Chapter – 7
Strangers in danger – SAO Integral Fragments
You: "Gasp!" whoa… whew… what a nightmare…? *I get up from the couch* whew... man is it hard to sleep on the couch.
I then begin stretching to let the stress around my bones to cut lose.
You: *I breath in and out* man, my muscles feel stressed… wait… how come I?
I then begin scanning and touching my whole body. Although I knew that the Nervegear created a copy of the physical body you possessed in real life, it sure as hell doesn't explain why you begin feeling bone like features around some areas nor does it explain why I suddenly have a pulse.
You: what the?! *I run to a mirror* okay, I look the same as I always did… but that doesn't explain why the sudden body with flesh and bones!
Asuna: "Knock" "Knock" (You?)
Asuna was walking down near me. I had to play it cool.
You: A-Asuna?
Asuna: Hey, good morning. I am going to make us some breakfast, do you have any requests?
You: U-um, fried eggs with boar meat would be nice!
Asuna: Alright, do you want something to drink?
You: Y-Yes, some orange juice would be nice *I drop bump into a shelf* Dugh!
As I bump into the shelf, all the items that were holding it fall down to the ground, making so much noise.
Asuna: are you okay?
You: Y-Yeah, just accidently bumped into your shelf— Uh!
Asuna: What?
As I take a closer look… I see that it was a shelf where Asuna kept her secondary clothes… and when I say secondary, I mean the secondary.
Asuna: (Y-You!) don't look at them! You better not be staring at them or I swear you'll regret it!
You: S-Sorry, I just "Squeak!" Whoop!
As I take a step, I stomp on a rubber duck and fall down to the bras and panties.
Asuna: *she opens the door* (You!)
You: Uh!
Asuna: Wh… what…?
As if her anger glare wasn't scary enough yesterday… this time I feel a murderous intent from it.
Asuna: what. Do. You. Think. Your. Doing?
You: L-Look! It's not what it looks like! I slip and fell I—
Before I knew I was holding it, a white bra with little pink bows on the edges appear right in front of me.
You: th-this!
Asuna: (You…) I always thought that you were loyal… and trustworthy… but I think you are much of a bigger pervert then Kirito.
You: (WHAAAAAAAaaaa… of all the hurtful things she could have said…)
Later
You: Mmm… aum… "Munch" "Munch".
Asuna: "Mm-Mm"… Hmph.
Asuna and I just ate breakfast without speaking a word. She just munched down on her eggs as she just whip her face around in a mean but very attractive way.
You: Come on, how long are you gonna give me the silent treatment?
Asuna: Until you apologize.
You: I already did! Twenty one times!
Asuna: Oh… well that didn't work
You: Look, can we just leave this be.
Asuna: *She sighs* All right fine. It's not like Kirito didn't make that same mistake… twice.
You: Look… I am… having a rather difficult morning here. I don't think it would be wise if I continue to bother you any longer. I appreciate your help from last night but I think I'm gonna head off.
Asuna: Oh? You're unusually quirky today. Is something wrong?
You: N-No, nothing bad ACTUALLY happened, it's just—
Asuna: (You). *she stands up* you and I both know when you're lying. I get if you don't want to share it with me, but do you haft to avoid me for it.
Asuna sounded upset, even the way she stand looked demanding.
You: I'm sorry…
As soon as I said that, her expression changed. It was like she understood right away that I was struggling so much.
Asuna: I… I am sorry… I'm just worried about you. You haven't been like this ever since… ever since the day you told us about your childhood.
You: I know… I'm doing my best here.
Asuna: Can't you just tell me?
You: I want to Asuna. Lord knows I want to… but if I do then I won't get anywhere near into solving this mystery.
Asuna: what mystery?
You: Well… I guess all I can tell you, is that Quinella spoke to me again.
Asuna: what did she say?
You: Those girls, Alice and Eydis might be coming back. Maybe even the other Kirito.
Asuna: Oh… I see.
You: I need to go see where they might be coming.
Asuna: but how are you going to even know where they are coming?
You: I can actually feel it. I think I may have an idea as to where they are coming.
Asuna: Oh?
You: I'm going to take a look at this place where my senses take me.
Asuna: All right… then I'm coming with you.
You: Wh-what? I don't think that's a good idea.
Asuna: Why? Because you don't think I can handle it? Look, I'm going and you can't change my mind.
You: "Sigh" you and Koharu are so much alike.
Asuna: I'll take that as a compliment. Now, eat your breakfast before you even go out.
You: What are you? My mother.
After finishing the plate, Asuna and I got changed into out battle gear and began to departure to the hollow area.
Floor 76th: Teleport gate
Asuna: so you're saying that the energy you are sensing is coming from the Hollow area?
You: that's where I am sensing it at least.
Asuna: how can you even sense it?
You: I don't know, I just do. Before going though, you must know that the Hollow area is quite dangerous, all of the mobs there are very strong.
Asuna: Don't worry, I come prepared.
You: Good, we don't even know if you can even come with me. Nevertheless, let's give it a shot.
Asuna and I step in front of the teleport gate.
You: Alright, hang on. Teleport, Administration area.
With that, the teleport gate begins teleporting us to the administration area.
Hollow area: Administration area
Asuna: Whoa… this place looks really futuristic.
You: My thoughts exactly.
Asuna: How are we gonna find our way around this place?
You: With this.
I then begin showing Asuna the entire map displayed by the console.
You: here is where we will navigate ourselves through this labyrinth of unknown.
Asuna: Where are we gonna be heading?
You: The area is unexplored… by me anyway. Kirito and Philia must have explored the area by now. Another interesting thing, is that you were actually able to teleport with me.
Asuna: Maybe it has something to do with us being in the same party.
You: Hmm, it's possible.
Asuna: Anyways, what is your plan?
You: First, track down the energy I am sensing. Next, explore and investigate the area, then see if Alice, Eydis or any other visitor that may have come from that other world.
Asuna: Seems simple enough. Where are we going first?
You: To this area that is apparently called, the floating area.
With that, I press a button on the console and the two of us are teleported to the assigned destination. After a few minutes, the two of us arrive to a somewhat green slash bluish field area with flying type monsters throughout the fields and buildings.
Asuna: Wow… so this is the Hollow area, huh?
You: Yup. This place is barely run by players, so treasures and items are easy to get here.
Asuna: that can really come in handy.
You: Especially this.
I then point to a pile of rocks that had a purplish glow.
Asuna: what are those?
You: Enhancement ore. I know because Liz showed all kinds of different rocks that are perfect for weapon enhancements.
I then grab a small hammer that Liz gave me every time she sent me out to find items. Apparently it's perfect for mining enhancement ore. Using it, I chop off some rocks and hand them over to Asuna.
Asuna: are you sure?
You: Yes. Think of it as saying thanks for letting me stay the night.
Asuna: Wow, thanks.
You: Come on, the energy I am sensing is coming over this area.
Asuna: Are you sure you know where you're going?
You: half sure.
Asuna: that is not exactly reassuring.
You: Well, it's better than nothing. Come on.
That being settled, Asuna and I began to departure into the outer fields of the area while also trying to avoid the attention from the mobs but just as we began to enter the next field of the area.
Hollow mission start!
Asuna: Hmm? I just got a notification window, something about a hollow mission.
You: Yeah, looks like we triggered it! *I push Asuna out of the way*
Asuna: Whoa!
Asuna and I fall to the ground as the mob in front of us takes a stand before it begins attacking.
Asuna: Ow, was that really necessary!
You: It was either that or get stomped on and barfed on. Nite: The veracious mite!
You: Looks like that's the boss of this area.
Asuna: I think we can take it down if we work together.
You: already on it. Transform! Dagger shape!
Esper then turns into a one-handed dagger and Asuna prepares the Lambent light.
The boss resembled a small yet gigantic bug with a very low greenish color around its back along with four legs on its frontal parts.
Nite: GHIIGH!
The boss began to rush towards us with its tiny legs, with the way it was running it looked like it was going to blow up the second it got in contact with us.
You and Asuna: Hmph! *we leap out of the way*
You: alright, let's test you out!
My dagger began to glow a bright set of yellow light as my body disappeared into black striped as I then reappeared in front of the boss and slashed its face, but I didn't stop there. As I slashed through the boss, mist of dust began to form as I slashed the boss over and over as I disappeared and reappeared and through the mist of dust.
Nite: GHIIIGHHEE!
The boss backed away as multiple scratched appeared on its body and its HP already went down half away of first health bar. With a total of fifteen hits, I prepare to switch out with Asuna.
You: Switch!
Asuna: HEEAAA!
With the lambent light glowing bright green, Asuna fires multiple hit marks as the lambent lights unlseashes a devastating attack with eighteen hits.
Nite: GHIIIIRR!
Asuna: Huh?
Nite: GAAARGH!
Asuna: Igh!
Asuna barely dodged the attack as the boss smashed the ground where she was standing.
Asuna: Wow, you weren't kidding when you said that these things were tough.
You: I was surprised as well, but I have more tricks up my sleeve. Transform! Scythe shape!
The dagger I once hold then transforms into a two-handed scythe weapon with a slight curved blade.
You: Alright, let's tie this fella up.
I then separate the scythe where the middle space of the grip separated with a chain holding the other side of the scythe together.
You: Sling away!
I then throw the blade side of the scythe as its sharp blade cuts deep into the boss's back.
Nite: GHIIIIGHHHHH!
The boss quivered and moved in all directions as it tried to get the scythe out of its back.
You: Wh-Whoa there fella! You're not going anywhere! Wh-Whoa! Asuna, you must bring it home!
Asuna: Right!
While struggling to keep the boss tied down with the scythe, Asuna jumps up and starts to propel her weapon with high-speed steps. Her body forms into an inside stance and her rapier begins to glow with violate colors.
Asuna: EEYAAAAAAAA! *she stabs the boss*
Nite: GHIIIGHHAAAAAAA!
The boss begins to glow as its remaining HP bar goes down to zero as Asuna's attack lands a critical blow. In the end, the boss burst into blue trickling polygons.
Asuna: "Pant"… "Pant"… phew.
You: Not bad.
As the boss disappears, the scythe returns to the blade as the chain pulls it back into one.
You: You and I still make a pretty good team.
Asuna: yeah, it appears so. It feels just like old times.
You: Hehe. Come on, we still have more ground to cover.
Asuna: Hm! *she nods* Right!
With a smile full of confidence, Asuna and I continue on with our exploration of the fields as we not only discover more interesting areas, we discover a few breathtaking spots as the view is absolutely outstanding.
Asuna: Wow… if it weren't for the mobs, these places could make an awesome tourists attraction.
You: Snirk…!
Asuna: What?
You: S-Sorry, it's just… you and Koharu behave so much alike, if she were here, she would say the same thing.
Asuna: Hmm…
As we continue walking, Asuna turns around and holds her hands from behind as she begins talking and walking.
Asuna: You Know… I could say the same thing about you and Kirito.
You: Oh? And why is that?
Asuna: Well, you both are gaming junkies that like to always get in to trouble. You're both womanizing men who despite already having lovers, still go out to look for others. You both are top ranking members with unique skills that defeated the CEO of this game. And to top it all out… you both have big hearts who always look out for others… *she turns around* and that's what I love about both of you.
Asuna beamed a smile that would make any guys heart skip a beat. I seriously don't know how Kirito got a girl like her to fall head over heels. Then again, I don't know how a girl as beautiful and athletic as Koharu to fall head over heels for a guy like me either.
You: Hmph, well I don't agree with everything you've exactly said about me but… I guess we both do share some similarities.
Asuna: I guess you both are similar in some ways, but you both have something that you can only deliver. I must admit, I think you have more things to deliver then Kirito, I mean a lot of crazy things have happened ever since I met you. It's almost like as if you have the power to change fates.
You: Ha! I am just a regular guy, it's not like as if I am a god or something
Asuna: I never said that dummy. Hahaha!
You: snrk… Hahaha!
While although we were in a danger zone, we both still had a good time hanging out with each other, which was rare to see now a days. It's funny, despite the fact that we both have lovers, that we both have different lives and that we both shared very deep stories about our lives, we both still behave and even care for each other the same ways we always did, which is weird since you don't regularly see that when all of those conditions are seen. But I guess things turn out differently from the way you see it and handle it.
Asuna: Hey, do you think Kirito might be around here?
You: who knows? This place is like a backrooms maze, you never know where you were because the place looks a lot like where you've been before.
Asuna: how do you get around?
You: Either using the map data or a teleport crystal. "Thu-Thump" Augh!
Asuna: (You!) are you okay?
You: Yeah… were getting close.
Asuna: are you sure it's safe?
You: Half sure.
Asuna: It's not reassuring when you say that.
You: Look, I know where we were going and I know when I'm alright … this is the last place Kirito, Philia and I explored before we separate.
Asuna: And you're sure that you're okay?
You: Don't worry about me. I'll be okay.
"Rustle-rustle"
As we hear some rustling near some bushes, Asuna and I prepare to face whatever was making that sound as we both draw our weapons and get into a battle stance.
You: Who's there?!
?: I-Igh… *the figure falls down*
You and Asuna: Uh!
You: Eydis?!
In an unexpected turn of events, I see Eydis, who appears to be exhausted, pale and skinny, falls to the ground with her armor covered in scratches, dirt, and small red splatters that look like drops of blood.
You: Eydis, my god what happened to you?!
Feeling a set of strong mixed feelings, I rush to her and hold her waist as she pants and struggles to maintain her balance.
Eydis: Igh… (Y-You…?) Is it really you…? Or am I just…
You: E-Eydis, it's me. Hang on, I'll get you to safety.
Eydis: N-No… Alice.
You: Alice? What about Alice?
Eydis: She needs help…
Asuna: Alice? But where is she?
Eydis: I… don't remember…
You: Alright. Asuna, you take Eydis back to the safe zone, I will search for Alice.
Asuna: How are you gonna find her?
You: Same way I found her. Go!
Asuna: Augh… *she grabs a teleport crystal* fine, but be careful! *she teleports away*
You: Alright, guess it's up to me to find Alice.
Quinella: (You)… over there…
I could hear Quinella's voice ever so slightly, it was like she was screaming form a faraway distance.
You: Quinella?
?: Rooooaaaaar…!
The sound of like a dragon roaring was heard from a faraway distance, and while although it was far, I could see small flashes of light imitating from a tall building with weird floating structures.
You: Those must be sword skill attacks… and...
I could also see a massive whirlpool of yellow flowers swirling at the top of the building.
You: Alice!
As I saw the flashing lights, I knew that there was a battle going on and with that unique attack of yellow flowers, I knew that Alice had to be involved, who else could possibly unleash a skill like that. So without wasting any more time, I ran as fast as I could from the fields to the tall building.
Having avoided multiple mobs that were just hovering all over the place, I ran through the grass plain fields until eventually reaching the concrete building area but just as I was about to head for the top.
You: Wh-whoa! Crap! The bridge is collapsed! There must be another way…
As I take a look around, I see that although the pieces were broken, they were still floating in midair, I also saw that they lead to higher ground.
You: that must be it!
Using the floating structures, I run across them using all the speed I have as the sounds of screams and roars are begin heard throughout the entire landscape.
You: Geez, please don't tell me they decided to take on the boss!
Feeling really panicked, I ran without looking back and just kept ignoring how tired I was getting until eventually reaching the entrance.
You: "Pant-Pant-Pant" Man… I guess my body has gone physical after all.
As I arrived to the entrance, I realized that the top was still miles away from here.
You: Great, this is just great. And I bet that they're will be a challenge inside this place before reaching the top, damn it! There's gotta be another way…
As I continue to look around, I see that the floating structures, although were facing downward, were still reaching the top of the tower.
You: Oh boy… listen to me body, I know your all flesh in bones now but I need help from my avatar right now… please work, please work…
Using all the strength I had, I ran up the wall and then wall jumped on the other floating structure as it continue to ran up it, the problem was, the more I ran, the faster I wore out, but that didn't stop me, I continued to run and did not stop until wall jumping back on the tower and then began to run again.
You: "Pant-Pant" I'm not sure "Pant" how much longer "Pant" I can keep this up!
I only ran a few feet up stairs and was still a few more away from reaching the top.
You: Damn it! "Pant" there must be "Pant-pant" some other way! W-Wait a sec! I got it!
Wasting no time, I grab in to my sword and shout the following words.
You: Transform! Bow shape!
With a flashing glow, my sword transforms into a bow and from it, I grab a bow that is attached to a rope on the grip. Sinon said to always keep it in hand as it could save my life.
You: Sinon, I'm gonna owe you one. Hup!
Wasting no time, I jump from the wall into midair as I point my bow to the edge of the building.
You: Here we go! *I fire the arrow*
As the arrow is fired, it penetrates the wall as it not only gets stuck in it, but a small logo is shown saying, "Immortal object"
You: Ha! Gotcha! Wh-Whooaaa! PUGH!
Without thinking, I hold on to the rope tightly, but it also sends me crashing into the wall.
You: Ouch! Ouch-ouch-ouch-ouch… I never thought pain could actually feel like this… oh well, gotta start climbing this…
Although my body was now physical, I still had the strength my avatar had, which helped me climbed all the way up to the top… with a stamina cost.
You: "Pant-Pant-Pant-Pant" okay… "Pant-Pant" okay… I made it…
?: Roaaaaaar!
You: Igh… come on, up we go.
After finally reaching the top, I see that not only Alice but Kirito and Philia are held in a tight spot as they are all struggling to keep the boss at bay.
?: GROOAAAAAAAR!
The boss's roar caused the entire ground to tremble. I've never heard a powerful roar like that since the Skull Reaper, which only made me believe it could be just as powerful. It looked like a dragon with four wings, its scales were all gray and blue, and its tail along with its claws had sharp blades that could cause serious trouble.
You: Zodias, the blade dragon.
Kirito: "Pant"… "Pant"…
Philia: Kirito… I can't go on…
As she finishes, the boss whips its tail and smacks Philia into a wall.
Philia: Pugh! *she falls down*
Kirito: PHILIA!
Zodias: GROOOOAAAR!
Alice: "Pant"… I have never met an enemy that can hold out for so long… moreover, I remember that the monsters in this world have much greater strength.
Kirito: Alice, you can't fight it on your own, get out and seek for help!
Alice: and what? You'll fight this thing on your own. Don't think I do not know the actions of Kirito the black swordsmen.
Kirito: there is no time for this, you haft to run now!
Zodias: GROOAAAAR! *the boss brings its claw down*
Kirito: ALICE!
Alice: Igh!
You: Hup!
In just a flash, I parry the attack as a gusher of wind is blown in Alice's face.
You: Sorry I'm late, stairs.
Kirito: (You…?)
Alice: (You…) you're here…
Alice smiled at me like as if we haven't seen each other in years.
You: Hey, looks like you got into trouble again.
Alice: Please help us…
Kirito: we have been fighting this thing since last night…
You: What?! Last night?!
Alice: Please… we are exhausted… we can't keep up.
As I saw the boss, I saw that only one HP bar from its remaining three has been drop down, it was still in the green zone but only a quarter down.
You: All right, you guys take cover and care for Philia, I'll stay with big blue.
Zodias: ROOOAAAAR!
The boss moved frantically, it was like it knew kung Fu moves.
You: All right, this is certainly not normal… and I don't want to get hurt nonetheless. At this point, I don't know if I could die in game for real.
The boss got into four legs and began to move from side to side as it whipped its tail with the blade at its end.
You: All right, gotta time this right.
As I saw the boss whip its tail, I saw an opening.
You: Perfect! *I parry the attack*
With its tail getting parried, it swings up wards and then swings back into the boss's face.
Zodias: GRAAAAOUUU!
The boss stood immobilize for a moment and I began to land my attacks as it stood motionless.
You: Hmph!
Using my speed, I land seven unnoticeable attacks as the boss's chest glows with several scratch marks, but it wasn't enough, the attacks only lowered its HP ever so slightly.
You: Damn this thing is tough.
Zodias: ROOAAAAAR!
The boss flapped its wings as wave blades began to wave from the ground and sky and I began to ran, trying to avoid getting hit. The fight got me thinking, if this boss was at a power that was near the Skull reaper, then let us even the odds.
You: release armament stone! All-out orb!
Just at the peak of my blade, the red armament stone that was dropped by the Skull reaper begins to shine brightly as red waves begin to circle around my blade and myself.
The red orb was from a rare drop from the Skull Reaper, Liz polished it and also fused it with the silver armament stone that was dropped from 50th floor boss, making it a double possessing armament stone. With that, I now had seven armament stones attached to my sword. This stone however, allowed me to reach a strength that was equivalent to the Skull Reapers. It can only be used after 24 hours has passed though.
You: Hmm…
With my body now empowered, I dash at the boss with great velocity.
You: HRRAAAAAA!
My blade let out fire like movements as I swung my blade towards the boss, the way it moved kind of reminded me of the anime Demon slayer.
Using all my might, I slash the boss at unnatural speeds as its HP begins to lower down.
Zodias: GROOAAAAA! *the boss whips its tail*
As the boss whips its tails, I small yet burning sensation is felt on my arm. As I take a closer look, a see a small splatter of blood.
You: Augh! *I back away*
I had to back away, the pain was unimaginable. I just held my arm as it bleed out and drops of blood drop to the ground.
You: Augh…
My attacks only got the boss HP to the yellow zone and a quarter part to the red zone.
You: Damn… I can't move…
Zodias: ROAAAAAAAR!
The boss's roar made my vision a bit blurry, but all I could think about was the pain… but just when I was about to give up.
Zodias: GRAAAAAUU— "Ka-Booom!" AAAAAUUURRR!
A thrust detonation is unleashed on its back… only one person I know is skilled enough to do that.
Koharu: (You!) are you okay?!
Asuna: we came as fast as we could!
You: Heh, weird… how did they get here so fast…?
The blood was not stopping and I was feeling really cold. My legs felt wobbly and I fall to one leg.
It was blurry but I could see Asuna and Koharu fighting the boss at extreme fast rate. I don't know how long has passed but I could hear a roaring sound that echoed in my ears… blue light flashed in my eyes and twinkling sounds were heard around both of my ears. All I could feel was numb… my eyes were tired… and I passed out…
Koharu: (You…) (You…?!) why is he…? Quick, get him…
I could bareley hear anything… it was dark and cold…
I don't know what happened… But I got the feeling these strangers were in no longer in danger… at least, for the time being.
Hollow mission complete!
To be continued…