Author's Note:
Hey all,
Back again with chapter 2!
I realized from the reviews that I left chapter 1 in an awkward place for those who've read/watched Danmachi. Hopefully this answers a lot of those concerns.
As anyone following me from my other story knows, I tend to write quite a bit at one time before publishing (hopefully) weekly. As such after probably chapter 3 the publishing rate of the story will go down. (You could always read my other story in the meantime ;))
Enjoy,
-asdf
Edit (20200831): Updated format to match future chapters.
Chapter 2 – To Write a Guide
Suguha:
"Kazuto… Brother."
My soft words are punctuated by the soft patter of my tear's falling unto his unresponsive hand. Sitting at his bed side, I'm still unable to comprehend the contrast between this morning and now. Even now my mind continues to flick back to the sparring presence.
Kazuto had defeated me with unorthodox methods. Cheating, I'd declare vehemently if asked.
But then…
Why didn't I push him off?
The one thought continues to dance circles around my head. With Kazuto's body pressed against me, I'd been able to feel the results of his two months of effort. While he is still thin, it is no longer emancipated, the edges of definition can be seen.
Thinking about it now still brings heat to my cheeks. Lifting one hand off his, I confirm the blaze that I knew would be there. Why, I'm not sure. Am I happy to be reconnecting with my brother? Absolutely. But this feeling in my chest is different, I can't place it.
And now I'll never get the chance to.
The thought reignites the faded tears. Everyone will die is what they said. Not even five hours since Kayaba's declaration has aired and already the media is doing interviews. They had on a man who said he played the beta test but won't be getting the main game due to its "Stupid realism".
I'm not sure what he means, but his next statement still rings in my head.
"The game is not beatable, everyone will die."
Clenching my teeth, I'm unable to beat back the sob that rips itself from my throat. It's so unfair!
"Why!?"
Screaming my frustration at the world, I lose my last bit of dignity. Throwing myself on Kazuto's body, I let out my pain, my frustration, my disappointment.
"Why didn't you take me with you?"
This last question is consumed by the soft fabric of the hospital gown. Even still, his silent body has no response.
"Suguha…"
Whipping around, I stare at my mother, Midori. No doubt I look like an absolute mess. Sniffing pitifully, I sit there unmoving, drinking in my mother's visage, as broken as mine.
Walking forward, Midori wraps her arms around me and hugs me close to her.
Despite the warmth and closeness, she provides, I shiver. The last time she'd done this was a mere couple hours ago. Like phantoms, the memories rush through me.
Having just won the final, I jump in exhilaration. I did it. I won a tournament I had no right winning. It was partly due to Kazuto as well. His presence in our sparring matches had helped me reach new heights, and it paid off.
Looking around the arena, I search for them, my family. After the semi, Midori said she'd rush home and being Kazuto here to watch the final together.
Continuing to search, sadness starts to rise in me. Did they not make it? Whipping my head around a few more times, the stands start to empty as people leave, yet no one approaches me.
Shoulders sagging, my shinai drops to my side. They aren't here. But… But I won.
I did it Kaz.
I fulfilled my promise.
I got good enough. You don't need to feel guilty anymore.
Shoulders shaking I'm moments away from breaking into tears. Emotion after emotion slams into me like a storm. I can't even comprehend their origins. Underneath it all though, one persists, sorrow. I won a victory, but its tainted.
"Suguha!"
Breaking through the crowd my head snaps up and takes in the teary gaze of my mother.
How dare she cry now?
She wasn't even here on time.
All of those thoughts are cleared as she slams into me, her arms pressing me against her, not caring about the sweat.
"Mom?"
"Kazuto… He… I… Oh god."
My mother's broken sentences are incomprehensible through the crying. But I knew what they signified, something terrible had happened to my brother.
Suddenly my sadness over them not being there seemed childish. Of course they would here if they could.
"Is he…"
I can't finish the question. The word Dead hung over us like a fog. Thankfully I feel my mother's head shake in denial.
"He's… trapped. Come I'll show you."
Breaking out of the hug, I notice that panic has started to set over the people, milling around the entrance. Over one of the doors rests a TV portraying a man in a white lab coat, talking about something. I'm too far away to make it out.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I pull out of my mother's second hug. The next hour had been a blur, learning about Kayaba's vile trap, getting to see Kaz, then finally that damning interview.
Turning back to my brother's comatose body, a different emotion reignites within me, determination. Something that had been dampened since my victory this afternoon is now fully awake again.
Stay safe brother. I'm coming for you, and I'll protect you when I get there. So, for now, live.
Conveying my emotions through our clasped hands, I feel something pulse in response. Fiery motivation burning, my eyes dry and my cheeks clear.
No more tears, its time for action. Staring daggers at the accursed headpiece adorning my brother's head like an alien parasite, I miss my mother's look.
Fear for, and a little bit of, her daughter.
"Pathetic." The man spits disdainfully from the shadows of the wall. "To think my mistress had an eye on you."
Despite the man's immense bulk, he makes no noise as he approaches the fallen figure. Face twisting in disgust, he uses his boot to tilt the man's head to the side. No, boy's he realizes. This supposed warrior from another world had yet to shed his baby face.
Clicking his tongue in scorn he turns to leave the child to its fate. Hesitating he pauses on the edge of the room. No, he can't leave. His goddess had ordered him down here despite risk of discovery all to ensure this child's safety. Pulling out a flask, the man dumps the priceless contents over the body. The effect is immediate. Even the inch hole through the arm closes with barely a mark left behind. Smoke wafts briefly from the wounds before dispersing through the tunnels without a trace. Pocketing the empty vial, the man turns to leave. Trusting the boy to make it out alive he exits the dungeon, no mark left behind to show he was ever there.
Kirito:
Groaning, I blink the remnants of darkness from my vision. Tensing nervously, I mentally scan my body for pain. Nothing. Lowering my hand to my side, there's nothing there. Same with the hole in my arm.
Both have disappeared.
All that is left of the gaping hole is fresh white skin. It doesn't even count as a scar, merely a discolouration that will fade in a week. Whatever happened had closed my wounds and restored my body, but my mind felt as weak as ever. Exhaustion encased my body.
Moving quickly, I leave the halls of the dungeon behind. Exiting Babel, night had descended on the city. If Kayaba had never made this a death game, I'd be priming for another dungeon grind right now. However, my body is at its limits.
A deep-seated pain echoes from my body. Strained joints and overworked muscles. Opening the door to the run-down church, I stumble my way down the stairs.
"Kirito!"
"Goddess…" Mumbling weakly, I can barely reply as my brain totters on the verge of shutting down.
"Hehe, so this is your new look is it? I got to say, your way cuter now!" While talking erroneously about my new appearance, Hestia takes my arm and guides me to the shower. "Here, let me take all of this."
Grabbing my sword and backpack, the goddess gets rid of the bloodstained clothes. Drawing hot water for me as well, even through my tired mind, I realize how embarrassing this is.
Pushing her weakly out of the room, I immerse myself in the hot water. Content sigh escaping, it's a hard fight to stay awake. If I slip under the water, nothing will wake me up while I drown.
Something's strange though, an odd sensation. Looking down, my bleary mind connects the sensation to the fact that I still have underwear on. Well, nothing to be done for that, underwear is a permanent unremovable piece of equipment. Or it had been in the beta…
Trepidation growing, I hook my thumbs under the edges and pull. Sure enough, off they come.
This game is supposed to be 13+. Strangely enough that's the only thought that comes to mind as I stare at my genitalia.
"Are you alright in there Kirito?"
The voice of my concerned goddess brings me back. Feeling a little revitalized from the water, I pull my underwear back on and leave the bath. The energy guides me from the bath into the main room to the bed. Collapsing on it, I find the sweet release of sleep.
Kirito:
"Ugh," Groaning from the effort, I open my eyes only to be greeted with the sight of a cherubic face. Sound asleep, Hestia had taken up residence on the same bed I had stumbled into. Belatedly I realize that I had fallen asleep in her bed. The sofa's supposed to be mine.
Apologizing silently, I slip out of the covers and onto the floor. Trying to stand, my legs give out. Crashing into the table, I lay sprawled on the carpeted floor.
"Hmm? Oh, good morning Kirito!" Waking up slowly from the noise, Hestia stretches lifting her arms above her head.
Cheeks heating, I have to look away from the goddess moments away from exposing herself. Looking at her in general is a trial in mental willpower. Every second a battle to keep my eyes on her face.
"So, do you want to talk about it?"
"Huh?" Muttering my confusion, I can't piece together her train of thought.
"About being able to die? Your new appearance?"
"Right… I guess you're a little shocked." Wait she's an NPC, she can't be shocked, can she?
"That I was!" Hestia declared, puffing out her chest. "Imagine me, trying to read when I hear a great kerfuffle outside. So, I go out and what do I hear? That the unkillable warriors from another world are all a bunch of fakes who could die now!"
"Yeah, that about sums it up," I admit. "None of us are warriors. We aren't cut out for this."
Nodding sadly, Hestia pats the bed. "Lay down here. I'll update your status while you tell me about it."
Hesitating briefly, I accept. Looking at her warm gaze, I know she'll accept my words. Talking to someone, the very concept seems foreign. And yet… I feel open to the idea.
Only after assuming the same position as yesterday do I realise I don't have pants on. I hadn't donned the bloodstained garment before passing out on the bed last night. "Just wai…"
But before I could finish, Hestia took her place on my bottom.
"Oh, don't worry about it! I'm a god, remember?"
"But you're a virgin," the idiotic words are out of my mouth before I can halt them.
"Rude! Just because I'm not some slutty waif of a goddess, doesn't mean I'm ignorant!"
"That's ah… My apologies."
"Hehe, you're a good child. So, what's on your mind?"
The words bring a smile to my face. Hestia's mercurial nature enables her to change face so quickly. I wish I had access to the internet so I could google her basis.
While my goddess' fingers waxed patterns on my back, I talked. Haltingly at first but gaining steam. About the home and family I left behind. About the tentative friend I left behind. Then finally about my trip into the dungeon last night; almost dying.
The goddess is a fantastic listener. Taking everything in stride, she oohed and aahed at the appropriate moments. Finishing well before me, she continued to sit on me and transcribed my new status onto a piece of paper.
"Perhaps I can ease your conscious somewhat Kirito. You think you don't belong here. You came to this world viewing it as little more than a game, something to amuse you, similar to us deities." Getting off me, the goddess walked around the side of the bed so she could stare me in the eyes. "But know this, you do belong here. You are just as pure as any child I've ever judged. One day, you'll return to your world, and your sister will forgive you."
"You really think so?" There are tears in my eyes, but I don't care.
"I do. I think you'll be the adventurer to lead your people home. Congratulations on your new skill Kirito."
Taking the sheet from the goddess I read it while she runs her hand through my hair.
Kirito
Level One
Strength: I 0 → I 42 Defense: I → I 20 Utility: I 0 → I 32 Agility: I 0 → I 50 Magic: I 0 → I 0
Magic:
()
Skills:
Gilded Hero – Grants the user abilities surpassing their limit in times of great desperation or need. Particularly when aligned with a righteous goal.
"Remember Kirito, you can die now. And as my only familia member that makes you responsible to come back alive. Otherwise, Hestia familia will collapse before it begins!"
Smiling at my goddess' humor, I turn the discussion to my status. "I grew quite a bit."
"Indeed," Hestia agrees with a bit of a frown. "I'm no expert on statuses but this is quite quick. Even for you other world children who grow much faster."
"Eh? What was that?"
"Uh, you grew a lot yesterday?"
"No, the part about us otherworld adventurers growing faster."
"Oh, that." Hestia answered with a shrug. "The children native to this world grow very slowly with a falna. They must put it a lot of work to do it. I think the average time to hit level two, is about two and a half years."
Breath hitching, my eyes open with wonder. If that was the speed we grew at, it would take years beyond reckoning to clear the game if ever. I quickly thanked Kayaba that he at least left the rate of growth from the beta consistent.
In the two-month beta it took me about six weeks to hit level two. Assuming people would grow slower here due to not being able to die, it would be about two to three months to hit level two on average. In other words, compared to the 30 months of this world, we grow about ten times faster.
"Even still, my status went up a lot…" Doing some quick calculations, my agility would max out in 20 days at this pace, just shy of three weeks, and I barely killed anything yesterday!
"Yep!" Hestia agreed with a smile. "You said it yourself, you took down an opponent stronger than yourself, that's high grade excelia!"
Giving me a giant thumbs-up, I feel the last of the nightmares from yesterday flow away. Restraining my urge to embrace the diminutive goddess, I instead ask her the final question on my mind. "Have you heard of this skill before?"
"Ah, right." Scratching her chin, a devious grin comes over her face. "Aren't you getting a little old to think of being a hero?"
"Huh?" What the hell did she mean by that? Sure, the skill name is Gilded Hero, but what does that have to do with me.
"You don't know!?" Looking stunned the goddess seems to think I'm pranking her. After ensuring her I really don't understand, she explains. "Us gods use our ichor, or blood, to draw out your abilities. Your status is a direct reflection of the paths you've walked, and the things you believe.
"Only in a child who has the capacity to become a hero would a skill like this appear."
"I don't necessarily think that's true."
My quiet rebuke stuns Hestia for a moment. This time it was her turn to ask, "What do you mean?"
"The skill says gilded, yes? In other words, I'm no more than the illusion of a hero. A fake."
Instead of consoling me, or telling me off, Hestia merely falls backwards in a fit of laughter.
"W-why are you laughing?"
"Because people would kill to get a skill like that, and you're complaining you're a failure!" The howls of laughter continue as my cheeks slowly redden.
With a soft chime, the magic stone clock's melody flows over the room. Abruptly stopping mid-laugh, Hestia's neck snaps to the right. "Oh no! I'm going to be late for work!"
"You work?" Gathering my stuff, I finally dress myself and equip my sword.
"Yes! At a potato snack stand on North main." Pausing at the room's entrance, Hestia glares at me. "No going into the dungeon today, your body needs rest."
Initial complaints dying in my mouth, I remember trying to stand up this morning. Flushing again from embarrassment, I agree to her terms.
Giving me a giant thumbs up she darts from the room.
"What do I do now then?"
Babel:
"No! Felix! Damn it!" Climbing the staircase wearily, the trio of men appear on death's door. Crying ugly tears, the once cocky adventurers had entered the dungeon only a short few hours ago. Where six had gone in, only three came out.
They had met the day before as recent inductees to Ganesha familia, the largest familia in terms of members. Boasting a large number of resources, Ganesha familia members were outfitted in high quality gear for new adventurers. However, gear alone could not save someone from the dungeon.
This party had gotten cocky and ventured onto the fourth floor and fell victim to a pack of seven kobolds. While the six-man party should have won the fight, they slipped up. With a Dungeon crawler above them, and a Frog shooter behind them, they fell victim to the dungeon's primary trick, ambushes.
Seeing the group emerge, the waiting deities exchanged money based on bets placed. For them this was the greatest entertainment. Cocky children from another world who thought themselves immortal just yesterday brought low.
Stumbling, another member of the group fell onto the marble floor of babel. "Kirato! Hey, Kirato! Quick he needs healing!"
The tearful shouts for healing only brought the gods to gales of laughter. Unlike the gods, however, the guild staff rushed over to take them to the Babel infirmary. Adventurers were their income. They weren't going to let them die.
Shaking his head, a tall man stood disgusted by the series of events. Having been a beta bester he had entered the dungeon once that morning since the proclamation. A member of Ganesha familia as well, the man knew he must do something. Ganesha was god of the masses, beloved by all. He couldn't stand here and let people die. Turning on his heel, the man exited Babel with a dramatic throw of his cape. Eyes full of determination, he set out for his next destination, guild headquarters.
Guild Pantheon:
"So, goddess Hestia didn't fill it out before heading to work?"
"Ah, yes that's correct. I'm afraid we slept in today."
"Well I'm sure yesterday took quite the toll on you," Eina mumbled consolatory. "Taking one day off won't change anything. The main thing is to stay alive."
"Hestia kept reminding me of that as well," I admit. "Although that's not surprising since I nearly killed myself yesterday."
"What do you mean by that?"
The temperature in the consultation box seemed to drop ten degrees under Eina's stare. Staring at the table, I mumble my story about going to floor five.
"Five!?"
The screech was eardrum shattering. Blown back by the force of the words, I could only sit there as the half-risen Eina began her lecture.
"That floor is death for a new adventurer! Now that you can be killed it is of utmost important, that you. Do. Not. Go. On. Adventures! Understand?"
Nodding mutely, I didn't understand where this was coming from. All I am is one of a multitude of adventures that call her advisor. Why is she getting this worked up?
"Based on that look, you still don't understand mister! That dungeon takes lives everyday. Don't let one of them be yours…"
Trailing off, a single tear runs down the half-elf's cheek. More beautiful than a master painting, I wish I could freeze time and simply gaze upon the scene. Unbidden, my hand rose and wiped it off her cheek. "I won't die in there. I have things I need to do back home. Plus, my goddess is counting on me."
Smiling at my advisor, I could have sworn I saw a faint blush.
"Well, as long as you understand I won't say any more on the subject. But since you have time, I'll begin instructing you on the layout and monsters of the dungeons upper floors."
"Ah, before that," I interrupt Eina. Receiving an icy stare, I plow on. "I got an interesting skill from my status update; I was wondering if you could tell me what you know about it."
"I-I suppose," Eina stutters taken aback. "But an adventurers' status is sacred, one should always protect it, lest people may take advantage of the knowledge."
"Oh…" Feeling flush, I'm sure I look like an idiot. Eina just seemed like a logical person to talk to about it…
"But, if you consider me worthy, I will lend you my ear. I promise upon my life to never breath a word to another soul about what you tell me."
"Then I'll take you up on the offer." Shifting awkwardly in my seat, I read aloud the name and description of my skill to Eina.
"That's an incredible skill," Eina replies dazed. "It gives you the power to overturn normally unsurmountable odds."
"You think so as well?" Feeling a bitter taste in my mouth, yet another person saw the skill as a positive. But after hearing Hestia's explanation, it felt like a personal attack. That I'd never be a true hero, only resemble one.
"Kirito, may I be blunt?"
Blinking at Eina's interjection, I wave my approval.
"Your status is a depiction of your past. I don't know why it appeared for you, but I do know one thing. It doesn't define your future. That's up to you to shape."
Laughing wryly, I shake my head. "Thank you Eina. It seems like all I do lately is receive help."
"If it brings you back alive, then it will have been worth it."
Locking gazes, we smile at each other. After a few seconds, I cough and look away. "Uh, monsters?"
"Of course. I'll be right back." Darting out of the room, Eina returned less than a minute later with a large stack of books. "Let's begin here, shall we?"
Mouth drying, fear rose. I'd never been exactly… studious. Now Eina was staring at me with the wrath of the ancient Spartans made flesh. Swallowing, I nod my acceptance. It's all gaming material, that should be easy to remember, right?
Kirito:
Stumbling out the consultation box, I think I forgot to thank Eina. The questions on weak points and monster moves had been fairly easy. The real issue was the floor layouts. Despite Eina's insistence that I memorize the entire layout, my brain rebelled. Oh well, the session had been helpful, nevertheless. Stretching, my eye was caught by a man walking in the front door. Something about him seemed familiar. Maybe noticing my gaze, he stared right back as we walked past each other.
Why would someone be familiar unless… "He's from the beta test?" Voicing my thoughts in a soundless whisper, I take one last look at him from behind before heading out the doors.
Looking up, the sun is just passing its zenith. What to do for the rest of the day. My mind calls for me to go to the dungeon, but I know better. There's a difference between making progress and overworking. Who knows what long term effects fighting had on one's body now?
Yawning, I make up my mind. A nice nap in a park sounded just about right. Orario was designed like a wheel with the dungeon in the center. Eight streets acted as the spokes which ran uninterrupted from the city walls to Babel. Since guild headquarters are located on North-West main, I simply follow it down to Babel, where numerous parks reside.
Walking past a café, the smell of fresh baked bread, awoke a different desire. The last time I'd eaten had been… lunch the day before. Checking my pockets, I confirm I have money on me before entering the building.
A human girl with light gray hair meets me at the entrance. "Good afternoon, sir. Table for one?"
"Ah, yes." Following her into the café, I sit at the end of a long L-shaped bar. It looks like it can be converted into a pub at night-time, if they so choose. Walking around to the other side, the girl gives me a menu.
"Umm, are you working as the bartender as well?"
"Oh, yes." The girl answers sadly. "Unfortunately, the original owner is no longer with us. As a result, I have more tasks to do."
In a standard MMO, this would be when a quest appeared. You would hunt down what happened to the owner and set it right. But not here in Orario. This game's only quests are first come first serve item collection quests. At least that's all I ever found in the beta…
Nodding my sympathy to the NPC, I examine her a bit more closely. Her short hair is pulled back into a short-knotted ponytail. Her uniform consists of a simple white apron over a light green blouse with black pants and brown boots. All in all, her outfit is very unremarkable and screams NPC.
Why is her dialogue so complex then?
Finding no answers I look down at my menu and find what I want right away. Ordering just the plain bread and some water, the meal is cheap. But also, so good. The fresh bread melts in my mouth leaving behind a delectable texture.
Staring blankly into space while I eat, I think there may be a tear threatening to leak from my eye, but I give it no thought. There is no time to wipe it when this bread still exists.
Scarfing it down in record time, I stare forlornly at the leftover crumbs on my plate.
"I'm guessing you enjoyed it?"
Asking with a twinkle in her eye, I realize she's laughing at me.
"Food is one the world's few miracles."
Laughing at my too serious statement, she covers her mouth with a tray she's carrying. First Eina, and now her. Do the girls here not like to be seen laughing? Or is it some common programming between the NPC's?
Getting lost in my thought I forget I'm being impolite. "Ah right, the bill."
"Bill? There are no ducks here." Tilting her head at the use of the word, I realize that they don't use the word that way here.
"I mean the tab, what I owe you for the food."
"Of course, the payment. You new people certainly have funny ways of talking."
Laughing nervously, I hand her the payment and go to leave.
"Wait adventurer! What's your name?"
"Ah, uh Kirito," I reply slowly, still unable to get used to NPC's asking for my name.
"I'm Syr Flover. Feel free to come whenever."
Waving goodbye, I thank her one last time and depart the café. Stomach full, sleep is imminent. Yawning loudly, I navigate the streets on autopilot.
"Hey, Kii-bou!"
Startled out of my trance by a whispered shout, I scan the nearby alleyways. Sure enough, hidden in the shadow of one is a figure waving me over.
Shaking my head, I can only marvel at how the girl managed to find me. An acquaintance from the Beta, Argo's a mysterious character. She is also the only one who would call me Kii-bou, especially with such a nasally accent.
"Yo, Argo. How did you find me?"
"Luck," the girl grumbled. "Overheard some goddess at a stand on North main mention how a boy named Kirito had joined her familia." Waving me deeper into the alley, I tried to figure out what race she was. With the long cloak covering her this is impossible unfortunately.
"Wait a second. You answered my question without charging me. Did you get nicer between the beta and release?"
Snorting at the sentiment, I could feel the roll of Argo's eyes even from behind. "I'm answering your questions because you're one of the few I can trust."
"What do you mean by that?"
Sighing deeply, Argo stopped moving. "Do you remember logging in yesterday?"
"Which part?" Obviously, she couldn't be referring to the act of saying 'link start'.
"There was a memo about a new race."
Snapping my fingers, I remember, "Right! Renart. Only playable by beta…" Trailing off, my eyes open with trepidation.
"You guessed it Kii-bou."
Turning around, Argo let her hood her down. There, on top of her unmarked face are two golden fox ears. Meshing well with her curly brown hair, she'd stick out like a sore thumb on the street.
"Do you also have a…?"
Taking the question out of my mouth, Argo produces a sleek golden tail to go along with the ears. Enraptured by its golden glow, my hand reaches out to touch it. Getting smacked out of the air, Argo gives me a devious smile.
"Touching will cost you."
Face going crimson, I have no reply for the irascible girl.
"So, anyway, I have a problem."
"Ah, right." Still unable to look Argo in the eye, I follow the path of her tail as she swishes it back and forth underneath the cloak.
"I'm worried it won't be long until lynch mobs come after the beta testers."
Head snapping up, I stare into her serious eyes. "Why do you think that?" My quiet voice is barely audible. Probably a good thing. Any louder and it would have shaken.
"The one's who have tried to fight are starting to realize how unforgiving this game is. The initial learning curve is brutal."
"Something all beta testers had to deal with," I murmur sympathetically.
"Yes. And if you're anything like me, you died a lot figuring it out."
Nodding my agreement, I wave for her to continue.
"They don't have that luxury. So, they're wondering where are the beta testers? Why is no one saving them."
Grimacing, I remember the friend I left behind, "Klein." Clenching my fist, I wonder if he's still alive. If he would risk entering the dungeon again.
Looking up, I finally see what has been hiding behind Argo's eyes, fear. I may have failed Klein, but I can help her.
"What do you need me to do?"
Blushing a little under my gaze, Argo succinctly summarizes her plan. "By publishing the information on the top floors of the dungeon, we provide the players with the information needed to stay alive. Less dead people, less anger at beta testers."
Tilting my head quizzically, I was a bit… underwhelmed. "All of that is already available at the guild though."
"Huh?"
Explaining the study session, I was forced to endure, Argo's jaw drops.
"You mean to tell me, an NPC taught you about the dungeon? They didn't just repeat lines off a page, or answer generic questions?"
"No, Argo," I sigh, "I'm surprised you haven't noticed, but the AI in the launch version is far superior. To be honest, I frequently forget I'm not talking to real people."
"Amazing…" Argo murmurs, the gears in her mind whirring at maximum speed. "But I think your case is special."
"Hmm? How do you mean?"
"Well, I've heard of advisors at the guild and the consultation boxes. I just don't think the other advisors go that far."
"Maybe…" I admit, Eina did seem especially nosey. I mean caring.
"Plus, even if the information is in the guild, it's probably limited access. And in a hard to digest format I'd wager."
"True," the books had been hard to get through. There were entire pages on the color variations of goblins. "So, how do I help?"
"Really? You're in just like that?"
"Of course. You aren't the only beta tester. Even if your race distinguishes you as one, I'm in just as much danger."
"Thanks, Kii-bou."
Taking advantage of Argo looking at the ground, my hand snaked out and patted her head. Rubbing her golden ears between my fingers, the detail is impeccable. I can feel the sensation of the fur and even the warmth of the blood vessels underneath.
Tensing up, Argo removes my hand from her head. Glaring at me, Argo condemns me with a single sentence. "I'll count that as your payment for the job."
Understanding I have no leg to stand on, I simply accept the conditions.
"First, I want to head to the dungeon and do some hands-on collection," Argo declares. Pulling her hood up and confirming her tail is tucked securely under her cloak, she leads the way out of the alley.
"Ah, no can-do Argo."
"What? Why not? You're obviously not busy."
Shuffling my feet, the answer is hard to give. "Well, uh… you see… My goddess kind of forbade me from entering the dungeon today."
Standing there open-mouthed, Argo's incredulous. "Your goddess…" Leaning her head back, Argo howls with laughter. "That's the best thing I've heard in a long time Kii-bou."
"Sorry Argo," Apologizing awkwardly, I'm unsure what to do. I don't have the necessary experience to deal with something like this. If I did, I probably wouldn't have ended up trapped here in the first place.
"It's all good, Kii-bou. I'll do other things to prepare for tomorrow. Meet me 7 am sharp outside of babel."
Leaving no room for reply, Argo dashes off before I can confirm my acceptance. Leaving the alley, I gaze at the slowly setting sun. Maybe I should go find Hestia, I muse. Get her to stop by the guild and finish registering the familia.
Mind made up I change directions and forget about sleep for the time being.
Babel's top floor:
"That was truly your impression of him?" The silver-haired goddess asked with a disappointed lilt.
"Yes," the warrior confirmed. "I had to use an elixir to save him on the upper floors."
"Had he not only become an adventurer that day though? What happened to him?"
Unwilling to disappoint the goddess he held above all else, the warrior thought back. "His body was covered in clean slashes. The result of a Wall Shadow most likely."
"Do Wall Shadows typically leave their prey alone to stumble to death?"
"No," the man admitted, the word dragged from his mouth. "It is likely he killed it."
"So, the boy with a blank status killed a lower fifth monster. Quite the skilled fighter."
"Perhaps. But fighting one in the first place was stupid beyond reckoning."
"Yes, well he did just get troubling news." Swirling ruby red wine in a glass, the goddess stared along North main. Even from here she could see the boy's soul. One of her unique abilities is that she could evaluate children with one glance. The one's from the other world were far harder. Often muddy and unclear they were much harder to get a read on. This one though… His soul didn't shine any color. It was a soft black, like the silky fabric of the revealing dress she wore. It was comforting.
She couldn't claim a great interest in the child, but still. She wanted to watch him grow, see what this unique soul of his would lead to.
"Leave him alone for now. I will decide later if he is worth adding to my collection."
"As you command." Bowing his acceptance, the man left. Closing the door behind him, he silently cursed the boy who had stolen even a fraction of his goddess' attention.
Kirito:
"Goddess."
"Kirito!" Squealing, the short goddess truly looked like a child as she leapt out from behind the street stall.
Coughing to get their attention, the elderly animal person managing the stall spoke. "You're still on the job Hestia."
"Hehe, sorry." Bowing her apology, Hestia went back to work.
"How long until you're off?"
"Another half an hour," Hestia answered instantly without breaking form.
"You know Hestia, you're far better at this when your child is watching."
"Urg." Flinching visibly from the comment, Hestia changed the topic.
"So, you were so lonely without me that you had to come check on me at work?"
"Well actually," I correct her, "you never filled out the familia registration form. I thought we could go after you got off."
"Haha…" Laughing dryly, Hestia flinched once again. Form slipping, Hestia dropped a potato snack on the ground.
Sighing, the animal person shook her head. "Here, take your money and go. And clean up that snack!"
Picking up the snack, Hestia pocketed the 180 valis from her six hours of work and headed out.
"So, that's the famous potato snack is it?" Eyeing it, I felt my stomach act up again. A piece of bread was no substitute for 24 hours of food.
"Eh? This fell on the ground; you can't eat it!"
"Why not?" The question came out sassier than intended, but I was generally curious. In the real world, one didn't eat fallen food due to bacteria and dirt. But here neither of those should be an issue.
"Because it will make you sick? That's what happens when food falls on an unclean surface."
With Hestia staring at me like I'm an idiot, I can only scratch my head. "Well, let's get going."
"Sometimes I worry about you Kirito," Hestia sighs. "For some reason I imagined you'd spend the day eating food and sleeping."
Coughing loudly, I try to stay cool and prevent my cheeks from burning. Is this the power of a goddess?
Did she really divine my personality that well already?
Leading Hestia through the mostly empty building I head over to where Eina's working diligently at her desk.
Getting a nudge from the pink haired receptionist beside her, Eina looks up and smiles at us. "Welcome back Kirito. This must be your familia's goddess, Hestia, correct?"
Nodding, I confirm her words. "We're here to complete the familia registration process."
"Do you have the sheet I gave you or do you need another?"
"I have it right here," Smiling at Eina I pull it out of my coat and unfold it. Laying it on the table I move over for Hestia to fill out. "Goddess?"
Standing still, Hestia stares at Eina, a storm cloud brewing over her head. "Hmm, so while I was off working, you were here fraternizing with this half-elf?"
Tilting my head, I stare at her quizzically. "She's my advisor."
"Well remember that I'm a virgin goddess, and as a child of my familia I expect you to uphold my ideals!"
"Isn't that a little tyrannical?" I complain to myself.
Looking back and forth between us, Eina wore a complicated expression on her face. "I'm not sure what you're implying Goddess Hestia but my relationship with Kirito is strictly professional."
"Sure, it is." Huffing loudly, Hestia set about on filling out the form with a vengeance.
Giving Eina an apologetic smile, I think about her words in comparison to what Argo said. According to Argo these 'lessons' weren't standard fare as far as advisors went. But Hestia also claimed that gods could tell when children lied to them. If both were telling the truth, then I merely got lucky with my choice of advisor.
"Here you go!" Sliding the sheet across the table, Hestia appeared to have cheered up slightly.
"I'll process this and be back in a moment." Sounding like the perfect NPC, or professional, Eina bowed slightly and went to the back of the building.
Coming back not even five minutes later, Eina bore a sheet with the guild's stamp of approval on it. Giving it a once-over, it talked about the acceptance of Hestia familia as an approved dungeon crawling entity. Getting nauseous from the legal jargon I scoop it up and put it in my coat for safe keeping.
The second sheet was…
"While I doubt you'll need this anytime soon, I figure you may want to know. This is the request form for familia emblems."
"Which are?"
"The familia emblem can be used in place of cash for a transaction and are often used in large purchases. It can also be used as an identifier. As a low ranking familia you are unlikely to have use for it, but maybe in a year or so."
"Thanks, miss elf," Hestia smiles while snatching the form from her hand. "Kirito and I will enjoy creating our design." With a special emphasis on our, even one as socially inept as I understood.
Nonetheless, my mind is still processing Eina's words. "A year or so." In my mind I'd been naively thinking that the game would finish at level three of so. Floor 30 maybe. Five or six months, long but not unbelievable. Based on Eina's words…
How long will this game take to clear?
Shaking my head, I dispel the thoughts. One day at a time.
"Umm, good luck?" Trying to keep a professional aura, Eina seems confused by the hostility Hestia is displaying.
"Well, uh bye." Waving quickly, I move to keep up with Hestia who's halfway to the door.
"Kirito!"
"Yeah?"
"Come see me tomorrow after you get back from the dungeon, please?"
Nodding, I give my advisor one last smile before exiting. Argo's right. Eina certainly isn't a normal advisor.
Asuna:
"Hey Asu-chan, you alive in there?"
Despite the concern in the voice I couldn't answer. It was all a bad dream, it had to be. I'd only logged on to see this new world my brother had talked about. I still wasn't sure what had compelled me to put on the headset.
Hope of an escape?
Maybe. The endless push to stay on top is monotonous. A race I'm about to lose. With the end of the final semester about to start, this game needed to end now. In one week, no two, if I'm not freed, my entire life until now, all of my work, will have been pointless.
"If you don't answer, I'm coming in. Can't have a dead body stinking up my home, ya know?"
The voice is my goddess'. A red-haired deity with narrow, slanted eyes, I couldn't get her to leave me alone. Eventually giving up, I'd joined just to get her to shut up.
"Here I come!" Flinging open the door, my goddess, Loki, jumps into the room. Wearing the same clothes as yesterday, it's a most confusing outfit. A tight blue crop top bared her midriff while showing off her curves, or lack thereof. On top of that, the goddess wore black long sleeves that was its own piece of fabric. Her bottom half had a similar getup with black leggings leaving her upper thighs bare and a pair of tight shorts. Despite lacking in the feminine curves department, the goddess boasted looks on par with any. A trait shared by all gods and goddesses apparently.
"What do you want?"
Freezing under my cold looks and harsh gaze, the deity stopped. Suspended in a comical state, it is almost enough to make me laugh despite the circumstances.
"Just came to check on you, like I said. Can't have you dying on me yet, it's just the second day!"
"It has been two days too long." Turning my back to the goddess, I stare at the wall of the room I haven't left. Ignoring my growling stomach, I had no urge to use the washroom and therefore, no need to leave.
"Ahh!" Gasping, a caress had stroked my ears. Deciding to embrace the fantasy world I had made an elf instead of a human as I first planned on.
"Oh? Like that do you?"
"No! ah, don't touch, Urgh!" Grasping my ears with my hands I pull away from the goddess. "Don't. Don't do that." Panting, it's hard to keep a straight face. I can tell it's glowing a bright red but from embarrassment or the stimulation I'm not sure.
Why the hell are these elf ears so damn sensitive?
"Hehe, that face is so damn adorable I could just eat you right up."
"Please, just go away."
Ignoring me, Loki stood there, head cocked to the side like she was examining a particularly interesting puzzle. "You haven't had a bath since coming here, yeah? Why don't I show you where they are? I can even wash your back for you while we're in there."
The idea of a bath has me salivating, but that look in Loki's eye… "I'll um pass for now. Can you just tell me where they are?"
Sighing, Loki shakes her head in disappointment. "They're in the east wing of the manor. No men will bother you while you're there."
"Thank you, Loki." Despite her earlier interactions, I can feel genuine good will from her. She wants me to be happy. "That won't happen though. Illusions can never make someone happy," Whispering my true thoughts at the door I stretch out on the bed.
"Grr," Growling angrily at me, my stomach continues voicing its displeasure at my decision to ignore it. At least there's no real pain…
Just as the thought crosses my mind, my stomach constricts in agony. Gasping, I roll onto the floor.
Lying there heaving, sweat covers my body. "How?" Protesting weakly, I try to stand up, but another wave sends me back to the floor.
Can I die from not eating?
My current condition certainly seems to suggest it.
Fine, I'll eat.
Standing up wearily, it seems like the pains will come and go. Like normal hunger cramps, my brain supplies automatically. Telling myself to go stuff it, I leave the room.
Loki called her house, or mansion is more appropriate, Twilight manor. Containing hundreds of rooms, it was constructed as four tall towers. Stretching high, the Twilight Manor overshadowed every other building in the West-North-West section of Orario. Part of the reason for this lofty design is that since Orario's wall restricts outward growth, the buildings must go up to compensate.
Entering the dining hall, there are multiple long tables for the familia members to sit and dine. At first glance, there are maybe twenty members sitting around eating supper. It's easy to divide them into people like me, and the beings of the game, NPD's, or something like that.
The people have a monotone disposition, disbelief and shock still warring within them. Any conversation between them is muted and dull. The game characters though… had a general aura of scorn or superiority about them. While they did nothing hostile, their feelings were clear.
That's what you deserve for treating our world like a game.
Pulling my hood lower, I hide my face in the shadow it provides. Walking quickly, I ignore the few glances they shoot me. With the bulky cloak pulled low everyone probably thinks I'm another man. Shovelling some potatoes, bread, and vegetables on my plate I sit in the corner of the room. Keeping one eye on the other occupants I eat.
I try to keep a dignified manner, but it's so good! Even if the generic texture is a bit off, the flavour seems to explode in my mouth. Inhibitions lowering, the food starts disappearing faster.
"It's empty…" staring morosely at my empty plate the words slip out. As I'm debating getting more, the doors slam open.
"Damn this game!"
"Calm down Hokkai," the leader commands, "We'll get better."
"You weren't so bad yourself Lind. You really weren't a beta tester?"
Scoffing the man replies, "Of course not. I just have a little more practice with these VR games than you."
Joking around, the six-man party goes to grab food.
"Well, well, well, there are my dungeon crawlers!"
Entering the dining hall from the other direction Loki greets the party. "It's just a real shame I didn't manage to recruit more cuties."
Feeling the implication, I try to exit the dining room without drawing attention.
"Speaking of cuties, Asu-chan, come over here for a moment."
Briefly I think about running away. But… No, I've eaten Loki's food and slept in her room. I can't just ignore her. Turning around stiffly I draw my cloak around me. I can feel the eyes of the men who realize I'm female.
"Yes Loki?" Keeping my voice quiet, I try to draw as little attention as possible.
"Hehe, you're drawing em all like moths to a flame with that shy act of yours!"
"Huh?" Scanning the party briefly, Loki's right. All six of them are leaning forward and staring at me. Hanging onto my every word. Taking an involuntary step back, I pull my hood even lower.
"Ah, don't be like that Asu-chan! Do I need to give your ears another rub to loosen you up?"
Taking another, quite voluntary, step back, I hide my reddening cheeks.
Why is she doing this?
"Anyway, I was wondering if you'd join their party. With magic like yours you'd be a fine addition to their hunting squad. So, how bout it?"
"Thank you for the offer, but I pass." Cutting Loki my coldest glare, I turn on heel and depart the room. I've learned enough about this game to know how stupid entering the dungeon is. I overheard players say that during the beta test the highest level players got to was 2. Even if they were at the end of the game, that took them two months with no risk of death. I didn't have even a month to wait. Either the problem would be solved on the other side, or I'd eventually die.
There are no other options.
Kirito:
"Argo," Greeting the diminutive fox girl, I fight to keep the yawn at bay. Hestia had insisted on a potato snack 'feast' in celebration of the formation of our familia. Most likely the 10 potato snacks that she bought had took most of her savings. Oh, well, I should be able to make money quite quickly in the dungeon.
Unless I die, the little voice in my head reminds me. Mentally shoving it away, I try to prepare myself for a day with Argo.
Spending time with Argo isn't like spending time with other girls. With Argo you don't worry about whether your hair is messed up, or if you're talking too much. You worry about what she's extracting from you that she would sell off later. On the flipside, she'd drop hints so that you'd end up spending a fortune on information you didn't need. Tightening my purse, I had brought with me the bare minimum needed to cover any emergency purchases.
"What's with the face, Kii-bou? Not excited about spending time with your favorite gamer girl?"
"Did you actually just refer to yourself as that?" Incredulous, I remember the term springing about in the late 10's. The term was never used in the twenties.
Shrugging her shoulders, Argo led the way into babel. "Today, we'll be focusing on the upper two floors. Mainly periphery mapping and weak point examination. Monster strength estimates and optimal strategies. Got it?"
"Aye aye." Nodding my understanding I walk alongside her.
Entering through the open double doors, a new sight greets me. Two guild employees handing out flyers to the adventurers.
"Here you are sir."
Reacting automatically, I accept the sheet.
Diavel's Academy of Fighting Basics.
Put on by Ganesha familia in combination with the guild, this will teach new adventurers the basics of combat and how to survive in the dungeon.
"What?"
"It's a new thing. We were asked to distribute them," one of the guild employees explains.
"It will last three days and is hosted in the coliseum," the other chimes in.
"Thanks," Nodding my head I continue past them to the stairs. Crunching up the paper I stuff it in my backpack.
"Think this Diavel is a beta tester?" Argo asks quietly.
Whether she's whispering to avoid players which I see none of or the NPC's I'm not sure.
Shrugging my shoulders, I answer her honestly. "Not necessarily. I think real world fighting carries over pretty well. Being a beta tester would explain why they know about the dungeon though."
Passing quite a few adventurers we go quite deep through the outer tunnels of floor one before encountering a monster.
Being born in front of us, the goblin quite literally crawls its way out of the wall. This is how monsters are spawned in the dungeon. Fully grown, ready to fight, and emerging from the walls.
"You got this?" I ask Argo lightly as it finally turns towards us.
"Not very gentlemanly of you," Argo complains but complies, nevertheless.
Racing forward, Argo's bent almost ninety degrees, racing along the ground. Running too fast for the goblin, Argo gets inside of its errant swing and impales its throat with her claws. A clean kill.
Whistling appreciatively, I extract the magic stone for her.
"Why thank you Kii-bou," Argo thanks me while taking the stone. "You make quite the supporter."
Trying to take the insult in stride, I simply nod my head. No need to try and defend myself and give her something else to sell.
"Hmm," Murmuring with obvious disappoint that I didn't react more, Argo continues down the tunnel.
After almost two hours, I have to question what the point is. I feel like we haven't learnt anything worth putting in a guide.
"Argo?"
Looking away from me, she begins shuffling her feet. "Look Kii-bou. I kind of knew the first two floors wouldn't yield anything already."
"So, you want to go to floor three? Sure."
Head snapping in my direction, Argo's mouth worked rapidly, but no words came out. Pausing to collect herself, her words are rushed. "Aren't you scared?"
Considering her statement, I think back to my scrap with death. With my new status and skill… "I won't die on the third floor Argo. If you're scared, I'll try to protect you."
"Kii-bou…" Looking at me with a weird face, Argo turns around and heads for the stairs to the third floor.
Following yet again, I loosen my sword in its sheath. While swords usually hang from the waist, I find it more comfortable to keep it across my back. The only problem with that is it takes longer to draw it. Nonetheless, I keep it across my back for the comfort and ease of movement. As a VR game, I can actually feel the weight of the sheath and can't handle it bumping into me while trying to fight.
The third floor. It's most likely deserted except for any beta testers. Which is for the best really. Frog Shooters spawn on this floor. In addition to Kobold packs, the third floor is significantly more difficult than the first two.
Speak of the devil. A Frog Shooter. One of the dungeons weakest monsters it's vulnerable by itself. What it does is shoot its sharp tongue at you. As the reach is about five feet, it can be used without interfering with other monsters attacking you. If you get hit by one, even a Goblin can prove fatal.
Argo dashes ahead, similar to her strategy for the Goblins. Trying to predict the tongue and leap to the side. It's a good idea, but not the accepted way to deal with Frog Shooters. The guild recommends either blocking the tongue with a shield or killing them at range. Argo's strategy is faster, dodge the tongue and kill them.
Unfortunately, Argo's status is too low. The tongue clips her on the arm. Stumbling from the impact, Argo places a hand on the ground to stabilize herself.
"Stupid amphibian." Grumbling about the frog, Argo cuts the tongue with her free arm. A major advantage short-range sharp weapons like a knife or Argo's claws have is the ability to do precisely that, easily cut the tongue. Reeling back in shock, the frog experienced another second of pain before its life is brought to an early end.
"What's your agility right now?" I ask Argo curiously.
"Hehe, that will cost you at least 100,000 valis," Argo shot back immediately.
"Alright," I accept shrugging. "Just thought you may want to provide base agility values for dodging moves in your book."
Freezing, Argo looks at me embarrassed. "That's… not a bad idea Kii-bou."
"I mean, a lot of it will depend on reaction time and experience as well. But with zero agility you have to get lucky to dodge that move."
"I suppose giving general status outlines for each floor isn't a bad idea," Argo accepts, while rubbing her arm.
"Does it hurt?"
"Of course, it doesn't," Argo snapped back. "What a stupid… Actually…"
"Pain sensors are turning on," I tell her seriously. Locking gazes, I inform her of my worries. "I took a claw through my arm and it felt like a minor cut. I think that Kayaba is going to slowly increase the pain levels back to real world values over a series of months.
This will both make the fighting more realistic as well as giving the players time to get accustomed to pain in battle without scaring them off."
As I ramble, I realize this is the longest I've ever spent talking with the mysterious Argo. Or any non-NPC. Blushing, I look away. I try to keep an aloof aura, but I worry it just makes me seem younger.
From Argo, I hear giggling. Snapping my head that way, I examine the girl who is having to wipe tears from her eyes. "You're a goof, you know that Kii-bou? You can talk if you want to. I won't bite you. Hard anyway."
Choking slightly, I examine the girl. Had that been an innuendo? Before I get the chance to say something stupid, Kobolds appear. Resigned to continuous fighting, I draw my sword and stalk forward.
Despite being in the dungeon over two hours at this point, this is still one of my first fights. Like I'd thought, the upper two floors have a fairly low capacity. We will need to rapidly conquer the lower floors to enable enough room for everyone to hunt.
Gliding left around the pack of four, I force two of them into each other. While they're still confused, I relieve them of their issues, and their heads. Ignoring the falling bodies, the other two face me.
Shaking my head at them, they don't realize their mistake until Argo's claws down a third. Surrounding the last one, it looks back and forth at us before settling on Argo. Lunging forward, claws meet claws in an explosion of sparks.
Grunting from the strain, Argo used the strength granted by her status to force the Kobold back. Taking advantage of the space, I quickly bisect the creature.
"Good job." Sticking out my fist, Argo meets it after a brief pause.
"I think that's my line. You didn't go to the dungeon yesterday. How is your status so high already?"
"I uh, kind of almost died opening day. Let's keep going and I'll tell you."
Having gotten practice with Hestia and Eina, the words roll off my tongue smoother. Halfway through I realize it's probably a bad idea to tell a personal story to a girl who would sell her own status for money. Pushing through though, I end the tale of defeating a Wall Shadow and almost dying with only one interruption for a fight.
"You're real lucky, you know that Kii-Bou?" Argo scolds me harshly once I'm done.
Scratching my head, I can't come up with a reply. I suppose I really am lucky that someone had been there. Or at least I think they were.
"But I'm glad you're alive."
"What was that? I thought I heard you say something."
Ignoring my words Argo continues deeper into the floor. Whether they were real or my imagination I'd never know.
"And Kii-bou, about the pain. I hope your wrong."
Staring at the girl's back my words in reply are a whisper, "So do I Argo. So do I."
Kirito:
Yawning, Argo and I exit Babel as the sky is illuminated a brilliant orange. "Did you get everything you needed?"
"Yeah, thanks Kii-bou."
"No problem. Well, uh, good luck writing. I'll see you around." Saying an awkward goodbye, I set out for the guild headquarters. I had a promise to keep after all.
"Don't be that way, Kii-bou." Grabbing my hand, Argo stops me from leaving. "I know there's no messaging system, but if you need me, I'll be there."
"Same to you Argo." Letting my hand linger in hers for a moment, I leave for the guild.
Walking down North West Main, I quickly arrive at the guild. Continuing to flex my hand I think back to the day spent with Argo. It had been nice…
I didn't entertain the idea that she'd want to form a party, especially with someone like me. But maybe if she ever wants help gathering information, it could be fun.
With a goofy smile still on my face, I find a nervous Eina. Sitting at her desk tapping her fingers, she appears to be distracted while trying to work.
"Something wrong?"
"Kirito!" Standing up quickly, her expression changes instantly. Where nerves had once dominated, relief is now evident.
"Were you worried…" about me. But no, why would someone I barely know care either way. Besides, you can never really know someone. My familiar mantra plays once again through my thoughts. Mood souring, I wait for Eina to say something.
"I'm so glad you returned. After all of the deaths, I was so scared you died in there."
"You were… worried about me?" Heart lifting, a thought worms its way into my mind.
She's an NPC, she has to be.
No one else would go along with Kayaba's crazy strategy of locking everyone in here. Is it all fake then? A trick of programming?
"Of course I was, silly."
Giving me that angelic elven smile, my heart skips a beat. Bopping me on the nose as well, I have to lower my face.
Such an idiot, I berate myself. Getting flustered by an NPC.
Although, some guys in the beta hit on them I remember randomly.
"So, what did you want to talk to about?" I ask, to prevent myself from getting even further distracted.
"Huh?" Tilting her head, Eina gives me a look of pure confusion.
"You told me to come here after the dungeon…"
"Oh," Noticing my misunderstanding, Eina hid her mouth and laughed at me with her eyes. "I never said I had anything to say."
"I-I see." In reality I did nothing of the sort. Somehow it felt like Eina knew that. Giving her a quick nod of my head, I spin on my heel and march for the exit.
I'm at the door before I realize my mistake. I'd held onto my magic stones to trade in at the bigger exchange here rather than at Babel. Turning once again, I make a ninety-degree rotation to the right and walk that way. No, maybe more like 120 I puzzle mentally. Anything to stop me from thinking about the quiet giggling coming from the reception desk.
Babel's top floor
"Well?" the silver haired goddess asked. Standing in the open balcony, she welcomed in the new day. The man had just come back from inspecting the second day of this 'camp'.
"Pointless," the man spat bitterly. "They are all hopelessly incompetent. It doesn't help that the one trying to teach them is little better."
"But surely there are some diamonds in that bunch, no?"
Twisting his lips, the man paused and thought back, "perhaps one or two," he admits. After all, he doesn't want to disappoint his goddess.
Spinning her hair with a finger, the goddess observed her follower. "Did you know that there's a difference between these warriors from another world?"
"A difference? Everyone is unique, even them."
Laughing lightly, the silver-haired goddess shook her head. "That's not what I mean. Some of them…" Trailing off, the goddess once again went back to staring North, towards the coliseum. "Some of them have been to another world similar to this one. Where they accrued a falna and fought in a dungeon."
"What!?" Jaw-dropping, the usually stoic follower was stunned. "Then that boy…"
"Yes," the goddess confirmed. "Young Diavel went to that world as well. It's left him guilty that he's better than them and knows what to expect."
"I see…"
Continuing to twirl her hair, the goddess paused before continuing. "These adventurers from another world… you need to stop thinking of them as common adventurers. None of them are used to danger or fighting. If this event can make them break through their shells, well then there may be more gems in there than you think. Also, it will solidify this place I've inherited."
Whispering, the final sentence, the goddess resumed her eternal watch.
Staring at his goddess, the man thought he detected a twinge of sadness to her words. Bowing his acceptance, the man left thinking about how he'd gained his recently acquired position.
Kirito:
"The fourth floor…" Coming here for the second time, my voice echoes down the empty halls. The third floor was getting too busy for my liking. With that many people around, I was sure the deaths would be lower than they had been. Kobolds would die before they could form packs.
However, with the dungeon it was when you were most confident that disaster came. As soon as you were sure a floor posed no threat, it killed you. Monster parties were exceedingly rare in the upper levels, but they weren't impossible.
Should I return to the third floor? Wavering for a moment, I decide against it. My presence is unlikely to change anything, so I move forward alone.
I'm no hero. I won't sacrifice my strength to help others as that one guy is doing. Pausing for a moment, I consider why I'm in the dungeon in the first place. Do I really think I can lead people and help clear this game?
No. I fight not to get left behind. There are no barriers to protect someone in this world. If you want to kill them, you can. Despising myself, I continue with the only thing I am good at, killing monsters.
The fourth floor is more of the third. The main difference between the two is the layout. While the third is one of the circular floors, the fourth began a more labyrinthine layout. Thanks to my beta knowledge in combination with Eina's lesson two days ago, I navigate it with ease.
Really, there's no reason not to make a map for insurance I muse while prowling for enemies. Maybe Eina will help me make one?
Kobolds, Frog Shooters, Dungeon Crawlers. Wave after wave of enemies assault me. With unrelenting force, there's often not enough time to even harvest stones before more come.
"What the hell is this? I don't expect these kinds of numbers until the middle floors. Maybe a horde of killer ants, but still…" Complaining to myself I check my potion holster. A recent acquisition from yesterday's earnings. I'd only had enough for two potions and am uncomfortable using them this early.
Even though I have yet to take a hit, my body's beginning to feel heavy. Panting, I quickly identify this heavy feeling, exhaustion. A feeling I'd gotten well acquainted with while sparring my sister.
If I'd tried to swing a sword around like this in real life, I'd be passed out on the floor in under half an hour. In that case, I'm far exceeding my real-life abilities. But still, I'd never encountered this issue before in the beta. Just another realistic change Kayaba added. The thought tastes bitter in my mouth.
Leaving the thoughts behind, I crack open the first vial, no more than a large test tube, and down half of it. Recapping it, I replace it in the holster. One of the advantages of the realism of the game. There's nothing forcing me to drink the entire potion in one go.
Feeling strength of body return, I turn around and head back down the passage. There's no reason to grind in an obscure corner of the floor when I have it to myself. Getting back onto the main route, I'm greeted by an eerie silence.
If there is one thing the dungeon is not, it's silent. Noises echo far through its rocky halls. Constantly you can hear shrieks from far off monsters, or the breaking of stone as the walls produce their children. Now though, a cold chill has embraced the hallways.
During the beta, I'd joined Ikelos Familia, which had multiple members. Something I'd heard the NPC members talk about had always stuck with me. If something strange is happening in the dungeon, run. By the time you identify it, its too late. Back then I'd scoffed at the advice, dying wasn't a big deal, investigating the issue was far more fun. Now though…
Unconsciously my pace picked up. First a fast walk, before long I was in a light jog.
What the hell is happening here?
Panting from the physical exertion, my breaths are the only noise I can pick out. One turn away from the exit, I encounter it.
A Frog Shooter, trying to flee. Before my eyes it's unceremoniously ripped to shreds. Its Magic stone shattered; it fades into ash. Gasping, I freeze in place as the culprit turns to face me. A kobold fighter. Simply a stronger variant of kobolds, they spawn on floors six through nine. But what is one doing here? But I could answer that too. An irregular.
The guild classifies two different types of irregulars. The first is a when a creature from the lower floors ventures up the staircase. This is what I'm currently facing.
Based on the bloodlust in its eyes it had gotten a taste for slaughtering things. Climbing up, it had encountered weaker foes until now.
The only saving grace is the way it had killed the Frog Shooter. The Magic Stones could be used for more than just making items. When monsters consume them, they get stronger. There had been multiple hints of this in the beta, but I'd never encountered one. An enhanced monster, the second type of irregular.
This Kobold Fighter wasn't enhanced, but it was still a strong variant. Skin marred from the scars of monsters that had fought back, this enemy was well-versed in combat. Its techniques would be far more polished than usual monsters.
Ignoring it, I dash for the stairs. If all it wants is combat, it will probably start chasing the next living thing it comes across. Hearing its roar, I grin confidently. It's a good 20 metres back and the stairs to the third floor are straight ahead. It should be a simple task to lose it there. After all, it's swarming with adventurers.
Skidding to a halt, I turn around and draw my sword. Screaming at myself internally, why am I doing this?
But the answer is simple. This creature needs to be stopped. The players up there are still learning the basics. Who knows how many will die before the kobold is killed? With my abnormally high status and beta experience, this is my duty.
Assuming a high stance, I hold my blade by my ear. Even after all the time I've used the blade, it still feels uncomfortable. Possessing an awkward balance, its center is too close to the hilt. Calming my breathing, I loosen the tension in my body.
Ten metres, five, three. Howling like a possessed demon, the kobold leapt. Speed surpassing even the Wall Shadow, I knew I was right. This is not an enemy I can allow to enter the upper three floors. It would paint the floor red.
Having baited it into an attack I slide under it and slash backwards. Tip catching its flank, the kobold lands heavily. Staggering slightly, the blow inflicts only superficial damage.
Standing up, the kobold turns around and howls at me. Not a challenge. You needed at least a modicum of sentiency to issue a challenge. This is the primordial howl of a creature on a death charge. It would never calm down. It would continue to seek out opponents until it died.
Fighting off the fear, I almost miss its attack. Claws cutting through the air fast enough to whistle, my sword meets them. Once, twice, thrice. My back feels like it's on fire. Losing ground with every encounter, confusion begins to replace fear. My status isn't high enough for this fight. That's fact. I'm maybe on par with Wall Shadows. This thing would tear through those with barely a yawn.
And yet, the evidence is here. Leaning backwards, the claws pass harmlessly in front of my face. Using the opening, I counterattack for the first time. Now, it's the kobold on the defensive.
How?
The skill.
Like lightning the answer hits me. So obvious its been staring me in the face the entire time. The fire in my back is coming from where the skill is etched.
Gilded Hero – Grants the user abilities surpassing their limit in times of great desperation or need. Particularly when aligned with a righteous goal.
Abilities surpassing their limits. That describes what is happening right now to a tee.
Laughter. The abnormal noise beats back against the constant despair that hangs in the air.
At the sheer power this skill gives me. It's amazing. My decision to save the other players from this rampaging creature gave me the ability to do it.
Smiling nastily at the kobold, its expression finally changes. A flicker of fear. Uncertainty that it would survive. This kobold is no warrior to seek out stronger opponents. It's merely addicted to killing. A coward that preys on the weak. The person standing in front of it is not weak.
Dashing forward with a shout, I bring my sword up quickly from the bottom left. Knocking aside one set of claws, I use my range advantage to turn it into a vertical strike.
Hastily bringing its claws up, the kobold is unable to fully absorb the blow and is sent reeling backwards.
"Hargh!" Releasing my own primal shout, I leap. Sword primed; I send it forward with all my strength.
In a desperation move, the kobold, slashes out with its right hand. If the situation was to play out over again a hundred times, even a million, its unlikely any of them would have the same outcome.
Claw met sword in what became a test of durability. In short, the skills of an amateur blacksmith with shoddy material was pitted against the carefully crafted weapons of a dungeon monster. It was no contest.
With a metallic shriek, the tip of the sword snapped off before my eyes. Momentum carrying the blade forward, it followed its deflected route. Straight into the throat of the kobold. Without its tip, the sword didn't penetrate. Regardless, a crushed windpipe is still fatal. Falling to its knees, the kobold, brought its hands to its throat as it rolled on the floor. Releasing soundless cries, it's a pitiful sight. Lining up the sharp edge of my sword I put it out of its misery.
Extracting its stone, I stare at the large purple shard. Its deep hue and unusual size spoke to the strength of the monster which hosted it. Pocketing it, I claim my second spoil from the fight. The claw that had broken my sword. Bouncing it in my hand a couple times, I examine it.
The first notable feature is its weight. Rather than something you'd expect from a living creature; it has the consistency of metal. It's this property that allows them to be used as a component in blacksmithing after all. More than that though is its luster. The claw practically shimmers under the dull glow of the fourth-floor illumination.
Pocketing it in my bag, a wave of exhaustion hits me. Stumbling, I try to think of a reason. The only explanation is the skill. It seems power like that comes at a cost. Draining the second half of the potion, I head for the surface.
Stopping briefly to recover the tip of my blade, I walk quickly through the upper three floors. No point getting into a fight with a broken blade. Passing multiple parties, I scan their faces. Do they realize how close they'd been to death? Of course, they don't. In the beta it took me repeated deaths to respect the unpredictability of the dungeon. They don't have that luxury. It will take the blood of their familia members to make them understand.
You could tell them, teach them.
The thought rises unbidden through my mind. I saved them this time. But they didn't learn anything. They're still vulnerable to the dungeon. At least that one person is doing that tutorial. Plus, Argo should release the guide tonight. Taken together, the first three floors should be safe.
Nearing the stairs to the second floor, I'm almost out of danger. Crack. Followed by screams. Sighing, I turn towards the noise. A couple passages away, a giant ten-man party is retreating.
"Do you guys want help?" Asking from the back, my tone indicates clearly the answer I want to hear. Denying my hopes, the leader speaks.
"Yes! Get these critters off us!"
In front of them is the only fear of the third floor. A monster party. Six kobolds, three Frog Shooters, and a pair of Dungeon Crawlers.
Starting to draw my sword, I hesitate briefly, can I actually use this weapon? With a scream one of the members is pinned under the weight of a Crawler.
No time. Dashing forward I decapitate a kobold looking to take advantage. Unable to stab, I'm forced to rely on slashes. Bringing my blade down on a Frog Shooter, I smile. I have no problems with that. Dancing forward, I remove a kobold's arm before cutting the second Dungeon Crawler from the air.
Why is everything in slow motion?
Even the Frog Shooter's tongue is easily dodged. Maybe a remnant of my skill I think idly. Dealing with another couple of monsters, I leave the rest to the party.
Quickly overpowering the few monsters with their overwhelming numbers, I'm not sure what to say. The man on the floor breaks the silence.
"Thanks man. I thought for sure I was a goner."
"Uh, no problem." Nodding to accept his thanks, I set out for home. Parting to let me through, the silent party watches me leave.