Chapter – 9
Shadows lurking – SAO Integral fragments
After completing the parties, everyone from Klein, Koharu, Strea, Sanya, Alice, Eydis, Lisbeth, Silica and Sinon were following me and Kirito to the teleport gate but before we stepped foot in the gate, we all saw the weird structures my fluctlight crafted the were surrounding the teleport gate. The players were curious about them to since they were all trying to figure out what they were. One pilaster was on the north, west and east side of the teleport gate, and if I was being honest myself, the weir pilasters also looked like teleport gates. But where they go, I don't know, but I got curious and went to inspect them myself.
Koharu: Do you have any idea what these weird structures are (You)?
You: If I did, I would have told you guys what they are.
Kirito: Think we should go check them out?
You: I think we should.
We all went to see the structures and as we got closer, we saw different details carved on the sides. We went to inspect the west side structure first.
Random player 1: What do you think are these?
Random player 2: they look like teleport gates…
Random player 3: Do you think they take you to some kind of event?
Random player 1: I tried using it but nothing happened…
You: Hmm… *I inspect the gate* that's weird…
Kirito: what is it?
You: Look, there is a gap in the center.
Twilight: It looks to be in the shape of a cube.
Klein: Hey, maybe that weird cube thing you have has something to do with it. Maybe you should try using it!
Sinon: I would be careful, you don't know if it's safe.
You: Hmm… *I place the cube*
Even though the cube was a perfect fit, nothing happened.
Koharu: nothing seems to have happened.
Klein: aw man, I could have sworn it would do the trick.
You: No Klein, I think your right… but maybe we need to get the first piece of my fluctlight in order to power it… it's just a theory though.
Kirito: I can see that being the case.
Sanya: hey look, there is a weird image on its center.
Then we all see a small image of what appears to be a dancing fairy carved on the gate.
You: that's weird…
Koharu: why don't we go check the other one?
We all headed to the gate on the east side. When we got to the gate, we saw that it had the same construction structure as the last one, with exactly the same cube-shaped opening in the center. I tried using the same method as before and just like before nothing happened. There was also another pattern carved into its center and it resembled what appears to be a pistol and something that looked like a light saber crossing each other...
You: Hmm… these must be signs of some kind…
Eydis: what about that one?
We all then head to the north side gate and see the same resemblance as the others, what interested me more up to this point were the weird images carved on the gates, so I tried to find the image.
You: Hmm… this one looks interesting.
Silica: they look like little girls…
We all see two girls who look exactly the same kneeling in front of each other with their heads down, it seemed hard to tell but I could see they were praying. They also looked like twins.
Twilight: Hmm… it's almost like as if they are praying…
Koharu: Yeah… if you look at it closely.
Alice: Yes, but this one does not have the same energy source on the top like the others.
She was right. At the top of the gates stood a small floating orb with yellow color that shined brightly but this one did not have one.
You: Hmm… I don't think we are gonna be able to solve anything with these weird structures for now.
Kirito: Agreed. Let us just focus on getting to the hollow area.
With that, we all walked to the teleport gate and began to insert the destination to the administration area.
Administration area
After a few minutes of waiting, everyone was standing right in the middle of the administration area.
Koharu: Whoaa…
Sinon: This place looks really high tech.
Lisbeth: Yeah, it looks like a base even, it wouldn't surprise me if Kayaba was living here.
You: I actually thought of that as well.
Klein: Awesome…
Sanya: So, how do you navigate yourself here?
Kirito: With this console, it displays a map of the entire hollow area.
?: Oh, you guys are back.
As we all turn around, we see Philia walking up to us.
You: Oh Philia.
Kirito: So you made it after all.
Philia: when you said that there was gonna be company, I honestly couldn't refuse. It's been a while since I've seen player's faces other than yours.
Koharu: Mm…
Lisbeth: Mm…
Silica: Mm…
Sinon: …
Sanya: …
Twilight: …
Strea: Hello!
Alice: So… this is…
Eydis: Pleasure to meet you! It's always nice to meet a cutie like you!
Philia: H-Hey, do you mind not getting to close!
Strea: I agree *she joins in* she is soft and smells lovely! "Sniff" "Sniff"
Philia: H-Hey, stop that! It's weird!
You and Kirito: (Welcome to my world…)
After settling down, we all got to introductions and soon, we all were acquainted.
Philia: I see. It's a pleasure to meet you all.
Koharu: It's a pleasure as well… Oh and… I forgot to mentions something.
Philia: What is it?
Koharu: Well, you see… (You) and I, are what you would consider a duo. Some people refer to us as the Phoenix duo, truthfully we are partners but… we are also lovers.
Philia: O-Oh, yes I kind of had a feeling that it would be the case.
Koharu: I just wanted to let you know, that (You) and I have a very complex relationship and I would really appreciate if you'd not only respect him… but also respect me as… a couple.
Philia: Rest assure Koharu, there is nothing going on between (You) and me. We are just friends.
Koharu: O-Oh, that's not what I meant at all! I just—
You: Alright, alright. We are not here to discuss over who use who of a partner switch, we are here to search for the missing pieces of my fluctlight.
Philia: I'm sorry, what?
You: O-Oh yeah… well, you already met a number of our friends, I think up to this point you are considered one of us… I guess I can fill you in on what's going on. So this is what happened…
I then proceed to explain the entire situation to Philia. It came to no surprise that she was having trouble understanding the situation.
Philia: I-Im sorry, the secondary soul that was living inside your heart has somehow shattered into pieces and has disport itself through different online games?
You: Yes.
Philia: O-Okay… I am having trouble processing this… does that weird glitch attack have anything to do with it?
You: Oh, so it happened here as well.
Philia: It did. I was honestly shocked
You: No surprise there, everyone was.
Philia: Okay… I am still having trouble processing this… plus I still don't have an honest reason to believe you… but I guess you did help me in many ways than one so… I guess I can lend a hand.
You: thank you…
Klein: Awesome! Now we have a new member on the team!
Sanya: But where do we even begin?
Philia: Oh yeah! I almost forgot. After we defeated the dragon, a new area has been discovered but we need the pedestal (You) has to unseal the path.
Kirito: then that is where we'll go next.
Kirito begins typing on the console and has prepared the destination.
Kirito: All right, is everybody ready?
Everyone: Yeah.
With that, the teleportation begins to take place and the new area is revealed to us. Within a bridge, a seal with the same symbol on the pedestal was blocking the path. As I toke out the pedestal, the seal got broken and the path was cleared.
After a while, we finally reached the end of the bridge and came to an area that seemed to be a beach. Ocean waves, water-type monsters, and palm trees were all over the area and by just the beginning of the entrance stood a teleport stone.
You: Hey look, a teleport stone.
Philia: We can use that to get to this place quickly without having to walk down the long way. Kirito, think you can do the honors?
Kirito: Right.
Kirito then reaches out to the gate and the symbol on his hand begins to shine and the teleport stone begins to activate with a notification saying that we can now teleport from here to the administration area.
You: Great, with this we will be able to navigate more fluidly.
Koharu: So this is how you guys move inside the hollow area?
You: Yeah, we use this stones to teleport us and if we can't find one, we just use our teleport crystals. Though the teleport crystals only teleports us back to the administration area.
Koharu: I see.
Strea: This hollow area truly is interesting though.
Lisbeth: You said it, we've only been here for thirty minutes and my item storage is already full.
Silica: The monsters here seem to be pretty strong too. I leveled up five levels by just being here.
Twilight: you can also gather large numbers of skill points, getting new skills will be a cake walk. You know… I wonder if we can get hidden skills here.
Kirito: that's what I thought too! Maybe there are secret quest here that can allow us unlock powerful sword skills.
Sanya: Hmm… this place might be more worthwhile than I thought.
Sinon: It's fascinating, but I find it hard to believe that no one has heard of or entered this place before.
You: Yeah, most of the monsters and treasures here are just wondering around since there are barely any players to take them. This place is perfect for getting stronger.
Philia: Okay, so what exactly are we supposed to be looking for?
You: Good question, the only thing I got up till now is that a missing piece of my fluctlight is somewhere around Aincrad but I am not a hundred percent sure that— "Thu-thump" Uh!
Feeling a large weight on my mind, my legs begin to shake and I could feel the cold wet ground near my face. My friends were screaming my name but… I just saw pitch blackness beginning to take over my vision.
I don't remember for how long but I eventually woke up in the same dream I always have when I see Quinella.
You: augh… this place…
Quinella: Hello (You).
As I turned around, I saw Quinella sitting right in front of me with a very relieved face.
Quinella: You made it back… "Sniff" I am so glad…
Quinella tried her best to not cry, she even hold her eyes.
You: Are you… crying?
Quinella: Ehe… isn't that funny? A mere fragment of conscious crying… that is something un-ordinary.
You: Heh… well, you aren't the first one I met that has done that.
Quinella: "Sniff" Um… this might seem weird but… might I… wrap my arms around you, in response to my happiness for your safety…?
You: Huh? Uh… yeah sure…
With that, Quinella slowly moves herself on the bed and wraps her arms around me… honestly… it felt quite nice.
Quinella: "sigh…"
You: Um… are you feeling alright?
Quinella: I... would be lying if I said... that I wasn't panicking at the mere thought of your heart shutting down... to think that you were saved at the last moment is indeed a miracle...
You: Hmm…
Quinella was still not letting go, in fact, she was hugging me a lot tighter. Did I really worry her that much?
You: Um… not that I wish to disturb you but… why are you hugging me so tightly?
Quinella: I… have no idea… my guess is… I've been watching the life of humans before your very eyes for so long I… thought of giving it a taste for myself… I must say… *she tightens her grip* this is very pleasant… so this is what it's like to be human…
You: Mm… *I hug her back*
Quinella: Uh!
Quinella flinched a bit, almost like as if she was surprised. She still didn't let go.
Quinella: So… this is what it's like to be held… it's so warm and comforting…
You: I think of it as a way of saying thanks… for helping me all this time.
Quinella: *she giggles* silly boy…
After a while, she eventually lets go and begins drying up her tears.
Quinella: "Sniff" right… I am sure you are wondering as to why you suddenly passed out.
You: Yes.
Quinella: I disconnected your mind for a bit so that we could talk. I have been contacted by your fluctlight.
You: Oh?
Quinella: it gave me all the specific details about its missing pieces.
You: Wait, is my fluctlight still with me?
Quinella: No… although it is still connected to you. Let me explain. Since your fluctlight shattered, its energy bits scattered to different places in these online worlds. Due to the expansion of his unnatural energy, the world of sword art online keeps you connected to the missing energy pieces at its core. Although it is no longer with you, it is still connected. I don't know the reason as to why, but it's thanks to that that your heart is still alive.
You: Hmm… I think I kind of get it…
Quinella: I must also tell you this. When your fluctlight was shattering itself, it was actually getting taken away by an unknown source. However, the process itself was compromised due to your fluctlight gaining conscious and fought back the process.
You: How was it able to do that?
Quinella: I do not know. But do know that it had to have been by the actions of someone from the outside world of Sword art online.
You: So you're saying that someone saved me from the world I come from? The real world?
Quinella: that is my theory, yes.
You: Hmm…
Quinella: Anyway, I think the most important thing here is to give you the information you need to make your fluctlight one again. It is very important that you do so, if the members realize that your fluctlight is broken, they will do everything they can to find them. You will no longer be their target, but it might make things easier for them. It's crucial that you find the missing pieces before it's too late.
You: I understand, but how?
Quinella: First, you need to find the source. The missing piece cannot be survive unless it's possessing an object. It can be anything.
You: Okay, but how can I find it?
Quinella: You'll know, you will feel a strong attachment to the object. Trust your senses, walk through the land and feel everything you see and touch. You will know when you're getting closer, you'll feel it in your heart.
You: Okay… I understand.
Quinella: Now, moving on to other matters. It's also important to know that the world of Sword art online is no longer the death game you once lived in. The world, the monsters, the NPCs, everything that lives in it has changed due to the enormous influence your fluctlight impacted on the world. I'm sure you saw the number of changes that affected the world.
You: you mean those weird gates that appeared after my fluctlight spread out?
Quinella: that is one of the changes, and a very important one. For now, you must find the first piece missing in the area you are currently searching.
You: So Argo was right, the first piece missing is in the hollow area.
Quinella: Yes. Remember to trust your senses and keep moving forward.
You: Right. Wait, if my fluctlight is no longer with me… how is it that you are still here?
Quinella: Your Fluctlight was not the source that allowed me to speak to you. It allowed my messages to be clearer, but it wasn't the source that kept me alive, it was you.
You: Me?
Quinella: Yes. I am a part of you, like a secondary mind, your flutclight only created me but it didn't keep me alive. As long as you live, I live.
You: Oh… how convenient.
Quinella: Indeed. Now, I must go, I already kept you long enough. I will also help you on searching for the missing pieces of your fluctlight.
You: Thank you.
Quinella: Goodbye (You).
With that, the sky began to shine brightly and my vision was blind out. After a while, I woke up and saw all of my friends gathered around me.
Koharu: (You…) (You…!) can you hear me…?!
You: "Loud gasp" Augh… man…
Alice: Easy, you did take quite the fall.
You: Please… I can't feel pain anymore… miraculously.
Sanya: What happened there?
You: Quinella. She had some important stuff to talk to me about so she passed me out.
Koharu: Augh, the nerve of that woman... is she a woman?
You: I am not even sure if she's human.
Kirito: Well regardless, what did she had to tell you?
You: She told me that my fluctlight did spread through our SAO but it wasn't just SAO. It has spread to different online games and now they are possessing an item to ensure their survival.
Kirito: Spreaded out to different online games?
Koharu: how will we find the other remaining pieces?
You: I think those strange gates that appeared after might have something to do with it.
Lisbeth: but how will we ever activate them?
You: I think this cube might be the key but we will need to find the first missing piece. Like a fetch quest.
Kirito: Okay, I think I am starting to understand.
Lisbeth: Why? Because he said it was like a fetch quest? Of course you'd understand in gamer terms.
Kirito: whats that supposed to mean?
Philia: W-Wait, wait hang on. Even if I were to believe that this Quinella girl you keep bringing up does actually exist and even if this whole while shenanigans are true, how will we find it?
You: Quinella said I'll know. We just have to search the hollow area and hope that we can find the item that my fluctlight is possessing.
Philia: Great, what are the odds of finding it in this GIGANTIC maze filled with powerful monsters?!
Sanya: I haft to agree. Even if we split up, it will still take weeks, even months to search the entire area.
You: There's gotta be a better way… I guess for now, we can just keep moving forward and see—
"Whisper" "Whisper"
We could hear the sound of people talking on the other side of the area, they appeared to be male and it wasn't that far from where we were standing.
Alice: are those people?
Philia: you barely see anyone here…
Koharu: my hearing skill can't hear what they are saying it isn't close enough, we need to get closer.
You: Alright, but be quite everyone…
We all then walked slowly and quietly towards the place where the sound came from, when we got there... I felt like the whole world was ending... I thought we would never hear from them again, but... it was them. ..
Kirito: Wha…?!
You: N… No… N-no way…
Koharu: (Y-You…)
Klein: How can that be…?
All of our faces were in terror… we all just couldn't believe what we were seeing. Even now my hands still tremble by just thinking about it. It was them… the top ranking members of Laughing coffin…
Johnny Black: Hehe… Th-that's right boss, Hehaha… we believe th-that it is the case… hehe…
PoH: "Cough" Excellent… gagh! "He breathes in" A-As long as you carry out the job… Plughaa! "Cough" we will be able to move forward…
Morte: I have been d-dying to see some more action again… hehaha… I just want to see people shake before the tip of my blade again… hehahaha…
They were all behaving like the laughing coffin but there was something off about it, they're faces were all blank. It was like seeing an NPC… at least for the members… PoH on the other hand… his body was all disfigured, the invisible blades from the immortal curse he fell upon seemed to have still been effecting him, the revive screen was still in front of him as well, only it was all in static, like if it were under a glitch. And his eyes… they were bursting out and its veins seem to have exploded due to them being all red, it was like seeing the eyes of hell itself.
Kirito: Igh… its laughing coffin…
Sanya: I-in here…?
PoH: Hmm…?
You: Uh! Duck…!
Trying to be as quiet as possible, we all crouch down and hold our breath hoping they won't see us.
XaXa: Wh-Whats wrong boss?
PoH: Nothing… "Cough" So… Gaagh! I think it would be best if we… continue this somewhere else Pluugha! "He breathes in" we wouldn't want to get spotted…
Morte: Oh well… back to the hideout it is… hehahahahaa!
All the members start to waddle away, it was as if their legs were asleep, everyone was walking like zombies while also giggling menacingly. It was like watching a group of thugs who escaped from a mental institution.
Philia: hey, are you guys okay? You all seem to be terrified. Do you all know who those guys are?
You: More than you think Philia…
Alice: this si the first time I've seen your faces drawn to such fear.
Eydis: yeah, are you guys okay?
Kirito: thinking about the things they've done is more than enough to make anyone terrified.
You: but I think what terrifies us the most... is the fact that they are dead...
Philia, Alice and Eydis: What?!
Koharu: even if they did survive… that doesn't explain why they would end up in here either…
Silica: D-Did you guys see his chest? It was like a giant black worm whole was living inside him.
Klein: yeah, not to mention his body… it was all messed up, like a scientific experiment gone horribly wrong…
Philia: but who are those guys?
You: They… are members from an evil guild called… laughing coffin…
Kirito: the things they did… it was unhuman like… unlike thieves, they don't steal… they just kill.
Philia: What?! You mean like other players?!
You: Yeah… they are cold blooded murders… Kirito and I have more history with them than everyone in SAO, we fought them from time to time and believe me, their strength is something not to be underestimated.
Kirito: we all gathered once to form the biggest search party to take them down, us included and thankfully we were able to take them down without any casualties but PoH, the leader of the guild, did not go down without a fight.
You: He tricked my little sister into releasing all his guildmates but imprisoning them and started making his revenge plan. He got his hands on a murder weapon that he found in a thieves hideout dungeon and gained a unique but deadly ability that was obtained from an NPC on the 61st floor. The ability allowed him to become immortal, but it also came at a cost, first he was going to needing the sacrificed lives of the players and would have to stop being human for the rest of eternity. The skill backfired on him and made him feel the most excruciating pain of the blade cutting him from the inside without him having to die. In the end, he became immortal but... he would have to carry that curse for all eternity. He sacrificed the lives of his entire guild to unlock the ability, including the lives of its highest-ranking members, but in the end... he lost at his own game and... Fell into a bottomless pit...
Kirito: How he got here and how he is still alive is a mystery to us.
Koharu: One thing we do know… if that if he is still truly alive and lurking around here…
Kota: Nobody is safe here…
Philia: no way…
Alice: to think that such people can commit such horrid crimes…
Eydis: if I remember correctly, there are no laws here which means there is nothing to stop them when they commit these acts, right?
You: yeah…
Kirito: You know what… I know we just got here but… after seeing that, I don't feel like being here anymore…
Koharu: I actually agree… I need to sit down.
Sanya: as much as I hate to say it… I would also like to leave…
You: alright… we'll head back and… come back another time.
Feeling a great amount of dread in our stomachs, we head to the teleport stone in where Kirito activates and teleports us back to the administration area.
Administration area
Klein: I just can't believe they're still alive.
Lisbeth: I am just more surprised that they'd been here for god knows how long and nobady even knows.
Sinon: Well what were the odds of finding the most deadly murder guild in all of Aincrad in this unknown area?
You: But they weren't just any regular members, you all saw that bag mask, that skull mask and that hood with small chains, I wouldn't be surprise if they were PoH's top ranking members.
Kirito: Right. Johnny Black, Red eyed XaXa and Morte.
Koharu: but how are they still alive? We all saw them die when PoH back stab them to death back in the boss room in the 61st floor.
You: I don't know… but I do know its not good. If they are still alive, it will only be a matter of time before they find a way to get back. PoH is crazy but really smart, we should be careful with the next steps we take when we visit this place. Going out on large numbers might be dangerous, I think it would be best if one of you come along with us. One will come with me and one will come with Kirito.
Sinon: As much as I hate to agree, he's right. We'd be exposing ourselves too much if we go on large numbers, it's best if we go one by one.
Alice: Agreed. It is a wise decision.
Everyone: right.
You: let's go back for now. We'll come back once we have a plan.
With that, everyone begins to enter the portal and begins teleporting back to Arc Sophia, leaving only me and Kirito with Philia.
You: come on Philia.
Kirito: aren't you coming? It's dangerous to be here.
Philia: I told you guys, I can't go back. Look.
Philia then steps on the teleport gate and shouts the words, "Arc Sophia" and an error message pops up.
Error message: Error, unable to teleport to required destination.
Kirito: Hmm… that's odd…
You: Do you think it might have something to do with her cursor?
Kirito: I don't know... I do know that the safe zones don't allow red players to enter... but I've never heard of teleportation gates that don't allow them to teleport either...
Philia: Look, don't worry about me. I promise I will be safe. I've been surviving here for months, I'll be fine.
You: but I…
I felt really insecure. Now that I knew that PoH was still alive and was also lurking around the Hollow area with Philia, I really didn't feel safe with leaving her there.
You: I just…
Philia then took me by the shoulders and made me look at her face.
Philia: Trust me, I will be fine. Though… I would be lying if I said that I didn't feel lonely whenever either of you leave…
Kirito: is that so…? Well… we'll be back soon. We promise.
Philia: R-Right…
Kirito: come on (You).
You: Y-Yeah… please stay safe.
Philia: I will.
With that, Kirito and I enter the teleport gate and we get teleported away. I didn't know what happened but Philia took the privilege of writing the following event that took place right after we left.
Philia POV
Philia: Well… they're gone…
?: Oh… so the prince charming and my favorite idol has now left… "Cough" "Cough"
I could hear the sound of heavy breathing along with a dark deep voice coming from the side of the area.
Philia: Wh-Who's there?!
I then saw the same hooded man with the black hole in his chest that I saw with the others in that forest.
PoH: Hehehe… Plugha! "Cough" "Cough" look at you… you're so terrified, your knees are trembling…
He gave me a sinister glare, even his mere presence was terrifying.
Philia: how did you get in here?!
PoH: Does that matter? All sorts of weird things can happen in this world.
Philia: you're from that murder guild (You) and Kirito mention… the Laughing coffin!
PoH: Ohhh! So it seems that were are famous in this world too "Cough" Cough" "He breathes in"
Philia: You look awful…
PoH: Plughaaa! Hehe… so I heard… but I still think I'm pretty on the outside… rather than the inside… Hehehe— "Cough" "Cough" "Cough"
Philia: Did you come here to kill me? I won't make it easy for you!
PoH: Whoa, whoa, calm down. I have no interest of killing you. That's not why I am here.
Philia: then why are you here?!
PoH: I have no idea why you're so frightened… "Cough" Cough" you're an orange player too… just Gaagh! "Cough" just like us….
Philia: So? What of it?
PoH: You and I… Plughaa! We are both the same… why can't we just be friends…?
Philia: Ha! Nice try, I won't fall for your tricks.
PoH: I know what you did… "Cough" Cough" I saw what you did…
I was taken back to what he said, it made me wonder how long he was watching me. The way he spoke was very sinister.
PoH: You can't bring yourself to tell them… that beater boy and the integral factor… hehehehe— "Cough" "Cough"
Philia: Beater boy…? Integral factor? Wait, you mean (You) and Kirito?! I swear, if anything happens to them—!
PoH: Whoa, stop, calm down… I am not going to do anything to them… especially my idol…
Philia: Huh?
PoH: Yes… I mean him… (You)… he committed murder as well, but he did it in a way that… made me feel totally inspired… you know, its thanks to him that I am so committed into doing what I do… "Cough" "Cough" there is no way I would ever disrespect him…
Philia: What…?
PoH: Gaaagh! "Cough" "Cough" Right, I think we are done for today… I feel that we are in the same wavelength… after all… "Cough" "Cough" were all orange here…
Philia: You're done here, get lost!
PoH: okay, okay… I am going.
He then turned around and began to exit the place… but he turned around again and gave me a menacing smile.
PoH: But one last thing… stick with either of them… (You) and or Kirito… and you will die…
Philia: What…?! What do you mean?!
PoH: Whoa! She's all scared again… Hehahaha— "Cough" "Cough" ...oh well… I guess were done here… see ya…
He then walked in front of a wall and... Disappeared into the shadows, it was as if he had walked right through the wall.
Philia: Stick with either (You) or Kirito… and I will die…? What's that supposed to mean…?
Your memory voice: I know how you feel… I killed somebody before… three of them in fact…
Philia: Kirito… (You)…
To be continued…