Author's Note:
Hello again,
It feels like it's been forever since I last put out a chapter. I was going through a period of time where I simply had no motivation at all to write.
Anyway, here we are. This chapter wraps up some endings that were set up before, at the same time it continues them into the next part. It is shorter than a lot of the massive chapters that I have been put out recently, but this is more the length I'm going to try and aim for.
Lastly, I'll probably release the first chapter for another story that grabbed my attention this last week, check it out if you so desire. For this story, the next 'chapter', will probably be an interlude again. I currently don't have a solid direction for it, but I believe it will be some short stories from the characters that haven't gotten a lot of spotlight.
Enjoy.
Chapter 22: The Last Hero Starts to Run
Hermes' Memories:
"Are you really sure about this Zeus!?" Hermes protests for what feels the tenth time. "He is their child. Surely you can't be content to let him grow up a farmer!"
"The boy's mind is set," the god grumbles in reply. Despite being immortal, the millennia of time he'd spend on the world seemed to have drained the god of his energy. "Besides, I imagine he'd make a pretty poor hero."
"How can you think that!?" Hermes pressed again.
"He isn't level-headed enough. Spent more time dreaming about fighting monsters than practicing how to do it. Always reading hero stories and then running off and telling his parents why they were better."
The answer didn't deter Hermes in the slightest. Instead, it made him surer that he was right. That this boy was the bright light that would guide them into the next age.
The god in front of Hermes was a shell of his past self. The once positive deity that led the strongest familia in Orario was no more. In one day, he had lost everything. Everything, except one boy. A boy that had forsaken the deity as well; all to become a farmer.
"As you wish," Hermes replied lowering the brim of his hat in acceptance. "One day though, when this boy stands at the top, you'll wish you hadn't walked away."
"Maybe…" Zeus mutters as he watches his most loyal friend and helper turn his back and walk away. Shouldering a drawstring rucksack, Zeus looks one last time over the tower of Babel and the city he'd lived in for almost a thousand years. Bowing his head, he departs along the long road penniless, homeless, and friendless.
Bell:
Pumping my lags even faster along the ground, I cursed my own indecisiveness. These villagers have paid heavily for my sloth. I don't know what madness Hermes had wrought this time to send such shivers down my spine. I can only hope that I'll be enough.
The now too familiar run always seems extremely long. Today, however, as the feeling gets steadily stronger and stronger, I feel like I'm running through molasses. Each step takes an hour. Each of the rolling hills a day.
I'd prepared a hoe for the day, even though the work in the fields didn't require it. The desperation in the kobolds yesterday told me that something was happening.
I want to blame Hermes for this. To curse the god and his machinations. Yet I can't. He's been slightly interfering with things; however, it's been my own stubbornness and fear that has really kept me back.
Silently apologizing to the ones about to die, I bow my head, perhaps I as well will succumb to the results of my choices. Lifting my head after a second, I continue my run and hope Lili can catch up. Something tells me I'll need the sword for this.
Kirito:
"Urgh…" Groaning slightly, my body felt strangely constricted. The exhaustion from yesterday was still present. Laying in bed, I had no idea what time it was, but I didn't want to get up.
Giving myself another ten minutes, I allow my consciousness to fade back into nothingness. After a minute though, I still found myself unable to relax fully. My left arm felt… pinned to my side. How odd.
Picking up the strangeness of the situation, my mind begins to fully wake up. Groaning that I won't be able to go back to sleep, I force my eyes open. Blinking away the motes and dredges of a night's sleep the roof of the foreign room finally clarifies.
Letting my head roll to the left, I find a surprise. "Strea? Wow, one day and I'm already hallucinating about sleeping with women." Laughing at myself, I look back to the roof. After Hestia's dismissal last night, we went back to Miach's house where she'd secured lodging for us.
My stomach sinks as I think about Hestia's face. The doubts about the path I've chosen raged stronger than ever in the moments following. In the eyes of my virgin goddess I have no doubt that I may as well have declared that I have no morals.
"Haaa…."
Smiling slightly, I feel hot breath tickle my neck. Thinking about it, I still can't move my completely numb left arm. Frowning in confusion, I turn my head back to the left before. Strea's still there.
"She is still here…" I murmur. Beginning to doubt my sanity, I raise my right arm and poke her cheek. As I feel the warmth and soft texture of the poofy cheek, I'm forced to accept the reality of the situation. "S-strea's sleeping with me!?"
"Hmm?" Her eyes blink quickly before finding mine, sleep fading unnaturally quickly. "Good morning!"
"U-umm, why are you in my bed!?" My voice is high and tight. I can feel my body writhe in discomfort and embarrassment.
"Hehe, well as I struggled to sleep back in my room, I thought, what would help? Then it struck me! I need a body-shaped pillow to hug!"
"Uh, b-but, couldn't you have used a pillow?"
"Hmm, none were the correct size. So, I decided to see how you'd do!"
"A-and?" I ask hesitantly.
"Perfect!" Strea chirps. "I'll be using you from every night from here on out!"
"Oh, but umm… I thought I said to give it a week…"
"A week?" Strea asks confused. "Oh, before I get to join your harem! That's alright. This is something friends do!"
I'm so dead.
"T-that's uh, not really a friend thing…"
"Oh…" Strea's face falls. "So, you didn't enjoy it?"
"It's not that!" I reply immediately, unable to take the cute pout on her face. "It's just that I thought… Uhh…" My mind goes blank again as I search for the words. The problem is I have no idea what to say.
"W-wait!" Strea stutters suddenly, her face losing its composure for the first time. "Is this what the others were talking about last night? You're going to ravage my body!?"
"R-ravage!?" I squeak in response.
"Umm… I'm not so sure… But, I'm sure it will be fine!"
"That's… I mean…"
"S-so, what do I do?" Releasing me from her embrace, Strea sat up, Arms crossed in front of her chest. Gulping, I can't help but examine her body through her too small sleepwear. One of the Miach familia girls must have lent her the best they had. The bottoms are sinfully short, exposing a tantalizing amount of thigh. However, yet again, I find myself unable to draw my gaze away from her chest. The material there is near ripping. Already someone cut a small seam in the fabric to extend it's bust. Without her arms there… I'm almost salivating in anticipation.
This is bad.
I need to be better! Berating myself does little to help as Strea shyly looks away, perhaps picking up on my thinly veiled desire. "So… Umm… Are you going to start?"
That light blush in her cheeks is intoxicating. Pushing myself up on my elbows, I can feel my morals warring strongly with my desires. I should be protecting this girl, not exploiting her.
But it's so hard!
"Hey Kirito! Are you up?"
"Oh shit." Cursing softly, all I can do is wait as my death approaches. As the door swings open, Rain and Philia poke their heads in.
"H-hello!" Strea greets them, her composure still somewhat broken.
As the girls pick up on her weird behaviour, not to mention the fact she's in my room, their eyes narrow. "Hey Strea, what exactly were Kirito and you planning on doing?"
My throat chokes up as I'm unable to stop Strea from responding. A cold sweat coats my body as she speaks the words I was dreading.
"Uhh… Ravaging my body?"
"Ki. Ri. To…"
"I wasn't!" I plead, dropping off to the far side of the bed. Cowering behind it, I watch fearfully as the two approach with a deadly gleam in their eyes. "I woke up to Strea in my bed!"
Strangely, I find my last pathetic plight does indeed redirect their anger. They turn their gazes to Strea and lean in curiously. Pulling her back to the entranceway, they discuss in low voices the validity of my claim.
After a tense few moments, Philia and Strea shuffle from the room as an abashed looking Rain approaches me slowly. "Uhh… Sorry about that… I… I hope you don't uh, get the wrong impression from what she said…"
Face alight, Rain fled the room after the two other girls. Blinking slowly a few times, I collapse against the cool wood of the wall. Looking at the ceiling, I let out a sigh of relief.
"I need to get a lot better at managing girls to make this work…"
Asuna:
"Urgh." Groaning, I find myself torn. Part of me has no energy, only a deep desire to pull the sheets over my head and waste the day away. Another part is commanding me to get up and force Astrid to spar with me. To push me even harder. To go to the dungeon and use my magic until I border on a mind down.
"Why'd you have to go and say that Kirito?" Murmuring at the absent boy, I couldn't get a handle on my emotions. Did I hate him for doing that? Did I love him for knowing that he'd always accept me? My history with the boy had been so turbulent.
Reaching one hand up to the roof, I stare through my fingers at the expensive ceiling, early rays illuminating the details. The way the magic stones in the chandelier split the light was transfixing. Closing my hand around one of the brilliant shafts, I let my arm fall down above my head.
"Okay!" Gathering my energy together, I push myself up. Shivering slightly as the cold air textures my bare feet, I resist the urge to bury them again. Rubbing them to bring some warmth back to my feet, I stand up and begin dressing. Mind made up; I head out of my room in search for Loki. There were a couple events yesterday that I had to inform her of.
Village West of Orario:
"What the hell!?" Bell couldn't stop himself from shouting in surprise. Ripping the tines of his hoe out of a wooden wall, the kobold that had been pinned between them fell to the ground. However, Bell's gaze was locked further down the street.
The tortured scream of another kobold as its body gets shredded, limb from limb. Hands shacking slightly, Bell struggled to get his feet moving again. The monster finished with its prey and disappeared around a corner.
That was the source of the strong chills that ran down Bell's back all day. He'd only gotten a brief glimpse of it, but it was clearly a quadruped, tearing things apart on four legs. However, what really scared Bell about it was the size of the silhouette. No doubt it was taller than him.
Running through the potential monsters it could be in his head, Bell's confidence only waned more. Something of that size and shape… no options in the extensive catalogue of his mind matched up. He had thought from stories his parents had told him, Bell would be able to recognize any monster.
"Could it be… unique?"
Shuddering from the thought, Bell felt an emotion rise up that he thought he'd never feel again, fear. Bell had assumed that it had died the day he lost his family. After all, what was there to be afraid of when there was nothing to lose?
Now though, tightening his hands around the wooden shaft of the hoe, Bell found no comfort in its familiar texture. It was made for farming, not fighting.
"I can't lose here."
Reaffirming his beliefs to himself, Bell sought out after the creature. It was easy to track due to the screams that it left in its wake, both person and monster. Rounding a second corner, Bell finally got a good look at the beast.
It was like some demonic cross between a bear and dragon. The four long claws on its stubby front legs were almost a foot long and deadly sharp. Long shaggy hair covered its entire body, creating a barrier that normal attacks would struggle to penetrate. The longer back legs lacked the same wicked claws of the front companions. This orientation pointed its head towards the ground. The head. That's the part that truly unnerved Bell. The neck was freakishly long, over two feet and lithe. Long black horns that curved back towards its body, protecting its neck from attack. Some curious hybrid that should have guaranteed the beast a spot in a story.
"Ahh!"
The scream snaps Bell to his senses as he stares past the monsters. Cowering on the ground, her back to a wall is a girl not much older than himself.
"Rose…"
The blacksmith's daughter. Staring into her terrified eye's Bell found himself frozen once again. He couldn't do it. He couldn't be the one responsible for her death.
"Bell! Save me!"
The words were both a dream come true and the total collapse of Bell's fantasies. He had grown up wanting to be an adventurer. Dreaming about the days when he'd get to save a damsel in distress and sweep her off her feet. Now though, faced with a girl he knew, a cute one at that, he found himself frozen.
It was too real.
Too different.
There was none of the heroism he had imagined. No brave stand as he stared down the monster. He was dressed in loose farming clothes with a hoe in his hand. Bell bowed his head as he accepted the truth.
He was no hero. He was a fake that turned from that road a year ago. Closing his eyes, Bell could only listen as the screams inside his mind started again, memories never far from the surface.
Lisbeth:
Staring into the flames of my forge, the intense heat was drowned out by my thoughts. I was surprised that my feet drug me out of bed at all. Now, sitting in front of my forge, I found my hammer still.
"My my, what seems to be the problem today?"
"Hephaestus!?" I squeal, shooting out of my seat.
"You know," she murmurs, "I found Welf in much the same spot when I checked on him earlier. "Hammer resting at his side as he stared deeply into the flames of his forge."
"We both had a rough day yesterday," I admit not really wanting to discuss the issue.
"Oh?" Hephaistos queries, clearly searching for more information from me. "Why not stop by for a status update in that case?"
I could hear the message hidden in words. If I wouldn't talk in a room filled with other blacksmiths, I may talk when we're alone. Regardless, "I would like a status update, thank you for offering."
Banking the forge, we depart from the stuffy, hot room. This time I'm barely aware of the glares piercing my back as I garner the undivided attention of our familia's goddess.
As usual, our walk passes in silence. Neither of us are really used to starting conversations. Only building off what others provide. Together, the silence can lapse on for minutes. Strangely though, it's not awkward. Being around Hephaistos never is.
Entering her private room back in the central store on North main, I remove my shirt and kneel. While it still feels slightly awkward, I already feel far more comfortable with it than I was before.
"So, are you going to tell me what's happening?"
"It's really nothing important," I assure her.
"Hmm, doesn't seem that way." Hephaistos rebutted, "I haven't seen you look that confused since the first time I told you to quench a metal."
Grimacing at the painful memories, I strangely did find myself wanting to speak. To talk about the ridiculous situation that I had found myself in. I needed to hear a rational opinion on this.
"You know that boy I formed a contract with, right?"
"Yes."
As the words spilled out of me, I didn't want to stop, even as Hephaestus finished with my status. Donning my shirt, I kept talking as she sat behind her desk. About the weeks leading up to it, my conversations with Kirito, how I expected something like this, but never this situation that exceeded my wildest dreams.
"Really?" Is all she said once I was done. "For Hestia's child to do something like this. It will most assuredly be a turbulent time for him."
"Why… why is that?"
"Hestia is one of the last remaining virgin goddesses," Hephaestus sighed, "him forming a harem is like slapping her in the face. Even if she is slowly starting to change, I see no world in which she accepts this. You were right in declining his invitation."
"I see," sighing heavily, there was little more to say. Internally, I'm glad Hephaestus didn't laugh at me about how only an idiot would join something like that. I don't know if I could have taken that from her. A large part of me wanted to say yes. No, a large part of me still wants to accept.
"Do you want better news?" Hephaestus asks with a teasing smile.
"Uh, yes?"
"Congratulations, you can now level up whenever you wish."
"Really!?" Shooting out of my seat, I stare at her wide-eyed. My heart feels like it has stopped. The words level-up send a rush of adrenaline through me large enough to beat back the encroaching sorrow.
"Here you go," Hephaestus hands over the status sheet. "If you so wish, I can advance you to level two whenever you are ready."
"I… I can learn forge, right?" I confirm hesitantly before looking at it.
"Yes."
Sighing heavily, the one last obstacle fades away. Putting Kirito out of my mind for now, I take a couple well deserved seconds to scan the fruits of my labour.
Lisbeth
Level One
Strength: C 602 → B 720 Defense: C 688 → A 808 Utility: D 524 → C 600 Agility: E 453 → D 510 Magic: I 0 → I 0
Magic:
*New* Iron Defense – Creates a wall of magic that blocks magic and physical attacks in front of the caster. Grows with both Defense and Magic.
Skills:
*New* Concussive Blow – Attacks with blunt objects inflict extra damage
"T-two new skills!" I stutter observing my new, far stronger, status.
"Well, one skill and one spell," Hephaestus corrected teasingly, "but yes. It appears that you have talents outside of just being a blacksmith."
"T-thanks," I reply, the embarrassment colouring my cheeks. "Is there any reason to delay the level-up?"
"Only if you want to improve your base skills. In this case the only one that would increase easily is your magic stat. In my opinion though… It doesn't seem necessary."
"…I agree." After a moment of deliberation, I align my desires with Hephaestus. Taking my shirt off again, the process is over quickly. Handing me another piece of paper, it was similar to the last. Instead, all of my stats had reset to zero and I had an advanced ability, Forge, at rank I.
Lisbeth
Level One → Level Two
Strength: B 720 → I 0 Defense: A 808 → I 0 Utility: C 600 → I 0 Agility: D 510 → I 0 Magic: I 0 → I 0
Forge: I
Magic:
Iron Defense – Creates a wall of magic that blocks magic and physical attacks in front of the caster. Grows with both Defense and Magic.
Skills:
Concussive Blow – Attacks with blunt objects inflict extra damage
"Thank you, Goddess."
"So formal," Hephaestus teased, never one to put too much on stake on formalities.
"So, I've got ahead of Welf…" The words just slipped out. It was a bit of a bittersweet feeling. For even with forge, I knew that he was the better blacksmith.
"Actually, he levelled up as well. Whatever the two of you did, it must have been a wild adventure."
Pausing, I wait for jealousy to come, instead, a wave of relief washes over me. I'm not ready to overtake Welf, in skill or level. I still need more time.
"Oh," Hephaestus murmurs, "I've seen that look before. Something tells me you won't have any issues forging something now. Here, take this." Retrieving a lump of ore from my drawer, I gasped at it. Adamantite. Even the lowest quality version of the stuff was hard to work with. "See what you can make with this."
"Thank you! Please excuse me!" I bow to my goddess. "I need to make a weapon for my contracted adventurer!"
"Put your best into it," Hephaestus smiles. "Also, feel free to come by sometime when you want to learn how to make magic swords."
"Yes!" Excitement for the future renewed, I stride back to my forge. I may not know my feelings right now, but one thing I do know is that this weapon will be the best I've ever forged.
Kirito:
"Hestia…" Breathing her name, I wasn't sure what to do when she came into view. Pausing at the bottom of the stairs, everyone in the kitchen froze. Almost everyone was here with the exception of Miach and Nazha. They probably left to manage the store. Never a day off when there are bills to pay.
"K-Kirito!" Hestia beamed, "it's good to see you."
"You as well, Goddess." I murmur back. It really is good to see again. Her playful energy is a nice change from the seriousness of the dungeon and stress of adventuring.
"Oh, hello goddess! I'm |Strea, you're newest familia member!" Completely shattering the tension between us, Strea who had been following me down the stairs leapt over to her.
"Y-you!" Hestia all but screamed. "B-but, NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Breaking down, Hestia's eyes rolled back as she collapsed to the ground, foam frothing in her mouth.
"Umm, did I do something wrong?" Strea mused.
"Don't worry about it," I sigh back to her. Rubbing my forehead, I kind of predicted that result. Although it did also confirm Strea's words as truth. Hestia knew that she'd somehow picked up another follower.
"Umm, hello everyone." Poking out from around the corner at the front entrance, the head of a young girl came into view. Her hair was long and black, matching her eyes. She looked no older than ten, probably closer to eight.
"O-Onee-san!?" Strea yelled upon seeing her.
"Onee-san!?" Everyone echoed as Strea ran over to her.
"Wow! Are you part of Hestia's familia as well! That's so great!"
"AH!" The young girl screamed as she found herself wrapped in a giant hug. "W-who are you!"
"Huh? Isn't it obvious, I'm your little sister!"
"Oh…" The small girl replied, her answer muffled by Strea's bosom that was enveloping her head. "Please release me little sister."
"Will do Onee-san!"
"W-what the hell was that…" Blinking, I couldn't quite comprehend the series of events that had just played out before me. From my tense reunion with Hestia, to Strea making her faint and then apparently knowing this newest recruit, I was completely lost. It all seemed like some badly written fanfic.
"Are you the one known as Kirito?"
"Uh, yes?" I replied hesitantly to the girl's very serious question. Her face had a terrifying determination to it, like she had to do this at all costs.
As I answer, the expression disappears like a mirage, leaving behind an adorable smile. I'd never cared for children before or thought about them at all. But suddenly, I realized that, in the future, far in the future, they may not be the worst decision…
"That makes you my Papa!"
"HUH!?"
As I was stunned silent, my private thoughts spoken back to me, the rest of the room emitted the same identical expression of disbelief.
"S-so, who told you this?"
"Mama, of course," the girl replied, looking at me, her head tilted in confusion. "You two are my parents!"
"Hestia…" Murmuring her name, I gaze at the slowly recovering goddess as Argo's words from yesterday come back to me. Just wait until you get home. So, this was the surprise that Hestia had prepared. Why, though?
"So, if you're my older sister, and Kirito's your Papa then…" Strea mumbled, the only one seemingly unfazed.
"He would be your father as well," the girl confirmed with a nod. "Treat him with respect!"
"Hehe," Strea giggled, the devious look in her eyes sending a chill down my spine. "I don't like Papa though… Is it alright if I call you Daddy?"
Swallowing loudly, I felt a second away from following Hestia into unconsciousness. That smile on her face. Her walk as she approaches me…
"Stop it!" The girl demands, berating Strea. "Can't you see that you are upsetting Papa? I am also sensing emotions in you that are unbefitting a daughter toward her parent!"
"Y-yes, Onee-san!" Strea cried, bowing deeply.
Gawking at her, I can't believe it. She has now put Strea in her place twice. Something I wasn't sure was possible.
"I realize this is a bit late… but, what's your name?"
"I'm Yui!" The girl responded, chipper as ever. "I'm pleased to meet you Papa!"
Bounding over, she wrapped me in a hug, her head barely coming up to my ribcage.
Looking at the kitchen in awe, I still can't wrap my head around these events. However, as I stroke her hair, I conclude that while Hestia's actions may have been wrong, this girl does belong here.
Bell:
"Gragh!" Bellowing deeply, the monster's claws fly through the air. The last thing I see is Rose's smile. There's no fear on her face. Only a kind, understanding smile. A kindness I don't deserve.
Her body is thrown my line of sight, her blood trailing through the air in a giant arc.
"Why…" Collapsing to my knees, I stare uncomprehendingly at the monster. Tears pour down my cheeks, but I make no effort to wash them away. "Why can't I save them?"
All the excuses I used to tell myself run through my head. That it was Hermes' fault, the villagers should have been able to protect themselves, my parents should have beaten the monster and lived, but finally the truth hits. It's my fault. It always has been.
"Grugh?"
Maybe picking up on my scent, the beast began to turn around. Eyes on the ground, all I could hear was the sounds of its gigantic claws tearing up the earth. It's labored, excited breathing as it searched for its next victim. This novel monster that I had no name for.
Letting my eyes close, I await my death peacefully. One that no one would mourn.
"Get away demon!"
"GRAGH!"
Stunned by the noise, my eyes open again, forcing me to take in the strange sight. Standing in front of me is the elder of the village. Wielding a pitchfork, he stares down the mighty monster one on one.
"Hah!" Making motions, he fake lunges at the beast, trying to force it back and away from me.
"No…" Mumbling, I can't believe it. Why would he do something this stupid. Why is he dying to save me? It won't make a difference. Merely one more avoidable death.
"Bell lad! The villagers are gathering near the Eastern edge. They are going to go to Orario and beg the guild to get a quest to hunt this beast. Go, guide them!"
"I… I can't…" I answer back inaudibly. "It will kill us all. Hunt us one by one as we run."
The scene is too easy to picture. This beast would probably enjoy the sport of it. Following our pathetic train of meat as we leave a trail of bodies behind us, trying desperately to save someone, anyone.
"Yah!"
"Grugh!"
Finally, the beast had had enough of this sparring. When the elder stumbled on his recovery, the claws flashed. The blurring lines of death turning the farming implement into kindling.
"Ahh!" Collapsing to the ground in pain, I saw clearly how the elder's arms were coated in blood. Exploding pieces of wood cutting them to shreds. At least the claws didn't hit him.
"Why didn't you just run…"
"Bell, my boy," the elder coughed, eyes surprisingly lucid despite the injuries. "I'm so sorry, that we relied on you these past months. These monsters were our problem, and instead of facing them, we hid behind you." Coughing, I could tell that this speech would be his last. Even without the beast, the elder was out of time. "Go. Live your life free of us. I only hope, that with time, you can escape the pain we've caused you…"
"So… In the end, even you will let me off the hook. Don't worry Bell, it's not your fault Bell. Screw that! I'm done having people wash away my responsibilities."
Standing up, I don't know where the words came from. Only that the seed of anger inside me had exploded into black flames.
"I… will exterminate every last monster!"
Roaring, I could feel the push of anger within me, giving flight to my feet. Dashing forward, the hoe felt like a toy in my hands. Too light, too weak.
"Grugh!" Backing up, the monster was more surprised then hurt by the attack.
"GAHHH!" Roaring at it, I swung the tool faster and faster until it was a blur to my eyes, the sharpened metal points seeking flesh. Each time though, despite the speed, I came up empty. It moved just enough that the hoe either deflected off or couldn't penetrate through the immensely thick fur that coated it.
"RAAA!" Getting fed up with my pathetic strikes, the beast finally responded in kind, its right leg whipping forward. Ignoring defense to do, my strike finally drew blood as it cut its snout.
Failing to withdraw the weapon, the head of the hoe was sliced off, leaving jagged wood and two thirds of a tool.
Roaring at it again, I was past logical thought, my body instinctively responding as my subconscious called up the impossible moves that I'd seen elite adventurers utilize before.
Launching myself up, I stared into its eyes with murderous intent as I drove the shaft of wood forward. My strike landed with a sickening slurp as the shaft penetrated the left eye socket. Howling in pain, the monster whipped its head to the side, pulling the shaft from my hand.
Landing roughly back on the ground, I panted as I felt the harsh flames begin to recede, exhaustion filling the gap they left. Stumbling to my feet, I prayed that the blow would stop the beast, but knowing it wouldn't. A creature of this size and endurance would never go down in one blow.
"Gragh!" Stumbling side to side, the beast whipped its head and forth, trying to displace the shaft that has taken the place of its left eye. Watching it brought a certain grim satisfaction in reply for the lives of Rose and the Elder. For bringing destruction upon this village.
All too quickly, however, it managed to shake the shaft loose, one empty bloody hole staring at me and one enraged black eye. I couldn't even repeat the feat as the creature made sure to crush it to slivers with an intelligent malevolence.
"That's not fair…" For all my murmuring however, the beast didn't care about a fair fight. I could see in its eye. All that it wanted now was to slaughter me and devour my body. Drawing my dagger, I prepared myself for round two.
A round I couldn't win.
Asuna:
"Gah!" Collapsing to the ground, tears blurred my vision as I gasped for air. The blow from Astrid had been impossibly fast. I hadn't even seen it.
"I thought you said you were going to impress me?" Her disimpassioned voice rang from above. "I said I was busy, but you insisted. Swore that this would be a good use of my time."
"I… I am." Groaning with effort, I forced myself back up. My training gear was in tatters around me. Not a single piece of it was unmarred. How long had we been fighting? 5 hours? 1 hour? 5 minutes? Somehow, the last seemed most likely. I'd come here determined and so far had shown her nothing.
I haven't got my status update yet, that's why!
But it was also an excuse. Astrid was tearing me apart with skill and technique, not status.
"This is your last attempt." Astrid warned.
Nodding, I understood what she meant. She'd wasted enough time on me today. They had better things to talk apart. A large portion of which, I imagine came from the missive from Ganesha familia that probably outlined what had happened yesterday in the dungeon, rendering my own report useless.
Instead she was here with me, doing what? As an executive in the familia, Astrid was fundamental in making decisions.
"Rah!" Throwing myself forward with a cry, I used my skill as an aid for my weary legs. Rushing straight forward, the distance between us disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Astrid rolled her eyes with a predictable finality. She was fed up with me and this match.
Expecting this, I dug my heels in hard, stopping on a dime. Tossing myself to the side, I swung at her head as her errant, lazy slash passed a fingers breadth from my side.
"Huh?"
Caught off guard, Astrid stumbled backwards, clumsily catching my blow on the sheath she was using for her weapon. Unrelenting, I kept the slashes up, trying to hit her from all angles. Abandoning my previous thrust attempts, I spun and twirled trying to attack from every and any angle.
One step and then a second, I was doing it. Astrid's face had contracted as she focused wholly upon this fight, frustration building as she found herself unable to regain the upper hand at the power she'd limited herself to.
"I… can… do this!" Trying to convince myself through forced words, I attempt to keep the blows up, to increase them, even as I feel my body failing.
The total and utter exhaustion from yesterday rearing its head. Swinging once more, I feel my body reach its limit as my joints lock and my muscles seize.
Gritting my teeth, I force one more action out as I send my rapier forward in one last desperate thrust. Anything in a hope of making contact.
"Enough." Speaking softly, Astrid caught the blow.
Eyes widening in shock, I could only stare in horror as her hand closed around my blade.
"So, this is your answer, is it?"
Strength depleted, I let myself collapse to the ground. As I fell, Astrid did not release my weapon, keeping it gripped at head level. Refusing to relinquish my blade to her, I found myself suspended by one arm, the lower half of my body sprawled along the ground.
"You aren't going to release it?"
"Never," I gasped back, raising my head to stare defiantly back at her. "This weapon… is mine."
"Yet you let it fall into such a state of disrepair?" Atrsid fires back. "Instead of maintaining it, and treating it with respect, you rushed straight into another fight."
Slumping, my head drops back down. I feel my fingers loosen around the handle as I debate giving up. Astrid's words pierce my heart. She's right. I gave no thought to anything and threw myself back into combat. Not even to get stronger. Just to avoid having to confront Kirito's decision and what it means to me.
"Furthermore," Astrid continued, "you have disrupted familia proceedings knowing full well how dangerous things have gotten recently. Slowing down our response time may cost lives, some of them your fellow familia members."
Once again, my fingers loosen a little more. The pain in my arm begging me to fully release. What's the point anyway? I have no reason to keep hanging on to the blade. Astrid is strong enough that she could have took from me before my first attack landed.
There's no reason to keep struggling.
For a third time my grip loosens somewhat, only my fingertips still remaining on the handle and keeping me there, suspended halfway up.
Why can't I let go?
"Despite this, and despite me beating you down multiple times mercilessly, you kept standing up and demanding more. To be pushed further…" Astrid paused, her voice taken on a different tone. "You took my expectations and defeated them. Even when your mind is clearly stuffed full of countless issues, you found a way to work your way past my defense. Not to a tie either, to victory."
"Huh?" Looking back up in confusion, Astrid's words didn't make sense. They sounded like praise. That wasn't possible. She was livid with me.
"So, take your blade Asuna," Lowering me to my knees, Astrid finally released the blade, her glove no worse for wear. Kneeling as well, she cupped my face with her hands. "You need to learn to temper yourself. To rest when you can. Look at your blade, it is you."
Examining it made me want to look away in horror. The whole thing was marred and covered in dents. It had been used repeatedly without maintenance. My heart stung observing its beaten form.
"That's your state as well." Astrid soothed. "Heal your blade and heal yourself. Spend time with your friends. Then, when you're ready, begin running again."
"Thank you, Astrid." The words choked my throat as I felt the tears truly begin to fall. The pent-up emotions that I could no longer keep a lid on. "And… I'm so sorry for taking your time."
"That's a secondary issue," she discarded with a wave of her hand.
"W-what?" Looking at her in confusion, I couldn't believe she'd said that. Until now she'd made sure I knew how much of a nuisance this sparring had been.
"Helping my familia members is the most important job I have," Astrid assured me with a wink. "It just took a little longer to beat you into a listening state than I was expecting."
"Thank you," muttering the words again, I force myself back up with a groan.
"What are you going to do?" Astrid asks as I do so.
"Rest for awhile…" Trailing off, I try to put the list of what I need in order. "After that, I need to get a status update from Loki, and then… I need to apologize to my weapon."
"If you don't have a smith in mind," Astrid says, "there are many people in the familia that can suggest one."
"That's alright," I deny her with a shake of my head. "I have one in mind."
Lili:
"Idiot!" Cursing Bell, I could only do my best to try and catch up to him.
Even with my skill, the sword weighed me down. I'd never come close to feeling an object this heavy before. No doubt it was forged with the absolute best materials available in the dungeon. The highest quality adamantite. I know it's just my imagination, but it was like I could feel the very essence of the blade dragging me down. Judging my capacity as a ruler as finding me unworthy.
"I don't want to use you! I would be worse than useless!" Breaking down and yelling at the blade, I've had enough of its silent judgement, even if it is all in my head.
Through my anger and concern for Bell, I can almost imagine that the words worked. The burden doesn't seem to be quite as great as I dash through the final stretch to the village.
The screams and cries reach me well before I hit the outskirts. There's even a building on fire for some reason. I'd only been here a couple times before. Bell visited very infrequently, the distance being one major contributor. I suspect that his self-inflicted guilt is a larger reason, however.
A group of people were conglomerating on the Eastern side. Turning towards them, I figure they'll be the best place to start looking.
"Where is he!?" I demands as I reach the group. "Where is Bell!?"
"He… he was fighting that thing, wasn't he?" One of the onlookers muttered.
Gazing around at them, I realized how bad it must be. Not one of them had any life left in their eyes. Fear and sorrow were the primary emotions.
"Stay safe!" Shouting a parting at them, I run into the village. The sad part is, is that the trail is so easy to follow. The well tread path through the village is littered with blood and wreckage. Not only that, but whatever the beast is, it left distinctive furrows in the ground.
Dashing past the first row of houses, I see the mangled corpse of a kobold already. It's eyes wide with fear in its last seconds. Ignoring it, I follow the trail of blood its killer left. I could have guessed the right direction easily due to the increased commotion in that direction.
As I run, I pass a pair of villagers. A married couple, I don't remember their names. The wife is kneeling over her husband's prone form, sobbing as she calls out to him. The sight turns my stomach. These people never expected something like this to happen. They didn't deserve it either.
Following the path further, the sounds start before too long. Screams from different areas, shouts, cries, it was almost too much. Yet along the path I followed, no noise emanated. The meaning of why was far too terrible to contemplate.
"GRAGH!" Feeling the chill run down my spine, the force of the roar is overpowering. This beast may be the strongest I've ever seen. That includes Orcs and Silverbacks.
Something like that would wreck devastation upon this village. And Bell… Poor Master Bell with no status. He may be skilled, but when he's outmatched in every way, he has no chance.
Cursing Hermes for doing this to the people, I move further in to where I can now hear the sounds of combat clearly. The deep, terrifying roar that I've never heard before is offset by a Hero's cry.
"Bell!" Shouting his name, I push myself even faster, the weight of the sword inconsequential compared to my goal.
Turning the final corner, I witness the horror with my own eyes. "Bell!" Screaming his name again, I watch in horror, as the monster corners him against the building.
"Run Lili!"
"No…" Speaking softly, I uselessly stretch my hand toward the boy. I was lost with nowhere to go. He welcomed me into his house and gave me a new reason to live. He can't die on me. Not him…
Uncaring to my feelings, the claws raised and descended, right into Master Bell. "NO!" Crying out again, I grabbed the handle of the sword and swung at the beast. The massive blade pulled me off balance. The still sheathed blade crashed soundly into the side of the massive creature's head.
"GROAH!" Letting out a cry, the beast toppled to the ground, stunned by the blow.
The force of the impact numbed my hands, forcing me to drop the blade. Sending one last glance at the slowly recovering beast, I turn warily to where Master Bell had been. Although there is no blood sprayed anywhere, I don't try to fool myself. The whole wall of the house had been caved in, broken boards scattered about.
"Master Bell!"
Pointlessly crying out, I stumble towards the broken-down wall, uselessly struggling to find his body. At least if I do that, then when the beast kills me, we'll be together.
Hands getting scraped and torn on the sharp edges, I don't slow down. The pain is nothing compared to the horrible breaking feeling in my heart. Even after all the betrayals, bullying, and abuse I suffered in Soma familia, I kept moving forward. Trying desperately to escape their clutches. After finally succeeding, my life was ending just as I was starting to feel happy. To believe there really was a reason for my continued survival.
"Bell!" Screaming his name again, I expect no response and get none. Blood and tears flying freely, my hands speed up as my digging intensifies.
"Grugh…" The monster's cry is low and full of malice. I must have seriously ticked it off.
"No, I can't die, I haven't found him yet!" Screaming at it, I know the beast doesn't comprehend the words. That doesn't matter though, only Bell does.
As the pace of digging increases, so does my tension. He should here, shouldn't he? Where is his body? I've now fully entered the house, my head searching left and right for the boy's broken body that should be laying right here.
"Huh?" Hands stopping suddenly, I blink away the tears and look around. If I squint, I can see it. The outline of a torso where the wooden wall fell around it. As I stare at the floor though, the body is nowhere to be seen. No blood to indicate that he crawled off somewhere either.
"GROAH!"
"No!" Panicking, I throw myself to the side. I can't die. Not until I find him. Bell! He's alive! He has to be.
The claws puncture the floor easily, carrying through to the ground below. Scurrying backwards, I throw one of the pieces of wood at it. Predictably, the wood bounces off with no discernible effect.
"Get. Away. From. Me!" I punctuate each word with another thrown piece of wood. It's a pointless, futile action, but it feels good. Each throw another second I get to live.
"Groah!" As it roars again, I finally get to see it's face head-on. One of its eyes are missing. The gaping wound courtesy of Bell no doubt. Also, why I'm still alive.
Knowing it's recent injury, I can connect all of the mistakes it has made since I first encountered it. The miss with its attack, not seeing my swing coming.
As my back hits the far wall of the cabin though, it doesn't matter, I've run out of distance. No longer can it miss. The situation is eerily similar to the one I just watched Bell endure.
Looking up at the monster, I glare back at it. I have no weapon, no options, but I'll be damned if I cower in fear and scream like a little girl as it kills me.
"Step away from her, beast."
"Bell…" Turning my head, I can't believe it. Standing in the entryway, white sword glimmering beside him. "You really are a hero…"
Entrusting my fate to him, I use his distraction to dart out of the house. After all, I'll only get in his way.
Kirito:
Pacing back and forth, the confines of my room suddenly feel far too small. There have been too many things happening, too many revelations and relationships revealed.
"Why is this happening the day after my declaration…" Moaning, I pull at my hair while my feet don't slow.
It all seems like a bad joke. While both Strea and Yui seem like nice girls that I'd be blessed to get to know. Their inclusion into the familia seems so sudden. After the introduction of Leafa and Silica I thought there would be more downtime. More time to get used to each other, to expand our home.
Now though, we were staying at Miach familia home, with two new members, while our house was getting renovated, using money that had been given to us by Lili. How was that only a week ago?
"Kirito?"
"Come in." Hiding my sigh, I force myself to stop pacing and face the entrant, Hestia. So many things swirled around my head, each one seemingly more important than the last.
"I know you're probably mad at me," Hestia sighed. She did look strangely morose and repentant. "I got a little carried away with Yui. She just seemed like such a blessing that… I just couldn't say no."
"Actually," I say slowly, processing my emotions on the subject as I speak, "I don't know if it was wrong to provide such a young girl on her own with parents. As her goddess and familia leader, in a way we are her parents. But… That's not how you meant it, is it?"
"Yeah…" Hestia admitted sadly, her head bowing.
Seeing her now, it was hard to think of her as a goddess, or a product of another world, or Kayaba's creation. She was simply… Hestia.
"I… I just get scared thinking about how fast you are growing. You have… a friend in Loki familia. What if she poached you from me? Why would you say no? I… I just wanted a way to tie you to me."
"Hestia…" Murmuring her name, I find myself understanding her feelings with a sharp pain. In a way, we are exact opposites. I was scared of people hurting me, so I pushed them all away so they couldn't. Hestia was doing the opposite. She was holding on even tighter so that they couldn't abandon her.
Walking over to her, I take one of her hands in mine. The appendage is so small and soft. A delicate flower that could be crushed easily.
"Kirito?"
"I thought I told you already," I murmur looking down at her upturned eyes. "We started this together, and we will finish this together."
"Y-yes!" She answered jubilantly, twin tails swishing in excitement. "Together until the end, right?"
"Of course," I agree with a big smile.
"Oh!" Hestia said suddenly, slapping her forehead in mock surprise. "I just remembered I haven't updated your status in awhile! We should do that!"
"True…" I agree hesitantly. The acting was so horrible even I saw through it. Even as I remove my shirt and lay on the bed, I can't think of why she needed to do it like this, she could have just asked.
"Better close the door!" Hestia continued in that same strange voice. "Don't want people interrupting!"
"…I suppose."
"Haha…"
The conversation died awkwardly. A large part of it due to Hestia's strange behaviour. Had I missed something? Did something I do bring this on?
With only my thoughts providing more questions then answers, I stared straight ahead at the headboard as Hestia mounted me. Squirming around, it took her awhile to find a comfortable location before beginning. Closing my eyes, I lose myself in the sensation of Hestia's finger twirling shapes on my back. The process taking a little longer ever since she learned how to lock my status.
"Wow… You really did a lot of work yesterday, didn't you?"
"Is my status good?" I ask expectantly.
"Yes…" Hestia murmured, her voice a little sad for some reason.
"Goddess?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Guess I better get to transcribing!"
"Thank you…" Confused over her voice, there's nothing much I can do except wait patiently for her to finish. However, hearing about the growth makes me want to jump back into the dungeon.
My sword!
Eyes widening in shock, I can't believe I'd forgotten about it. I need to see Lisbeth! Beg her to rush make me a blade. Although, she does know the other one broke, so it may not be as much of an issue.
"Something the matter?" Hestia asks, sensing my discomfort.
"Just remembering things, I need to do," I reply idly. It's still pretty early in the day. If I go in the early afternoon, I should be able to get everything done.
"Hmm… You've gotten strong." Hestia's fingers traced softly over my back muscles.
"…Goddess?" She updated my status like two days ago. I doubt there's been any noticeable differences in that time period.
"So… Uhh, how's your harem building going?"
Blinking, I realize we never sorted that issue out. "Umm, I know you aren't exactly on board with it, but I think it's what's best!"
"I just asked how it was going, didn't I?"
"I-I suppose." Drawing up my courage, I felt my face flushed as I struggled to get the words out. "W-well, so far, Rain, Philia, and Leafa are definite yeses, I believe. Silica and I need some more time, but I think she wants to join as well. Everyone else is more of a maybe."
"…"
"Hestia?"
"…"
"Are you going to get off Goddess?"
"… How…"
"What was that?" I ask confused. "I didn't catch the end of your question."
"How far have you gone with them?"
"Oh." Blushing even brighter, I'm shocked at how steady Hestia's voice sounded there. I don't know why she wants to know, but… "I-I've only kissed them. Even then…"
"Grrrrr."
"H-Hestia?"
"You and that stupid ability! I never should have told you to get it!"
"W-what?" Stuttering, I'm shocked at the change in mood as Hestia stalks away.
Stopping at the entrance to my borrowed room, she turns around and glares at me, "Why do you think all of these women suddenly agreed to this? What sane person would ever share a romantic partner? It's that blasted aura ability of yours that's manipulating them!"
"W-what!?" But no one answers my question as she stalks out of the room, door slamming behind her. "T-that… that can't be true, can it?"
Picking up the status sheet, I stare at the growth I've received, but one small line stands out more than the others.
Kirito
Level Two
Strength: E 458 → D 571 Defense: E 401 → E 492 Utility: E 430 → D 524 Agility: D 502 → C 610 Magic: H 280 → E 422
Aura: I
Magic:
Gigas Cedar – Summons a branch of the unfellable tree to grow from the equipped sword.
Skills:
Gilded Hero – Grants the user abilities surpassing their limit in times of great desperation or need. Particularly when aligned with a righteous goal.
"How could I have been so foolish…" The ink on the page starts to smudge as a liquid corrupts the recent writing. Touching my face, I find it wet with fresh tears. The same fluid currently ruining my status. Crumpling the paper, I can't look at it anymore.
"Of course this is true," I laugh drily. "I thought it would be for the best, that this is the only way to make them all happy… I'm such an idiot. I should just…"
Just do what?
Suddenly, anger comes and tears away the self-pity and resentment that had been building. The matter is arbitrary. "It doesn't matter."
Just saying the words out loud feels like a weight has been lifted from my chest. "Even if… Even if I am unconsciously manipulating them. They agreed to this. I agreed to this. I swore to do it, to make them all happy."
I can still feel it inside of me, the uncertainty that Hestia placed there. About whether my actions truly are ethical, if I'm controlling their thoughts with my advanced ability.
Even if I am though, I decided on this path. Everyone may turn on me, Syr, Eina, even Hestia and the whole city of Orario. That's okay though. I'm not doing this just for myself. I'm doing this for the girls that have walked beside me since day one. The ones who have stayed by my side through thick and thin, even when I gave up, they refused to.
If I have them, I'll be alright.
Asuna:
Stepping lightly through the city, I followed the directions I'd gotten with the piece of paper from Loki still clenched in my hands. My growth had been amazing. The previous worries were fading as I let myself appreciate the effort that I'd put in yesterday.
Astrid had been right. I had been pushing myself too hard for no reason. Rest was an essential function for continued high level performance.
"Tomorrow as well, I think…" Muttering to myself about my plans, I stared back at the status and good news I'd heard from Loki. My custom ordered staff was only another week out. Quicker than the initially timeline had put it at.
Asuna
Level Two
Strength: F 314 → F 382 Defense: F 313 → F 370 Utility: E 422 → D 500 Agility: E 489 → C 607 Magic: C 666 → A 808
Mage: I
Magic:
Vannforlengelse: Shoots water in the direction of the User's choice. Shape and force of the water is chosen by the user. Volume and power scale with level.
Undine's Blood: Heals specified targets. Can be used as a touch range to fully heal one target or distributed to many.
Skills:
Flashing Penetrator: Increases the user's speed when dashing towards enemies.
Child of Water: Increasing the potency of magic cast in or around large amounts of water.
"I wonder if Kirito leveled up…" Murmuring to myself, I somehow doubted that he did. Even if he was two weeks ahead of me, I knew that he hadn't been working harder. I refused to let him get ahead of me again. I was going to close the gap, not let it open up further!
Pocketing the status, I realize now that I shouldn't have brought it into a public space. It could be bad if a rival familia got hold of it.
Tsking at my own stupidity, I speed up as a way of relieving some of the irritation that I feel for myself. I do this all the time!
Every time I finally accomplish something, I make a stupid mistake that jeopardizes it. Like the training today, and now bringing my status outside.
Attempting to suppress the building frustration, I finally home in on the building I was told about. Buried deep in the industrial area in Northern Orario, the dilapidated front shows no mark of who owns it beyond a faded familia logo, barely visible from untold years of wear. Looking up at where the two story building ended, I got all the confirmation I needed, countless pillars of smoke emanated from the numerous chimneys that had been built into the place.
"Here goes nothing…"
Firming up my resolve, I tried to stand tall and look imperious. Reminding myself that I'm now an upper level adventurer from a prominent familia, if I embarrass myself, I embarrass my entire familia.
Striding to the unlatched front door, I push it brusquely aside and stroll in. There's a small counter at the front where one of the familia members is sorting things. Unrefined ores, leather straps, buckles and anything else a blacksmith could possibly want in order to make a piece of gear.
"Excuse me, is Lisbeth here?"
The dwarf didn't even have the grace to look up from his task. He merely grunted and gestured vaguely with his head further into the hot workshop.
"Thank you."
Leaving the front desk behind, I stepped cautiously into what could have been a different world from the exterior area. Spaced out evenly among the gigantic open room were furnaces, groups of four that connected to a common chimney for expelling the smoke into the atmosphere above. Now that I was inside, I could also see a small gap at the top of the walls and below the roof. Probably for exchanging air and making sure the whole space didn't boil.
Even with it, I could feel the heat beginning to get to me. The ambient temperature must be above 30 Celsius. Next to the forges, probably close to fifty. Even just standing in this room was challenging. Working in here must be a nightmare.
Continuing my search, I drew the occasional gaze, but less than I expected. The people must be used to having strangers walk among them, on their way to an appointment with a blacksmith. Hopefully, my own slow gait wasn't too suspicious as I tried to find the blacksmith that didn't know I was coming.
They really should increase security. Any competitor familia could come in here, walk around and try to pick up some tricks.
Eventually, as I walk around with my idle thoughts, I spot her. Sitting beside a furnace, anvil in front of her, banging away. Pausing a few metres back, I watch wide-eyed as she continues with a single-minded determination. All of her focus fully devoted on finishing the blade.
After a transfixing few minutes, Liz quenches the metal and sets her hammer away. Without stopping, however, she moved onto the final part of the construction, picking up a ready-made hilt, she extracts the finished blade and combines the two pieces.
"Finished…" Our identical whispered words overlap. Hers filled with exhaustion and pride while mine contained merely awe.
It was hard to believe that she came to this world when I did. She had truly looked like a master of her craft there in the final few minutes.
"Huh?" Whirling around, Liz finally locked eyes with me. "A-Asuna!?"
"Lisbeth," I greet her politely, bowing as well. "I want you to become my blacksmith as well."
"Huh?" She said again. "Why?"
"W-well," hoping for a slightly more positive first impression, "I thought despite it being our first time meeting each other that we got along fairly well yesterday, and…"
"…We were both 'invited'." Lisbeth finished my words with a sigh. Standing up, she stretched her muscles, rolling her understandably tight shoulder. "You came here to get a weapon repaired, yeah?" Liz asked, clearly knowing the answer already. "Why don't we talk while I do that, see if we can settle on something."
"Y-yes."
"I guess you know, but I'm Lisbeth, call me Liz."
Blinking at her stuck-out hand, I smile wryly before accepting it. "Asuna. I'll be in your care."
"That's how the two of you met?" Liz chortled loudly drawing gazes from the other occupants.
"Not so loud," I complain, ducking my head from their gazes. "I wasn't in a good space, alright?"
"You're right," Liz winces, "if wasn't for Hephaestus and giving me an outlet… I'd have been a wreck."
"I don't know…" I say softly, examining her again. "Something tells me you'd have gotten past it anyway."
"Thanks," She flashes a smile back, even as the grindstone stone flattens the dents in my blade. "On a different note though… This blade is reaching its limit."
"What do you mean?" I ask worriedly. This weapon is my partner… Given to by Loki almost two months ago.
"While it is an exceedingly powerful weapon," Lizbeth continues, "I'm not even sure if most recent creation is on par with it… You've simply pushed it past its limits. There are now errors in the metal that simple sharpening can't fix."
The words bring back memories of my early travels with Kirito and Argo. When it was just the two of us and Kirito had been trying not to use his sword to kill the Killer ants because it was close to breaking.
"There's no way to save it, huh?" I ask depressed that I drove my friend beyond its point of recovery.
"Well," Liz suggests as she finishes up the maintenance by polishing the blade, "The metal used is hard and light. I could potentially melt it down, supplement it with a drop item and forge a new blade.
"So, we have a deal?" I ask her excitedly.
"Yes," Lisbeth rolls her eyes back at me. "I have to admit, I really like talking to you. So be sure to come back often."
"Of course!" I agree instinctively pulling her into a hug as I accept the blade back. "What drop item should I get you?"
"Ideally…" Lisbeth trailed off as she thought, "Liger fang teeth make a good one, additionally, although it's outside your range, deadly hornet stingers are good at keeping a weapon light and deadly."
"Deadly hornets, eh?" I mumble, thinking about the beasts. Spawning primarily on the twenty-fourth floor, Liz was right, they were outside of my normal party's range. "It may be possible; I'll have to ask."
"Really?' She asks. "Well, if you find some Noh Steel on the way down there, I'll happily buy it off you."
"Sounds like a promise," I assure her. "About that sword you were making earlier…"
"Yes," Liz blushes, avoiding my gaze, "it's for Kirito."
"Can I see it?"
"…Sure, why not."
"You're the best!" Hyping her up, I hope I haven't overstepped my bounds. After all, I need her happy with me in order to get good, high quality equipment. I can't keep leeching off of Loki's supplies.
Returning to her work area, I pick up the sheathless blade. The handle is slightly too big for me, the leather of the grip new and shiny. The blade itself is only slightly longer than my rapier, despite that, the thickness and weight are in a different dimension. It's hard to imagine trying to block an attack from this.
Overall, the blade had an aura of power surrounding it. The darkened steel shimmering softly in the forge light that fills the chamber.
"What did you make this sword with?" I ask.
"The base metal was a third-tier adamantite," Liz tells my, a bit of pride in her voice. "Hephaestus gave it to me as a gift for leveling up."
"You levelled up!?" I gasp back. "Congratulations!"
"Thank you," Liz replies, embarrassment and pride weighing strongly in her voice. "I think the forge ability really helped me make this."
"No doubt…" I mutter in reply, remembering back to my first-time using magic with the mage ability. How much extra power I could add. "You said base, did you add a drop item?"
"Yes actually, apparently Kirito came across a horn of a raging minotaur yesterday before I met him."
Wincing, I remember the blue bull with a terrifying clarity. It was by far the strongest individual monster I've ever faced in one on one combat. "I hadn't realized it had dropped anything."
"You were there?" Liz murmurs impressed. "That horn was like a foot long."
"Yeah, I actually killed the thing."
"Impressive," Liz murmurs. "I get the feeling you'll make me famous in no time."
"I don't think I'll need to do that," I scoff back, "your skills speak for themselves."
Shaking her head, Liz denies my claims. "Look around this room. They all have more experience than me with the exceptions of a rare couple that came from our world. The biggest thing I have going for me now is forge."
Frowning at her, I'm not sure if her words are humility or a lack of confidence. "I watched you forge this blade," I tell her strongly, making her take note of her abilities, "you are an amazing blacksmith. You may not have years of experience yet, and yes, you may lack some knowledge about aspects of the trade, but your focus and determination give you immense skill."
"Thank you," Liz blushes. "I-it helps my forging when…"
"When you think about Kirito?" I tease.
"Yes."
Blinking at the blunt reply, I realize the same truth about me. All of my best moments, every time I've really shone, it had been because I've thought of Kirito. Either a desire to surpass him or a desire to get him to acknowledge me.
Snorting, Liz shakes her head at me. "What a sappy smile. You really should just confess your feelings to him."
"M-me!?" I shout back indignantly, "what about you!?"
"Yeah, I know," Liz winces. "That boy is seriously too dangerous. But honestly? At this point I just need to get over him. He's surrounded by amazing girls that fight with him everyday. And look at you! You're some awesome water magic elf that men can't stop gawking at. I'd be his last choice."
"But… what about his offer?" Bringing it up hesitantly, it's still hard to imagine that that event hadn't been a dream.
Liz as well winces. "I actually told my goddess everything. She said I did the right thing. I don't know her, but apparently Kirito's goddess will not be okay with this."
Remembering back to my trip with them out of Orario, I realize how correct Liz's goddess is. "Yes, I see what you mean… and yet… I believe he'll make it work."
"You too, huh?" Liz laughs back. "Who knows then? Maybe one day he'll sweep me off my feet and seduce me but until then, I'll be at this forge."
"That's understandable." Sharing a knowing look and smile, I finally depart the hot building. A mission accomplished and a friend made. I had a feeling I'd be returning more than I needed to.
Bell:
"Step away from her, beast." Speaking roughly, it's hard to contain the emotions in my voice. The pain of seeing Lili here, moments away from death, the sharp anger that I feel both at the beast and myself. I'd given up. Used a trick to avoid death. As a result, Lili was forced into attacking the beast.
Not again.
As Lili crawls past me, I also step backwards, drawing the beast out. The last thing I want to do is try and fight it inside. One swing of its claws and the rest of the structure would fall on my head.
"GROAGH!" Fed up with waiting, the beast roared, swinging its body in a circle, claws flashing. As I'd feared, the rest of the house collapsed around the monster. Shrugging off the roof, it approached slowly, wariness in its remaining eye.
Also… fear. Not of me, I think. It's gaze kept flicking between the blade in my hands and my face. I wonder what colour it sees it as. The inky blackness that I saw, or the pure whiteness of an innocent bystander.
I hope it saw the black. Understood what it meant.
It may be stronger than me.
It may be faster.
But I was going to kill it.
"Raaa!" Cry ripping from my throat, I dashed at the beast, sword held beside me. Rotating with it, I swung for the head. The long blade rippled with innate power; a destructive potential rarely matched.
"Grugh!?" Perhaps surprised by my ferocity, the monster backed off. Either unwilling or unable to match the slash.
Doing my best to transition out the missed swing, my muscles screamed at me. It had been so long since I'd ever tried to wield a blade designed for adventurers whose power surpassed normal reckoning.
"ROAAH!" Letting the anger build and burst out me again, I attacked again in a frenzied rage. Calling on those black flames to support my frenzied assault.
One swing, then a second missed by inches as I continued to drive it backwards, nothing connecting.
"Stand and fight!" Roaring at it, I knew it didn't understand me, and that made me hate it all the more. How dare a simple beast do all this? A mere monster wreak havoc upon this village?
Moving faster than before, I changed the angle of my attack, going for the legs instead, attempting futilely to get on its sides. "DIE!"
Roaring once more, it refused to stand and fight. Taking more serious bounds backward, the creature's gaze never left the blade as it retreated, getting further and further away from my attacks.
Panting heavily, I felt the burden of exertion overpower my body. Stumbling, the point of the blade fell, sinking deeply into the ground. I couldn't keep the pace up, I'd failed.
"Master Bell!"
Raising my head at Lili's panicked scream, I stared at the monster. In its last remaining eye, I saw no fear, only triumph. On its mouth, a cruel, wicked smile.
I got outsmarted.
Staring at it in horror, I can't believe I let this happen. I used all of my energy on large swings against a nimble foe in a large area. Of course it didn't attack, it didn't need to. If it had been afraid, it would have fled.
Groaning, all I can do is watch as the beast's large hindlegs tighten, the inevitable pounce following milliseconds behind.
"BELL!"
I'm so sorry Lili.
"Uff," breath getting knocked out of me, I felt my body tumble along the ground. Blinking in surprise, I look at myself and find my body in one piece. Standing above me is Lili, a kitchen knife in her hand. The only tool she had left to face down the beast.
Feinting with it, with drew a swipe of the claws. Next a bite which she easily sidestepped and responded with a slash. The pathetic weapon barely nicking its snout.
"Bell! Only that weapon can kill it!"
Right. The sword.
Turning my gaze at it, I could still see its shimmering form a mere foot away from where it fell from my hand. Pushing myself roughly to my knees, I continued to stare at it, unable to look away to where Lili was still distracting the monster. Valiantly saving me.
I'm not a hero, but…
I promised to kill this monster.
Closing my hand around the hilt, I pushed that wish through it. Closing my eyes, I prayed desperately.
I know I am not worthy to wield you. But please, give me the power to make this wish reality just this once.
Eyes snapping back open, I rose, sword in hand once more. Facing the beast, the sword felt lighter than before. Not much, but enough that I could hopefully use it.
"Ahh!" Crying out in pain, Lili was sent through the air as the knife crumbled under the force of an attack.
The monster's eye had locked unto Lili with deadly intent. Massive legs tensing once more, I burst into again.
"Don't touch her!"
Yelling at the beast, I flew through the air, my path a direct intercept to the creature's. Bringing the blade from low to high, I slashed at its blurring form.
"Groah!"
The impact was enormous. Stumbling backwards, my numb hands almost lost their grip on the blade. A blade that was now coated with its black blood, an inky abomination even darker than the blade.
Hauling itself to its feet, the beast glared at me and began to back away, ready to try its same strategy. As it stepped though, its front left leg collapsed, unable to bear its weight anymore.
Smiling my vindictive victory at it, I charge. Blade approaching from its injured left, I wasn't about to fight fairly.
Barely picking up on the signs, I let my body fall. Just in time, the massive frame passes over my head. The creature's purpose and design are straightforward but effective. Curved, killer claws on front that combined with large hindlegs for pouncing.
Whipping back up to my feet, I charged it where it had collapsed mere feet from me. The right leg hadn't been able to support the pounce's momentum on its own.
"Hargh!" Swinging madly, I tear into its flank, hewing massive sections of flesh and fur away as its once impervious defense disintegrates before my attacks.
Panting heavily, I staggered to the side as the lost energy from the attacks leave me drained. Almost folding from exhaustion, I stare warily at the beast that has yet to collapse.
In denial of the large damage dealt, the creature shifted slowly, its rear end collapsing to the side as it's sole functioning leg began turning its body to face me. Staring at me, I couldn't help but shiver under its baleful stare. The intelligence and anger so similar to mine own.
"Let's finish this." Even injured as it is, I won't leave this to fate. This abomination can't be trusted until its body has been scattered to ash.
"GROAGH!" Seemingly undaunted by its ruined body, it heaved itself to its feet, lunging toward me, claws bared and poised to kill.
Unable to dodge, I rush forward at it. Blade raised for one final blow, we connect.
Screaming my determination, my throat is fire as metal screeches against metal. Claw against sword. Gritting my teeth, I feel myself lose ground as the contest of strength continues. Its massive but critically injured frame against my pathetic and tired one.
"No…" Grunting, the sword is pushed closer and closer to my face as the thing's last eye glares at me, teeth mere inches from my face.
"You can do it, Bell!"
"Rargh!" Hearing Lili's hopeful cry fills my body with energy. A new surge of determination. Our story hasn't started yet.
That's what we promised each other.
"No way am I letting a beast like you change that!"
Screaming pointlessly, I force the blade forward, slowly moving it away from me. As the momentum changes, the beast's whole countenance changes. Body collapsing, the last fit of strength it produced ebbs away rapidly.
"Chink!"
With barely any resistance, the blade splits the claws and beasts head in one mighty swing. Staring dumbfounded at the decapitated corpse, the blade falls form my hands.
Body swaying, I collapse backwards. "Hmm?" Not hitting the ground, I look up in confusion. "Lili?"
"You were really brave out there, Bell."
"No," I deny weakly, "I let them die… I failed."
"I think," Lili speaks slowly, thoughts running through her head, "that being a hero is less about the ones you couldn't save, and more about the ones you can."
"Maybe…" I admit, "but I don't want to be that hero."
Removing myself from her arms, I force myself to walk over to where it happened. To where her body got blown by the claws. Following the thickening trail of blood, I find it easily.
"Oh, Rose…" Collapsing beside her, I feel the tears come back. Her midsection is almost hollow, gouged out by those terrifying claws. "I failed you… You asked me to save you… and I couldn't."
"Bell?"
"Rose!" The voice is faint but it's there. "Hang in there, Rose. We'll heal you. There are potions, I mean…"
"I… I hung on for you Bell. You won, right?"
"Yes…" I whimper pathetically, my voice breaking as the tears start flowing thickly. "It's dead."
"So… You did save me. My father…" Cutting off, violent coughs racked her delicate frame. "You saved him once, you know?"
"I know…" I answer sadly, unable to bear the sight, or see the forgiveness on her face. They'd sent flowers to my house for it.
"He said you were a great man, that you shouldn't be here helping us. He was… always ashamed of how much they relied on you. A boy… who was struggling."
"…" Weeping uncontrollably, I could barely hear her words, yet clung to each one of them.
"You're free now," Rose chuckled, with a sad smile. "You can go be a hero for more people. Not just for a moon-eyed farm girl…"
"No, please…"
"I should have told you sooner, but you were always so distant, so unapproachable… I didn't even know how to get your attention…"
"Rose!"
"I hope… I helped today. Goodbye Bell. I lo…"
"No!" Throwing myself on top of her body, I held her close, but no matter how hard I prayed, the rest of the words never came.
It would be so much easier if I do as Lili suggested. Focus on those who were still alive. Those who had benefited from my actions.
But as I stroke her face one last time, I know I'll never forget this moment. The one that I had failed. The one that had asked for a hero and found no answer.
"I swear… I'll be the best hero you could dream of Rose… I won't let this happen again."
Bowing my head over her corpse, I let the promise seal itself into my heart. That I would go to Orario and forge myself into the True Hero.
It looks like Hermes is getting his wish.