Chapter – 4
Mysteries – SAO Integral fragments
Well, of all the unpleasant mornings I had during my time here in SAO, I can safely say that this was the most... "Disgusting" to say the least. Now I got into a new problem, Strea will now accompany me on my quest trips. And I have a feeling that it won't be on regular SAO quest, I am pretty sure she would want to come with me on my hollow area quests.
During my time here in SAO, I can't say it's been a pleasant journey, especially when many people hold a grudge against me for being a beta tester, not to mention having a girl stuck next to me at almost twenty-four seven a day, however, I can say that it changed my life. Especially when I realized my family's secrets that I never knew when they were still alive. Now that I think about it, this game has helped me more than just killing me... however, there are times when I stop to think, what exactly does this world think of me...? I know what you're thinking, "Dude, a world can't think." I know... but lately, I feel like this world is... coming alive, if that makes any sense. I mean, a lot of "unnatural" things happened during my time here, it was like fate intended for me to come here. Again, I know what you're thinking, "Destiny? Come on, that's what every cliché hero in their story says" yeah, yeah I know but I'm not saying it on my own..."Ego" to put it lightly I'm saying it because I think this MIGHT be the opportunity I needed to find out what secrets my family was hiding from me, I don't know how... but I'm sure I'll find out.
Anyways, moving on to other matters, I was called by Philia from the hollow area because she said that she found something interesting while exploring the new areas. Without thinking much, I decided to hear her out and went straight to the hollow area, I messaged Kirito asking if he wanted to go and he humbly accepted, with that being settled, we both headed out to the hollow area.
Hollow area
You: Well, Philia said that she wanted to see us at the other side of this castle. Or building or temple or whatever it is.
Kirito: I hope this goes without saying, but I think we need to gather more information about what exactly is going on here.
You: I hear you, this whole place has always given me the "What is this place?" question over and over again ever since I got here.
Kirito: At least its better than the trap those mushrooms mobs would set up whenever we killed them back in the 14th floor.
You: Oh yeah, I remember you just up and ran when there were too many.
Kirito: well it was either that or get stomped on and barfed up.
You: Hey, actually now that I think about it, you never did finish the story about what happened with Nezha and his guild the Legends of the brave.
Kirito: Oh, you still remember that, huh? Fine, I'll tell as we walk.
Kirito POV
So, after we discovered that Asuna's weapon wasn't actually destroyed, I took her out to get some food so she could… calm herself. After she did, I explained to her Nezha's trick. First, I explained why her shattered weapon was still in her inventory despite it being destroyed, if an equipped weapon is destroyed or robed in battle, you don't lose ownership of it right away, you don't officially lose an item until you either replace it with a new weapon or until an hour has passed. So even if you drop your weapon or gets stolen, you still have an hour to get it back.
You: and as a last ditch effort, you used Materialize all items in order to reclaim to stolen artifact.
Kirito: Yup.
You: Okay, but there is something about the story that has been confusing me. Considering that Nezha was a blacksmith scammer, how is it that he pulled the trick? knowing the scheme, the weapon would have to be destroyed in order to make the player believe that it HAS been destroyed rather then taken, but in a full dive MMORPG, it must a lot more complicated since you are watching your weapon getting upgraded all the time, I am pretty sure you guys had your eyes on it the whole time.
Kirito: that's what I thought too. However, there is a three second window in where the weapon and furnace begin to light up as the upgrades are being added to the weapon. My theory was that Nezha swapped the weapon during that three second window. Even Asuna was pretty surprised by my theory.
You: Okay, but how did you guys managed to stop him? There's no way they'd have left it like that. I mean, if they had managed to continue their schemes, they would have still been in the Assault team, but I had never heard of that guild, I wasn't even aware of this.
Kirito: Yes, I am well aware of it. But it wasn't easy. If Nezha tried the sword switching skill scam on the front line fighters, he'd lose the trust of the top players. So if the Legends of the braves wanted to join the ranks of the front lines players, they wouldn't target them, instead they would target Nezha and drop all the blame on Nezha.
You: Oh yeah… now that I think about it, that might have been their plan from the very beginning.
Kirito: Yeah, that's what I thought too.
You: there is also something that caught my attention. Everyone knows that there are serious consequences when it comes to gambling and scamming, they must have known what they were doing. Therefore, if they knew that there would be consequences and danger if they agreed to those terms that means that they must have had a backup plan in case they didn't just target Nezha. If my theory is correct, they might have been planning to use the stolen top gear from Nezha to become stronger, strong enough to even face the small guild members in the assault team back then.
Kirito: Yeah. Asuna thought of that as well. And if they actually managed to become so strong…
You: they might have killed every member in the assault team just to become the strongest guild of them all…
Kirito: which is why we had to find out a way to stop Nezha and the Legend of Braves guild. But before that, I needed to get a full grasp on Nezha's weapon switching technique. So, I went undercover using a black armor that covered my whole body and tried to speak as different as I possibly could.
Two years ago on the second floor
I asked Nezha to perform some material upgrade on my sword the Anneal blade but I already knew the secret to his technique. As Nezha silently began to prepare for work, I stared silently at his hands through the slit in my great helm. After the tenth bang he gave, my anneal blade shattered.
Nezha: I-I am so sorry!
Kirito: Don't be *I remove the armor*
Nezha: Y-You?!
Kirito: Sorry for tricking you like that, but I had a feeling that you wouldn't make my upgrades if you knew who I was from when you did some weapon upgrades on my friend the other day. No one would've suspected another player to have the quick change mod so early in the game.
After I revealed to hom about the trick he was using, I did the same thing as I retrieve my weapon back, it was the only way to expose the blacksmith schemer.
Nezha: I guess this was something no ordinary player would have guessed. I would be nice if I could return the weapon I stole form all the players… but I can't.
Kirito: Don't worry, I have a better plan for you…
Present moment back to your POV
Kirito: Before the Assault team began to head up to the second floor boss, Nezha and I searched for all the players that have been scammed and went together to seek the Legend of the Braves. From there, we both exposed they're dirty tricks and were finally able to settle things with the guild. The guild saw all the players that not only were angry but were also willing to make forgive them as long as they returned the stolen artifacts.
You: And did they?
Kirito: Surprisingly yeah, they all cooperated and returned every single weapon from first to last. Unfortunately though, they were back to square one since they now had low level hunting gear. So they had to leave the front lines and focus on level grinding. They changed their guild name and even invited Nezha to join them, haven't seen them since.
You: Hmm… (Could they be… with Diabel? It could be possible…)
Kirito: Anyways, that's the story of Nezha, the great blacksmith scammer.
You: Along with Kirito the shady detective.
Kirito: I am not shady.
You: At night time, you kind of are. Have you seen yourself with that black coat at night?
Kirito: Oh whatever, why not help me on searching for Philia instead of opening your mouth. We've already arrived.
You: We just walked out of a cave that was surprisingly quite, where could we, much less, she possibly be?
Kirito: I don't know, just start looking.
?: No need for that.
You and Kirito: Aaah!
You: Dude, you gave me a heart attack.
Kirito: where were you?
Philia: Up in the tree, it the safest spot to not get targeted by enemies.
You: Yeah, I'll had that to my fighting diary.
Philia: You have a fighting diary?
You: Pfft, nah… it's a personal diary. I write it so that if in case anything happens to me, people might know what happened in here in SAO.
Philia: Huh, keeping tabs in your life, that's smart.
Kirito: Anwyays, what did you wanted to show us?
Philia: This.
Philia then walked us to a path where it seemed it was blocked by an invisible barrier that had the same symbol Kirito had in his hand and the same symbol in the pedestal I got.
You: Hmm… this must be the entrance to another territory.
Philia: that's what I thought too, but as soon as I tried to step in, that force field appeared. Since it had the strange symbol, I thought you two might do something about it.
You: Lets see… *I close in the pedestal*
The pedestal didn't seem to react, nor did it react to Kirito's palm.
You: Hmm… it didn't do anything.
Kirito: Maybe we haft to defeat some sort of boss in this area in order to continue.
You: Guess we'll haft to get to searching.
The three of began to search the areas we haven't explored yet and we also toke on a few mobs along the way. The mobs drop an immense amount of rare items that will be perfect for weapon enhancements and weapon ingots. But there was no sign of the boss anywhere.
Kirito: Hmm…
You: Tree… tree…
Philia: No enemies in that area…
The two of us were on top of a tree as we scanned the area using our detection skill to see if we could find out where the boss could be. Kirito was searching in an area nearby.
You: Tree… tree… and… Oh look! Another tree! Do you see anything Philia?
Philia: just trees… and some bushes, and… *she snickers* two birds wrestling, it's so cute. Look.
As I adjust my eyes to see the birds… I take a closer look to what is really happening…
You: Uh… Philia.
Philia: Hmm?
You: they're not wrestling….
Philia: Uh…? *she looks closely* … Oh…
You: Okay, I think our job here is done.
Philia: Agreed.
With that, we both jump down the tree and manage to regroup with Kirito.
You: Kirito, did you manage to find anything?
Kirito: I did actually, my energy sensing skill was capable of detecting high signals coming from that castle near the entrance of the gate we just found, it might contain the boss were looking for.
You: Guess it's a good place as any to start figuring this out, let's get ready and head out to that castle. And keep an eye out for any other energy signals.
Kirito: did you guys see those birds?
Philia: Don't talk about it!
Later
After a little walking and mob fighting, we eventually made it to the strange castle entrance Kirito was talking about, though through the journey, I couldn't help but feel somewhat weird…
You: Hmm…
Kirito: Whats wrong (You)?
You: H-Huh? Oh, right… its nothing, I am just… scared…
Kirito: scared?
Philia: what do you mean? It's just another abandoned temple, doesn't look like there is anyone around either.
You: th-that's not… what I mean… th-that's not… never mind, I'm fine, let's go.
With a lot of feelings mixing in my stomach, I began walking as I could feel Kirito and Philias stares of weirdness behind me. Honestly, I felt really strange on the inside.
"Creeeeek"
The door made a loud creaking sound as it opened, it was like the scene out of a horror film. The place was all dusty and human bones were scattered everywhere.
Philia: Ugh, this place is horrible.
Kirito: I've seen worse places then this.
You: I can't help but feel… like were not alone here…
?: Oh you got that right…
Everyone: Huh?!
?: It seems that… you are still capable of making change in the world… sorry to say, that we cannot allow that. Our plans have been meddled for quite enough.
The voice sounded deep, but I don't mean as deep as a man, I mean deep as a robotic voice. Like as if someone was using a disguised voice.
Quinella: (You!)
You: Huh? Quinella?
Kirito: Quinella?
Philia: who's Quinellla?
Quinella: Listen to me, the traitor is right in front of you, try to see its face!
You: What? Who are you? Come out now!
?: As you wish…
The sound of footsteps echoed through the room and thus a strange figure wearing a large hood with a purple mask on its face emerged from the shadows.
You: Who are you? Why are you messing with me?
?: Who am I? Ehehe… that you should know, I am a friend of yours.
You: Why? If you are my friend then why are you doing this?
?: Why? Because you did this to me…
You: What?
?: You and your family… you experimented on me, like some… lab rat… Grr...!
I could that he or she was really angry… but there was also something else.
?: do you have any idea of what you made me go through? I lost everything… my home, my family, my… Grr… listen, I don't want to hurt you but this is not only for the sake of mine, it's for everyone in SAO. You are a dangerous person (You) Takayama, you shouldn't have lived from the beginning, you were never meant to exist. But I like I said, I am not here to hurt you but rather give you a message.
You: Oh?
?: Something happened with the cardinal system a few days ago. Apparently its system is functioning itself within you and it is planning to do something with that weird power of yours. I can't say for certain, but I have a feeling that Aincrad is no longer gonna be the floating castle you all once knew.
You: What?
Quinella: (You), the traitor is not lying. I can sense its words. I would suggest if you listen to what he or she has to say.
You: Hmm… fine, I'll hear you out.
?: Thank you. Listen, the soul within you is binding itself within the system which is causing some unnatural changes in this world. My group and I have detected that a certain file that was saved inside of SAO's data bases has ejected from the data base and is now storing itself inside your heart.
You: How is that even possible?
?: We don't know… but I, myself, think that it could be because the soul within you is allowing itself to do so. It is another you after all, it must be trying to protect you.
You: is that even possible?
?: Apparently so. This is the first time something like this is happening. No fluctlight has ever lived with its host.
You: Okay… but why are you telling me this?
?: I have my reasons. I should mention that those visitors that invaded this world will be coming back real soon. You must know that those visitors, except for one, are not from this world.
You: I know they are not.
?: No… I don't think you understand what I am saying… those invaders that visited OUR world are not from THIS world… except for one, one that goes by the name of Eydis.
You: Eydis? W-wait… I don't think I understand, how is it—?
?: Words won't help you understand, it's best if you see it through the end. I must take my leave.
You: W-Wait! Who are you?
?: … I am close…
With those words, he or she vanished right in the spot it was just standing and as he or she did, the world around us seemed to glitch out a bit since the walls and furniture moved a little wobbly.
You: Agh! *I grab my chest*
Feeling a slight sense of pain in my chest, I grab hold of it with all my strength.
Kirito: Whoa! (You), are you okay?
Philia: what's going on?
You: Relax, relax… I'm okay…
Philia: what was that all about?
Kirito: No clue. (You), do you know what's going on?
You: I… (I can't tell them about the traitor…. Or can I? He or she was right in front of me, which means it can't be them… I suppose I can trust them with it) okay… look, its going to sound crazy but…
I then begin explaining to them about Quinella telling me in a dream about there being a traitor in our group and that whoever it is was standing there right in front of us.
Kirito: A traitor?! In our group… I can't believe this…
Philia: I am still trying to understand this whole story about this Quinella girl.
You: its hard to understand at simple glance but, point being, there is a traitor among us.
Kirito: Hmm… but who would want to harm us?
You: That's the thing, the traitor isn't after you guys, its after me.
Kirito: But what would they want with you? And why would he or she almost reveal itself right here and now?
You: I don't know… but I do know that it has something to do with the secondary soul I possess in my heart, I still don't quite understand it but I do know that much.
Philia: I am still lost in all of this.
You: Don't worry, you don't know most of this but I will explain to you some other time. Right now, we need to focus on the boss.
Kirito: the map seems to have stopped glitching, I think it's safe to proceed.
As the two of them began walking, I followed them in a bit of a slower pace as I checked my surrounding to see if the traitor was anywhere in sight, I even waited to see if Quinella would say something, but she's gone… I got a first glance at the traitor and whoever it was, it seems to be around my age, which means it can't be Agil and Klein… but what was its gender? I couldn't tell because of the disguised voice but… could it have been a male?
Kirito: Hmm…
Philia: I feel a strong presences behind these doors.
Kirito: no kidding, the doors seem to look like a boss entrance too.
You: Yeah, this must be it… you guys ready?
Kirito and Philia: Yeah.
With that being said and done, we all opened the doors and entered a wide open area with the same symbols that we saw back in the sealed gate. From there, a ghastly fog that was moving around the ground suddenly stopped and then faced us.
?: Grrr…
You: that must be the boss…
As the weird fog grows larger, a shadow like beast emerged from it.
You: The Shadow-dwelling beast…
The boss stomped the ground so hard, it literally made the entire room shake a, welcoming us with its mighty roar.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: Grr… GROOOOOOOAAAAR!
The boss reminded me of the King of the lakes fish, only it was all black with red eyes, red mouth along with chains around his arms and neck with what looks like crystals on each side of his corner body.
Philia: Whoa! I've never seen a boss like this!
You: Looks like you really do hide in the shadows if you miss bosses like this one.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: GROOAAAAAAA!
With a missive claw, the boss breaks through the ground as a large gap divides Kirito, Philia, and me on either side of the boss.
You: Looks like we're gonna need to land our skills in a precise order if we wish to defeat this boss with our small number of members!
Kirito: Looks like it, think you can ware it off for us?
You: No problem!
The boss crawled slowly and it seemed to attack from the front but I think it can also attack with its tail.
You: Alright, let's level the battle field. *I unsheathe Esper* Transform! Bow shape!
My sword transforms into a bow and the boss tries to attack me with another claw attack. However, seizing that opportunity, I jump through the attack as three sets of glowing arrows form between my bow and direct them straight at the boss as I jump over it.
You: Here we go!
As I fire the three arrows simultaneously, the arrows explode each time it reaches the boss. Almost like fireworks, the arrows penetrate the boss and the boss tries to turn around to face me.
You: Now you guys!
Kirito: Philia, use a skill!
Philia: You got it!
With both of them aiming for the boss, Philia's dagger and Kiritos dual swords begin imitate with broght light as they both begin to unleash their sword skills.
Kirito and Philia: HREEAAAAA!
They both unleash a sword skill at the same time which, as a result, activates a chain of skills that manages to take more points off the boss's HP.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: GRAAAAAAUUUR!
You: Transform! Mace shape!
My sword then transforms into a mace and I prepare to unleash a sword skill but before I could react, the boss manages to howl a large area attack that manages to moves us back a few feet while also knocking a bit if our HP down.
Kirito: Igh, that attack might be a problem!
Philia: Not if we can cancel it.
Philia then begins facing the boss as she tries run under its legs and manages to land Z shot dagger that slices through the boss's legs and back.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: AAAAUUURGGHHH!
Using that opportunity, I jump on the boss's back and smash the boss's crystal on its head.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: AAAAAAAAUUUUUUUURGGGGG!
Kirito: that landed a critical blow! It must be its weak point!
You: Kirito! I need more time to attack the other one!
Kirito: You got it! Come on Philia!
Philia: Right!
With Kirito and Philia working together, they begin to engage as the boss moves around the room as it tries to catch up with both of them.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: GRAAAAAAWWR! *the boss tries to attack*
Kirito: Hmph! *he parries the attack* switch out!
Philia: HREAA!
With Philia switching out, she unleashes two set of sword skills in a single blow which as a result, manages to back the boss away.
Kirito: HREAAA!
Kirito follows up as he slashes the boss with his dual-wielding ability, finishing with a two-time stab at the boss.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: AAAAAARRHH!
You: Hmph! *I smash another crystal*
The Shadow-dwelling beast: AAAAAAUUUUUUUURR!
The boss was getting tired out, and the three of us we still managing to hold it off.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: GRAAAAUUUR!
Kirito: Hmph! *he cancels an attack* Switch out!
Philia: Gigh, EEEAAAAA! *she switches* Switch!
You: GAAAAAAGH! *I switch out*
The Shadow-dwelling beast: GROOOOOOOOUUU!
You: Come on! Let's beat this sucker!
The three of begin charging at the boss as the final piece of crystal lays on its head.
You, Kirito and Philia: HHEAAAAAAAAAAAA!
With our attack in sync, we all cross slash the boss as two large red lines appears in its body and its remaining HP drops all the way down to zero.
The Shadow-dwelling beast: Graargl… grrooouu… *the boss bursts into blue trickling polygons*
Hollow mission complete!
You: Phew… we did it.
Philia: Yeah… you two are something else. You both managed to deal with a very high level boss with such short members.
You: Oh please, don't act like you weren't a part of it.
Kirito: Yeah, we only managed because we all worked together.
"Jingle"
You: Hmm? *I grab the pedestal* hey look, the pedestal is reacting!
Kirito: Guess this means we can enter the next area.
You: Lets go check it out.
We all began to make our leave when…
"Thump" "Thump"
You: Agh… Sss… my heart… whats going on…?
Meanwhile, outside of SAO: Mom POV
"Beep" … "Beep"
Mom: …*Sigh*… I can't believe my two children are trapped inside this thing…
I just stare down at my children as they both lay in separate beds with the headset that is keeping their minds out of this world.
Mom: Dear god in heaven… *I grab my sons hand* please lend me some help…
"Knock" "Knock"
Mom: Oh? Come in.
I thought the doctor was coming for their daily checkup, but instead, a man wearing a dark green suit along with glasses walked into the room with a smile on his face.
?: Hello ma'am. Sorry if I am disturbing, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kikuoka Seijirou, I am here regarding your son.
Mom: My son, what's wrong with him?
Kikuoka: Don't worry, he is alright… for the time being. Please listen, I have history with him as well as with his family.
Mom: His family?
Kikuoka: Yes. You see, for quite some time we have been waiting for him to return to our research facility to continue a project that was unfortunately postponed due to an unexpected turn of events. Your child contains a container that could be quite dangerous due to its presence in this SAO game.
Mom: How is that?
Kikuoka: the vessel within its heart, we've researched its properties and were amazed by the light imitating from it, its unnatural aura has proven to be quite unique. One in fact, it could provide to be too powerful for your sons heart to withstand.
Mom: Is there anything we can do?
Kikuoka: That is why I am here. I would like to bring your son to our facility where we can continue to monitor him and find a way to safely remove the strange energy in his heart. I suggest you trust this request as your son's heart power is growing at a fast rate and if not treated in time it could kill him.
Mom: I see… very well, on one condition.
Kikuoka: Oh?
Mom: I must come along as well, and take my daughter as well.
Kikuoka: Hmm… As you wish.
Meanwhile, inside SAO at an unknown location
Typhoon: What?! What do you mean "The seed" is moving to its heart?!
Lueur: It would seem that the system itself is using its security protocols to split his fluctlight into different pieces in order to weaken its state and become harder to wake.
Stilla: Wow that is quite convenient.
Mater: this will definitely slow down our plans.
Lueur: No matter, even if it does manage to split, they will still need to beat the upcoming events if they wish to leave SAO. Knowing them, I am sure they will commend to that idea.
Mater: yeah, I guess your right. I guess all we can do for now is wait, its going to take some time for it take action anyway.
Lueur: Patience my dear friends. Patience, the time is nearly arriving. Soon we will be what we are meant to be, we just need to open his eyes and he will see the truth. Don't worry (You), we'll take care of things here. You focus on what you need to do. I do hope that these mysteries you are witnessing are helping you open your eyes bit by bit...
To be continued…