision to try and recruit a couple more people who will be entering the world today.

"I would imagine so," Miach answers. "Hestia said she'd try to pick up at least one more member."

"Things will be strange from here on out," Philia mutters contemplatively.

Head whipping up and down, Rain added her fervent agreement.

Despite Philia's contemplation, an excited air hung over the group of four as they made their way closer to guild headquarters where Adventurers would be appearing any moment now. The reason was simple. During their adventurers to middle floors two days ago, they'd levelled up. The pair of level two adventurers were both blessed with new magic and skills. Surviving the trek had been challenging. Especially after getting separated from the rest of the group.

Since they hadn't seen Kirito yesterday, they were looking forward to telling him today. That also met up with their other reason for coming here today. They needed to report their level ups to the guild.

"Hehe, I must say, I'm thrilled you two have decided to stick around," Nazha laughed.

"Of course!" Rain and Philia beamed back in unison.

"Yes, it's great that the familia is doing so well," Miach added on, smiling along with his familia. Although he kept the depth of his feelings hidden, the blue-haired deity was thrilled to be able to watch his children grow.

"We need to get someone else with synthesize though," Nazha reminds them. "With the increased traffic we're receiving, I need another hand in the store."

Nazha had long since given up converting either Rain or Philia into potion makers. The truth of it was that while Nazha on her own had been more than enough even a month ago. Now, with Takemikazuchi, Hestia, some Loki familia members, and others coming, the chienthrope girl was overworked. Miach did what he could to help, but the unfortunate part was, without the advanced ability synthesize, the deity simply didn't possess the natural ability to make hi-potions and stronger.

It put a slight damper on the group, but the newly levelled up adventurers' high spirits refused to be put out. After all, it was due to their consistent hard work in the dungeon that kept the familia in the black. This month was the first time Miach had easily been able to afford Dian Cecht's loan payment.

"Keep running!"

"Hey, watch it!" Yelling at the pair of girls that had just sprinted past, Nazha shook her head at them. Their familia leader had barely dodged the sprinting forms.

"This way!" A Ganesha familia guard yelled to his companions. Picking up speed the knot of guards hotly pursued the fleeing girls.

"Hey, why are you chasing them?" Philia asked sharply. The scared expressions on the girls' faces drawing her sympathy.

"Thieves!" The leader of the group explained, barely breaking strides.

Sympathy fading in an instant, Philia sent a sharp glare down the alleyway where the girls had already faded from view. Getting flashbacks of when Kirito had had his money stolen, Philia wished only one thing upon them. "I hope they're caught."

Nodding their agreement, Miach familia continued towards guild headquarters which was swarming with over a thousand new adventurers.

---

Suguha:

In.

The one word sent a course of relief through me. The first thing I'm greeted with is a textbox. Enter your name. Just seeing a familiar message helps ground me.

Instinctively, I enter the name I've been using for the games I've been playing, Leafa. I'm not sure where the name came from. The first time it had come up, I was stumped for a long time, and went to practice kendo. Sometime during the repetitive swings, I had my answer.

It presented another problem though, Brother, Kazuto, would definitely be going by a pseudonym. It would make tracking him down all the harder.

Figuring it was time to get to it, I started through the rest of the process. Species, human obviously. Replicating my real-life looks may be the only tool I have to quickly find him.

After the species option… Welcome to Dungeon Orario Online. Blinking, I don't understand. I'd read that the game had an extensive character creation system. However, without so much as the ability to pick a sex, blue light filled my vision as I felt gravity come back.

Raising a hand to block the light from my eyes, I look around the courtyard. Already, the area is starting to fill up. Their appearances were startlingly… plain. Slightly overweight, greasy hair, long noses. They were errors I had never attributed to video game characters before. People always created their perfect appearance.

Growing uncomfortable, I examined my body. My hands, my torso, my legs… trying a tentative step I couldn't believe it. It was my body. Feeling my face, I had no prove, but if I had to guess, it would be mine as well. The realization was both uncomfortable and a relief. While it was certain to speed up finding my brother… It seemed wrong. Like a reminder that this was a deadly world, and not a game.

Glancing towards the building I had spawned in front of, many of the people were starting to flood towards it. There was no need for me to enter there yet. From the information available, the guild couldn't help me. I needed to wander the city and talk to the gods. Despite having almost two months to plan, this was still my best idea. The thought was irksome and unlikely to pay off for a long time.

Glancing around, I saw a variety of the deities walking around trying to recruit people. It was easy to tell them apart from the others, they were the only ones with perfect visages. Nodding strongly, I made up my mind. If I couldn't find Brother today, I'd join one of the top familias tomorrow and start clearing the dungeon.

Exiting the square in front of Guild Headquarters, the number of people dropped sharply. Almost as if a barrier existed keeping people inside. Swallowing uneasily, I look around the unfamiliar streets. Without any sort of guidance, my feet stop.

"No please! I didn't steal it!"

Twisting my head, I automatically follow the source of the noise. The voice was that of a young girl, scared. Picking up speed, I round a corner at a near sprint. There, in the middle of a group of five men, is a small brown-haired girl. The pigtails make her look even younger. On top of her head sit a pair of cat ears, twitching nervously.

"What are you doing to her!?" Yelling, I glare at the men.

Frowning, the leader turns towards me. "Go back to your life citizen. We're arresting a thief here. Unless… you're with her?"

Having suspicion put upon me, I instantly deny it. "No, I don't know her."

"I'm not a thief though!" The girl whines. "I found the orb before midnight."

Her pleading brown eyes convince me of her innocence. I don't know what led to this encounter, but I do know that I won't let an innocent girl be arrested by these men.

"Hey, is that a robbery!" Pointing in a random direction, I pull off the oldest trick in the book.

"Now what?" Believing me for some reason, all five of them turn to follow my finger.

Thanking my lucky stars that worked, I dash forward and grab the girl's hand. "Come on!" Not bothering to keep my voice quiet, I sprint away from the officers, her frail hand in mine.

"T-thank you!" The relief in her voice makes it all worth it.

"Don't thank me yet…" I warn her. Already, I can hear the sounds of pursuit catching up. As my breaths start coming harder, I can hear the exhausted pants of the girl. She'd been running before I found her. The thought helps rejuvenate some life in the legs, but the fact of the matter is, is that I'm not an endurance runner. Every aspect of my training was on fast twitch response. The ability to strike faster.

Turning, we exit unto a more populated street.

"I'm… Too tired," the girl complains,

"Keep running!" I yell at her, twisting to take another look at her exhausted form.

Looking back, I almost crash into a girl with dogears on her head. A Chienthrope I believe they're called.

"Hey, watch it!"

Ignoring her displeasure, I continue running. With a quick glance to the side, I'm surprised to see the young girl still keeping up. If this continues, I'll be the one slowing her down. My motivation must have really worked.

From behind, I hear the girl I almost crashed into talking to the pursuers. Calling us thieves, they instantly believe them. I don't know who these guards are, but they certainly have more respect than police do in the real world.

Turning one corner, I lead the girl around another almost instantly. Hopefully the twisting path will confuse them. Eye on an alley, I make a dash for the entrance. If we can get in there, I'm confident we will lose them.

"Yes!" Letting out a slight cheer, we make it with no sign of pursuit. As I turn the corner though, the excitement drains from me. Standing there, arms crossed is the leader of the gang. As I try to turn around, the footsteps of the other four block the entrance.

"A clever ploy, girl," the leader growls, "but you're both coming with me. Our god will get the truth from you."

---

Kirito:

"Do you realize how late we are?" I ask, exasperation heavy in my voice. For some reason, I get the feeling that Hestia is stalling. Sure, our house is cramped, but Hestia is friendly with the owner of a bookstore. No doubt they'd let at least one person stay there if Hestia asked.

"Yeah, I think they should all be gone by know," Hestia mutters, looking at the magic stone clock. It reads just after 1:15 pm.

"All of who will be gone?" I ask, not expecting an answer to this question either.

"All the girls."

"Huh?" With my level two hearing, I think I'd made out the words, but I'm not sure. If Hestia did say that, what did she mean? Frowning, I decide there is no use worrying over my goddess' eccentricities.

It's with a bittersweet feeling that I leave our home. The cozy basement had worked well for the two of us. If our familia was to keep growing though, it was becoming outdated. Having spent most of the savings on salamander cloth recently, we weren't anywhere close to buying a bigger place, yet anyway.

Something told me as I turned my back on it and walked up the stairs, that it would never be the same after today. Realistically, the feeling was ungrounded. It seemed unlikely that Hestia and I would find an adventurer both willing to join us and a good fit.

When I tried to think about what kind of person would agree, the only image that came to mind was a super gullible boy around my age who revered deities too much.

"Ahh, what a day!" Hestia said while stretching. Her interlinked hands were held aloft behind her head. In that shredded white gown she insisted on wearing it made her hard to look at. More like hard to look away from… Blushing I avert my gaze from my goddess who was moments away from revealing herself to the world.

"You got a fever Kirito?"

"Ah, no, of course not!" I reject. Keeping my gaze on the familiar buildings, I make sure not to look at Hestia.

I really wished my ability to talk to women had gone up when I levelled up. Sighing internally, I came to the unfortunate conclusion that levelling up only increased the capabilities of my body. The development or lack there of in my mind was completely independent.

"Hey, those men are surrounding a couple of girls!"

"Huh?" Hestia's enraged words draw my gaze. Before I have a chance to do anything, Hestia has already moved. Seeing the Ganesha familia emblem on their uniforms slows me even more. Orario's peacekeepers are not people you want to confront.

"Get away from them, you… you hooligans!"

Groaning, I jog to catch up to my goddess. Having ran past the four on this side, Hestia stood between them and the girls with her arms out wide. Standing not quite five feet high, she made a poor barrier.

On the far side of the girls, the leader of the officers' face resembled mine. An already annoying day getting worse as one of the unpredictable deities interfered in their plans.

"These women are being detained for thievery," the leader sighs. "As the designated peacekeepers of Orario, we have the right to arrest them, and remove you goddess."

"You wouldn't dare!" Hestia squeaked. "I'm not leaving two young girls in an alleyway with the five of you!"

Standing at the back, my gaze flickers between Hestia and the leader, unsure if I should intervene.

"Enough!" The man roars, his frayed nerves exceeding their limit. Sticking out his free arm, he reaches for Hestia's arm to drag her out of the way.

"Don't try it." Glaring at the leader, I don't remember moving. Yet my hand was forcefully closed over the leader's wrist. A severe protectiveness induced flames of anger at the man. How dare he try and touch my goddess.

As one the four behind draw and prepare their weapons. I don't focus on them though. They're unimportant. The only one that matters is the man in front of me.

"Guh!" Grunting the man violently pulls back ripping his arm out of mine.

Despite allowing it to happen, I got a good measure of the man's strength. He's a level two. This is an opponent I can't take lightly. Raising my hand to the hilt of my blade, I wait for his reaction.

"Damn adventurers," the man curses. "Do you really want to interfere with Ganesha familia?"

No. I really didn't. But I wouldn't let anyone disrespect my goddess.

"You say they're thieves?" Hestia asked suddenly.

Interrupting our standoff, Hestia moves up beside me and stares at the leader.

"Indeed," the man confirms.

"Then I'll get the truth," Hestia declares.

Eyes widening, both the leader and I remember the ability of the deities. They could see through any lies and determine when children were telling the truth.

Nodding, his head, the leader motions for Hestia to go ahead.

Lowering my hand from the sword I turn towards the two girls for the first time. The first one, a catgirl, looks really young. I know from personal experience though that age means nothing.

"I-I'm not a thief," she insisted, large tears in the corners of her eyes. Fingers fumbling by her neck, she held up an ornate locket. "I found the orb in the street! I know I shouldn't have been out so late, but…"

"She's telling the truth," Hestia insisted. "Will you let them go now?"

"You could just be saying that…" The leader replies, a note of nerves entering his voice. It was one thing to force their way past an uncooperative deity, it was completely another to call one an outright liar.

"Did you just call my goddess a liar?" Voice low, I glare daggers at the man.

Taking a step back he stutters. "N-no, of course not! I just…"

"So, they are innocent," I growl at the man. "That means it's time for you to leave."

"I'm going to have to report this…"

"Grr…" The low growl induces a look of pure terror on his face. Stumbling back a step he flees. The four on the other side are long gone.

"Ah, thank you. All of you!" The catgirl announces. Her voice has a ring of youth in it. Maybe it's my experiences in the dungeon, or I'm just really bad at judging girls' ages, but I feel a lot older than her.

"It's no problem," the other girl answers.

Hearing the voice, I freeze. It's impossible. The memories it induces.

It can't be.

She's safe at home.

…The second summoning.

"Suguha?"

My voice is quiet, but it silences the group. Every eye is drawn towards me. Stepping out from behind Hestia, I finally get a good look at the second girl.

It is.

All strength leaves my legs as I collapse to my knees.

I should be bursting with joy, excited, something. Yet all I feel is numb. I can't process this. How did this happen?

"Brother!"

Letting out a yell, Suguha rushes me. Still on my knees, I feel my face getting buried into her stomach. Her arms wrapping around me.

Her smell, the sensation of her fingers, it is her.

Receiving confirmation, I let out a massive sigh. Her arms warm me, and the numbness fades.

Standing back up, I look into her eyes. The black pools are a mirror of mine. Staring slightly down at her, my few inches give me the advantage in height. Without that, we look almost identical. My still feminine face a match for hers.

"Why?"

Unable to contain it, I ask the one question I have. Why did she come here? After I abandoned her, why would she come?

"To protect you of course silly," She answers back, tears in her eyes. "Mom wants a word with you and I'm to bring you back home as soon as possible!"

The joking words hide the pain inside. Mother. Now she had no one.

"So, Kirito." Freezing, Hestia's words turn my body to stone. Grabbing one of my arms, I feel it pulled into her body. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Uhh…" Trailing off, I suddenly feel like I'm in extraordinary danger. "Goddess, this is my sister, Suguha. Sugu, this is Hestia, my goddess."

"Oh, and I'm Silica by the way!" The catgirl interrupts. "It's a pleasure to meet you mister, and you too Goddess Hestia!

Gaping at the girl, I can't figure out if she's just dense, or possesses a bravery bordering on suicide.

"Kirito…" I answer in a daze, greeting the final member.

"Oh, I'm Leafa here," Suguha corrects me.

"Ah, I see…" Blinking at my sister, I really don't. That was a correction I'd expect from a gamer, used to the etiquette that a virtual world required.

"Oh, goddess Hestia!" Silica asked, breaking into my train of thought yet again, "can I join your familia?"

---

Babel's top floor:

"Ulfric, please get the door and then leave us alone."

"As you command, my lady." Keeping his surprise to himself, the strongest in Orario, carried out his goddess' commands to a tee. Sizing up the silver haired man that entered, Ulfric wasn't particularly impressed. Nonetheless, he politely closed the door behind him and allowed them to talk privately.

"So, the self-proclaimed God comes to visit."

Giving the man a small smile, Freya sized him up.

Despite the surprising words, the silver-haired man kept his expression neutral.

Ignoring conversation for now, Freya used her Arcanum eyes to stare into the man's soul. The ability had become increasing effective against the children from the other world. Now, Freya could see into them as easily as the ones from this world. While certainly an unusual man, he was by no means unique.

"I'm sure you don't know who I am…"

Cutting him off, Freya displays her knowledge all the while wearing her small smile. "Kayaba Akihiko. Or perhaps you prefer to be called Heathcliff?"

"…Yes." The man admits. All momentum stolen from him; he resembled any other child facing off against the goddess of beauty.

"You may think yourself a demi-god," Freya continues, "but I'd advise you not to overestimate your powers."

"Overestimate?" The man asks, a small hint of anger in his voice. "I am a God who decided to become an adventurer. I created this world!"

Arching an eyebrow at him, Freya didn't respond, merely stared.

"I… I created…"

"I had hoped for better from you," Freya murmurs disappointed. "The voices of terror the children from your world use to describe you had built up my expectations."

"I am exceptional," Heathcliff mutters. Even to him though the words sound petulant.

"Well, let's see your status then, shall we?" Freya asks.

"Huh?" Unable to keep up with the goddess' mind, Kayaba found himself one step behind yet again.

Pricking her finger on one of her priceless possessions, Freya walked behind the man. Pushing him down unto his knees, Freya lifted the back of his shirt and read his pre-existing falna.

Expecting something like this, Freya calmly examined his status. Each stat sat at exactly three hundred points, no god was listed, and he had magic and a skill already. It was cheating, but Freya didn't care.

Pressing her finger against his back, Freya inscribed her logo unto his back, claiming him as hers. While she didn't understand what power had given him this advantage, Freya didn't particularly care. She'd enjoy watching whatever shenanigans he whipped up within Orario.

"You see?" Heathcliff emphasizes as he stands back up. "I created my status; I am a god."

"I'll enjoy seeing where that belief carries you," Freya laughs. "Good luck." Bringing her mouth to his ear, Freya whispered the last two words in her seductive tone.

Having received the full blast from a goddess of beauty, Heathcliff's eyes went blank. Body shaking, the man was slow to come to. Gasping, he tried and failed to stop his eyes from tracking Freya's backside as it swished seductively from side to side.

"I… I created this world… didn't I?" Muttering to himself, Heathcliff left the room. As impressive as the tower of Babel is, hadn't he envisioned something grander? A hundred floors, and what else? Uneasy feeling remaining, Heathcliff set off to the dungeon to reaffirm his divinity.

---

Streets of Orario:

"Hehe, so a child tracked me down?" The thin God rested easily on a crate. His wide eyes were full of desire. This God was neither evil nor good, he merely sought enjoyment. And the best entertainment around was the children. He particularly enjoyed the crazy ones. The ones that defied all logic and did whatever they desired.

This god was Ikelos. The familia house registered with the guild stood empty. His entire familia had moved… underground. The play on words bringing a smile to the god's face.

"Yes. I've determined a falna to be necessary. All you need to do is update my falna when I ask, nothing more."

"Haha!" Bursting out into his iconic chuckles, Ikelos showed the man an insane smile. "You really are one of the crazy ones!"

"…" The figure shrouded in a shredded black cloak said nothing. He'd quickly come to the conclusion that he'd reached his limits on his own. Without a falna, he simply couldn't keep up with the adventurers.

"Hehe, well turn around and let's get this over with."

Adding his ichor to the man, Ikelos broke into another string of chuckles. "PoH is it? What strange names you children have. I'm sure this unique skill of yours will treat you well in your endeavours."

Ikelos was on the edge of breaking down into fits of maniacal laughter. In the past, Zeus and Hera familia had been too strong to put even a toe out of line. They had ruled Orario with an iron fist until a year ago. All of their mighty, boring heroes, gone. For a year, the order had stagnated. The memory of the previous powers keeping everyone in line. Now though…

Ikelos could feel it. A change in the wind. Chaos would overcome this city. If his divine intuition wasn't wrong, this man would be the one to beckon it in with open arms.

---

Kirito:

"So, this is a breastplate, I mean obviously. Here are the straps and uh…"

Going through the steps to put on the armour was awkward. While I had Silica's full attention, Sugu… I mean Leafa, continued to stare at me strangely.

After I had finally managed to settle things down, the choice was obvious really. Suguha wasn't going anywhere, and if Silica was being hunted plus wanting to be an adventurer, then there was no reason to deny her.

"I don't understand!" Leafa finally burst out, hands grabbing her short black hair. "Can't you just equip it using the menu!?"

"Using the…" Pausing I tilt my head. Now that she'd mentioned it, I finally realized why Lizbeth's interactions yesterday seemed a little off. She didn't use the menu to equip her armour.

Obviously, we had the ability, I mean donning heavy armour was an intricate process. But yet… when was the last time I used the menu? Or even thought about it.

Sticking out two fingers on my right hand, my hand shook slightly assuming the now unfamiliar position. Feeling slightly queasy, I swiped down.

Nothing happened.

Breaths starting to come faster, I tried to think, what else differentiated this world?

Vision.

To avoid overworking the servers, you'd only see minute details on objects after you focused on them. Finding a nearby display, I looked at in my peripheries, then, twisting stared at it full-on, giving it all my attention.

No doubt I looked insane to anyone watching.

Confirming my fears, there was no change. With my enhanced level two vision, I could see every precise detail on the display. Reaching up a tentative finger, I focused on the dust I saw. This was something that shouldn't exist in a world created by the NerveGear.

Hesitating, I don't know what I wanted to happen. But I needed to know. Finger contacting the wood, I could feel every single ridge in it. Every imperfection, each one unique. Not a generated tessellation of a pattern. Contacting the mote of dust, I picked it up between two fingers. Just like how I would in the real… no, old world.

"This… This is just a game, isn't it?" My sister's voice is weak. Filled with unease.

No wonder.

But as I stare at my hand, all of the obvious details greet me, the white hairs on my fingers, the perfect sensation that was given. I should have noticed every time I took a shower or a bath. How the sensation of the water was exactly how it was in the old world.

Just a game.

"No… This is another world."

My quiet words silence Leafa. Silica, however, merely looks confused.

"Of course, it is," she scoffs, "there aren't monsters in our world."

The statement brings a smile to my face. Although the news is serious, I feel strangely calm. After all, hadn't I already accepted this as another world long ago? When was the last time I considered Hestia, or Eina, or Syr, an NPC? I can't remember at this point.

Until today, I don't know when the last time was that I had thought about game features like the menu. Glancing to the upper left, I wasn't surprised by the lack of clock there. Over the months I had glanced at it less and less, until now, when it wasn't even there.

"But… But this is insane!" Leafa sputters in protest.

Even the name I thought about my sister as was instantly adjusting. As if the name Suguha was now a foreign identity. In her place all that was left was the adventurer Leafa.

Shrugging my shoulders, I answer honestly, "It doesn't really matter either way. If you die, you die. That doesn't change whether this is a game, or its own world."

Biting her lip, Leafa appears to be processing something. Perhaps reconciling the new revelations with knowledge from the old world.

"Hey, Brother… What would you say if I told you that the connection speed between the NerveGears and the server had steadily decreased?"

Frowning, I want to immediately declare that her statement makes no sense. If the details were getting better, the connection speed should increase to compensate.

Unless… Was I thinking about this the wrong way?

"Why would we need a connection if we're in another world?"

Silica's words are what I was looking for. A grim confirmation of our fate.

Nodding, I agree with the catgirl. "Yes, that must be it. I don't really understand what it means, or how this happened…"

Trailing off, I don't have the right words. It seems to be enough though. Leafa is settling into her determined face and Silica was remained relatively unconcerned throughout the whole conversation.

Looking at the girls together brings a smile to my face. My familia. As leader it was up to me to guide them through the dungeon and protect them. In turn they would protect me.

Hestia seemed to be uncomfortable with them for some reason, but I'm sure that'll fade…

Looking forward to tomorrow, I continue teaching them about being an adventurer.

---

Author's note:

Hopefully you enjoyed the latest addition.

Thank you to everyone who continues to read.

Yes, I realize quite a bit was cut to fit this chapter into a reasonable length. Next chapter will be devoted to fillilng in a lot of the holes.

Writing Suguha's parting chapters were challenging, but hopefully they came out alright. I struggled thinking of a comparison to what she was doing. The closest I could come up with is when the Europians were discovering the America's. If your husband was a sailor he could gone for months at a time, with a fairly high chance of dying too. Unlike that though, the persons body stays behind, meaning you know as soon as they die. Both a blessing and a curse I suppose.

Anyway, now that she's in DOO and found her brother, things should get happier for the Kirigaya siblings, at least for now. After all, who knows what disasters are waiting to strike Orario?

Also, Freya interacting with Heathcliff is one I wanted to write for a long time. I was hoping it would come out better, but it gets the point across. What sort of broken abilities did he manage to bestoy on himself this time?

I think I'm forgetting something, but as I can't remember, later.

Unless my speed of writing picks up, chapter 12 will be delayed for a while. I was not nearly as productive as I should of been after writing the interlude.

See ya,

-asdf