Chapter – 2
Strange things – SAO Integral Fragments
Authors note: First, I want to say sorry for not uploading this chapter last week. I actually had it ready last week but my sister has been in an accident recently and all of my family members are worried about her. Things have calmed down for a bit and I hope and prey that my sister will be better. I hope you understand and continue to enjoy the story.
Previously on SAO Integral Fragments
You: Wha-what? Where am I…?
As I look around, I see that most of the area surrounding the place is made up of forests, but it's been quite a while since I've been in such a thick forest. The last time I was in a place like this, it was on the 35th floor in the forest of wondering.
"Clank-Clank!"
You: it sounds like sword fighting, and it doesn't seem that far!
Using the sounds of sword clashing with one another, I begin following them so I could find the source of the sound.
You: "Pant-Pant" there it is… wait, what?
As I see ahead just a few feet where I was standing, I see that two players were fighting, but not just any players… it was Kirito fighting another figure, the figure seemed to be a female, blond hair, blue armor, slight green eyes and a one-handed dagger as her main blade. Wait… there was something else… her cursor… its orange!
?: My name is Philia.
You: Alright then Philia, welcome to the team.
Philia: Heh…
Kirito: what?
Philia: I just can't work out if you two are wither too kind… or too stupid.
You: heh, funny, I thought the same thing when I met this guy.
Kirito: I prefer to think of me as a pretty good judge of character.
Philia: I suppose I shall be flattered then. Come, I'll lead the way.
Kirito: just what is this place exactly?
Philia: apparently it's called, the Hollow area.
Kirito: Hollow area…?
You: Hmm… *I walk around an alley*
Using the alley, I pretend to keep walking as the footsteps get closer and closer.
You: whoever you are, come out now.
The footsteps backed up a bit, as if it was surprised to hear my voice, which meant that I was right. The sound seemed to be high-heeled boots, at least, that's how I heard it.
?: Oh… you caught me after all.
The voiced appeared to be a female. As she also spoke, she began walking out of the other side of the alley. The girl appeared to have lavender hair which went down to the base of her neck with two long strands on both sides of her head. She was also wearing a lilac-color, strapless dress with a black piece of fabric going across her breasts and down to her stomach, below an intricate coat. Above that she was also wearing a collar of the same violet color of her coat, outlined in lavender with a red jewel securing the collar in place. Her eyes were red violate and she seemed to have a smile on her face as she saw me.
?: Hello.
You: Hmm… we've never met before… have we?
?: Nope, this is the first time we have met. My name is Strea, nice to meet you. *she says with a smile*
Now on SAO Integral Fragments
Strea: *she giggles as she watches me*
You: (this girl kind of looks like a vampire… she is very pale and her eyes are almost deep red… wait… could she be the traitor?... No, impossible, this is the first time we've met… but then, who is she? And why was she following me?) Um, excuse me but why were you following me?
Strea: Oh, that. I had a strange feeling coming from someone and I saw that it was coming from you, so I decided to observe you.
You: (I am pretty sure this is stalking) Well, if you were able to sneak behind me without me noticing, then that means that you must have sneaking skills that are way higher level than mine.
Strea: Ah, so you can tell? Well, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve. However, if I am being honest, it wasn't that strange feeling I had that caught my attention.
You: Oh? Then what was?
Strea: *she giggles* oh, you know.
You: Uh, no I don't.
Strea: Its because you are soo cute!
You: W-wait! WHOA!
Before I even realize what is happening! This girls literally wraps her arms around me and holds me close to her two precious fruits!
You: SH-SH-SHTREA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
Strea: come on now! You were just way too cute! I just couldn't help myself! *she presses harder* Oooh! The way you snuggle up to me is just so cute and comforting! I could just hold you like this forever!
Strea just moved from side to side as her grip got tighter and tighter. I don't even know a girl who could get this freaky!
You: SH-SHTREA! SERIOUSLY! I CAN'T BREATHE!
Strea: What do you mean? You can breathe air perfectly no matter how squashed you are.
You: Even sho, this is very inappropriate! Aren't you emberashed my head ish between your boobsh!
Strea: Oh? Don't guys usually like this?
You: I-I mean, yeah but—
Strea: then I don't see any problem with it.
You: (What the heck is wrong with this girl?!) Okay! Okay! Fine! I'll go with you wherever you want! I'll lishten and do what you shay but pleashe let me go!
Strea: Yay! *she lets go*
You: "Wheeze" "Gasps for air" (I am pretty sure that was assault!)
Strea: this cafe looks good, doesn't it? Come, I'll get us some seats!
With that, I just went along with what she did and hopefully I could get some answers. I've never seen her before, much less knew about her, so maybe this was my chance to get to know her.
You: Okay, so I am going to get straight to the case… why were you stalking me?
Strea: Mm? *she puts her cup down* Well, I've been curious about you.
You: How so?
Strea: I've been watching you for quite some time.
You: How long?
Strea: Weell… I was there when you defeated the 75th floor boss.
You: (The Skull reaper?! Or Heathcliff? Either way, I've never seen her on that fight.) Look, I don't know you, much less know about you. So, I want to get to know you.
Strea: Oh? You want to get closer? You're pretty bold, aren't you?
You: I-I mean, don't get the wrong idea! I have a girlfriend and—
Strea: Well, either way, I had quite my fill for today. If you wish to ask me more questions, then you're gonna haft to take out on another date.
You: H-Huh?! Were you listening to me at all?!
Strea: Well, catch ya later! *she runs away*
You: Whaaa…? (She is a hard nut to crack. I don't even know what her intentions are… though, I think I can assume that she means to harm to me… but still, who is she exactly?)
Later that day
I've been walking around the town wondering around, still processing what just happened. She said that she saw me defeat the 75th floor boss and yet I've never even seen her for as long as I can remember. She does seem to be carefree and doesn't seem to mind expressing her feelings, not to mentions that she doesn't mind public attention… there was no way I'd be able to understand her right away, but if she knows something I don't, maybe she can help me get some answers but in order to do that, I need to get her trust… and that might be either a bit too easy or a bit too complocated…
?: Well, look whose wonderin' out at this hour.
You: Huh? Oh! Argo.
Argo: Yo. How's my favorite informant and customer doin'?
You: How does it look?
Argo: are they bringin' you hell again?
You: I-I wouldn't go that far, I mean they were worried about me.
Argo: Yea, so was I.
You: O-Oh, where you?
Argo: Duh, why else would I go out my way to try and search ya?
You: You were looking for me?
Argo: Yeah, but then I get a message sayin' that ya got back not too long ago. And then I couldn't even show up because I had a lot of side jobs to do.
You: W-Well, I already said I'm sorry. Really.
Argo: Whatever, you can pay me back if you take me out on another date sometime. *she says with a smirk*
You: (Seriously? Not this again…) Whatever, I just need to get back before I get an earful this night.
Argo: You can have a nice quite evening if yer with me! *she yells in the distance*
You: (Honestly, what is wrong with her? Actually, what is wrong with everyone?!)
Later
Koharu: Alright… now, what did we agree on?
You: We agreed that I would come back in two hours…
Koharu: and how long were you gone for?
You: four hours…
Koharu: so… what do you have to say for yourself?
You: I… I was just held back.
Koharu: By what?
You: Well…
I couldn't tell her about Strea, there is no way she would understand… especially with this new attitude she has.
You: A-A few people asked me for help to complete some quest and—
Koharu: A few quests?! I thought I told you to not go out the safe zone!
You: W-Well, I'm sorry but—
Koharu: No "But's"! That's it! No more going out! *she locks the door* from now on, you're staying in here until the sun comes out. And if you even think about going out! I swear, I will get mad! And trust me, you don't want that. Good night. *she rests in bed and turns off the light*
You: (Whoa… I've never seen this side of her… why is she acting this way? Actually… I think I might know why… I think it's best if I just leave her be for now, she had a long day. I will talk to her some other time. For now, good night Koharu.)
The next day
The next day I went out to go to Agil's shop for morning coffee, Koharu was still asleep and I didn't want to disturb her. In case you were wondering, Koharu and I bought a new house after the other floors got closed down, we lost all of our items in our old house but surprisingly, the only two items that survived was my horse and my little sister. I was quite surprised. My little sister was transported on the 76th floor teleport gate and I took her to our new house that we bought as we got to this new floor, it's not like our old house but… it's at least a home. If you're also curious about my little sister, she is still unconscious, this would mark the third day she has been unconscious, I would be lying if I said that I wasn't worried about her but… I know she will be fine… hopefully…
Floor 76: Agil's shop
You: "Yawn" Morning…
Agil: Looks like you got some earful from her last night, didn't ya?
You: you have no idea…
Agil: don't you think its about time that you talked with her?
You: I know, I know… and I will, I just don't want to disturb her so early.
Agil: Better do it soon if you don't want to get yelled at every day.
You: You bet…
Agil: Anywyas, here ya go. On the house. *he slides me mug of coffee*
You: thanks… "Sliirp" too bitter…
Agil: Here *he slides a cup of milk*
You: thanks again.
After pouring the milk, my coffee now tasted warm and tasty. There weren't many people inside since it was very early, so I just enjoyed the peace and quiet.
You: "Sliirp" Ahh…~ without people in here, the place is so nice and quiet.
?: Isn't it?
You: Yeah… huh?
As I turn around, I see the girl that was stalking me yesterday.
You: What the? Strea?
As I see her, I stand up in complete shock.
Strea: Morning! *she says with a smile*
You: what are you doing here?
Strea: I saw you enter this place yesterday and I thought you'd be here, so here I am.
You: so you were still following me?!
Strea: I can't help it, you're just too cute! It's like seeing a small kitten wondering the streets.
You: But I don't have fluffy ears or a tail.
Strea: *she giggles* don't mind that. *she sits down* come on! Sit down.
You: (Hmm… this can be my chance to get to know her…) alright then…
As I sat down next to him, I was shocked at what happened next.
Strea: *she giggles*
You: WH-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!
Strea: I am sitting on your lap.
You: I-I know that!
Strea: then why do you ask?
You: (How is she not caring?!)
Agil: hey, whats with all the nois— "Staaree"
You: U-Uh… this is…
Strea: *she giggles and hugs my neck*
Agil: So… am I interrupting something.
You: N-NO!
If Agil seeing me wasn't bad enough, a fate even worse than death came through the door.
Lisbeth: Whoo! Am I so in the mood for a—
Silica: I can't wait for—Ofm! Liz, why did you—?
Sinon: What's wrong with—?
Asuna: are you guys—?
You: Uh…
Strea: Oh, morning!
All the girls stared at me with eyes like sharks… I couldn't even come up with an excuse to explain this situation!
Lisbeth: A-Ahem… so… do you two know each other?
You: W-Well…
Strea: of course we do! (You) and I are very close friends!
As she says that, I can feel my neck beginning to break as her grip gets tighter, how was she so strong?!
You: Gagh…
Silica: you're so close that you get to sit on his lap?!
Asuna: (You), what in the world are you doing?!
You: N-No! This isn't what it looks like! I swear!
Sinon: well it looks more like you are on a secret date with this other girl.
Strea: That's right! (You) and I are on a date!
Everyone: WHAAAAAAT?!
You: N-No! I swear! We're not dating, we just met yesterday!
Strea: that's right! We had our first date just yesterday!
You: YOU'RE MAKING THINGS WORSE GODDAMN IT!
Asuna: (You)! How could you do this to Koharu?!
Silica: I always thought you were loyal, but I guess I was wrong!
Sinon: I'd at least expect that Kirito would be the one to make a wrong move, but (You)?
Leafa: I know… I can't believe it…
You: Grr… *I push Strea aside* everyone, WOULD YOU ALL JUST LISTEN TO ME!
After that, I began explaining what ACTUALLY happened.
You: and that is all what happened.
Lisbeth: And you actually expect us to believe that?
You: Don't take it from me, take it from her. Tell them Strea, isn't that what actually happened?
Strea: Yup! That's exactly right!
Everyone: Uh…
Strea: I was just really curious about him, so I followed him. He said he wanted to talk so I invited him to drink some coffee with me. Then I followed him here, came back at first light and here we are.
Silica: But still, why are you sitting on his lap?
Strea: Hmm? Well, isn't this what most guys like?
Asuna: W-Well…
?: Augh, whats with all the noise down here?
Like perfect timing, Kirito comes down the stairs.
Asuna: K-Kirito! Good morning.
Kirito: Oh, morning Asuna. Everyone. Why is everyone here?
Leafa: we were just heading over to meet with Agil for a few drink but then we ran into that.
Kirito: Hmm?… Whoa there, whats going on here?
You: Listen dude, you out of all people should know that this is NOT what it looks like.
Kirito: seems more to me like your cheating on Koharu with this chick.
You: DUDE! How could you?! I thought we were bros!
As if things couldn't get any worse…
?: "Yawn" wow, does it feel good to get up and—
Everyone: …
Strea: Oh, hey there.
You: Koharu… (Why does the universe hate me…? What have I done?)
Koharu: Uh… *she smiles* Oh wow, isn't this a nice surprise. I wake up and you weren't in bed. I assumed that you'd be here so I came over to check…
As if her smile wasn't scary enough, I could literally sense a bad vibration surrounding her, like a dark aura waving around every part of her body.
Koharu: I must admit, I am glad to see that you listen to me on not leaving the safe zone… but I never would have expected you to run off with another girl.
You: N-No! I swear, its not what it looks like!
Strea: that's right. (You) and I are merely expressing our feelings, there is absolutely nothing wrong going on here.
You: Strea, I would really appreciate if you'd stop talking…
Koharu: Oooh… is that so? Well then, I would also like to express my feelings with (You) as well… (You), in our room, right now.
You: R-Right now.
Koharu: Right now… *she says with a wider grin*
Strea: Oh! Can I come too?
Koharu: Huh?
With those single words, her dark aura vanishes and confusion surrounds her instead.
Strea: See, I would love to know (You) a lot more like you do, and I would also love to know you on a deeper level. So I would really appreciate if you'd show me your rooms. Oh! And if it's also possible, I would also like to see your house!
Koharu: H-Huh?
Sinon: I thought he was making things up when he said she didn't hide her thoughts and emotions.
You: I told you guys I wasn't lying!
Strea: I swear! *she leaps towards Koharu* your soft silky hair and your smooth luscious curves, they are all so overwhelmingly charming! I would love to get to know you and (You) on a much deeper level! So please let me see your house!
Koharu: Wh-what? Stop touching my hair!
Lisbeth: it really looks like she doesn't mind getting too close into other people personal space.
You: Hmm… (It was kind of hard to say, but it's almost like she... did it to make people more happy than uncomfortable... honestly, it kind of reminded me of Lueur, Stella, Typhoon and Mater, which for the record, I haven't seen them in a while now.)
Koharu: O-Okay then… I guess I'll see you both…
Asuna: She's a real social whirlwind, isn't she?
Leafa: what just happened?
You: Now do you guys understand?
Kirito: well, it seems like things are about to get more lively here, ey (You)? *he says with a smirk*
You: Tch… (Damn you Kirito…! It should have been you…) Well whatever, im heading out.
Koharu: Wait, just where are you going exactly?
You: … I need to find out what exactly is the hollow area… the fact that Kirito was able to enter that place and was able to unlock a special safe zone ight provide some knowledge as to what we are exactly facing. Look, I just need to gather information, that place is very dangerous. Plus I am not even sure if we can even bring other members in our group inside that area, but I promise that as soon as I get the info, I will be right back. Kirito, think you can hold down the fort for a while… if you know what I mean?
Kirito: Sure, I'll take Asuna to scout it out.
Asuna: Hmm? Scout what out?
Kirito: what else? The labyrinth. I will take care of this and you take care of that.
You: Good.
Strea: Hey-hey! Can I come too?!
The way she said it reminded me of a child begging their parents to go with them on their private dinners.
You: Sorry, no can do. I gotta figure out what exactly we are facing, once we do, I'll see what I can do about brining you guys along.
Silica: are you sure you will be safe?
You: No worries, I can handle myself. *I then leave*
Koharu: Grr! The nerve of that guy! Here I am wanting to keep him safe and he just ups and leaves!
Lisbeth: Whoa, she really hasn't gotten over it.
Sinon: No kidding, the girls losing it.
Asuna: (You) better apologize to her sooner rather than later.
Later
You: (Geez, I know I hurt her but… does she really feel that bad?) guess it doesn't matter for now, all I have in mind is getting to the hollow area.
With that, I step into the teleport gate and begin adding the coordination's to the hollow area. Hopefully Philia saw my messages.
You: alright… here we go. *I get teleported away*
Within a few seconds, I arrived to the administrations area and see Philia already waiting near the console.
Hollow area: Administration area
You: Hmm… looks like I am back.
Philia: Yeah… where's that other guy?
You: Oh, he's busy with some other errands so it will just be you and me.
Philia: Alright then.
You: So, I am here because I have a few questions I would like for you to answer.
Philia: I will respond in regards to the questions you will ask.
You: Okay, so you've been here for a whole month, right?
Philia: Yes.
You: do you happen to know any secrets this place has to offer?
Philia: I do… but I'd rather not share them with you.
You: Alright, understandable. On a different note, we need to do something about that cursor of yours.
Philia: Hmm? Mu cursor?
You: you say you killed someone, whether that story is true or not, we need to get rid of that cursor. Is there a Karma restoration quest?
Philia: Karma restoration quest…?
You: it's a special quest that allows you to turn your cursor from orange to green, however there are a few steps to take before completing it, but I will help you through it.
Philia: W-Wait! You're going to help me?
You: Sure, why not?
Philia: it's just… I don't see any reason as to why you would help me.
You: Well, you could say that you will also be helping me out. You see, this place is all too unfamiliar to me. I have no idea what to do or where to go, you however, might be the key I need to reach the goal.
Philia: Hehe… can you really be this friendly and trusting?
You: Well… I do tend to get a bit carried away, besides… you remind me of myself… I also killed a few people… they were bad people but… they didn't deserve to die… I was so stupid…
Philia: Hmm… this seems to be quite the painful topic.
You: It is… but don't worry about it, I'm all over it. Keep moving forward as they say.
Philia: Well okay, I will give you the benefit of a doubt, for now I would like to see just how build up you are when it comes to fighting on the front lines. Being a member of the assault team isn't enough, I've already met people from that team and all they did was worry about themselves. I hate them.
You: Noted, come on, we have a lot of ground to cover.
Using the console in the area, I use it to activate the teleport stone near the area we just teleported and began our little journey.
You: this is the place we last saw before leaving.
Philia: Yup.
You: Hey look, there's a path that is leading upwards towards that entrance.
Philia: I entered it once but it was full of enemies, with my current status, I am just not fit to fight them.
You: Don't worry, you're not alone anymore, let's go.
Philia: Uh… s-sure…
With that, we both entered the concreted entrance and came across t what looked like an abandon castle or temple… the place was filled with knights and plant monsters, not to mention that they seemed tight to be guarding an item, I am speaking from experience and if I am right, this place might have an item that is either rare or necessary for this area.
You: this place definitely gives a bad vibe…
Philia: do you really think you can handle it in here?
You: I'm at level 101, most of them are at level 66 to 88… I think I can handle them.
Philia: how can you tell?
You: My detection skill allows me to see the stats of the enemies around me before I intervene, perfect for knowing if your capable of standing against the enemy or not.
Philia: Hmm… maybe I should consider it.
You: alright, *I grab a small stone* hold on to your butts.
As the stone powers up, I throw the stone to a nearby knight and as it notices us, we both begin to engage in battle.
You: alright, lets do this *I parry its first attack* switch out!
Philia: switch out!
As we switched out, Philia began showing off her skills as she managed to lower the enemies HP down to a half.
You: Not bad *my swords powers up* now its my turn.
Using this opportunity, I begin to show off my own skills as I launch an attack that sweeps the enemy off its feet and fly in mid-air.
You: Philia, finish it off!
Philia: Hup! *she jumps towards the mob*
Despite her level, she was capable of reaching the mob and slashed the last of its remaining HP.
Philia: Phew… whoa…
You: Not bad, your pretty good at moving around.
Philia: if I am going to steal treasure without being noticed, I need to have great reflexes, you however… you seem to have good abilities that turn the tables around pretty quickly.
You: I tend to be more of the defensive than the offensive, but I do have good attacking measuremtns.
Philia: its odd…
You: what is?
Philia: well... we just met not long ago... and yet we can already fight together in sync.
You: Well, I do have a partner that can handle a dagger just like yourself, so I guess it's just a habit.
Philia: your partner… she's the Kerry assassin, isn't she?
You: you know about her?
Philia: Yeah. Actually, she's the reason why I wanted to become a treasure hunter.
You: She's the reason? How so?
Philia: It's a long story, let's just say I saw her in action once and... I was very inspired... the way she was able to dodge traps, enemies and very athletically while doing it... I wanted to be like her so I instead of spending my skill points on weapon strength, I used them to improve my treasure hunting skills and agility stats.
You: Hmm… that's interesting.
Philia: is she your girlfriend?
You: U-Uh, yeah she is.
Philia: wouldn't surprise me, you two seem to be in perfect sync while fighting, I heard all kinds of stories from you two… I wish I could be like that…
You: Hmm… (It would seem that she has some history herself… but it wouldn't be polite to ask her about it right now, first, I'll get her trust, then maybe she can tell me… and then maybe I can tell her.) Well, how about we keep going.
Philia: Y-Yeah, lets.
After that, we began exploring this place from top to bottom while also taking out the enemies that were lurking inside. With her skills and my strength, we both made a perfect team… almost like as if she was Koharu herself, not that I go comparing one to another. Anyway, as we proceeded through the temple, we eventually came across a small gab near the center of the area and found a large treasure that was being guarded by what seemed to be a mid-level boss.
You: we cleared out the entire area…
Philia: that one is the only one remaining… think you handle it?
You: Please, I'm a professional, I come prepared.
Saying that, I grabbed a small vile holding a smoke screen.
You: okay, im going to throw that thing on its face and once it shatters, it will be up to you to deliver the first attack. Once you do, switch out with me.
Philia: got it.
You: alright… *I throw the vile*
As the vile is thrown, it shatters on the boss's face and creates a smoke screen that blocks its sight of vision.
Philia: here we go…
Philia takes the opportunity to attack the boss, slashing its face with an upward attack, knocking the boss off balance on its legs.
Philia: Switch out!
You: HREAAA!
When I switch, I unleash a six-hit combo that halves the boss's HP, but I manage to use a link in the skill chain to trigger a secondary sword attack, opening up another opportunity for us to attack.
You: Philia, you and me!
Philia: right!
You and Philia: HREAAA!
Using the skill chain combo, we both unleash a sword skill at the same time that unleashes a devastating attack that reduces the boss's remaining HP and bursts into polygons as a result.
Philia: Wh-whoa!
You: What?
Philia: W-well, that attacked I just unleashed, I've never done something like that before!
You: Well Koharu and I always throw attacks like this, I'm pretty used to it at this point.
Philia: Hmm… you don't say. Let's go see what that chest is holding.
You: Yeah… *I open the chest*
As I take a look, the chest contained a necklace that went by the name, fiery necklace and, oddly enough, it had the same symbol Kirito had on his hand when he defeated the skull reaper.
Philia: what a weird necklace…
You: do you have nay ideas on how to use it?
Philia: no clue.
You: Well, do you want it?
Philia: You won it, so you keep it.
You: alright then, maybe we'll find out what to do with this thing soon. "Message notifaction" hmm? Whats this? *I read the message* Oh!
Philia: whats wrong?
You: Its Kirito… they found the boss room.
Philia: the boss room?
You: I need to head back, think you can team up with me some time?
Philia: I am not going out there without any protection, of course I am teaming up with you again.
You: Alright then, I guess this is goodbye for now.
Philia: I'll be here, just message me if you decide to come back.
You: right.
While although the events seemed to get a bit more enlarged, I was capable of getting a few pieces of the puzzle, not that I know where they go exactly. Hopefully, they are closer then I think…
Meanwhile, somewhere in Aincrad
Typhoon: how are things looking?
Mater: he managed to arrive at the area safely, he also seemed to have allied himself with a scavenger that was roaming around in there for quite some time.
Lueur: So its time to continue with the next phase of the plan.
Stilla: Still, are you guys sure it was a good idea to lock Akihiko Kayaba inside that cell? Its not like he was against us.
Mater: Still, it wouldn't have been wise to leave him with the others. Plus, if things really did go the way he planned, all of our work would have been for nothing. That and I never liked up.
Lueur: Sacrifices are needed to progress, this is simply the next step in our plan. Still, it's pretty impressive that Kirito and (you) were able to see through his tricks, and since his identity has been revealed, the part about having him as an ally had to be stopped. Besides, there's no way we're letting this end like this.
Stilla: how long do you think he has?
Lueur: Not much longer. It will only be a matter of time before he discovers the true power of his hidden persona. For now, all we can do is wait. We must protect him at all costs.
Typhoon: Right. Alright everyone, back to your positions.
Everyone: Right!
Meanwhile, in the black iron palace
Kayaba: *he chuckles* Well, it looks like they've resurrected the forbidden area... a decision worth making since I'm no longer in control of the story. Still, it's quite fascinating that the abilities displayed by (You) and that other adventurer are still possible to handle even though she's not his partner. I forgot to mention this to (You) when he was here, but those abilities known as the "Rush recollection" and the "By your side" Skill his partner wields are not ordinary skills, they were designed to fit into the pair that would have the perfect moment in the most devastating moments, only those that are united by a bond of trust can have such abilities, but (You) have had your encounter with that girl recently, so the fact that even she can develop such abilities is a mystery to me. On the other hand, (you) have shown abilities that didn't originate with the cardinal system itself, so saying that you can wield such abilities with a different ally wouldn't surprise me. Anyway, the time for him to realize it is coming to a paste so fast, hopefully he'll remember what happened real soon. After all, he still has a lot more to discover about what he's really capable of.
To be continued…