Chapter – 23
Beast and humans – SAO Integral fragment
Previously on SAO Integral fragments
Lueur: A noble act for peace keeping, really. It makes your quest for peace all the more uneconomical. Especially when you must put your life in danger in the process. And not just your own, but the life of those who believe in you. As well as the life of a very special woman you love…
You: Even so, I still haft to try… because all lives in this world matter… humans and NPC's are both alive in this world.
Lueur: you only say that because you are trapped, but once you complete the hundredth floor, you will return to your body and all the lives in this world will be nothing but a thing from the past. You probably won't even remember their names or existence.
You: I am sorry, but who the hell are you?
Lueur: Hmm?
You: *I face him* you and your friends have been gone for god knows how long and then you all just come back when Koharu and I just so happened to get back to the frontlines and now you are judging my way of thinking?
Lueur: I didn't mean anything by it, I just—
You: No, look… I don't know who you are, or who Mater, Stilla or Typhoon are, but I do know that we are not exactly friends. I already have so much going on in my mind right now, so please leave me alone for the rest of the night. *I begin walking away*
Lueur: Dear me, I guess the others are right. Maybe it's best if I watch from a distance instead of asking the protagonist himself. You know what they say, the anticipation of the end is worse than the end itself. After all…
The truth is about to come out… *he says with a smirk*
Now on SAO Integral fragments
Koharu and I continued on the quest we were sent to investigate while the other guilds focused on wracking they're levels. As far as quest went, this one seemed to be particularly focused on choosing sides. As far as my experience goes, when it comes to choosing sides, its best to know both of the opposite sides of each conflict before choosing. There seemed to be a side for the humans and a side of the millennial beast. Since I am human, most would think to choose the human side and get rid of all the mobs hunting the villages… but these aren't ordinary mobs, these mobs can talk and think, what is it they are truly after?
After some time of investigating, we came to know that they have a leader, a king to be more precise, Koharu and I departed to see this king of the millennial beasts, if anyone knew more about them, its gotta be him.
Prada: "Pant" "Pant"
You: Hold on girl, don't push yourself too much.
Prada: Mreeheheee!
Koharu: (You)… I don't mean to fuss, but what exactly do you plan to do when we find this king? I doubt he will be friendly.
You: Friendly or not, he's gotta have some information about the millennial beasts, maybe something we don't know. If there is any chance for peace between the humans and the millennial beasts, we gotta take it. Besides, if battle is unavoidable, I know I can count on you.
Koharu: Geez, you really think this stuff through… well I am your partner, wherever you go, I go.
You: thanks. Come on girl, let's see those apples I feed you do they're work.
Prada: Mreeeheheeeeeheee! *she begins to run at high speeds*
Later
You: according to the map, this area is unexplored.
Koharu: do you think were close?
Prada: Mreeheee! *she stops*
You: Wh-whoa there! Whats wrong girl?
Prada: Prfff!
My horse began to point forward with her head as a puddle that was close by began to shake with a boom, boom, boom sound from nearby.
Koharu: do you hear that?
You: it sounds like something massive…
Koharu: and its coming this way.
"Rustle-Rustle"
Just then, two massive size wolves emerge from the trees and are now standing right before us wuth they're intimidating eyes. One wolf was silver grey and the other was a bit darker.
Giant white wolf: you human children are truly irredeemable, infringing on my throne in these depths.
You: W-wait, wait hang on! *I hop off Prada* I come in peace. *I say with my hands in the air* my name is (You) and this is my partner Koharu. I came on behalf of the human village to speak with you.
Giant dark wolf: silence humans! How dare you come here on our territory and harm so many of our brethren! I shall tear you to shreds here and—
Giant white wolf: enough, Radic. I am speaking. There is no fault in your loyalty and spirit, but this is not the place or the time.
Radic: Ngh! Yes, your majesty…
Giant white wolf: though it is true that you harmed a few of our comrades earlier, you did come here without wielding your sword… so I will excuse your temerity so that I may listen and speak.
You: thank you. As I said, my name is (You). I came here because I wish to understand what is going on. You millineial beast seem smart and strong, there must be a reason for all this conflict between you and the humans, what is it you desire or what is it you are after?
Giant white wolf: Hmm… it seems you speak with your heart and mind… very well. *he lowers his head* The intricate Ambient crystal you cling to… have you ever once doubted it was truly made with human sorcery alone?
You: the ambient crystal?
Giant white wolf: within it is the Heart of the earth. The very heart of the being worshipped by us the millennial beasts. The Avatar of the earth. In days of ling forgotten, the Avatar was attacked and its heart removed. As it writhed in pain, our land filled with Scar of the earth.
You: Scar of the earth? Whats that?
Giant white wolf: follow me.
The giant wolf began leading us to a secluded are where massive funguses were spreading and killing every living thing within its reach.
You: oh no… oh my… these fungus are killing everything in its path. Plants, trees and animals… even the air seems polluted.
The giant wolf king: that there is the Scar of the earth. So many innocent lives were taken by this plague. In time, it will spread so far and wide it will cover the entire floating castle and all living beings shall perish… all except those who are protected by the Ambient crystal of course, which is also the gem responsible for this disastrous outcome. This aggressor, a human man, is the very one worshipped in the human village. Vient.
You: I see…
The giant wolf king: we violate the unspoken borders and desire your human territory all because you humans were the onces to beigin this conflict.
You: so we humans are the one responsible for this plague on the forest…
Koharu: doesn't sound any different from the real world…
You: Hmm… alright, thank you for sharing me this information. I shall take my leave and report this back to the village. *I begin to take my leave*
Giant white wolf: Halt!
Is voice was so loud, it made the ground shake a bit.
You: Y-Yes?!
Giant white wolf: you seem different from other humans I have seen. I have lived for such a long eons and none of them had your spirit… what is it you intend?
You: I have no intentions at all… I just wish to stop this war so that no more lives must be taken, both humans and beast. Think of me what you like, but my mind is made up… *I hop on Prada* I will be back… and hopefully, we can come to an agreement.
The sounds of horseshoes clacking echo through the forest as we take our leave.
Radic: Grrwll! Pathetic humans, believeing that they can outsmart us with they're ideas of peace and partnership. Peace shall only be obtained after they pay and are mushed down to the face of the earth! Grawll!
Giant white wolf: Pathetic, I will agree… but something tells me, that human could provide a change that no regular human can achieve.
Radic: what makes you say that your highness?
Giant white wolf: he shows power over those who are above him. While our size are indeed massive then his, he showed greater heights with his will… he is no ordinary human… I can sense it.
Radic: Hrrmm…
Later
After sharing all the details with the human village, they were against our theory at first. And who could blame them, Viant is they're hero after all. Hearing tales from the enemy will be most doubtful. However, Resta came across an interesting scroll, a scroll that has been held within the village since the great separation. It apparently had crystal recording from Viant.
The crystal showed an interesting journey of Viant with an alien like creature that was eating away the land with fungus. It showed no weaknesses and the monster kept spreading its disease throughout the forest, the fungus of course looked very familiar.
Koharu: that fungus…
You: Yeah, it's the same.
Pierce: what is it young travelers?
You: Pierce, Rasta. We are going to need you to follow us
Rasta: where are we going?
You: to see the king of the Millennial beasts.
Rasta and Pierce where a bit hesitant to go but we were able to convince them. With this piece of information, we could cover more information about both sides and maybe come to an answer for both sides.
Later back in the Millennial woods
Prada: "pant" "pant"
You: Were almost there!
Pierce: are you sure this will work sir (You)? I sense that this could be bad.
You: We need to get to the bottom of this. It's the only way to bring a stop to this war.
Rasta: you certainly have such courage to speak with the king of the beasts. No one ever dared to even come close to him, but not you. it seems you are the only one who can bring a change to this conflict.
You: Well, it's a good thing I have a knack of not listening to my superiors.
Eventually, we made it back to the forest where we encountered both of the massive wolves and surely enough, they were they're. Almost as if they have never left the area.
Giant white wolf: I see that you kept your word on returning…
You: *I get off Prada* I always keep my promises.
Radic: you are truly a fool to come back here again. Entering was easy… but getting out will no longer be an option. What is it that you want?!
The black wolf really was intimidating. It really despised us, I had a feeling that he is going to be trouble.
You: Listen, I know why dispise us and I can't say I blame you… but we have something we would like to show you. You all have been living in a world of lies, please hear us so that you may open your eyes and this fight can finally come to an end. If you don't, all life in these lands will come to an end.
Giant white wolf: Nonsense! You dare deceive even my own offspring, you evil outsiders?! I have already seen your kind's acts to see just how much of a mockery you are. Telling lies and schemes, betraying the one after another, scums of the earth who live nothing but lies.
You: *I sigh* you're right, we can be fools sometimes… but those who take stand are the ones who at least deserve attention, right?
Giant white wolf: Hmm?
You: how about this? We both have a duel.
Giant white wolf: Hrr…
You: if I win, you will hear us out. If you win, you can take my life and you can have the ambient crystal back. Sounds fair?
Radic: this fool wishes to fight the king? Do you dare mock our ruler, you lowly human?
Giant white wolf: wait, Radic. Yes, this human is indeed a fool… but a fool with the eyes of a beast. I offer one question. Why have you come here and requested this showdown? Tell me, beast-eyed human…
You: Because, this will bring a stop to this fight between us and you beast. Isn't that what you want, an end to this fight so that no more of your brothers fall? You may be beasts… but you also have hearts like us, when they break… they hurt. Strong or weak, big or small, these are things we all share and I believe this is a wish we all share inside.
Giant white wolf: Hmm… very well, I hereby swear upon my name that if you are to defeat me, I shall listen to what you haft to say. Radic!
Radic: yes my liege.
Giant white wolf: Radic shall be my partner in this fight!
You: Very well… Koharu!
Koharu: Hup! *she jumps next to my side and prepares both her daggers*
You: And Koharu shall be my partner.
Giant wolf king: a human has only the faintist hope of besting me… yet you believe in it nevertheless.
You: I have faced greater danger… no offense.
Giant wolf king: such act of strength… I respect that. Very well…
The giant wolf smashes a paw in the ground and massive lighting emerges from him as the dark wolf grows large black spikes on his back and black aura surrounds him.
Giant wolf king: I Durun! King of the forest and the millennial… SHALL SHRED YOU BOTH TO SMITHEREENS!
Both of the wolves jump at us but Koharu and I manages to jump above them as they're claws smash the ground.
You: Koharu!
Koharu: Right! *we point our weapons downwards*
You and Koharu: HREAAA!
"SMAAASH!"
Pierce: Igh! Such power!
Rasta: I've never seen anything like this.
Durun: GROUUU!
Durun gets back into four and begins weeping the field with his tail.
Koharu: Whoa! Igh!
His tail hits Koharu and she crashes into a tree.
Koharu: Oof!
Radic: GRAWL!
Koharu: Aah! *she backflips the attack*
As Radic smashes his face into the tree, Koharu lands in his back and uses bith of her daggers to make a swirl attack cut through half of his body.
Radic: AAARGHHRLL! PATHETIC HUMAN!
Koharu: Hrm!
Koharu's daggers and Radics fangs both held their ground and lightening sparks flashed through they're attack.
Koharu: Irrrrgh!
Radic: GRRRR!
Koharu: igh… HYAAA!
With precise momentum and timing, Koharu kicks Radic in his underjaw and manages to get back into fighting position.
Radic: GAAAGH! You little!
Koharu: Hmph!
Radic: GRAAA!
Koharu and Radic kept attacking at each other while I stayed with Duran.
Durun: GRAAAGH! *he brings a paw to my face*
You: Transform, shield shape!
"Swoosh!"
The impact between my shield and his paw made an usher of wind blow through the field.
Duran: Grr…!
You: Transform, mace shape!
My shield, turning into a mace made Durun's paw hid the side of the ground and I used that opportunity to swing my mace and hit Duran in the face.
Durun: GRAGH! GRR!
Durun came at me with his four paws but I slide underneath him.
You: transform, bow shape!
My mace turns into a bow and I aim underneath Duran and fire an arrow in his lower body.
Durun: AARGH! *he falls down*
You: Not done yet!
Running directly at him, I jump above him and fire one.
Durun: AAGH!
Two.
Durun: GAGH!
Three sets of arrows.
Durun: DAAAAAAAGH—
"Kuurpoooow"
The sets of arrows explode from above and underneath his body.
Durun: GRRR!
You: Transform, sword shape!
As my bow transforms back into a sword, I leap towards Duran and slash through his body.
Durun: Garrgh! Your strength is unlike any human I have faced… but it will bring no change… for I shall come out victorious no matter the odds!
Durun comes at me with his fangs but before he could get me.
Durun: AARRR?!
You: GIIGHHH!
Pierce: Dear me…
Rasta: he his holding his mouth with his bare hands!
My hands grabbed hold of his jaw as my sword is held behind my back. Using every bits of strength I have, I begin rising Duran little by little until I am holding his entire body with my own two hands.
Radic: How is he…?! *he saus in shock*
Koharu: He is only getting started.
You: Hrrr…! GEAAAAAAAAAAH! *I throw Duran up high in the air*
Grabbing hold of Esper, I aim for Duran as he begins to fall back down, landing a set of invisible attacks as his body gets shoved back into the air little by little and finally.
You: HREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
"Shwiing"
My sword let out a bright flash and as Duran fell back down…
You: Hmph!
"SWOOOOOSH"
I stab his chest and a massive shockwave surges through the forest and dust smoke covers the entire field.
Durun: "Pant" "Pant"… *he looks up*
As Duran looks up, he sees the tip of my blade pointed at his face.
Durun: it would seem… I have been defeated… such strength you've displayed… I've never seen anything like it… you truly are a strong warrior.
You: I haven't even displayed my full strength… so believe me when I say, surrender. I don't wish to hurt you any further. My partner also has deadlier skills she has not displayed yet, with her and my strength combined, we can become dangerous. So please, no more fighting.
Durun: Grr… fine. I surrender and accept defeat.
Radic: Ridiculous! You saw the way he held you with his own two hands! There is no way a mere human could possess such strength!
You: (Well maybe not by normal means in SAO, but the hollow area has definitely made me stronger… almost feels like cheating up to this point)
Durun: Enough Radic. This human showed his strength and defeated me with it. I shall listen to you, as I vowed. No interruptions of any sort will be permitted until they are finished. Take heed.
Resta: thank you, Wolf-king Duran. I am Resta, sister of Pierce, chief of the humans. I respectfully submit to you the following.
Resta then shows the recording crystals.
Recording crystal
Vient: I am now under the surface of AI Tu-Ra to under beast territory. No issues encountered since first heading towards my destination. Lundgren's roots stretch further than any of us imagined. They cover some beast territory now, but they will eventually be everywhere. I am going deeper towards Lundgren's habitat. If this giant beast is still active, I need to stop it as soon as I can for the sake of all who live on this land… human or beast.
-Static-
Vient: this beast has been eating away at our lands… its growth has become unstable and is now eating the life of everything in the surface…
-Static-
Vient: I don't have much time. Throughout my research with the Ambient crystal, it appears that it reacts similarly to the piece of metal that was made during the great separation process, creating it into this magnificent sword. My last hope to a chance of survival… here we go…
-Static-
Vient: it's working. Damage at over 90 percent. The Eccentric metal seems to be delivering unnatural damage to its core. Since the great separation, the beasts saw this plan as an attack on them and declared all-out war on humans. I just hope that someday they will see the truth about this creature and the Ambient crystal. All I can do right now is seal it away and hid its heart within the crystal. Durun… I hope you may see this and realize what is actually happening… forgive me dear friend, for bringing conflict between us and your brothers…
-Static end-
Durun: So… you have been fighting alone, Vient. If only I'd known the full truth back then… no. I ran from it then. The slightest spark could have reignited the flames of war in this freshly pacified forest. When the king himself called the Avatar a wocked intruder who was filled with chorus of cries demanding a new ruler, what choice did I have but brush aside Vients words…? If only I'd listened to my friend and taken his message to heart, this war could have been avoided when he was still here… as brazen as it is for me to say this after so many years have passed, please indulge me… I am sorry humans. And I thank you as king of the forest you saved with your decisive actions when every moment mattered.
Pierce: Millenial wolf-king, we humans also hurt many of your kind back in the day, as such we are much to blame on this as well.
You: If I may intervene… you both are great leaders. You may be different species but you have the same heart. You both only want whats best for your kind, right? Well… a new peaceful generation can happen if you put your differences aside. No more bloodshed, no more wars. A world where both beasts and humans can live without fighting. Blood may have already been spilled but its not too late… you two can make a new chapter in this forest… all you haft to do, is be brave enough to take that step.
Durun: *he chuckles* to think you would teach me a lesson. Beast-eyed human, what is your name again?
You: (You). (You) the integral factor.
Durun: (You). I shall never forget this name, the name of a human with the flesh of human and heart of a beast. As of this moment, the war between beasts and humans shall end, humans will walk aside beasts and beasts shall walk aside humans—
Radic: have you gone mad my king?! Have you forgotten just how many of our brethren were slaughtered by the humans?!
Durun: how could I forget? But its time to let go of the past and focus on the future. We need to stop this war.
Radic: Never, you never understood the meaning of our real power. You could have easily defeated this human but you let him outsmart you.
His aura was beginning to get darker and darker, almost like as if he was hiding a strong power.
Radic: I've withstood your excuses long enough… now… I will show these humans the true power of the millennial beasts! AARWWOOOOOOOOOOO!
"Rumble-rumble"
You: Uh-oh! Jump!
Leaping out of the way, massive dark spikes emerge from the ground as the king also leaps out of the way.
Durun: Radic, have you gone mad?!
Radic: no your majesty… you have…
Radic begins to increase in size. He was now bigger than the trees and his power kept manifesting throughout the forest.
Durun: this is bad. No beasts has been able to withstand this kind of power before. We need to stop him before his own power kills him.
You: Koharu…
Koharu: Yeah…
Koharu and I begin to run separately as we surround Radic in both directions
Radic: HUMAAAAAAAAANS!
"SMAAASH"
Radic smashes the ground and massive spikes emerge from it.
Koharu: Hup! *she begins climbing the spikes*
You: HREAAAAGH! *I stab his paw*
Radic: GAAAARGH! GRR!
With massive red glowing eyes, Radic brings down his paw and I prepare my sword for impact.
"CACHIING"
You: Giighiighiiigh!
Koharu: "pant" "Pant" almost there…
Koharu ran on Radic's back as she got closer and closer to his head.
Koharu: Hup! *she jumps*
Getting to his head, she jumps over him and begins to fall down towards me.
Koharu: (You)! now!
You: Hup! *I jump towards her*
Getting closer to her, I reach out to her hand and grab it tightly as both of our weapons shine brightly with sword skills activated.
You and Koharu: Here we… GO!
"Swoo-swooo-swoo-swoo-SWOOOOSH"
With multiple scratch marks and wounds, Radic falls down as our sword skills detonate with him.
Radic: AAAAAAARGH!
Durun: impressive splay of act, but it wont hold him for much long!
You: no worries… *I say with a smirk*
Radic: HUMAAAAAAAAAANS! *he attacks us*
Rasta: (You)! Koharu!
Pierce: NOO!
Radic: GRAAAAHAHAHAHAAAA! …Hmm?
As Radic lifts his paw, he sees that Koharu and I are unharmed as Koharu's buff skills managed to save us from the attack.
Radic: Unbaleavable… JUST DIE ALREADY!
You and Koharu: Hmph! *we disappear into black stripes*
Radic: Huh?! GAAAAGH!
You: HREAAAAGH! *I slash through Radic six times*
Koharu: HEAAAAAAA! *she slashes through Radic eight times*
Radic: GAAAAAAGH! NOOO! *he begins shrinking*
Durun: its working, his power is weakening!
You: *Esper shines brightly* HREAAAAAA! *I slash through Radic*
Radic: AAAAAAAAAARGGH!
Esper drained his power little by little, Koharu and I kept throwing our attacks until eventually, Radic was back to his usual size.
Radic: "pant" "pant" what… humans are you…?
You: We are just humans… nothing special.
Radic: I… don't believe this… how is it that a mere human like you… could possess such power?
You: it's not the power you should be concerned about… you gotta let go of that stuff from the past because it just doesn't matter. What matters is what to do for the future, I know that better than anyone. Radic, you don't haft to like us but you also don't need to despise us. We can start over…
Durun: Accept your defeat Radic. Follow the law of the woods if you call yourself a beast. Do not disgrace yourself further.
Radic: Hrr… Yes… your majesty…
Durun: might makes right in these woods. And our victor… is (You), the integral factor.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the woods in the distance
Lueur: Interesting… the power of the wolf was somehow drained from its body. Could it be that your awakening the true state of that sword of yours dear hero? *he smirks* oh, how excited I am for the next chapters. Especially for the consort, you are also getting close to the strength you ever so desired… what will you do then? The plan is coming into place…
Later
After settling everything with both the humans and the millennial beasts, we shared all of our information with KoB and HDA. With Argo's help, we came to conclusion that the boss for this floor was the alien beast that Vient sealed within the labyrinth. Now that both the humans and beast have gotten into good terms, all we needed to do was to destroy the beast that made them go to war in the first place.
Asuna: I see… great job you two. You two managed to scout the entire floor, completed the quest and got information on the floor boss.
Argo: Like Asu said, ya guys did great. You two are my top informants, all this information will be useful for the weekly Argo.
You: You know, I find it funny that we are the ones who get the information but then spill them like as if they were your information.
Argo: What can I say? I'm a cheeky lil' rascal
Asuna: as far as the quest goes, the boss held within the labyrinth is a toxic attacker.
Lind: if that is the case, we will need to gather as much restoration potions as we can carry. A few tanks in the front wont be bad either.
You: Koharu and I will be the ones who launch the attacks. Koharu's unique ability has evolved and grants us complete invulrability to attacks.
Lind: is that so…? You two might actually be the keys to winning these boss fights. We are all so lucky to have you.
Koharu: Aww, shucks.
Argo: Hey, don't smash yer chickens before you count yer eggs.
Asuna: Argo is right. Even if Koharu and (You) are the most skilled with fighting bosses, we cannot overlook ourselves. We need to stay alert and prepared.
Lind: Right. Alright, let's gather everyone up and head for battle!
A few hours later, we all gather up at the entrance of the labyrinth and head towards the boss room. The AI Tu-Ra villagers wished us good luck, as well as the millennial beasts. Durun gave me and Koharu a vow of respect as we headed off to fight the boss. Honestly, this quest seemed kind of similar to the elf quest. Two sets different side packs who were against each other but then realized a dark truth about they're past and reconsider with themselves and turn out buddy-buddy. If you ask me, this seems kind of a cheap story retake. But I can't help but wonder… when I was fighting Durun and Radic… I didn't exactly feel threaten. Could it be because I am much stronger then I am before or the fact that I am actually moving on… I don't know. One thing I did know, was that I had to focus on defeating the boss.
Koharu: (You)…
You: yeah?
Koharu: is something bothering you?
You: A lot of stuff Koharu.
Koharu: is it what we discussed earlier. You know, about what's been going on?
You: Sort of, yeah. Don't worry, its not like I am letting it bother me… its just hard not to think about it, you know?
Koharu: I understand. How about after this, we go home and I make you something to eat. Will that cheer you up?
You: I can never say no to your cooking. Now I got something to look forward to.
Koharu: *she giggles* good, then lets beat this boss and come back alive.
You: Like always *we fist bump each other*
After a while, we all manage to find the boss room and as we entered the room. We got a glimps of the boss.
?: HIISSSSSSSS!
The boss seemed alien like. It was hard to describe, it was like a tall standing blob of grey slime with the head of a bunny and four arms on its back. It kind of reminded me of the 13th floor boss. Its name was Lundgren the land eater.
You: well, this is an interesting boss.
Lundregen: HIIISSS!
A massive area attack was about to land in front of us as the boss prepares a set of slime balls with its four hands.
You: watch out!
Assault team: Whooaaa! Aaaaah!
"Splooosh-splaaaat-spreeeew"
The slime balls exploded into toxic mix as they splashed on the ground.
Asuna: those things seem to be toxic, don't let them hit you!
Lundgren: GRIIIIISSS!
The boss swirled across the room with its four sets of hands, smashing and slashing anyone within its reach.
Asuna: Tanks, get in formation within targets line!
Lind: Assaulters, land attacks from the back, make sure you are not in his line of sight!
Everyone began to land they're attacks on the boss, making sure to stay out of his line of sight.
Kirito: AAARRGHEAAAA!
Lisbeth: HEAAAAAAA!
Sinon: Hmph! *she fires a set of arrows*
Everyone was attacking but barely causing any real damamge on the boss.
Lundgren: GRAAAAAAAA!
Sinon: were not having any effect on it, any ideas?
You: just one. Koharu, cover me!
Koharu: right!
Koharu got in front of the boss grabbing his attention, as the boss focused on Koharu, it grabbed a set of slime balls and aimed directly at Koharu.
Koharu: catch me if you can you slimy monster!
Koharu began to jump, leap and dodge every slime attack, as she did, a set of clones formed through every step she landed on. It was almost like she was able to move so fast to be standing at multiple places at once.
Koharu: Hreaaaaaa!
Koharu then landed a multiple streak of attacks as all of her four sets of clones slashed through the boss and brought it down.
Koharu: Now, switch!
You: Hmph!
Switching out, I land a set of attacks that not only manage to cause decent attacks, they also weaken the boss.
Lundgren: HISSSS?!
Silica: whoa, its reacting to his attacks!
Sinon: why is it reacting to attacks just now?
Kirito: I think it's the sword… look how its reacting.
Esper released a set of red flames that surrounded both the blade and its hilt. Almost similar to the way Yui wielded it in that secret dungeon. The only difference was that it wasn't as big as it was then.
You: Well this is new…
Lundgren: HISSSS!
You: but whatever it is, its working.
Landed a set of multiple attacks, the boss begins to get weaker and weaker as it slime begins to change from grey to dark brown. Almost like as if it were about to change pattern.
You: I think its about to change its attack, everyone stay on guard.
Koharu: Hup! *she lands her "By your side skill"*
Lundgren: GHIIIIGH!
Koharu: we will deal with the front attacks, everyone land your attacks on the side!
Lundgren: GHIRRRR!
You and Koharu: HEAAAAAAA! "SLAAASH!"
Silica: Whoa, we've been fighting for a while without them, I almost forgot how strong they are when they are together.
Twilight: please, I could have done that too.
Silica: Uhh?
Sinon: the boss has gone weak, this is our chance to land precise attacks!
Asuna: Tanks, get in formation! Prepare to block and parry!
Lind: shielders, prepare to switch out on command! Squad A, prepare to land your attacks! Ready… attack!
Assault team: YEAAAAAAAA!
With the boss in a weak state, everyone began to land they're attack and were now managing to bring the boss down in a matter of minutes. Eventually, we made it to the red zone.
Lundgren: GHIIIIIIGH!
Koharu: (You), finish this now!
Silica: go (You)!
Asuna: Squad A, give support to (You) to reach the boss!
Leafa: understood!
Mito: lets beat this sucker!
Nautilus: we'll provide support!
Lind: HDA too! Shivata! Hatner! Yamata! Lead the attacker unit and create a diversion! Liten, you lead the tanks and protect (You)! Now move it!
HDA members: Right!
Everyone get in position and attempt to grab the boss's attention the same way Koharu did. Koharu provided them support as I also made my way towards the boss without him noticing.
You: Lurk!
Using my lurk ability, I sneak up on the boss as everyone held their ground against the boss
You: Here we go…
One attack and my lurk skill will vanish, I need to time it correctly…
You: easy…
Lundgren: GAAAAAAARGH! *it fires a set of slime balls*
You: Easy… NOW! HREAAAAAGH!
Lundgren: Grrirgh? *it turns around*
As the boss turns around, I slash through its chest as a massive yellow circle began to shine in the area I have just slashed.
Lundgren: GIIIIRRRRRGHAAAAAAA!
You: that must be its core!
Lundgren: GRAAAAAAAAAUUUR! *the boss focuses on me*
You: Uh-oh!
A set of fireballs are thrown at me but I manage to dodge them as I backflip my way out of his reach. But now that I was far away… I was also cornered as the boss slowly made its way towards me.
You: Damn, I am trapped in his line of sight… there is nowhere I can run…
Lundgren: GREAAAAA! *it fires a slime ball at me*
You: Hmph! *I slash through the slime*
The slime explodes into toxins as my character gets affected by it.
You: damn, if it keeps attacking me with that slime, it will kill me… what do I do…?
Pina: Chirp!
You: Huh?
As I looked above me, I saw Pina flying down towards me and lowering its feet.
Silica: (You)! Grab a hold of Pina!
Grabing a hold on Pina's tiny legs, she uses all of her strength to lift me up and pull me out of the boss's line of fire.
Lundgren: GROOOOOOUUUU! *the boss fires a slime attack*
The slime crashes to the ground and Pina saves my life.
You: good work Pina!
Pina: Chirp!
You: *I let go of Pina* now then… *I power up my sword* lets finish this!
Lundgren: GRIIIGGH?!
The boss turns around as it sees me running towards him with my sword in hand.
Lundgren: GRRRRIIIIRRR! *the boss backs away*
The boss, seemingly terrified tries to back away as I run directly at him but its too late.
You: HREAAA! *I stab the boss's core*
Lundgren: GRAAAAaaaaghh… "Poof"
Congratulations!
Assault team: …YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
You: "Pant" "Pant" …we did it…
The boss was defeated and the 81 floor was defeated… once everything was set, we all went back to the human village and celebrated. Humans and beasts celebrating together with cheerful smiles on their faces.
Villagers: YEAAAAAH! WOOHOOO!
Beasts: Awwoooooo! Sqruaaaa!
Everyone was throwing a party, even a few members of the Assault team joined in. Everyone seemed so happy celebrating I couldn't help but notice something…
You: wait a sec… where is Lueur and the others? I thought they wanted to help with this quest… its so weird… just what is it those guys want?
Lueur: Dear me, sir hero?
You: Huh?
Lueur: in spite of all adversities, you brought this tale to a bloodless end yet again. You continue to live up to all my expectations… hero.
You: Lueur? Where the heck have you been? I thought you wanted to help out on this quest.
Lueur: Please understand dear hero, we merely wanted to watch how you handled this situation.
You: Situation? You say it like as if you knew this was gonna happen. And I thought I told you to leave me alone, I already have too much on my mind…
Lueur: I am sorry, I really am… but I cannot do that…
You: Huh?
Lueur: you see, it is our job to observe the actions of this world's trickster. Since we are approaching the climax of this bloodless conclusion, we need to be very observant of the next steps you take.
You: What? What are you even talking about?
Lueur: answer me this, dear hero… remember when you told me that both humans and players are both equally alive in this world? Well guess what? I agree with you. One hundred percent. In fact, would you say the same if your life vestiges of former players? Copies of personality data, in other words? Memories and personalities of players… or rather people, whose time passed. Special AI's, a kind of copied soul… what if that were you?
You: Wh-what?!
Lueur: with your fluctlight, who is to say that you are not one of them…? One of us? *he says with a smirk*
You: Wh-what are you even talking about?
Lueur: in all these years, you seriously haven't figured it out yet? How is it that your body is… almost immune to a lot of damage? Like that accident you stumbled upon the day you arrived at japan.
I couldn't even begin to understand what was going on, how did he know so much about my past and present? I never even told him or any of his other comrades.
You: how do you—?
Lueur: the heart you possess (You) Takayama is not a proper heart… (You) Takayama… or would you preferred if I called you… Elias Canongo?
You: UH!
Elias Canongo… that was my real name… my forgotten name… the name I decided to long forget about… how did he know…? How did he know?
You: H-How… *I grip my first* how…?
Lueur: Yes?
You: *I hold him near a tree* how do you know that name? *I say in anger* how do you know anything about this?!
Lueur: Dear me, did I hit a nerve? I deeply apologize, I didn't mean to offend you in any way, I merely—
You: Cut the crap! Enough of this weirdo persona mask, who are you?! who are those others who are around with you as well?! Who are you and what do you want from me?!
Lueur: its quite simple really. What we want—
?: Lueur!
Just then, Mater arrives, pushes me to the side as Stilla and Typhoon begin to drag him away through a corridor crystal.
You: H-Hey! I am not done with you! who are you all?! What do you want from me?!
Mater stops in her tracks and looks back at me with soulless eyes… eyes I have only seen in myself way back then…
Mater: what we want… is the same thing you want… as well as her. *she leaps into the corridor*
They're gone… and I am left speechless… alone in the woods… thinking about what just happened… I needed answers, and I needed them now. I grabbed the phone and made a phone call…
"Ring… Ring"
Kikuoka: Hello?
You: Kikuoka…
Kikuoka: Oh hello, (You). What brings this unexpected call?
You: Speak the truth… am I actually human?
Kikuoka: Mm…
Kikuoka paused for a few seconds, and then responded with a serious voice.
Kikuoka: guess the jig is up, alright… I will tell you everything when I arrive. Please wait for me at the inn you usually visit with your friends. You can call them as well, it will be your choice. *he hangs up*
You: W-Wait, I… at the usual inn? Does he mean… Agils shop?
To be continued…