Chapter – 11
Revenge of the prince of hell – SAO Integral Fragments
After having my little bump with Alice and Eydis, I set off to the teleport gate where Kirito and Yui were already waiting for me. I wish more of our friends could have come but, this way it's safer, for now we just had to focus on tracking down Philia, PoH and the rest of LafCof.
Kirito: Hey, you ready to go?
You: Yeah.
Yui: What kept you so long uncle (You)?
You: Uh… I just had a quick bump with Alice and Eydis, nothing serious. Come on, let's go.
With that being settled, the three of us enter the administration area and not a second later, Yui begins to understand the situation.
Administration area
Yui: P-Papa! Uncle! This is…!
Kirito: what is it Yui?
Yui: Based on everything you two told me about this place was full of things that didn't make sense at first…
Kirito: But you are starting to get it…
Yui: Yes… this area… it's a classified are for development testing!
You: Development testing? Wait, isn't that a process of testing out a new feature or skill or equipment before adding them to the game?
Yui: Yes. Every item, weapon, skill… anything new that's added to SAO gets tested here before it can be implemented.
Kirito: So they test it out to make sure it has no bugs.
Yui: Exactly. Even the smallest tweak to equipment or skills can have huge effects on the game depending on how they're used.
Kirito: I see… so they created a restricted area where it was once forbidden to enter that is also full of enemies that we have never seen for testing properties.
Yui: Yes. What's more, the systems in this place have evolved since the game started. So record history even contain the tweak errors from uncle (You)'s fluctlight, but they are all filled with holes for me to understand it. I am going to investigate more to see what I can find.
After that, Yui began to scan the entire administration area, from head to toe. She even typed into the console and entered codes that I had no idea what they meant.
Yui: Daddy! Uncle! Come here!
Kirito: what is it Yui?
Yui: This data… it references every players registration data. It seems that player IDs are created for the hollow area.
Kirito: Player ID?
Yui: Yes. Daddy, have you noticed any player behaving strangely every time you come across the hollow area?
You: I've never even once seen a player here.
Kirito: I have…
You: Huh?
Kirito: But yes, they were indeed strange. It's like they had no common sense, they were aware but they were not thinking, if that makes any sense.
Yui: That is because most of the players here are actually AI recreations of real human players. Very faithful recreations too…
Kirito: But why on earth would they build AI recreations of players?
Yui: I don't really know. It seems the aim so to delve deep into a player's psychology, to make more efficient tests.
You: considering that MMORPG's are considered to be psychological test for human minds, i could actually see it working.
Kirito: Well, that brings up a question I have been asking myself ever since we got here. Why are we here?
You: Actually, the question I am asking right now is, Philia is an AI?
Yui: To answer the first question. Daddy, it seems that you are registered as a high-level player. It seems they needed to perform tests with your high-level player skills. They needed someone to act unpredictably, unlike AI…
You: So basically it teleport Kirito to this unknown area just to run some tests. I don't see that being any different than how Kayaba trapped us here on day one.
Yui: Uncle, it seems that you are known for being a fate changer, the one with the title of "Integral Factor". It seems that this area wanted to test your ability to change its fate, my guess is that it wanted to test your skills to see if you were able to change the fate of the areas in this place. That's why you two are here.
You: So basically, were test subjects.
Yui: Yes. But from what I can tell from this console, Philia's name is not registered on the list of test subjects.
Kirito: Right.
Yui: And based on what you two told me, it may seem that Philia has something special as well.
Kirito: thanks Yui, I am starting to understand this better.
Yui: I am happy I could have helped.
You: Guess that means that we must head back to Driogeer to get some more clues.
Yui: Oh! Actually about that, it seems that there is a console in Diogeer as well! This particular console should provide data to check Philia's own data.
You: Then we should go check it out. Diogeer, it should be the area we've been searching for answers.
Yui: I will come with you.
Kirito: are you sure Yui? The hollow area is very dangerous.
Yui: Don't worry Daddy. Remember, my heart is connected to Uncle (You)'s sword. As long as it lives, I live. My skill level is also presented by uncle (You)'s BP.
Kirito: Still though… I fear that if something happens—
You: Don't worry. I already backed up Yui's account data to my Nervegear, even if she does die, her data account will be saved. Getting her back to the way she used to be might be a bit tricky but one thing is for sure, she will be fine. One way or another.
Kirito: alright then, but still, be careful.
Yui: I will daddy.
With that, we all setled out to the depths of the Driogeer.
Hollow area: Driogeer
Yui: Hmm… this area seems to have been cleared out.
You: Yeah, me and your dad eliminated all the enemies inside this dungeon.
Yui: Yes, but it was only for mere hours. They will respawn again after 24 hours, I suggest we use this opportunity to head down without any troubles.
With that, began exploring the entire dungeoun but only came back to the same place we were walking.
You: I've seen this wall before, were going around in circles.
Yui: It has to be around here somehwere… maybe its just hidden.
Kirito: yeah, but where?
You: Hmm…
As I scan the area we were standing in, I notice a wall that seemed to be darker than the others.
You: Hey… you guys see that?
They both turned their attention to the wall he was pointing at and seemed to understand what i was trying to say.
Kirito: that's got to be it…
Kirito then placed his hand on the wall and began scanning it to see of there was a mechanism to open it. After a while, he manages to find a lose rock and as soon as he presses it, the wall begins opening.
Kirito: Well, I'll be damned.
Yui: there's the teleport device!
The three of us then see a blue crystal like device that seemed to be the teleporter.
You: Great, let's get going.
Later
After a while, we arrive to a very wide open area that seemed to have no bottom and no roof, just blue moving waves that reminded me of the depths of the ocean and at the end of the path we were standing in was a glowing device. The name on the map said, Driogeer Skycaves.
Yui: that device should take us where we need to go.
The three of us approach the device and as we do, notification messages pop up saying, "the current map is now registered in the administration area. It is now possible to teleport between these two locations. The middle and lower levels are currently locked. Authentication needed on upper level."
You: it seems that we need to get authentication on this level first if we wish to proceed.
Kirito: *He sighs* of course it does, when are things ever easy?
You: Hey, an adventure is no fun if it's too easy. Come on, let's go see what this place is made of.
After examining the map, we realized that there was an exit at the other side of this level and with our sense of examining, we knew that we had to reach the end of the level if we wished to arrive to the other side.
Neo Dullahan: Groouu…
You: Damn, of course there'd be enemies here.
Kirito: Yui, are you ready?
Yui's body begins to shine brightly and within a matter of seconds, Yui transforms into her teenaged body along with her battle equipment.
Yui: Yes, Daddy.
Kirito: I still cant get used to see you grow this fast.
You: As the old saying goes, "They grow up too fast". Come on, lets finish these guys off.
Kirito: *He prepares his dual wields* Let's do this!
You, Yui and Kirito: HEAAAA!
With the three of us beginning to unleash our sword attacks, the enemies quickly notices us.
Molten Blues: Grgrglglglglglll!
Murderous souls: Grrrouuuu!
Kirito: HREAAAA!
Kirito moves from one enemy to another while taking down enemies in seconds along with Yui moving at high speeds, slicing enemies into very small weak spots that even we can't see, which actually made sense to me since Yui seemed to have much more detailed information on the mobs then we would.
Yui: Hup! *she uppercuts an enemy*
Murderous soul: Graaauuu! *it prepares to attack*
Yui: Hm! Hmph! *she backflips the attack*
Yui moved in perfect sync as she dodged and parried each of the enemies' attacks, dealing devastating blows in a faster and more powerful paste.
You: Wow she is good!
Yui: HEAAAAAAAAAA!
She unleashes a 12 hit combo attack on the last enemy and as a result, the entire area is cleared.
Yui: phew… that's the last of them.
Kirito: Wow, Yui!
You: You killed the mobs faster than Kirito and I would.
Yui: Oh, it was a matter of timing my attacks. It's not so complicated.
Kirito: maybe for you…
You: Hey look, there's the exit. We may be able to proceed from there.
As we reached the exit, we were found on a similar yet different area from where we were last standing.
Kirito: this thing can probably take us to the middle floors.
You: Let's see…
As I approached the glowing device, the following notification popped up, "the current map is now registered in the administration area. It is now possible to access all levels."
You: Looks like we can access them all now.
Kirito: Great, then let's head to the middle floors.
With the inputted commands, the three of us begin to get teleported to the middle floors. Within a matter of minutes, the three of us were standing in an area that was similar to the previous area, only… it was all red.
Kirito: Whoa. This place looks like as if it was a restricted area.
You: Actually… all the paths seem to be blocked.
Kirito: Hmm… yeah, you're right. We won't be able to proceed if we don't find a way to get rid of them.
Yui: We should try heading to the lower levels, see if we can find anything.
You: Alright, then let's down.
We then get teleported to the lower levels and we are back to the blue colored themed area with a teleport stone standing right behind us.
You: A teleport stone…
Kirito: I got it.
Kirito then places his palm and the teleport stone gets activated.
Kirito: With this, we should be able to teleport back to the administration area.
Yui: Daddy, uncle! The console is right over there.
We all then see the console and Yui begins examining it.
Kirito: Is this it Yui?
Yui: Yes. I think I can access the hollow areas administration system from here. Give me a sec…
Yui, begins typing away with a very serious expression. Honestly, with the way her body looks along with her long hair, she sort of reminded me of Asuna.
Yui: Mm… its open!
Kirito: is there any useful information?
Yui: Be patient Daddy… I'm looking at a sequence that checks the duplication of player and AI data… Oh! There's some kind if internal data error!
You: An error?
Yui: Yes. It seems an unexpected error happened the during the duplication check.
Kirito: S-sorry Yui, but what is a duplication check?
Yui: In the hollow area, AI IDs are created based on the data of real players. But they don't want real players to be in the hollow area at the same time as the AI players are based off them. That's why they do this check, the make sure that not IDs are duplicated.
Kirito: So if I go to the hollow area and I meet an AI player that's based on me, that AI player will be deleted?
Yui: that's right, Daddy. It's set up so that the AI player always gets deleted first, not the real player. The moment that a player and an AI based on that player are simultaneously detected in the hollow area… the system flags it as unfavorable and the ID is detected. It could significantly interfere with test data that uses humans, you see. This duplicate check is supposed to make sure that players don't meet AI's based on themselves.
You: Okay, I think I am starting to understand…
Yui: But it seems that something happened during the duplication check that caused an error... I think there were two reasons why it happened.
You: yeah… I think I know when too… firstly, do you know how the first error happened?
Yui: Yes… on the day you fought Akihiko Kayaba, I remember there was an error when it came to logging all the players out for clearing SAO. The error intervened with the process and as a result, various unexpected twists began accumulating around SAO, along with player data's getting mixed up or corrupted. Someone from both inside and outside intervened with the process… but who could have such privileges from both inside and out…?
Kirito: Hmm… do you know whose data it was that caused the other error Yui?
Yui: Yes… it was Philia.
You: Ah… I see…
Kirito: thanks Yui. I understand the situation now.
Yui: You both seem relieved.
You: Well, now we know what we are facing.
Kirito: and Philia is not an AI or hollow data. However, she bumped into her AI duplicate.
Yui: That's right. My guess is that the check for duplicates feature stopped due to the first error that occurred when Kayaba was defeated.
You: that must have been why she saw herself in the hollow area.
Kirito: she must have got confused and started attacking her own hollow data. She wasn't even supposed to come across it in the first place.
Yui: and it is because of this irregularity that Philia shows a status that she is not supposed to have.
Kirito: so she attacked her own AI, and the orange cursor had nowhere to go… that's what caused the error…?
Yui: Yes, the problem, though, is that the error cannot be removes using this console. You need to access the central administration console somewhere here in the hollow area.
Kirito: the cnetral administration console…
You: Using that, we should get Philia's cursor back to normal.
Yui: I think Philia might be somewhere here in the skycave area, daddy.
Kirito: why do you think that?
Yui: Because there has been a seal placed on the door between the middle floor of the skycave area and the room where the boss is deployed. I am not 100% sure about this, but I have a feeling that PoH put the seal in place.
Kirito: Well, if PoH did seal that door, there must be something he wants to protect on the other side.
You: and there might be a good chance to find Philia there.
Yui: I've just used this console to remove that seal.
You: having you along really made us understand so many things we were wondering about. Thanks so much Yui.
Kirito: Yeah Yui, your amazing.
Yui: No problem, as long as you two are happy, I'm happy! Let's go back.
We all then head back to the middle floors to see that a path has been unsealed and was now accesible.
You: that must be the path.
Kirito: Come on!
We all then follow the end of the path and we find ourselves in a new area.
You: Philia and PoH must be somewhere…
Kirito: this place is also crawling with enemies…
Yui: Don't worry Daddy, I will deal with the mobs. You two keep moving.
Kirito: Are you sure Yui?
Yui: I am sure.
You: Come on Kirito. I am sure she'll be fine, she can handle herself better than us.
Kirito: *He sighs* to think that my own daughter doesn't need me to take care of her…
You: Haha! Come on, let's go!
The three of us enter the area and as soon as we step in, enemies begin to notice us but Yui takes charge.
Yui: HEAAA! *she begins landing her attacks* Go! Now is your chance!
Kirito: Be safe Yui!
Kirito and I begin rushing to the other side as we both can hear Yui holding the enemies off.
Kirito: I sure hope she'll be okay.
You: Don't worry, I am sure she will be fine.
Kirito: I hope so…
Hall of Sepsis
You: Alright, this is the other side of the last area.
Kirito: Philia must be around here somewhere…
"Whispers" "Whispers"
You: Hmm… I can hear voice coming from the other side of the wall…
Kirito: there's a door here…
System announcement: High-level player authority confirmed. Lost player data protocols detected, access privileges granted. Door unlocked.
You: Huh, that's convenient.
Kirito: Shh, I can hear voices coming from the other side…
On the other side of the door
PoH: Yeah, great work Philia…
Johnny black: You really came through with your promise… hehe…
Philia: you're all here. That must mean that you've finished all of your plans preparations. If that's the case, then let me go. You promised you'd release me once you'd done what you needed to do… I must go back and help (You) and Kirito.
PoH: "Cough" "Cough" Well…. You really did perform your duties very impressively. In fact, they should be saying his last words any minute now.
Philia: Huh?! What do you mean?!
Morte: Hehaha! That face… Oohh, that face…
PoH: what's the matter Philia? "Cough" you look like someone just gave you an unexpected surprise.
Philia: B-but this wasn't part of our deal! You said that you wouldn't kill (You) or Kirito!
PoH: And I kept my promise. I am not going to kill them, but I never said that the mobs wouldn't try.
Philia: Huh?
PoH: you see… *he inhales* I've used that trap on lots and lots of people… and not one of them's been seen again… sorry, should've told you…
Philia: You… you lied to me!
PoH: Well, I think it was more of a misunderstanding… and anyway, I've apologized now.
Philia: Igh… *tears begin to fall down*
PoH: Oh! I like that! I like that very much! "Cough" "cough" you look very nice when you're crying.
Philia: (You)… Kirito, I'm coming for you!
XaXa: Whoa there, don't be so hasty… we said that they were sent down in a trap but we never said they'd actually died.
PoH: that's right… Gaaah! "Cough" "Cough" damn this curse… the black swordsmen is a tough cookie, not to mention that the integral factor is with him, I am sure they will be fine. But don't stop crying, we like it. Now listen to me…
Philia: Mm…
PoH: you've been a big help. Thanks to you, there is now no one who can stand in my way again. Pughaa! "Cough" Cough" augh… that's why I am holding up a big ol' party to express my gratitude.
Philia: what are you trying to say?
PoH: you see… if SAO had been cleared, the hollow area would have disappeared. I mean, there'd have been no more need for tests. "Cough" "Cough" BUT! Thanks to you, I can get back to killing again and this time it will be forever! There is no reason for my fun to end ever again! "Cough" "Cough" that's why I am grateful! That's why I want to have a party!
Johnny Black: a party where everyone is invited!
XaXa: And best of all…
Morte: No rules!
LafCof: HEHAHAHAHA!
Philia: Killing forever…? Your fun'll never end…? I just don't understand any of this! …
PoH: Well, this is what we chose. When we used that trap to kill (You) and Kirito, we were choosing a world where murder could be enjoyed forever. It was all down to us! All of it! Every last bit! You and me! You and my buddies! We decided that! Gaaaagh! "Cough" "Cough"
Philia: No! No…! NOOO!
Morte: yes! Yes! YES! HAHAHA!
Johnny Black: Your one of us now! A cold blooded killer! Hehehe…
XaXa: You helped us get this down! And you did not hesitate to ask… hehe…
PoH: "Cough" "Cough"… Welcome to Laughing Coffin, Philia. It's just the place for a dirty, rotten murder like you… now, since were all orange friends now, how we go out and kill some more people in celebration!
LafCof: YEAAAH!
Morte: I have been itching to go on back there and cause fear on players! What should we do first?!
Johnny Black: Oh! Oh! I know, I know! Let's find two victims and force them to kill each other, last one standing wins!
PoH: "Cough" "Cough" I know it's your favorite, but last time we did that you killed the winner anyway.
Johnny black: Ha! Maybe so, but don't go telling them that! It's no fun if they know they're gonna die in the end.
Philia: No! I am not your friend! I am nothing like you! I'm… I'm…
PoH: Hmm? What is it? You don't like killing people? Why don't you look excited?! Ha!
Johnny black: Blegh. Why does that look familiar?
Philia: but I haven't killed anyone… *she says terrorized*
PoH: "Cough" "Cough" Well… that is to be expected… since you don't seem like you can handle the truth… want me to kill you…?
Philia: …
PoH: Hmph! *he kicks Philia*
Philia: Igh…
Philia is then kicked to the other side of the room.
PoH: Oh, sorry about that. Didn't mean to kick you, did that hurt? "Cough" "Cough"
LafCof members: Hehehe…
The members watched with wide grins as they were excited to see how it would play off.
PoH: Baah… of course it didn't, this is SAO…
Philia: its weird… I want to be with Kirito… but I also want to be with (You)… why do I feel like this from both of them…?
PoH: That's not good. You can't think like that. Pughaaa! Augh… *he inhales* this is all your fault, you know? Ya couldn't be more wrong… didn't your parents teach you better?
Philia: …
PoH: They did… did they NOT?! *he kicks Philia again*
Philia: I am sorry… (You)… Kirito…
PoH: Mmm… how boring… I was hoping for a better reaction from a girl…
Johnny black: yeah, where's the crying? Where the begging?
XaXa: Boo! Pick a plot line!
PoH: Ah… too bad. *he grabs her by the throat* I guess you're useless to us now… *he grabs the mate chopper*
As PoH grabs his unique murder blade, he presses it against Philia's throat and a red line along with red particles begin to form on her throat.
Philia: Igh…
Kirito: HREAAA!
Within a flashing second, Kirito slashes PoH's hand, sending him back.
You: Hmph! *I kick PoH*
PoH: Pughh!
Using all my strength, I kick PoH in the torso and he does a backflip landing on two feet, facing the two of us.
As Kirito and I re-adjust our positions, a small usher of wind blows both of our coats and Philia sits in disbelief.
Philia: K-Kirito…? (You)…?
Kirito: Jeez, we've been searching all over for you Philia.
You: We even left an acquaintance of ours fighting mobs while looking for you.
Kirito: and as for you…
Kirito and I stand in front of the LafCof as they stare at us with disappointed faces.
PoH: Keh heh… you two really are a pain in the neck, aren't you?
Kirito: PoH… your still as much as a villain as ever, huh?
You: I have no idea of why you are still alive… but I won't let you hurt anymore people.
Philia: but… why are you two…?
Kirito: we told you, didn't we? We will always be there to help you.
Philia: b-but I… betrayed you… I tried to kill you…
You: Eh, you're not the first one.
Kirito: Besides, were alive and well. And what's more, we understand why you've been suffering so much, Philia.
Philia: Kirito… (You)…
Without having anymore willpower, she bursts into tears while also dropping her head.
Philia: I'm sorry! I am so, so, so sorry!
Kirito: Seriously, it's fine.
PoH: what a pleasant scene… makes me want to vomit! "Cough" Cough" the idea of dying at this time is just unthinkable.
Johnny black: just like cockroaches, you just keep coming back! Why must you always ruin our fun!?
Kirito: what are you all even talking about?
PoH: Your too late, you two… the party's about to start…
Kirito: stop blathering and just tell us what's going on! Do you want us to ask your guildmates?
PoH: Well, parties aren't much fun without guests. Killing people, it just feels so good… I mean, even the hollows… the looks on their faces when they're about to die, it's really something. I even got a special surprise for hunting them down so enthusiastically.
You: Kirito, look at his palm. He's got the same mark as you.
Kirito: that must be why he's here…
You: how did you even wind up here?
PoH: Well, it's a long painful story… Plughaa! "Cough" "Cough"
You: I see the curse is still slashing your body away.
PoH: Oh… it is… and it is most unpleasant… the pain is just unbearable… after our last meeting, I was falling for what seemed like an eternity… but then, the ground began to break and the next thing I knew, I was standing in the same forest you two wound up in… I have no idea for how long I have been here, nor do I care… but when I checked out the console in the administration area, I found out what this world's really all about… I found out about Philia too… this curse is still taking a tool on me… but I might find a way to get rid of it and then I can go back to killing people like I usually do. I had all sorts of plans for this world… but then you two showed up… *he says with an unpleasent smile*
Kirito: Well, sorry about that.
You: yeah, we didn't mean to stop you, AGAIN.
PoH: If one of you either lives or dies, either of you will be able to clear SAO and if that happens, I'm going to disappear, right? I mean, I can't go back to Aincrad. The way I see it, I am trapped in here forever. "Cough" "Cough" I didn't like the sound of that. So I decided to create an eternal paradise instead. Using the AI data from my guild buddies, I used it to recreate similar AI copies of them.
Kirito: so these guys… they're not the actual LafCof members?
You: I thought they seemed weirder then usual.
PoH: Using my credentials as a test player, I'll use it to update your world with hollow data! How do you like the sound of that?!
You: So basically, using your guildmates' player data along with other players, you can use it to rebuild Laughing coffin and create a world where you and your guildmates can kill players without actually finishing them off, as you can always create more.
Kirito: a never ending killing massacre.
PoH: Bravo! "Cough" "Cough" as expected from my idol. Sharp as ever.
Philia: No way…
You: Well, thanks for sharing the details. Now that we know… *I unsheathe Esper* we are going to stop you.
PoH: Heh… I had a feeling that this will happen. Oh well, I can't have you two ruining my fun again. I'm going to have to kill you two with my own two hands!
You: You wanna bet?! You already tried and failed, multiple times!
PoH: SHUT UP! NOW LET ME HEAR YOUR SCREAMS! *he kills his guildmates*
LafCof members: Hehahaha… haha… *they disappear into blue polygons*
PoH: Hrr… geehhhaaaaAAAAAAA!
PoH's unique skill powers up as a purplish aura begins to form around his body.
You: Kirito…
Kirito: Yeah… let's do this…!
PoH: HEHAHAHA! IT'S SHOWTIME!
You and Kirito: HREAAAA!
As the two of us slash attack PoH, his mate chopper manages to block the attack as it only crashes his defense and pushes Kirito and I back a few feet.
You: Still as strong as ever I see!
Kirito: HREAAA! *he unleashes a crimson slash*
With Kirito landing multiple stab wounds on to PoH, the pain absorbers seems to have zero effect as PoH screams for his life.
PoH: GAAAAAAAH!
Kirito: Whoa! The pain absorbers must still not work!
You: it must have been deactivated when he got that curse.
PoH: grr… DAMN YOUAAAAAAAA! *he unleashes a shadow switch*
With Kirito and PoH both slashing at each other, PoH ends up kicking Kirito away, then PoH and I are left facing each other as we both swing our swords trying to hit each other.
You: this is what you always like to do! "Caching!" You just like killing people for no reason and just mess around with people to do your dirty work and watch all hell break loose "Caching!" but I won't let that happen again! Activate sabotage, buffer, and shield orb!
With the yellow, orange and blue orbs on my sword beginning to power up, buff icons spawn on my cursor as I begin powering esper with a sword attack.
You: Hmph! *I parry PoH's attack* HEAAAA!
Using all of my might, I push PoH back with the tip of my blade and as I do, he is pushed back with a massive usher of wind and is then smashed at the wall.
PoH: GAAAAH— "Cough"— AAAUGH!
Kirito: Take this!
Crossing his swords, Kirito swings his blades unleashing a spinning totality which brings PoH down to his knees.
You: Transform! Mace shape!
With my sword transforming into a mace, I switch out with Kirito and smash PoH right in the guts as his eyes widen with pain and falls down on one arm coughing and screaming.
You: activate umbra orb!
With the purple orb beginning to power up, purple like hands begin to come out of my sword and wrap around PoH as they toss him back to the center of the room.
You: Kirito!
Kirito: Yeah! Lets go!
PoH: GRRRAAAAA!
PoH's aura began to glow from purple to red as his sword, the mate chopper, also began to change shape as it began to grow and grow until it was five times larger than its usual size.
PoH: JUST DIE ALREADY!
You: Activate all Out-orb!
With the red orb starting to power me up, my strength and speed increase by large scales as my power level reaches high numbers.
Kirito: Here we go! *he activates his unique skill*
With Kirito getting stronger with his unique dual-wielding ability, the two of us approached PoH with overwhelming skill and strength.
You: GEAAAAAH! *I deflect his attack*
With my sword powered up, PoH's sword, the matte chopper is snatched from his hand as Kirito attacks PoH with 26 hits in a bright yellow light.
Kirito: TOTAL ECLIPSE! HEEAAAAAAAAA!
PoH: GEAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
With Kirito landing the 27th attack, the ability explodes within PoH when Kirito finishes his attack.
PoH: DUGHAAAAAA!
Kirito: Switch!
You: Transform! Sword shape!
With my mace, turning back into a blade, I unleash three hit combo with my sword powered up from the skull reapers armament orb, as a result, the attack was more painful than the other attacks. As I deliver the three attacks, I finished it off with one final swing as my sword went through his body, leaving a red mark on his torso.
PoH: GEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh… noooooo…
PoH faints out… and then…
"Poof…"
His body disappears with bluish polygons dinging with each other as they float away.
You: "Pant"… "pant"…
Kirito: its over…
You: or is it…?
As Kirito sheathes his weapons, he notices that I still don't move at all.
Kirito: Hey… you okay?
You: I just… I can't believe that I…
Kirito: Hey… you did the right thing. Its alright.
You: No, its not!
Kirito: Uh!
You: I promised I wouldn't do it again! I PROMISED!
Kirito: (Y-You), I—
You: No, just save it! There is nothing you can do, and there is nothing I can do! I killed someone, again! *I sigh* again… how am I going to tell her?
Kirito: we'll both tell her. We'll tell everyone. You and I are on the same boat (You). I am responsible for what happened as well. We still have PoH's update to deal with. Let's go back and get Yui.
You: *I sigh deeply* …okay…
Administration area
As we headed back, all I could feel was anger and regret. I broke another promise to Koharu, I don't even know what to feel or what to think. I just feel like as if I was that same little boy who was living with his selfish family. Kirito was at the console trying to find PoH's update but couldn't find anything, I myself is just sitting on the floor, looking at my reflection on the ground. I just kept asking myself, "Who are you?" am I that same little boy or am I the Integral factor, I didn't even know. I was just so angry with myself.
Before I even realize it, I feel someone sitting on my knees.
You: Yui…?
Yui: Uncle… are you okay?
You: Heh… it would be simpler if I said yes… but no… no I am not.
Yui: Hmm… I understand. You killed someone, despite him being evil, you committed murder… and what's more, you promised auntie Koharu that you wouldn't commit such an act again…
You: *I sigh*
Yui: you toke a life to save another one… in some way, your act was wrong but was right in the same way…
You: Killing is bad no matter what it is…
Yui: but you did it to protect Philia and Kirito… and to protect me and all the lives in SAO.
You: doesn't make it any less bad…
Yui: maybe so… but I do know that you'd never hurt anyone.
You: Mm…
Yui: PoH is an inhuman man who would stop at nothing but to get life taken by his own hands. I may not know him as you or daddy does but I do know that he is evil… I can see it in his eyes… but I can see hope in yours. Its thanks to you that so many lives are safe because of your actions… just because you made a mistake, doesn't mean it is bad… it may seem like he died but I don't belive you killed him… he killed himself… in some way, you stopped him but he killed himself with his actions.
You: I guess… in some ways you are right… he did set the curse upon himself, which lead to his downfall.
Yui: And let us not forget that he killed his own teammates just to get a benefit, if you didn't stop him, I don't think anyone would have… I know what you did was bad but that doesn't make you who you are… it is the rest of your story… who you want to be right now.
You: Hmm…
Hearing her words, It made me remember all the paths I have taken to get here… since I ran away, since I came to japan without a plan, since I saved a little girls life who suddenly became my sister, since I got trap in this game and since we reached the last quarter point of this floating castle. I made it through so many obstacles that I am sure, no one would have had the guts to do, and despite of what I have done, I made myself clear that it was not too late. I can still make up for it…
You: I see… thank you Yui… *I say while patting her*
Yui: *she giggles at my embrace* my pleasure… I am designed for these type of things after all.
You: Oh yeah that's right. I keep forgetting that you're a psychiatrist AI. Thank you, I will keep my head up high… and will make up for my mistake.
Yui: and I am sure that you will not be alone in this journey. You got Kirito, Mommy, Auntie Koharu, Philia and everyone else back home. I am sure you will be fine.
Philia: Wait… *she approaches us* so you weren't lying? You seriously killed your family?
You: Yup… and I regret it to this day… but I know I can make up for it, I just need to keep fighting. Speaking of which. Kirito, did you find anything yet?
Kirito: No… the update data's nowhere to be found. Maybe this isn't the right console
You: if that's the case then we must not waste time and try to find it.
Philia: S-Sorry… I know you two don't have much time… but I just really need to talk to you guys about something…
Kirito: Okay… what is it you want to talk about?
Philia: could you two sit right here…?
Philia then points to both sides from where she was siting, signaling us that she wants us to sit on both sides. We both then sit down and begin hearing her.
Philia: the thing is, when I first came to this world, I felt like I wasn't myself.
You: in what way?
Philia: I felt like I was empty inside… like the real me was somewhere else… maybe that's why I was so desperate to stay alive.
Kirito: Philia…
Philia: that's how I was when I first met you guys… the first time I met you Kirito, I attacked you… that must have given you quite the shock…
Kirito: Yeah, you did seem kind of worked up…
Philia: heh… well I just realized that I haven't properly apologized for that. I mean our first meeting was as bad as it can be. I know it's a bit late for this… but I am really sorry.
Kirito: its fine. I mean, think about it. If we hadnt met like we did, we wouldn't be talking like this, would we?
You: I mean, it was your fighting that got my attention, if it werent for that, I wouldn't have found you two in the right moment.
Philia: *she giggles*… I guess your right… thank you both. Anyway, do you know why I've always stayed here since then?
You: Hmm?
Philia: I just felt too anxious about it. I don't really understand it myself, but the idea of going back when I felt so empty inside was really scary… but now that the three of us have gone on so many adventures together, that feeling is gone… I've had so much fun.
You: you don't say? *I say with a smile*
Philia: I find it strange though… a curious area, a completely unknown orange player… most people would be scared. Its only natural.
You: you might not believe this, but we've been through worse. Getting forcefully teleported somewhere to an unknown area along with unknown events, I think that's about a normal day for us.
Philia: really? I suppose looking at it that way, you two would feel natural around these things.
Kirito: you have no idea. Besides, we had fun too. I like going on adventures with you.
You: Same here.
Philia: Uh…! *she blushes* honestly… you both are just so odd… you both showed me so many things… because of you, I felt human… I felt warmth… I have a question for you both… why do you trust me?
You: Mmm… well, I guess its because I have a habit of thinking about the other's point of view. Whenever I look at someone, I always ask, "What do they think or feel?" and that brings me a lot of things to consider before jumping to conclusions. That, and I know you felt when you said you'd killed someone.
Kirito: I felt the same way. I'm confident that I'm a good judge of character
Philia: B-But… I betrayed you both… and I am an orange player. I don't really think I am worthy of being with either of you. You both should hate me… I would if I were you…
You: Look, I understand. I was tricked by PoH as well. He used me to start a guild war around the third to the fifth floor, but I was able to stop him before it happened. So I get it, I don't hate you Philia.
Kirito: hating you has never crossed our minds.
You: despite of what happened, I like you Philia.
Kirito: as do I.
Philia: H-Huh?! *she blushes hardly* you both like me…?! B-but I… this can only be with one person but—
Kirito: you are a very important friend to us.
You: We promised we wouldn't let anything happen to you, and we will keep that promise. Because that's what friends do.
Philia: F-Friend? *she turns disappointed* Ugh! You both are real jerks!
Kirito: Whoa, why did she turned abusive?
You: Beats the heck out of me.
Philia: I… I am sorry… I just feel so empty sometimes… but you both fill that void… you both complete me.
You: what?
Kirito: we do what?
Philia: *she sighs* you both are idiots…
Kirito: b-but why?!
Yui: Hrr… Daddy… Uncle… I don't want you two to hurt mommy or auntie Koharu. *she says with her cheeks puffed in anger*
You: B-But how would we— I am serious, I will never understand girls.
Philia: well it doesn't matter. Come on, we have work to do. *she says all cheerfully*
Kirito: B-But before we go Philia. There is something else we haft to tell you.
Philia: what is it?
Kirito: its about your orange cursor. We know why you got it.
Philia: Huh?
You: You didn't kill anyone, Philia. The thing you killed was an AI version of yourself. Data, in other words.
Philia: I don't understand. How do you know I am not hollow data and that I didn't kill the real me?
Yui: Because I ran various simulations and came to the conclusion that you are indeed in fact, not hollow data.
Philia: Y-You have? Wait, but who are you?
You: it's a long story but basically, she's Kirito's daughter.
Philia: H-Huh?! Daughter?
Kirito: L-Like he said, it's a long story. Bottom line is, your orange cursor is due to an error.
Philia: an error?
Kirito: you came here on November 7th, right?
Philia: Well it was November but I can't remember which date…
Kirito: the thing is Philia, players shouldn't normally enter the hollow area. What's more, hollow data shouldn't be able to exist at the same time as the player it's based on.
You: Now, in the most unlikely event that it should happen, the hollow data is supposed to get erased by the system.
Philia: but I fought myself…
Kirito: when the boss battle on the 75th floor took place on November 7th, a major error occurred throughout Aincrad.
You: one that may or may not have been my fault.
Kirito: then before the system could detect the error and erase your hollow data. You got confused and ended up fighting yourself.
Yui: as a result of all those unexpected things happening at once, the system determined that there was an error with your data.
You: and that error, is the orange cursor. We've seen the logs ourselves, you are indeed not a killer.
Philia: So… I'm…
Kirito: Yep, we can get rid of it. We just need to find the central console, then we can remove the error and get your status back to normal.
You: as a result, the system won't find you as a threat and you can come back to Arc Sophia with us.
Philia: You two did… you… *tears begin falling down her cheeks*
You: See? Told you I'd kept my promise of finding a way to get you back.
Philia: *she giggles and sniffs* thank you both! *she hugs us together* I was so scared… I thought I was going to die alone…
You: Ehehe, relax. Everything is going to be alright now. With PoH now gone, at least I hope, we should be able to find it.
Philia: Kirito… (You)… thank you so much…
You: A promise is a promise, right?
Kirito: Come on, lets go find that console and get you back.
Yui: A-Actually. An option of the administration area's underground section as just opened and I am seeing that an interesting section has been unlocked.
Kirito: an underground section?
Yui: Yes. It seems that's where the central console is.
Philia: R-Really?!
Kirito: then lets head down there, so we can put a stop to PoH's update and get rid of Philia's cursor. But why has it opened up now?
Yui: PoH must have used his high-level player credentials to hide it. Just as I thought… but I do have some bad news, in order to gain access to the underground section, every area boss in the hollow area must be defeated.
You: Hmm… so the bosses need to be finished before gaining access.
Yui: Yes, there doesn't seem to be any way around it. PoH must have defeated every boss in order to gain access as well.
Philia: then we know what we must do.
Yui: I can warp us a corridor portal, that way you wont need to go through the whole dungeon again.
You: Great. That would be a big help.
Yui: Okay… *she extends her palm*
As Yui extended her palm, a corridor portal has opened up in the middle of the room.
Yui: This should take us to the area where the boss is hiding. I checked the map of the dungeon, no doubt about it, it should be there.
You: How did you manage that Yui?
Yui: well, while you two were busy fighting PoH, I did a bit of exploring and found an intersting entrance. I scanned the area and noticed a massive amount of energy comeing from the other side. I knew it had to be the area boss and I knew that you two would eventually take on it. So I saved teleport crystal right in that area.
You: Wow, having more helping hands can be very useful.
Kirito: then what are we waiting for? Let's go!
We all then entered the portal, and within a certain period of time, we were standing in a room that contained a cross standing in the middle of it. Behind it, there was a door with a red light shining in the middle of the handle.
Driogeer skycaves area
Kirito: that must be it. The boss room.
You: "TH-THUMP!" Uh!
Philia: what's wrong?!
Feeling the power drawing near, I laid my hand on the door as it slowly opened.
You: It's here…
Everyone: Huh?
You: My fluctlight is inside…
Everyone: Huh?!
Quinella's voice: Yes (You). Its right here!
You: Yes. No doubt about it. The boss is holding my flutclight. *I turn to face them* we haft to defeat it.
Everyone: …
Kirito: Right… then let's do this. *he says with serious eyes*
Yui: count me in too.
Philia: You helped me… allow me to return the favor.
You: right… let's go defeat this boss!
To be continued…