SAO: in your time.
Hello welcome to another chapter and side project right now another SAO story about Kazuto time traveling back in time to stop as many deaths as possible… enjoy.
With that enjoy this new chapter.
Start chapter:
Asuna left Argos room with a sigh and she made way to there shaired room.
She found Kirito looking over files his plate of food she had given him to eat untouched
That was the first thing that told her something was wrong.
"Hey are you okay?" She asked
Kirito looked up from the report's "oh yeah why wouldn't I be?" He asked
"You barely touched your food." Asuna said
Kirito looked over at the untouched food and sighed
"sorry I'm just busy organizing the new guild, who knew running a guild would be so tough?" Kirito said
Only to meet Asuna's glare and a huff
Kirito looked down "right forgot you single-handedly basically ran the knights of the blood Oath." He muttered
Asuna's glaire softened
"What's really wrong Please?" Asuna asked
Kirito sighed "come in close the door." He said
Asuna did as she was told as Kirito sat back in his chair
"One about the food it didn't feel right for me to eat without you, I know it's strange, I've done it before it's just…different." He said looking down
"But that's not the only thing that's bothering me." Kirito said as he revealed the paper it was linked to the elf war quest something they haven't really thought about now sense laughing coffin was there main focus.
" remember the floor boss of the floor."
Asuna nodded
"Yeah it's Thor the annoying troll." Asuna said
Kirito nodded
"Normally we'd be able to face stumble upon the boss normally.
However the group found the boss room but they don't have the quest needed to unlock it." Kirito said
"It's locked behind a quest wall that-?" Asuna gasped before looking around panicked
"It's ok." Kirito said
"While we're in this room and the windows and doors are shut we are invisible to the system, no fear of Cardinal hearing our conversations and changing the game on us." Kirito said
"How did you do this?" Asuna asked
"It's similar to that of the Admin safe room down on floor 1," Kirito said
"Ok but that brings me up to another point, the flag of Valor. None of the information that you told was stuff we knew beforehand. So how did you know?" Asuna asked
Kirito smiled
"Yes one of the things I knew you'd ask. Remember that project I was working on with Yui?" He asked her
"You mean trying to separate her code away from Cardinal and the seed program?" Asuna asked
Kirito nodded "yes the original plan was to make it so Yui would eventually join us in the real world. I know we talked about having kids later on after we were married. But well we both saw her as our Angel." He said
Asuna held her hands to her mouth tears in her eyes.
"You were going to bring her into the real world?"
Kirito nodded "call it a Wedding anniversary gift." He said
Asuna cried and flung herself at Kirito
"Oh Kirito!" Asuna cried saying 'I love you' so much it mashed into one long string of words.
Kirito laughed. As he pulled her away
"While I don't have All my research from before I do know a place that is trying the same thing." Kirito said
Asuna gasped "Rath." She said
Kirito nodded "last time I was too much of a pushover and let them use me. This time however, I'm going to put my foot down when we meet Kikuoka." Kirito said
"I'll tell him straight to his face. About everything we know the time travel and what happens. And in response for that he helps bring Yui to life." He said
Asuna was stunned he was serious
"Kirito that will take years." She said
"Years maybe a decade." He said
"But by then we can convince your mother of my acceptance, and we should be out of college again so it won't look so weird if we're walking around with a child." Kirito said
Asuna laughed "oh Kirito you plan for everything." She said
Kirito smiled "I try." He said
"I'm doing this right Asuna, we've done too much for us to not have the happy ending, no I will give you the life you deserve, we'll settle down, get married, grow old together, and Yui, we will have our family."
Kirito opened his eyes to reveal them bright gold "and nothing is going to stand in my way, not Kayaba, not Sougu, not Vassio." He said
He sighed as his eyes relaxed "anyways shall we eat?" He asked
Asuna nodded silience followed them as they ate
"So what's the plan for tomorrow?" She asked
"Tomorrow we hold the boss meeting I have an idea which quest it is that they're missing unfortunately it's a string of quests that will take most of the day even if we try to breeze through them."
"Is there a chance we will see kizmel again?" Asuna asked
Kirito scoffed "its funny you should mention that." He said as he revealed his quest menu and spun it to Asuna To read
"This is the first quest of starting that chain." He said
{Active quest: The Elf war}
{Objective: Meet up with Kizmel.}
Asuna looked up
"So wait the boss is apart of the elf quest what about the other's then?"
Kirito shook his head "the forest elf quest line actually leads them to the Area mid boss. It seems Kayaba planned for people to take both sides of the quest to actually complete the floor."
"It's like he's trying to make a PvE game." Asuna said
"Well we know who he is…"
Asuna looked away "true."
"Anyways we should go to bed we have a long day tomorrow and I want to start early." He said
The next day they woke up and found Argo had already departed
They headed down to where the raid group was taking place Kirito didn't bother to his his identity as Diabel called the crowd to quiet down.
They did so as Kirito took the stage unlike before where he was soft spoken and muffled this time he was ridged and hardcore.
No one could question His leadership
"Alright listen up!" He said making everyone snap to focus even Kibaou sat up "Woah." He said
"The boss we're gonna Face is Called Thor the Annoying Troll, Thor is weak to Blunt, Holy and Dark elements. Meaning Mauls, Maces, and status skills of that nature are to be honed to the max, and be ready to be used at a moment's notice!" Kirito said
Additionally He is immune to all poison, bleed and burn debuffs. So that new expensive dagger with 2X poison will not work on him." Kirito said
Already he heard a number of people groaning at the lack of chance to use there new weapon.
"As for strategy The usual hit-and-run method is good for this boss as it randomly emits an aura around it that damages anything within 5m.
Sometimes, the boss punches what is in front of it, or jumps forward with its club. As such, it is not a good idea to be standing where it is facing.
When the boss raises its club, it can do the following area attacks, A giant circle around the boss.
And long ranged attack that ranges about 15m in front of the boss.
Finally, if the boss roars without raising its club, it will step forward swinging its club, covering a wide range each swing. Players standing at its sides are not safe from this attack. Either keep a distance of at least 12m, or try to get behind the boss. He has 4 health bars so we're in for a long fight. Fortunately he doesn't have a second form so it will be grueling but not anything worse." Kirito said
"How will we get there?" Someone asked
"If anyone has done the elf war Quest for the dark elves please share now." Kirito said
No one said anything
"Damn," he hissed
"The boss room is locked behind the Dark elf questline while the midboss was locked behind the forest elf path." Kirito explained
"What?!"
"What bullshit is this?!"
"You mean we can't beat this game?!"
Kirito raised his hand to calm everyone
"Fortunately. Myself and Asuna are the only ones to do the Dark elf path so we will get it done." He said making everyone sigh.
"However we've been busy so don't expect the boss to be open for another day at most." Kirito added.
Kirito sighed "that's all I have I'll hand it over to Diabel to go over the squad formation." He said as he took his seat.
Diabel stood up
"Our formation has changed a bit as we are given host to a new guild The Knights of the Blood Oath there field commander will be Godfree. They will make up most of the tanks of the party. There will be 10 different parties
A-C will again be lead by Dragon Knight bregade.
D-F will be made of Aincrad Liberation force,
G-I will be made up of the new guild the KBO,
Finally J will form the reserves with the just newly made Guild The Crusaders it's recommended than any minor guilds of less than ten members join this groupz" Diabel announced
"Wait who are The crusaders?"
"I've never heard of them."
"I wonder who the leader is."
"I would be that leader." Kirito announced. Standing up
"Yes it's true Asna and myself have formed a guild our goals aren't to clear the game but rather another urgent issue that's on a need to know basis. However as we are the strongest players in the game we will give you our resources when we can." Kirito said
"Yo man why didn't you tell me that you made a guild!" Klein said
"Yeah man I thought we had something special!" Agil cried next to Klein lightly not actually taking offense but just acting like it.
Kirito smiled "we knew you would be here so we wanted to announce it here." He said
Asuna scoffed and nudged him
"He's just being a drama Queen." She said
Kirito turned to her "hey!" He said
"I'd believe it!" Lind said making everyone laugh.
Kirito smiled finally they were unified
"We will try to get the quests done as fast as possible but don't expect a call to the boss until sometime around 3 or so."
"Yo man do you need help?" Klein asked
"Yeah man we got ya if you need it." Agil said
Kirito shook his head "no but that's for the offer." He said
Diabel nodded "until we get a call from The Crusaders that the boss is open Raise your skills and levels up." Diabel said
"Oh right that's the other thing "the recommended level for the boss is 30 the minimum is 25 anyone who is below level 25 should not come you will die." Kirito said
Diabel nodded in thanks to Kirito for that information
"Meeting adjourned people!"
Kirito and Asuna got up and went to leave
They expected a few people to come up to them. Maybe a few people to jeer at them for being beaters
However what they didn't expect was to be mobbed
Indeed every single Solo player who hadn't joined the knights of the blood oath had made there way too them.
Heck Kirito even saw the legend's blades and Furrinkazen as well plus Agil's merchant guild of four.
"Will you accept us?!"
"Please we need training."
Kirito looked concerned as he looked to Asuna for assistance who looked at him ridgidly and nodded
And with Asuna being his anchor His demeanor changed
"No, we won't party with just anybody this guild is built on a foundation of trust. You may join us temporarily but it will be grueling, hard, and it will change you, don't make this choice lightly, you can join our raid party but that's it." He said
"But what-?" One started
"Alright break it up! Let the guy breath why don't ya!" Klein said with the rest of his guild.
The others parted as Furrenkazen and Agil's guild lead Kirito away Klein having an arm on his shoulder
"Don't think your getting away with not telling us about the guild. Also about snagging Asuna." He said eyeing The girl in question with lusty intent.
Klein meant it as a joke however the udder Rage that poured off Kirito from just the light joke would be enough to make the god of evil and cruelly beg for forgiveness. Eyes that screamed
'I will make what Vlad 'the implader' Tepest feel like a day at the spa.
Klein threw himself away traumatized.
Message received.
Don't fuck with Kirito's girl.
Fortunately Asuna came over and laid a hand on his shaking hand a hand he didn't even realize was trembling in rage.
He was willing to commit full blown genocide Firends or not NPC's or not.
No one even considered let alone Though of touching his wife
Kirito took a shaky breath
"Sorry… I lost control there." He said softly
Asuna smiled and planted a kiss on his forehead
Agil and Klein looked at each other.
As one who was married for a while and one who while single knew love. They both knew
This love was deep.
"As for why I didn't tell you…we'll it just came up… come on follow me and we can talk." Kirito said
(Argo)
Walking around the town looking at everyone passing by Argo looked at every detail, every nook and crannie.
Everything that could hide any sliver of detail about anybody Argo saw.
Theives. Bandits, good well known people, the scum the NPC.
Yet most annoying no laughing coffin members.
Argo tisked as she headed back down the alley to find another spot.
Again nothing.
Argo was getting frustrated, it's like these guys don't exist. How can these people be so good at hiding that they are like ghosts?
It aggravated her so much they were nothing but a mystery to her, who they were, where they we're located,
Nothing.
Argo huffed as she stormed out of an inn after meeting one of her contacts about laughing coffin. Only for him to come up short too.
The lack of results was driving Argo crazy.
It's how she found herself sitting in one of the Inns on the 5th floor sulking after spending the entire day with no luck on finding anything about laughing coffin.
'Damn these pricks' she hissed
Suddenly someone came up to her "something bothering you?"
Argo looked up to see a nice man with light brown hair chocolate brown eyes and a cheerful smile.
"Names Dan." He said as he took a seat across from her with Argo prompting
Argo looked at him in annoyance as he gave her the nice smile.
"So Argo…what is someone of your talent doing down here?" Dan asked
Argo huffed
"You wouldn't understand." Argo said, looking away.
"Seems your stuck on something." Dan said
"You could say that." She said
"Well why don't I help. I'm not as good as the you ms Rat. But I think I can handle myself." He said
Argo gave him a teasing look "you seem sure of yourself then." She said
Dan smiled back and leaned forward "how about this than, a little bet. If i'm not able to help you I'll get out of your hair and you will never see me again." He said
Argo smiled 'too easy.' She thought "hold on then what happens if I lose?" Argo asked.
Dan smirked "why simple I take you on a date." Dan said as he stood up reveling in Argo's stunned expression.
"Think about it…Argo is a beautiful name." He said as he walked away.
By the time Argo came to she found herself where she was before but a note in front of her
'Check your firends list.' Was all it read
Argo opened her menu and looked to see she had one request pending.
Dan-the-Falkravin: would like to be your friend.
Accept: O. Decline: X
Argo looked around she felt her ears beating and an obvious blush forming on her face as she recalled the sweet words to her face.
Despite the little voice in her head telling her not to, Argo found herself tapping the accept button.
(Kirito)
Kirito and Asuna ran hoops through the Elf war quest with the fortunate foresight of how the quest on this floor goes they were able I breeze through them to the point they reached the semi final quest of this floors Quest loop by Noon.
Unfortunately the final Quest on the floor was a treasure hunt as they tried to raise money to help fund money for an ambassador dress for the deligagation to the treaty of the Wood elves and Dark elves.
The quest took a full hour so it was about 1:00 before the actual quest was completed.
Kizmel spoke to them about the floor boss which they nodded and understood.
Kirito turned to Asuna who sent a message to the assault team about the boss being open as they made their way to the boss room.
Kirito and Asuna Stood in front of the boss room waiting for everyone to get there.
Kirito looked through his menu as he stole glances at Asuna who was just watching the end of the hall.
Kirito looked up to see people approaching.
He was shocked to see Fuurinkazan, The Legend Braves, and Agil's guild. Approaching.
"Where are the others?" Kirito asked
"We got the message first so we came early," Klein said
Kirito narrowed his eyes at Asuna who ignored him.
He felt two hands on his shoulder's as Klein. Bent down looking at his feet.
"Kirito, I Klein swear to follow you and The Crusaders until this game is cleared please allow us to become permanent members!" He said
Kirito looked around and noticed the rest of the guild was In similar position's
He sighed before saying "fine, but I refuse to allow you to break up the already made guild so you will be an official alliance between us." Kirito said
Klein nodded
Kirito turned to Agil
"Our guild is only unofficial anyway's we'll be happy to join." He said
Kirito nodded and heard footsteps "we will finish the proceedings after the battle send me a request for now." Kirito said
Agil nodded and sent the request which Kirito dismissed as The front line guilds of the ALS and DKB and KBO arrived.
Kirito looked around doing starting to do a headcount but gave up as he looked to Kibaou who was looking more and more impatient
"Is this everyone?" Kirito asked
Kibaou scoffed "course why wouldn't it be?" He asked
Kirito shook his head "could've sworn there were more bodies at the meeting." He muttered before he addressed the raid group
"Alright we all know why we are here stick to your formations!" Kirito said
"Hold on. who's the overall leader? I had assumed it was going to be Diabel." Godfree asked the Vice commander of the knights of the blood oath asked
Diabel shook his head "at this point I'd feel more confident if Kirito lead this." He said
Everyone looked at Kirito the Time traveler sighed and nodded "for this one raid," he said as he turned to Asuna and nodded
And together they opened the Boss room door.
As they walked in the room was a circular stone room.
At the far end was a barred Gate easily twice as big as the players.
Kirito kept his eyes focused on the gate.
"Formations!" Diabel yelled as the players got ready
Kirito and Asuna looked at each other and nodded Kirito looked back
"Once we approach the middle of the room the boss will spawn. Tanks I want a semi circle between these two pillars no one goes In Front of them until the boss spawns." Kirito said
Diabel nodded
"Shivata get it done." He said
"Deion you too." Kibaou said
The two Guilds made the line as ordered with the knights taking up the spots that the guilds themselves can't fill.
Seeing everyone was ready Kirito nodded and drew his sword Asuna did the same.
As they stepped in the circle a loud roar was heard from the barred gate as a giant hand was see on the otherside of the bars and with a powerful pull the bars folded in on themselves as the boss stepped into the floor.
It's name and heath bars appear
Thor the annoying troll.
Everyone winced and looked for Kirito for directions
"Steady…" he said as the boss stomped forward
Thoomp
Thoomp
Thoomp.
Finally it stood over the two of them and raised its club
And a large Circle appeared on the ground around the boss.
It covered Kirito and Asuna but no one else as they were far enough away.
Kirito had masterfully placed them in preparation for the first attack!
"Now!" Kirito snapped as He and Asuna jumped away as the club slammed into the ground so no damage
"NOW MOVE IN!" Kirito said as he landed dragged his feet across the ground and charged
Next to him Klein had his katana ready
However they were not the first to reach the boss.
No that title went to Asuna.
The lightning flash appeared before the boss and struck it hard making it stumble, knocking it out of its Attack animation right in time for the horde of players to swarm the boss.
The players were a wave moving in one
Within 30 minutes one of the health bars was completely destroyed.
Kirito grit his teeth this would be grueling.
Still they kept at it they did this once they would do it again.
They stuck to the strategies well and easily and by five o'clock it was dead
Not a single casualty.
The next floor was open
(Argo)
Argo was annoyed it's had been a full day now and no sign of Laughing coffin at all.
Argo looked through her messages hoping for something a hint to where they could be.
Actually she hadn't heard from Emily the cypher player in a while she should check up on her.
The last she knew she was on floor 3.
Deciding to go and visit her personally Argo stood up and headed to the teleport plaza.
On the way she passed by a cafe and looked and noticed Dan talking to a few of his firends.
Argo didn't know why but as soon as they made eye contact her heart started racing as she looked away and hurried out of sight.
Dan at that moment was love struck looking with his chin in his hand Elbow on the table. Sighing contently.
( play song Somebody's baby: by Jackson Browne)
"Damn look at that cute girl." Dan said
His firends looked at him shocked
"Dude are you ok?" One asked with brown hair Kyle.
"Oh I'm fine but Well, just look at that girl with the lights coming up in her eyes." Dan said
The others scoffdd at the fleeing Argo.
"Dude She's got to be somebody's baby." The other said Rick.
"Yeah man you got no chance." Kyle buffed
All the guys on the corner stand back as she walks on by
"Do you know who she is?" Rick asked Dan
"Course I know who she is." Dan said
"Argo the rat. What an Angel." Dan sighed
"She's got to be somebody's baby," Kyle said but Dan didn't hear him only muttering
"she's so fine" Dan said as he gathered the courage to follow her.
In the back of his head the small voice that she was too good for him was ringing but he beat it down.
As he turned the corner he noticed Argo talking to Someone in the alley
It was Asuna.
What was the lighting flash doing here?
Dan listened intently as he heard the conversation
"Listen A-Asuna." Argo stuttered switching from the teasing name to her player name to convey the severity that this was eating at her.
"Am…am I loveable?" Argo asked
Dan felt his eyes widen, he had a chance.
Dan shifted away allowing the girls to talk as his mind swam.
Dan wouldn't miss this chance, no he was going to act.
He was gonna get her.
Dan closed his eyes to try to focus but only saw Argo's cute smile behind his eyelids.
He tried to steady his beating heart but it was going a hundred miles per hour.
'Well, I'm just gonna walk up to her, I'm gonna talk to her tonight.' He thought after all it worked well last time.
Dan looked back down the alley and found that both girls had gone.
Dan clenched his fist he was ready.
He headed down the road looking for Argo intent to profess his love to her.
He couldn't keep the happy grin off his face. He would actually find love.
He just noticed Argo teleport away on in the plaza.
Dan was disappointed but relized that he was firends with her and looked at her location
Floor 3.
Dan ran up to the teleporter knocking a guy with a black hood down out of the way as he called out the floor.
The man in the cloak sat up a wicked grin on his face
"Hehehehe. Well…It's Showtime." Vassago Casals said under the hood.
Argo arrived at floor 3 and looked around for her firend to which the players called back as negative
After the 5th person she was getting worried so she ran to Emily's last workshop area which was a lone cabin in the woods.
The place was up for sale. But it was still player accessible
And what was even stranger only Friends could access the legacy option allowing them to see how the previous tenants set up the place.
Argo her head screaming something was wrong pressed the button to view and was blinded by a light.
Argo was horrified
The shop was a wreck
Not a single chair was useable the round table was smashed papers were scattered everywhere
Argo looked around stunned.
She started shuffling papers to find out anything that would give the whereabouts of her friend.
She found one a coded piece of paper using a One Time pad, Argo was confused as to what the cypher was as One time pads were known to be unbreakable if you don't have the key.
Then she got a message from Emily confirming she was alive.
She tried to look up where she was but she set her player activity to hidden. Meaning she couldn't trace her.
The message she sent was even more confusing
"Argoxemiliy"
Argo was confused sure they joked about a bit but seriously Emily? She was more of a hardass workaholic than anything loveable. Heck the only thing they had in common was the game and the love for cypher's.
Unless…that was the cypher.
Argo relized that Emily must've been alerted when Argo entered the property and she wanted Argo to find her,
Argo never knew someone who would go to such lengths to be hidden .
Which means she was in trouble.
Argo set about decoding the Cypher as fast as possible.
She sat on the ground with the now decided cypher in her hands.
"Argo- my friend if you're reading this then you have already seen the damage, it's like this to All my workshops even my hidden ones that only 1 or 2 people know about. Thus I have to come to the eerie conclusion that I am being hunted to be silenced. I cannot trust anyone not even you as I don't know who hunts me nor their goals. But I will look,
Keep ever vigilant Argo, you are needed.
Then the note ended as Argo flipped the page to a more recent note written.
Addendum.-
Argo I've burned the rest of the letters sent to my other friends I can only trust you.
I know who hunts me I need you to find me quickly I don't have much time.
Fear the Coffin, know they're laugh.
"Meet me where the cliffs meet the sea."
Argo dropped the letter face pale
Emily was being hunted by laughing coffin.
Argo logged out of the house and watched as the timer expired for the house to be sold as it went up for sale for anyone
Emily had sold the house to destroy the evidence of her being there.
Talk about paranoid.
Argo shook her head no she had a reason to be she had to find her.
Argo started to look through the notes from the message. Emily wrote
Specifically the last line.
Meet me where the cliff meet the sea.
From Argo's notes there only cliffs in SAO would be on this floor but there's no water. That's the next floor and yes there is a waterfall there but no way to reach the top of it.
Unless. Wait a second the word composition, the cadence.
It was a song lyrics.
A song she heard before
A song Emily showed her. From her favorite band. Nightwish.
Elán.
She showed her that song on the first day as Emily was about to program music into her nervegear so she could access her tunes while she played.
She was able to put them into crystals and share them
It was her side gig for a time as a way for her to make money.
Argo remembered where she heard it the first time outside the Town of beginnings on the first day.
Argo bolted to the teleport plaza and vanished right as Dan entered the plaza.
Dan cursed himself for being too slow and went to find her
Only to find that she had now hidden herself
Dan had lost his chance.
Saddened by it Dan walked away vowing to talk to Argo again some other day.
Argo arrived at the northern End of the Town of beginning's and entered the city
Being the largest city had it perks.
For one it was always busy and you could easily get lost in the crowd to evade others.
Two there was always stalls selling something even if it originated from higher floors.
Truely the town of beginners was the games version of a metropolis.
Which is why it shocked Argo that at mid day the streets were empty.
Not a single NPC
Not a single body.
Not a single voice.
Well over 5000 residents and the place was abandoned.
Argo felt her throat clench up and she swallowed some saliva as she took a step into the town to look for Emily.
Eventually she found her or evidence of her.
Another letter another cypher. This one in a spot only Argo knew it was one of her stashes she left as a dead drop for information. Either if someone needed information or needed to give her info this was how they did it.
Indeed only one letter was in the dead drop.
It was written in the same OTP as before but she refused to believe that Emily would use the same code as before.
Indeed despite knowing Emily wasn't around she got a message from her the code for the OTP.
It was the name of the Song that led her there.
Taking action immediately she decoded it
"I knew you'd be the one to crack code I know it's you because be left some of these OTP's to my persuers giving them my location (so if they cracked it they could cut me off and kill me.
Addendum- no one killed me when I arrived and I cleared the area. I believe finally I am safe. Crack the code on the paper and you'll know where I am.
"Twist and shout, Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Blackbird, And I love Her, Nowhere Man, All You Need is Love,"
Argo was confused these old Song titles were something she remembered a few but didn't know where or there significance, if she had access to the internet she could.
Of course she could do so much if she did get in contact with her dad tell him she's alive.
But no for some reason Kayaba wanted to isolate the players to just the game itself.
Did she have to listen to all the songs? No that would take to long and she didn't have any crystals from her.
Was it a map each one of those songs were songs she use to sell and in fact they were all ones that were some of her most popular in the city.
Did she have to follow where the song was first released in the game and follow it back?
No too convoluted and many were released in a single store.
Come on Argo was good at info gathering but terrible at puzzles. That was Emily's job.
Wait a second that's it Emily!
She knew Argo was bad at puzzles so she wouldn't have left her one this hard to figure out.
'I knew you'd be the one to crack the code.'
She left this note for Argo only. She wouldn't have left a mind boggled to stump her.
On a whilm Argo transferred the first letter of each song down
And lo and behold it came up with a town on this floor even
Tolbana
with her destination in mind Argo left the dead drop and went to find her firend.
Outside Tolbana Argo watched the gate inside a bush.
She had no idea of Laughing coffin had trailed her even with her location hidden she had to be careful she couldn't go in loud looking for Emily she had to be surgical otherwise her firends hiding spot would be compromised. And while Argo knew Kirito and Asuna could take care of Emily, Argo would rather not lump them with her yet unless they were out of options.
Argo sighed she perhaps could sneak in using a trading cart but then…
Argo was interrupted by a blade by her neck.
Argo gulped 'shit she was followed, now Emily was compromised.'
"Any last words Rat?" The Assassin said in a feminine voice.
A voice far to familiar to her
"Just 6." Argo said quietly.
"It's been a long time, Emily…"
Argo heard a scoff behind her as the Knife was removed from her neck
Argo turned around to see the women Throw back her hood to reveal Long Hair like Asuna, a deep blood red and eyes of steel.
"Come let's get inside." She said as she flipped her hood up and strode out of the bushes Argo following.
"How Are we to get in?" Argo asked
Emily looked at Argo
"You do know there are other ways to enter and leave the cities right?" She said
Argo was stunned
Emily nodded "much like other MMO's with a criminal system NPC Criminals have a hideout that can be accessed by the players if you know where to look." She said before her gaze turned serious
"It's how Laughing coffin and other orange players can sneak into the city without getting caught by the guards."
Argo nodded as Emily lead her to the entrance as they walked into the catacombs.
"I believe your Familiar with the catacombs of Floor 5?" Emily asked
"Only because there's a quest there." Argo said
Emily nodded "yes that quest was ment to be a marker indicating to "check the other cities for stuff like this as well." Unfortunately no one else has gotten that yet."
"Wait when you mean other cities?" Argo paused
"Every single city in SAO has an underground like this, and they are more elaborate than floor 5." Emily said as she lead Argo through the thieves den and into the exit to the city proper.
As they steeped out they found themselves nearly walking into patroling guards.
"That's why you need to be careful exiting if your a criminal, unfortunately it's not to hard to understand the timing." Emily said
"Where do they go if there caught?" Argo asked
"Where else?" Emily said
"Floor 1." Argo nodded
Emily nodded as they lead her to her hideout.
"Ok we're safe here." Argo heard Emily say as she sat down. And took a few steadying breaths Argo was concerned because she saw how badly she needed this right now.
Finally Emily spoke up
"What do you know about a guild called laughing coffin?"
Argo looked to a chair and Emily nodded
Argo sat down.
"Not much. Only things a few good friends have told me but honestly they scare me. Apparently they are a proto guild of murders." Argo said
Emily scoffed and shook her head "no." She said as she opened her invintory to pull out a potion.
One Argo remembered from the Beta. A quest item that was later sold in shops normally used for pranks.
A memory potion. Once eaten the user would forget about what happened the next five minutes.
Argo thought it would be removed due to the crazy shit criminals could do with it (Ie: Rape)
But apparently Kayaba was more evil than previously thought.
Emily uncorked it and sighed
Then quaffed it in a second
Argo sat horrified. As the reasoning went through her head
Emily was using it as medication.
She was using it to forget. What she knew about laughing coffin
Emily was so heavily traumatized by what they did that she would risk going brain dead over it (yes that's one of the active warnings the potion says.)
Argo gulped as the vial shattered
"I'll tell you what I know. And if after that you don't go into drinking. I'll help you." She said
"But if at any time it gets too much just tap out."
Argo nodded as Emily began speaking she also left a note to her future self that she told Argo of what she knew.
All the stuff she knew could be summarized in five minutes and in fact there wasn't much that Argo didn't already know.
In fact Argo knew more than she did.
Emily blinked as the potion wore off.
"Huh I umm sorry what were we talking about?" She asked dumbly
Argo sighed and slid the note over to her
Emily's eyes widened in horror
"Oh god what have i done! They'll be looking for you now Argo you gotta go into hiding-."
Argo cut her off
"I've been on Laughing Coffin's radar for a while… I'll be fine,"
"But-you don't know how they operate like I do?" Emily said
Argo sighed
"On the contrary my friend it's you that doesn't know anything." She said as Argo pulled out her journal and revealed her notes on All she knew about Laughing coffin's courtesy of Kirito.
Emily was stunned
"T-this is amazing, I've been looking to find them but even in the months I've been at it I've apparently barely scratched the surface." Emily said
Argo nodded
"Where did you get this information?"
Argo lowered her head should she reveal It and question her Client confidentiality? Or refuse and risk her firend.
Argo sighed
'Forgive me.'
"They go by the alias The Black Swordsman."
Emily was stunned as she sat back "the-the beater?" She asked
Argo winced she forgot the Alias of The black swordsman and The Beater being the same guy was widespread.
Emily realized and apologized
"I see…I'm sorry I won't push anymore."
Argo sighed "it's fine because in all honesty it's why I wanted to see you In the first place."
Emily looked up
"Look at my tag." Argo said
Emily gasped
"Your in a guild?"
Argo nodded "we're called The Crusaders, and our singular goal is to hunt down and destroy Laughing Coffin."
Emily was stunned "that's-that's impossible." She argued
"Laughing Coffin from my guild masters info is basically run by three men. A triad so to speak: PoH, Johnny black, and Red eyed XaXa." Argo explaned
Argo noticed Emily shrivel up with each passing of the names.
"Apparently you've heard of them?" Argo asked
Emily nodded "before my shops were destroyed I had the displeasure of running into them. They wanted to recruit me, asked them to teach them how to encode public messages."
All three of them once I turned them down threatened me with horrible consequences. And they all turned out to be true."
Argo was interested to hear as Emily pulled her legs to her chest.
They first said how all my firends would abandon me. Then how my clients would mysteriously disappear,
Soon the players would believe me to be the culprit of them vanishing and Blacklist me, leaving me alone.
Then one by one my shops would be attacked by angry people.
Each one over and over without fail once it seemed I would get back on my feet they would strike again and I'd be forced to flee the town.
I would be forced to come crawling back to them." Emily said her eyes now hollow.
Argo clenched her fist
"Let it be known that you did the right thing, from what I hear if you had accepted, they would have done stuff far worse To keep you with them, including extortion… to even blackmail." Argo said
Emily gasped
"We fight these despicable people as a way of cleansing this game of there filth. But we need your help." Argo said as she stood up.
"Laughing coffin has been known to infiltrate other guilds, so we need a secure way of contacting each other if we suspect that anyone in our group is one." Argo said
Emily nodded
"I'll do it." She said cutting Argo off from her pitch.
"I know you don't want to-come again?" She asked
"I'll do it. I'll help you defeat Laughing Coffin, for a price." She said
Argo was awed but forged forward "name it." She said
"Protection." Emily said instantly. "I wanna know that me helping you will protect me from Laughing Coffin.
Argo nodded "May I please allow my Vice commander of Guildmaster to talk to you?" She said
Emily nodded "I'll fill out a message for you to send to them to bring them over here."
Argo sent the message and 15 minutes later A knock was heard on the door
"That was fast." Argo said as she went to stand up but found a dagger to her throat Emily's eyes burning as she slid a letter cross the table which read
'Too fast. Send another coded message. That a password is required, and send it. Tell them to say it outside the door within one minute.' Emily had wrote.
Argo nodded and sent the message
"The password is Blind devotee." Argo wispered to Emily who nodded and lowered the dagger.
Suddenly the knock was heard on the door
"Blind devotee." Was heard on the otherside.
Argo looked to Emily who nodded
Outside stood Asuna who stepped in. Looking at Emily
"I like your paranoia it's something we need in our guild." She said
Emily blinked in shock
"You didn't mention that your guildmaster is the lightning flash herself." She hissed
"Is that relivant?" Argo asked
"Yes I would have forgone the whole message process if that was the case." She said
However Asuna shook her head "no you were right to, infact we do something similar the exact same time. Speaking of which." Asuna said drawing Her rapier.
"Argo step away." She said her green blade glistening.
Argo gulped
"As-Chan i don't think that's necessary." She said
Asuna leveled a glare at her
"Did you check her yourself then?"
Argo blushed and sputtered
"Ah-well-no-but!" She said
Asuna narrowed her eyes "you don't know who to trust, now step away." She said ending her words with laced anger.
Argo looked back at Emily who just nodded.
"I'll go into the other room." She said
As soon as the door shut Emily sighed "I assume it's fair you check me after all I checked you upon entering." But tell me how r u to make me comply?" Emily asked
Asuna explained the Poison laced on her blade making Emily freeze as she relized she was held at sword point.
"Ok… what do you want me to do?"
Asuna explained
"Laughing coffin use sleeper agents to infiltrate other guilds they do so and recognize each other by having a branded tattoo on their bodies under their armor or clothes." Asuna said as she stepped into attack distance
Emily rellizing Asuna as a threat now stilled and nodded
"I need you to Strip before me so I can inspect your body to make sure no tattoos exist." She said
Emily cringed at the crudely worded statement
"How much?" Emily asked
Asuna's eyes never left hers
"Completely naked." She said
Emily cringed again
"You know that could be seen as sexual harassment especially seeing as your holding a sword to me." Emily said
"Argo said the same thing. Don't worry both myself and Kirito are aware of the risks as if anyone who joins the guild. These are periodic inspections to insure no one sneaks into our guild." Asuna said
Emily sighed "so Argo had this done to." She muttered
"By me personally, that's the rule, only those of the Same sex or if someone wants a specific person to do it." Asuna said
"What if you have two agents?" Emily argied
"The coffin rarely wastes resources like that, only for larger guilds such as The ALS might they possibly consider doing that." Asuna explained
"However you do bring up a good point so i will address it personally so the fact that members cannot both inspect each other only one and the other must be inspected by someone else," Asuna said
Emily nodded "there's one last thing I wish to ask before I take the test." Emily said
Asuna nodded
"What of those forced to get tattoo." She asked
Asuna shook her head "PoH doesn't act like that, he has thralls and other guilds under him to bolster the ranks but only those he actually trusts get to play infiltrators." Asuna said
'Like Kurradeel in the knights of the blood oath.' Asuna thought
Emily nodded
"Very well." She said as she stood up and stripped completely in one go disabling the Morality Code at the same time
She raised her arms
"Have at it." She said
Asuna blinked "move away from the table I don't want to risk you lunging for the dagger there while I'm so close."
Emily smiled "you really take this seriously." She said
Asuna answered stonely "Kirito has regarded this as a war. And funnily enough it's accurate." Asuna said
Emily stepped aside as Asuna approached
"Tell me. You said this is war…have you killed in that case?" She asked
Asuna nodded "I have." She stepped back "turn around let me examine your back." She said
Emily did so and a few moments Later she heard the rapier return to its sheath.
"Ok inspection done." She said
Emily nodded and put her clothes back on. As Argo opened the door
"Now with that we can discuss this." She said
It was hammered out that while they didn't own a guild base right yet they were looking for two, one public one and a hidden one. And they would do what they could and allow Emily to join them where they were now.
Emily accepted immediately. Asuna smiled
"Excuse me I shall go inform Kirito of the newest member." She said as she left.
"I'd recommend you leave this place by day's end, while you were stealthy for most players Laughing Coffin was not tricked." Asuna said
Both Argo and Emily blinked
"How do you know?"
Asuna took out a letter marked with Laughing coffin emblem on it.
"I didn't follow the message Argo sent me just used it to confirm it's location, you were trailed Emily, and they knew you summoned Argo to. They wanted both of you." She said
"I killed the assassin before they could strike but consider yourself compromised." Asuna said as she turned and left.
Emily collapsed into the chair shaking heavily barely holding herself together from having a panic attack.
Argo stayed by her to comfort Emily as Asuna walked away.
'What the hell just happened?' Argo thought.
Asuna arrived at the home base and found Kirito recopperating from the boss fight along with Fuurinkazen and Agil's guild who followed him home.
The legend Braves forged ahead to open up the next floor with the rest of the clearers.
Kirito looked over to everyone as the last one Klein and Agil put back on there Armor eyes shut not saying anything
It was a silent bro code to not talk about what they had seen.
"Kirito." Asuna said entering
Kirito looked back at his "wife."
"Asuna." Kirito said
"We've got another one to join us," Asuna said
The others looked up
"Oh who?" Klein asked
"A cypherist goes by Emily. One of the rats contacts, had a run in with coffin and is looking for protection."
"Is she safe?" Kirito asked bluntly which was noted by everyone
Asuna was unphased as she nodded "checked her myself." She said
Kirito nodded
"Liz is waiting for you in the other room." He said
Asuna nodded as she left.
A few minutes she came back
"She's clear." She said
Kirito nodded "right the guild base we can afford are only inn rooms unless Agil and his guild has some hidden stashes off record." Kirito looked at the four merchants
The four looked uneasy at each other
Agil the spokes person stepped forward
"Well actually Kirito." He said
Agil explained that sense they knew that they wanted a base for a safehouse as well as protecting people's they agreed to sell there individual shops.
"We will form under one roof split the prophets to get an increased share as well." Wolfguard said
"So overall it's a win win for you." Naijan said
Kirito shrugged "if your ok with that.
They nodded
Kirito nodded "ok but be prepared to open up a second trading location on another floor for other players."
They nodded
"Is how much money is a guild base we can use do you know?"
Agil looked at his guild mates
"Well I know that our shops have a big room for expansion, actually quiet a lot, you can probably fit most the guild here."
"And seeing as we own them we don't actually have to sell them just make them guild properties." Wolfguard said
"That would be easier and be used as safehouse's Kirito said he nodded
"Ok then we'll do that then, we can't be to centralized as these people are ruthless and can and have destroyed shops." Kirito said glad he got a place to house Argo and Emily
"For now we need to begin looking into stoping and confronting Laughing Coffin."
Kirito sighed "Klein you and Furrinkazen are leveled up enough for it but your not training in hunting them."
Neither is Argo I saw several major flaws in her tracking of her firend that gave away her location." Asuna added
Kirito sighed painfully he had to remember these people were not training in hunting them like he and Asuna had.
"Ok we won't be needed on the front lines for a bit so we can focus on training you guys for the week." He said before turning to Asuna.
"Start them off on training field 9." Kirito said
"That should be low enough not to hurt them but give them a good idea what to expect." Kirito said
Asuna nodded as she left.
"Agil…may you please get the space ready to greet Argo and her friend?"
Agil gave him a thumbs up as Kirito left.
He felt much better now that there was a way to make sure they were safe.
Now he had to make sure Klein and the others were ready.
Kirito met Klein and the rest of his guild out in the field outside the city.
Klein was standing around sword up before he noticed Kirito approaching.
"Kirito what's this about?" He asked
"It's quiet simple Klein for the next week you will be training to hunt killers the best way possible." He said "By actually doing it." He added
Klein gulped he didn't like the sound of Kiritos voice.
"Right now here's what going to happen I'm going to walk into these woods behind me hide. It's up to you to locate me. But be careful because if Asuna finds you she will attack you." He said
The others gulped
"We will train like this every day, if you fail either by being unable to catch me or Asuna eliminates all of you." Kirito said
And with that he stepped back into the forest
And the training began.
For Klein it was hell.
They went in 10 times during that day.
10 days they woke up outside the forest with no memory of how they got there.
Not even a single glance at Kirito.
"That was truely pathetic." Kirito huffed standing over them.
Before I send you guys in again I guess I have to be more hands on with it. Tell me, what do you believe you did wrong that last time?" Kirito asked
By the time they finished the next time they went in they got much better
Instead of being defeated in 10 minutes
It took about 10 minutes each for each group to be confronted by Asuna
They they even gave her a run for her money too.
Heck they got so good that Klein even got to confront Kirito.
It was a battle over in a flash but still the progress.
Klein groaned as he laid next to his guild nursing there wounds
Kirito and Asuna stood over them
"Good work. See you tomorrow." They said as they left.
Argo and Emily sat in there house just catching there breath as finally Emily felt ready to go
"Ok let me just gather my needed notes and we can go." She said as she pushed herself up Argo tried to hold her down seeing as she was unsteady.
"Woah-Woah are you sure you're ready?"
Emily scoffed "it doesn't matter if I'm ready there here." She said as she walked over to a pile of papers on the desk and vanished them into her inventory along with the desk
"Ok let's go." Emily said
Suddenly there was a knock on the door
Emily and Argo were immediately on alert.
"Go see who it is." Emily said
Argo did so and looked out the window to see Asuna
"It's safe it's Asuna." Argo said
Emily nodded as she opened the door
Asuna looked at the two of them
"Excellent, you're ready, come on." Asuna said as they lead them to the teleport plaza.
"Here's how we are doing this we're going to the 7th floor of Lexio. There we will introduce you to where our safe houses are. And where our guild base is." Asuna said
"Wait, we have a guild base already?" Argo asked
Asuna shrugged "well it's more of 'we have the land haven't started building it.' Yes but we have smaller shops that we can use as Info gathering outposts and messaging halls." She explained
"Ok and how are we doing this?" Emily asked
Asuna smiled a healthy dose of paranoia to for this.
"I'm going to go ahead and teleport first Wait for a minute after I'm gone then you do the same while Argo protects you on this floor I'll make sure no one if following you on the other." Asuna said
Emily nodded
Soon the plan was implemented without a hitch as the three made it to the 7th floor without issue.
As they walked they talked about the guild.
"You say you have 4 locations so far?
Asuna nodded "yes notwithstanding the guild hall we plan to make. Our merchant buddies all owned shops they decided to lease to us as we allow them to use them as fronts for their business allowing us extra col." Asuna said
"The guild tithe." Argo gasped
Asuna nodded "it's the lowest it will go we don't expect to need a lot of it but once we set up and make our businesses we should be good." Asuna said
"How does the business loop work?" Emily asked
Asuna turned to address her question but was stoped
"Madam." The figure Infront of them said as Asuna turned around
"We've been given orders to escort you." He said
Asuna nodded "ok Orlando," Asuna said
The figure Orlando the leader of the Legend Braves guild pounded his Chestplate proudly
Asuna looked over at the sun clearer guild.
"Where's Nezha?"
Beowulf stepped forward
"He's with Liz leveling there smithing levels actually they've begun to build the grand hall using the meterials." He said
"Do we have enough for it?" Asuna asked
"No but apparently most shops will sell stuff for it and due to our location we can easily trade other stuff for what we need."
Asuna nodded
"Ok then let's go." Asuna said as she typed up a message
A few seconds later Argo got a message
"I gotta go it appears I need to check up on a few things."
Everyone looked over at Argo
"Be safe Argo." Asuna said
Everyone else nodded as she left
As Argo walked down the street Argo looked at the message she had received
"We're being followed check it out. Be careful
-Asuna-
Argo cringed at the fact her leader had known they were being followed before she did. She really had to work on that skill.
As Argo turned the corner she ran face first into someone sending them both to the ground
Dan.
Argo groaned
"Ugh what-how are-oh Dan!" Argo gasped
Dan smiled "ah Argo fancy meeting you here. I was just walking around shopping I didn't expect you to be here."
Argo smiled and nodded
"I see if you excuse me." Argo said getting up to walk away
However Dan was quicker as he grabbed her arm
"Wait a minute are you panicked Argo?" Dan asked a hint of concern in his voice.
Argo coughed "it's nothing it's nothing." She tried to defend herself trying to look strong before her crush but it only turned out more squeaky.
Argo tried to pull her hand out but Dan kept his grip firm as he leined in
"My dear…are you? In trouble?" He asked
Argo felt her cheeks heat up as it seemed like Dan was about to kiss her she was about to close her eyes and embrace it
Almost
From the shadow of her eyes she noticed a figure watching them from the roof.
It got serious when the figure threw a throwing pick at them
Argo pushed Dan aside making the weapon fall helplessly as Argo yelled and ran after them
"Hey wait!" She yelled as the man ran across the rooftops
Dan looked at the thrown object in concern as he read the item description he gasped before pocketing it and running after Argo
He hoped he could get there in time.
Argo ran through the streets watching the attacker as he tired to flee.
Argo grit her teeth as she sent 3 of her own picks at the man
However he just paused in step and the knives flew harmlessly past him
Argo grit her teeth as she could swear the guy was smiling at her cheekily.
Unfortunately for him he was running out of roof.
Argo smiled as she ran to corner him
As she ran into the empty telephoto plaza who else would she run into but Dan
The man landed in the square between two people about to kiss making them both jump back as he ran for the teleport statue.
Argo tried to go after him but Dan held her back
"No wait!" He said Argo tried to pull away but it was too late the man had gone.
Argo spun around angry at Dan
"Why would you do that?!" She yelled
"I was trying to save you!" Dan argued
"Well maybe I didn't want to be saved!" She argued
Dan looked at her "do you have any idea who that was?" Dan asked
Argo scoffed "if anything I could have found out in two minutes." She said
"You don't have to I already did." He said as he drew the throwing pick.
"This was the weapon that was used to attack us a very dangerous poison is on it. It's player made." Dan said
Argo having calmed down looked at him
"And who made it?"
Dan looked at her seriously
"PoH."
(Eoc)