Author's note:
Hard to believe it's already September...
Nonetheless, despite August disappearing in the blink of an eye, I have returned with another chapter, even if I didn't do as much planning as I had hoped.
Anyway, I hope that the remainder of everyone's summer was pleasant.
Finally, I feel obliged to mention that with the new information Omori has released on Bell's parents some of my inclusions have gone from speculation to noncanon. Alas, I am too far in to try changing anything at this point.
Finally finally, I changed up (added?) some things on making magic swords. Please feel free to ignore if you hate it :).
-asdf
Chapter 30: The first blow
Kirito:
An incessant pounding filled my head. Each step I took on the carefully paved path sent a loud clicking noise through the air. My boots easily giving away my path as I heard the amazons following me in hot pursuit. Arms pumping wildly, I felt gangly trying to sprint. My level three status may let me reach speeds beyond any Olympian, but it didn't teach me how to run.
Hearing footfalls quickly approaching, I dove off to the right into a narrow passageway. Understanding I'd never get away with the constant ringing emitting from my feet, I bent down and ripped off my boots in one clean motion, allowing the now ripped leather pieces to fall to either side. Down to my socks, stockings, I corrected mentally, my mad dash continued.
Left shoeless, the feeling of awkwardness only increased as the built-in fear of stepping on a rock or sharp object dulled my steps. My speed had fallen to that of a level two, maybe even less as I awkwardly pushed carefully off each foot, no grace or continuous motion pushing me on.
"Hehe, looks like I found you first!"
"Huh?" Muttering uselessly, I barely got an arm up before the collision occurred. An amazon girl had launched her body at mine, the soles of her bare feet smacking solidly into my upraised forearm.
Rolling from the impact, I swiftly gained my feet again. Shaking out my right arm, the numb tingling running down the center of it told me that this was an upper-class adventurer I was dealing with. Quickly taking in my surroundings, I gulp nervously. I've been backed into an alleyway with no way out. Although maybe it's possible if I…
"He's run further South!"
"Got it!"
Turning my attention back to the amazon that knocked me in here, I narrow my eyes at her.
"…What are you doing?"
"Hehe, you're level three, aren't you? That means if little old level two me takes you out, I'll get a big excelia boost!"
Trying to snap a retort back at the cheerful amazon, my words are cut off as she leaps at me, feet flying once again. The blow is fast and well executed. Despite the frilly orange bikini-esque attire and young face, this amazon is well-trained in martial techniques.
Moving more on instinct than anything, I jerk my head back. Watching the blow pass a few centimetres in front of my nose, I step forward and counterattack. Lifting my hand to my shoulder, I pause unnaturally.
I can almost hear the blood drain from my face as I realize my mistake. I didn't bring a weapon with me. Argo hadn't really said anything, but I thought it would be suspicious to walk through town armed.
"Hehe, can't fight without your weapons?" The girl teased, picking up on my distress. "Don't make this too easy for me!"
With that final warning, she set into me. Dancing her way through combat, all without a weapon as well.
Losing ground with each encounter, my body felt slow and heavy. I could see every one of her attacks. Dodging and or blocking them, the fight should have been mine easily. My status was far beyond hers, an entire level up.
Gritting my teeth, I couldn't push through. Without my sword, I'm useless. That one thought pulsed through my head again and again. It was a repeat of when I broke my right arm and had to fight left-handed. I don't know what to do.
"Come on, fight back pretty boy!"
Getting frustrated by my lack of resistance, the amazon pouted at me and upped the speed of her attacks. Pushing her body to its limits, her feet and hands transformed into proper weapons as she unleashed a wild style of fighting.
Taking another half-step back, my back hit the wall. With nowhere left to run, the fight changed again. Dodging room reduced significantly; I was forced to block more of the attacks. Each one sending tremors up my arms at my sloppy interceptions. I was doing little more than guessing at this point. I could probably curl up on the ground with my arms above my head and do just as well.
"Can you really not fight without a weapon? That's sooooo lame. I can't believe you have a harem. Did you just get lucky with your size down there?"
"Grr…" Ribs pulsating with pain, I wondered how far away my limit was. I may have a level on her, but at this rate, all that was doing was letting me endure more hits.
"Seriously, where the hell is, he?" Hearing disgruntled voices through the wall, I Tsk irritably. It won't matter if the others find me if I let this girl take me out.
A lone level two.
All because I don't have my sword.
Face burning from the humiliation of getting thoroughly thrashed in a fight that by all accounts, I should have won easily, I feel my body begin to move again.
Pushing through the mental limitations I had subconsciously put on my myself, I tilt my head slightly to the right. Watching her face, the amazon's eyes widen in surprise as her fist slips past, barely missing my cheek.
Sticking my hands out, I run forward. Digging my feet in, I stop worrying about stones cutting them and push off with all my strength. The old stones here breaking under the force of my acceleration.
I don't bother trying to punch or kick the amazon warrior. With no training it would likely be ineffective. With my hands out, I grab her midsection and bodily carry her out of the alleyway.
"Hey! What are you…!?"
"S-Sorry…" Feeling a little bad at her terrified expression, I toss her away from me as I reach the exit.
Crash!
Propelled into the building across the way, the wooden side loudly snapped as her body crashed through it. Wincing, I can only hope that her level two status was enough to save her from my… attack? No, it was more like a throw. Either way, I certainly didn't want her dead, even if she was the one that attacked me.
Feeling my sides, I'm pleasantly surprised at how far the pain as fallen. Whether the damage was never as much as I thought it was, or if it is my level three endurance pulling through, I'm not sure. Fine with either, I keep running. Freed from my earlier fears, my strides are long and carry me quickly through the streets of the pleasure district. Putting my neck on a swivel, I try and get my bearings.
After a second though, I give up. It shouldn't matter, every direction will bring me out of the district. Content with the thought, I focus on dragging more speed out of my body. As I do, the final remnants of my socks tear off and drift behind me. The cheap cotton clothes unable to withstand the friction and force my body had demanded of them.
Exiting the back alleys, the scenery around me changes and my shoulders tense up. I recognize this place, or to be more exact, I've heard about places like this. The red lights and Japanese style buildings are clearly meant to convey the feeling of the far east as they call it here.
The biggest shock though, are the cheery trees. They're somehow still in blossom. Except, rather than the beautiful pink and red, the leaves were touched an azure blue. Doing my best not to gape at the otherworldly sight, I staggered under the surge of emotion flowing through me.
Passing through the tree lined street, the brothels started again, most of the girls dressed in far eastern clothes. The pleasure district truly could fulfill any desire a person had.
Inexorably, as my pace slightly slowed as I navigated the street, my eyes wandered over the women. I knew it was wrong but freed from the jeering and poking words of the deities, I couldn't but analyse them. Wonder who they were, where they came from, what made them pursue this life. It became clear how little I actually knew. Both about Orario and life in general.
"Hey Blackie, what's the rush? Why not buy a night with me instead?"
Glancing over at the sultry voice that called out to me, I couldn't help but slow down more. Now, moving barely faster than a swift walk, I felt heat suffuse my cheeks. The animal person's wide brown eyes were locked on mine, excluding the option that she meant someone else. Mouth drying out, it's a struggle to keep my eyes from wandering down. Down to where, despite the kimono, her sizable bust swayed as she swished her body back and forth. The fabric there was loose and drifted with her movements, creating tantalizing opportunities of a view of their full glory.
"S-Sorry!" Apologizing for some reason, I rip my gaze off her and hurry away. Unable to pull up that persona I'd forged earlier, I find myself vulnerable to their feminine wiles. This is bad. At this rate, they'll catch me and force me into the 'competition' that amazon Aisha had mentioned.
Trying to speed up again, I found it hard to navigate the crowds of people. For a district that was so busy, I was surprised I'd never heard of it before. I was pretty sure that I'd been given an explanation of the districts in Orario from Hestia, and again from Eina.
…Ah, that's probably why.
Also, with all this attention I've drawn, I'm never going to be able to come back and find the Renart that…
Stare.
It felt like the world stopped as I met a set of wide green eyes. Unable to peel my eyes off her, my feet finally came to a stop.
No way…
Gulping, I struggled to tear myself away from the young girl's transfixing beauty. A gorgeous red kimono settled perfectly around her, highlighting her long hair that tumbled around her like gold thread. Surreally, two fox ears emerged from the top of her head, covered with gold fur the same colour. The bright hue putting Argo's to shame. Behind the girl, displayed proudly, was a long sleek fox tail. Around her thin neck was a thin black band, its dark hues at odds with the otherwise dazzlingly bright colours. It looked like a collar someone would put on a pet.
Unlike the last animal person prostitute that caused me to blush profusely, this girl elicited no such reaction. Put bluntly, this Renart had no sex appeal. Instead, she emitted an intense aura of innocence. Like Yui, she made me feel that she should be protected. Safeguarded from the cruelties of the world.
As my black eyes continued to bore into her emerald one's, she broke off contact, glancing at the ground instead. As she did, a faint blush tinged her cheeks. The cute expression drew an answering one from me.
"Don't do that!" The prostitute beside her whispers in the Renart's ear, "Smile at him!"
Slowly, the Renart follows the instructions I wasn't supposed to hear. Her eyes meet mine again, and her lips stretch into a smile.
So much sadness…
The thought strikes me as I stare at her wide-eyed. There's no happiness or excitement like the girl beside her. She may be smiling, but there's no joy in this girl's life.
"Is that the Black knight?"
"Wow… Is he purchasing one of the girls?"
As the words rang in my ears, I realized I have spent far too long in this place. I needed to leave and find my way back to the church. I accomplished Argo's goal for her. I found the Renart in the pleasure district.
Finding the strength to rip my gaze from the perplexing girl, I begin to continue along the street. There should be an exit along here somewhere.
"…!?" Feeling a bloodthirsty gaze consume me from behind, my body reacts instinctively. Throwing myself to the side, I feel the air split beside me as a fast-moving projectile tears through it.
Blinking in horror, I find that it was no projectile that was launched at me, it was a person. Standing up from the crater in the street that they carved, the gray-haired amazon from before smiles at me.
That expression is all the warning I get before she launches herself at me. The opening move, a high kick aimed at my head. Reacting to it, I catch her leg on my forearm. The block sends a wave up pain up my arm. Shivering under the impact, my eyes open in surprise.
"What, did you think you were the only level three around?" The amazon smirks, her ash-coloured eyes taunting. "Try and keep up, World walker!"
Leaving the proclamation there, the street emptied during it. The men who had been moments earlier fixated on the girls had abandoned the street in a heartbeat. The speed at which they reacted belayed a familiarity to amazons fighting in the streets, and the knowledge that leaving is the smartest option.
Facing her down, I felt some hope of success in combat. I had learnt fairly well from the previously counter the different types of moves. On top of that, I had figured out how much I was mentally restricting my own abilities.
However, the next attack removed any dregs of confidence I still had from my last fight. This amazon fought with a completely different style from the last one. Utilizing both her knees and elbows, each attack was fast and precise, coming in at a speed I could barely react to. If she was a black belt in martial arts, I was a white. All of my time had gone into fighting monsters with only the occasional duel.
This woman was utilizing a style all her own. Developed against people and honed against monsters. There was no doubt in my mind as I received blow after blow, this was an adventurer.
"Come on Black Knight, you're being a serious let-down right now. Don't you know any martial arts?"
Growling at the insufferable amazon, a few memories flashed before my eyes. Fighting the raging minotaur with nothing but throwing picks. And another memory, from early on during my time in this world, trying to rescue Asuna. On the fifth floor, I ran into an irregular Wall Shadow with the power to summon monster parties from the surrounding walls. During that fight, even though it is little more than a bloody haze of rage in my memory, I killed monsters with kicks.
As the thoughts cross my mind, I only get angrier at my own ineptitude during this fight. Maybe it's because it's against a person, or I'm not really fighting for anything else other than to escape the pleasure district, I can't do it. I can't match up to this person, that fact gets pounded into my body every passing second.
"Hyah!"
"Urgh!"
Grunting harshly, my body was thrown back as she hit my gut with her knee. Unable to react in time, I was left gasping pathetically from the ground.
"Damn it. Barely got my blood pumping. Are you even worth devouring?"
Trying to glare up at her, I find myself unable. All my anger has fled, leaving me with only disappointment and pain. I had been so sure of my abilities after hitting level three. Confident that I could hold my own against even the very best Orario had to offer. This had been a rude awakening. Against proper warriors, I was very, very, far behind.
Burning with indignation, I waited to see what my fate would be. What punishment the Amazon would exact on me for being the loser of our skirmish.
"…Guess I'll just drag you back, I'm getting a little worried about Aisha to be honest…"
"Samira!" A loud voice interrupted. "It's finally here, let's go!"
"Huh? But I just…"
"Leave him! It's time!"
"…Got it!"
With no more than a second's hesitation and a glance my way, the girl took off, dashing to the side of the road before launching herself onto the roofs with the power of an Upper-class adventurer.
"…Damn it." Peeling myself off the ground, I held an arm across my stomach as I stumbled out of the pleasure district that was slowly coming to life around me again.
As I went, I could barely feel the aches and pains in my body. Nor did I still linger on the past disappointment or indignation. I'd been saved by pure chance this time, however, next time, I swore I would not be found helpless again.
Yes, the feeling coursing through my body and driving me home was determination. For the sake of my familia, and the one's I love… I needed to get stronger.
Asuna:
"What… is that?"
By pure chance, I happened to be awake and looking out my window. Caught in the glare of Orario's bright night lights, a pillar of smoke was rising in the air. Glancing at the magic stone clock on my bedside drawer confirmed it was almost midnight. None of the factories were running and at this time, and it was unlikely a large number of smiths happened to be using forges close by.
More than that… there was something wrong about this smoke. It wasn't a clean burn. As it drifted a little closer, my elven eyes were able to clearly make out the thick black plume. Something was burning that shouldn't be.
Wasting no time, I rushed out of my room. Screeching to a halt in front of Loki's room, I found the door open, the leaders already present and gathered around her desk.
"Asuna!?" Goran muttered in surprise as I skid to a halt.
Loki just flashed me a smile, like she was expecting my presence.
Mentally changing my question, I blurt it out before one of them can command me to leave. "What is it? What's happening?"
"I have an idea," Loki winks in tandem with her vague comment. "These children were about to go investigate, why don't you tag along?"
"Yes, my goddess!" Blurting out a quick reply, a heavy air fell between the three leaders as they shared a knowledgeable glance with each other that didn't include me.
"Let us depart," Astrid declared, "time is wasting."
"Indeed," Phineas agreed sharply, his first word since I arrived.
Moving out of their way, I follow them as they quickly descend to the exit. Even in some of the tight corridors of Twilight Manor I struggle to keep up with their level four speed. They descend staircases in singular bounds, the dextrous feats impossible for someone without a falna. The most shocking one is Goran, the sturdy half-dwarf performing feats at odds with his build.
Finally reaching ground floor and the entrance, I realize that I don't have my staff with me, only my rapier that I hadn't discarded yet. Logically, it's absence shouldn't affect anything, I can cast magic without it. Yet, not having it drains on me more than it should.
"Asuna," Astrid interrupts my thoughts.
"Yes?"
"Be wary of anyone we may find. It's impossible to predict what we may run into."
"Y-Yes…?" Caught off guard by her serious tone, I found myself at a lose for how to respond. Suddenly, a memory flashed through my mind. A pair of red stones, flying through the air as they caught the light. A fireball from a magic sword colliding with them. The resulting explosion destroying the cavern and splitting our group.
"W-wait, you don't think…?"
"I'm not making presumptions, just be cautious."
Unable to reply, I simply nod my head and run along with possibly the strongest trio in Orario. After my most recent encounter with the Goliath, I wasn't exactly weak either. Next to these three that had been fighting for years, however, it was hard to not feel second rate.
Blue hair streaming out behind me, their backs started to grow faint under the night light. Trying to pull more speed from my body, I was at least confident that I could find the location, even if they left me behind.
Entering the industrial district, that finally happens. The soft footfalls of the high-level adventurers have faded from my hearing. Looking up, I take the next corner to try and center on the source of the smoke.
Rushing toward the source, a small chill runs down my spine. Now that I'm alone, the shadows cast by the lights in the street seem far more threatening. Somehow my nerves still haven't been tempered by the dungeon.
Or something is really wrong.
Once more, the explosion from the attack on us in the middle floors plays itself in my head. The heat and force with the power to collapse the ceiling. Even with my enhanced status, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near one of those things when it went off.
Shaking my head to clear the superstitions from my head, I focus on reaching the source of the smoke. The leaders probably just went ahead so that they could tend to anyone that needs aid. When it comes to fire, every second counts. Contenting myself with the explanation, the chills fade as the last few hundred metres vanish under my fast pace.
"AHHHH!"
Of course, that's when the screams begin.
Argo:
"W-Wait…"
"…But that's!"
Looking over the assembled faces, Argo felt guilt settle into the pit of her stomach. She felt better to reveal her burden to someone else, but at the time, she really shouldn't have. Hermes had told her this information under the strictest of confidence.
To break that…
Wincing, Argo knew she would have to apologize profusely to make up for it. But she just couldn't hold it within herself. That the fate of her entire familia, as well as the outcome of Orario itself, could be decided in the next few days.
She had divulged everything, from the existence of the killing stone, to what it did, and finally what exactly Kirito was looking for: a Renart.
"L-let me get this straight," Lili declared weakly, yet the only one who could string together words. "Ishtar familia is going to use this stone that Hermes familia has to seal a Renart's soul inside of it,"
Argo nodded.
"From there, that stone can cast the magic of the Renart infinitely, without a trigger spell?"
Another nod.
"And, if that wasn't bad enough, you can break the stone and each fragment will wield the power."
A final nod. Looking over the group, Argo didn't know what else to say. The whole ritual was ludicrous. If Argo had still considered this an MMO she would bristle about cheating. Not even taking into account the potential death of the sacrificed Renart, the bestowed power was frightening to imagine.
"W-Wait a second," Leafa finally declared, breaking her silence. "Magic scales with level, right? So, shouldn't this Renart be an adventurer within the familia? Otherwise, the magic would be pretty weak, correct?"
Argo shook her head as the others nod along with the logical explanation. Grabbing her twitching tail, Argo stroked her own fox appendage to try and calm her nerves.
"When people think magic, they think elves. However, Renarts have been long praised in the far east as magic users, Sorcery, they call it."
"Sorcery?"
"It rarely comes in the form of magic you're used to, flames and lightning and the such, instead… it's more nebulous."
"…You have one such ability, don't you?" The white-haired boy accused Argo.
Blushing slightly, Argo began chanting: "I am the unseen. Rendered in shadow, I hide." After a short while,
"Helm of Darkness!"
It was hard for Argo to contain her chuckle of delight as she observed their stunned faces. All of them were glancing around trying to find her. Deciding to play with them a little, Argo nimbly moved a few metres to the side before letting the spell fade.
"When I levelled up, I could hold it for a longer time, and it was harder to disrupt, besides that though, the effect of the magic will never really change whether I'm level one or level nine."
Explaining while they are still stunned, it was the reason Hermes had doubted that Ishtar's Renart was an adventurer. More than likely, Ishtar found the spell and hid the Renart away from the world.
"But we don't know what power the Renart in Ishtar familia possesses, right?" Silica confirmed, her voice warbling in consternation. The barely comprehensible information making the girl's eyes gloss over.
"Correct. Based on how Ishtar aggressively threatened us, despite the potential for serious guild backlash…" Argo tsked, trying to clear the unpleasant memories from her mind. "Assume the absolute worst. A power that will completely reshape Orario. Something… Like a level boost, something impossible like that."
Coming up with a completely impossible power, Argo smirked a little, hoping that the meaning at least would stick while providing a bit of brevity.
"Hrmm… I don't really understand all of this. But… As long as the Renart is a girl, it shouldn't be problem!"
"W-What!?" Yui scolded Strea. "Why are you saying random things, little sister!?"
"B-But it isn't random!" The much larger girl argued back. "As long as the Renart is female… Kirito will save her, right?"
Slightly clenching her fist at Strea's careless words, Argo scanned the group for a reaction. Overall… No one seemed happy with the claim. Yet… Argo could feel an under current of agreement pulsing through them all. Silica was even nodding unconsciously along with the idea.
"Talking about Kirito…" The white-haired boy spoke, his rubellite eyes hard, "where is he? Shouldn't he have been back already?"
"Now that you mention it…" Argo murmured. Thinking back on it, it had been quite a while since they parted ways at this very fountain. Kirito had only been planning on doing a quick sweep originally. Something must have disturbed his plans.
"You don't think those amazons…" Leafa panicked, her eyes wide as images of the various things that could be happening to him reddened her cheeks.
"Yeah, they got me…" A tired voice agreed. Limping into magic-stone lantern light range, Kirito looked, for lack of a better word, like shit.
Gasping, Argo's eyes quivered with disbelief at the sight of him. She could sense the various other cries of disbelief and panic from the other members.
"K-Kirito!"
"Onii-chan!"
"Papa!"
"You look like you need a massage!"
Unable to do much more than gape and look astonished, Argo simply watched as the four girls rushed over and surrounded the boy. The only two who didn't were the newest additions to Hestia familia. Lili and the White-haired kid that Argo hadn't been introduced to yet.
"Argo…"
"…?" Tilting her head in surprise, Argo was astonished that Kirito greeted her instead of the girls clinging to him.
"…I found her. I found the Renart."
"Y-You did!?" Squeaking in surprise, Argo rushed over to him. "Is she inside Belit Babili!? Did you get attacked breaking in!? You didn't need to go that far… For me…"
Trailing off by the end, Argo didn't like the embarrassed look on Kirito's face. Something told Argo she had drastically misread the situation.
"There's uh… Something else," Kirito muttered, eyes flicking around, never settling in one place. "Right after I found the Renart, I got attacked by one of the amazons. During the fight, another showed up and said that it was finally here. Do you think…?"
"Wow, I didn't expect such a large party to greet me!" A joyous voice broke into the somber conversation. "Ah, Black Knight, I see the harem is developing nicely… I'll have to find some way to introduce you to a certain person you're new friend Bell over there knows. I'm sure the two of you would get along swimmingly."
As the figure came into the light, the wide-brimmed hat with a feather sticking out it became visible. The mocking voice could only belong to one person. "H-Hermes!?" Argo choked out as her deity came into view.
"Hermes…" Another voice spit out on the back of her surprise.
Looking back, Argo was shocked to see that Lili was physically restraining the white-haired boy. Bell, Argo guessed based on Hermes' words. His eyes were alight with a deep, righteous rage.
"Ah, Bell boy, something upsetting you? You look a lot better in adventurer's gear than farmer's."
"Grr…"
"God Hermes," Kirito declared in a loud voice. "Am I correct in assuming that you made the delivery to Ishtar familia?"
"…Good grief Argo. How many familia secrets have you spilt?"
"I'll apologize all you want later. Answer the question. How could you do this!? Who knows what Ishtar will use this power for!?"
"Well first, she will use it to take down Freya familia." Hermes answered with a matter-of-fact smile. His whimsical godly nature leaving him unaffected in the middle of a circle of hostility. "After that… Well, who knows?"
Rubbing her temple, Argo sighed. As she thought about it more, her dismay flowed away. Hermes' decision made sense. Why would he care about another familia more than his own? He was paid to make a delivery, and he made it. That's all there was to it.
"…I'm confused." Kirito admitted. "Argo, I thought you said that Ishtar was threatening your familia, but you couldn't complete the delivery because it would spell doom for Orario. What changed?"
Eyes widening, Argo realized that she hadn't fully explained the situation to Kirito when she had recruited his help. All she had told him was that Ishtar had a Renart that she needed to find. She hadn't divulged the exact details until she got upset today.
"Put simply," Hermes smiled, walking up to Kirito so that their faces were close together, "Ishtar has a Killing stone in her possession."
"Killing… Stone?"
"Yupp! That Renart that you saw today is going to be sacrificed to give the other members insane power! The question is, are you going to let that happen?"
"M-me!? But…"
"You have until the full moon. Let's go Argo."
Left speechless, Argo's eyes flicked back and forth between her usually inscrutable deity and a stunned Kirito. "T-Thank you for your troubles…" Nodding her head quickly, Argo felt pathetic as she scurried after her deity.
"…Not going to say anything?" Hermes probes once they left earshot of the others.
"I feel less like a fox and more like a rat," Argo admitted. "You told me knowing I'd end up asking Kirito for help. Once Hestia familia was involved…"
"Your accusing me of planning something that elaborate?" Hermes laughed gaily a twinkle in his eye.
"And yet… I don't get the impression that you hate them either…"
"Hate?" Hermes looked bemused. "Quite the opposite. I'm a big fan of The Black Knight over there. Also, I'm quite interested to see how Bell Cranell will develop. Ahh… It should be quite the show!"
"…You sicken me."
Asuna:
Gritting my teeth, I pumped out even more speed as my legs began to protest the rough treatment. Even with my enhanced status, a run of over half a kilometre at a dead sprint isn't easy. In no time at all, the screams begin to coalesce into individual voices.
"L-LOKI FAMILIA!"
"W-WHAT!?"
"RUUUUN!"
Three figures turn down the street I'm approaching from. Each one is indistinct against the lantern light, their black mantels fully covering their bodies.
"The Water Witch as well!?"
"She's alone though!"
"Yeah, let's get her!"
Freezing up, my body grinds to a sudden halt in the face of the approaching beings. My hand shakes pathetically as their fear morphs rapidly into an intense bloodthirsty aura.
"We need to make this quick…" One of them warns.
Flinching, I realize that it's a woman, leading two men in their assault. The aggression, the untamed anger… I'd never taken them to be female traits. All the female adventurers I know possessed a sense of dignity, even when fighting. There was none of that here as she launches herself at me.
More out of instinct than an actual response, my rapier comes up in a guard, catching the knife on it. As she throws her strength against it, I keenly feel the difference in our statuses. Even with her entire weight, my arm bends only slightly to absorb it.
"Haha, now you have no way to block…!"
"No, don't! She's stronger than…!" Cutting off her companion's words, the woman's voice is panicked. Her eyes, barely visible under the hood are trembling.
She doesn't get to finish either, as I knock her to the ground by waving my arm. Raising my rapier, my experiences in the dungeon carry my body. The fight is playing out through sheer instinct. My mind is still numb at this change in circumstances.
"AHH!"
"…Oh." Muttering stupidly, I stare uncomprehendingly at my rapier buried in his chest. His red blood spilling out both from the wound and dribbles from his mouth.
"R-RON!" His companion screamed.
"Get out of here!" The woman urged pushing the remaining man away and further down the street. "Trust in our God! He will oversee his spirit!"
"Y-Yes!" With that the two cloaked people dashed off down the street away from me.
A small part of my mind told me I should chase after them. Stop them and arrest them.
But my feet won't move.
With the man's barely visible eyes going dark, the strength leaves his legs. Before my stunned vision, his body falls slowly to the ground. The squelching noise as his body slides off my rapier turns my stomach. Covering my mouth with my off-hand I rip my gaze away from the unseeing corpse.
Staggering a step away, I put my rapier on the ground, using it as a cane to support my upper body. As long seconds tick by with astounding clarity, my breaths pick up. On the verge of hyperventilating, a singular drop of sweat falls from my forehead onto the stones below.
Like the sign of change, I begin to break down. Taking one more look at the body, a croak rips itself from my throat. Falling to the side of the nearby building, my eyes blur as tears begin pouring out of them.
Wrapping my head with both hands I begin sobbing. Loud, ugly cries rack my body as my back twitches.
I can hear raised voices in the background. People yelling, struggling to do something. But I can't move.
I've seen death before.
I should be better than this.
Yet, as more time creeps by, the thoughts don't help. Pushing them away, all I can see behind my closed eyes is his initial expression. The surprise and fear that flickered across his face when he realized he was going to die. That nameless man that tried to kill me. No, not nameless, Ron, his companions shouted.
Giving myself over to the sobs, I wait for someone to find me and fix everything. No, not someone, Kirito.
I want him to hold me.
To whisper in my ear that it's alright, that I did what I had to. It was self-defence.
I want him to carry me to bed and tuck me in, laying beside me until I fall asleep in his gentle embrace.
Imagining his arms around me, the shaking slowly fades. My body begins acting normally, my breath slowing down as my tears dry up.
"Asuna!? Are you injured?"
"Ki-Kiri…!?" Jerking my head up in surprise that my thoughts of him actually summoned the boy, I quickly clamp my mouth shut. Astrid looks down on me with an expression of worry on her face.
"What happened here?" She asks, nudging the body with her foot. "We fought some, but they were all so weak, I don't see how they injured you."
"I'm not injured." I admit weakly. "I… I killed him."
"Yes," Astrid agreed with a nod. She stared down at me; her eyes hard as she opened her mouth to deliver a lecture.
Unable to meet her gaze any longer, I curl up tighter upon myself. I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear about my duty and whatever else she is going to lecture me on.
"…It was your first kill, wasn't it?"
Nodding franticly, I can't say anything.
"It's an unpleasant business," Astrid sighs, rubbing her temple. "Unfortunately for adventurers, death is part of the job. Even more so when we're forced to act as guardians of the city to protect against miscreants like this…"
"You've… killed before?" I ask her, finding my voice at last.
"Of course." Astrid replies stoically. "You'd be surprised by how many adventurers have been forced to take a life or two in the dungeon. Whether commanded by their deity, in self-defence, or second-hand by dropping a monster party on a group in order to escape. Even the cowards that abandon supporters to get away can be described as murder."
"Is infighting really that common?" I ask in horror. While the different familias never seemed to get along all too well, they never came across as bands of savages as Astrid described.
"It's getting more common again…" Taking a moment, Astrid leans against the wall that I'm slumped against. Her sleek black cattail twitching restlessly behind her. "After the great calamity, there was a short period, barely more than a week, when people lashed out. Maybe still reeling in disbelief, familias sought to settle old grudges. With no one to enforce the laws of Orario, the guild was left helpless as battle raged. Maybe they still had some latent fear that the old guard would return, but it was mainly localized to the dungeon.
"Once the remaining upper-class adventurers returned to the city, everything settled back down quickly. However, things are picking up again. I can't tell you it gets easier… But you'll need to find a way to make peace with it Asuna. If you value your home and familia more than the lives of strangers, you'll have to kill again."
There it was. The speech I had thought she would give at the beginning. The logical answer.
"Does that make it easier for you?" I ask.
"…Yes."
"You're lying, aren't you?"
"…"
Receiving no answer, we sat in silent darkness with the corpse until activity and light illuminated the street.
Kirito:
"Urgh…" Groaning, I push on my abdomen where that final blow struck me. Wincing from the pain at the tender spot, I force myself to sit up.
Looking around my sparse room, I can't help but be underwhelmed by how few objects are in it. There's the purchased furniture including a desk, a magic stone clock, a chair for the desk, a wardrobe, and a bed. However, my eyes saw past them, first to a pair of trembling emerald eyes, then smirking gray ones.
Walking over to my desk, I lift up a small mirror that lays on the desk. I rarely use it for anything else except failing to smooth my hair out in the mornings. My face's reflection is a sorry sight. Fading scrapes from last night's altercations are still visible. Prominently drawing my attention are my eyes. They're sunken with large bags. Sighing, I set the mirror down and run a hand through my dishevelled hair.
Turning to the sole window, I stare out into the gray sky. It's still early, the sun hasn't fully risen yet. Strangely, smoke hangs over the city. I hadn't noticed it coming home, but it's obvious now.
Without looking back, I open the window and jump out into the city for the second time in less than twelve hours. Last night had opened my eyes to a major deficit in my abilities. I had spent the rest of the night, laying awake in my bed, too humiliated to sleep.
"I will never feel that helpless ever again…"
Muttering aloud, I take off along the street, a face held in my mind. Someone whom I hope can help me. The only difference in my equipment from last night is that I brought my sword, and I no longer have my boots. Wearing casual shoes, I hope they'll be good enough.
Not running, but I walk with determination through the streets. My long strides eating away the distance to babel quickly. Now that I'm outside, I can appreciate how heavily the smoke sits on the city. The pre-dawn light casting shadows, as the smoke swirls and obstructs.
Crossing central park, I enter the southern half of Orario for the second time in the last half a day. A part of the city I rarely enter. Drifting down South main street, I search for the markers I've heard about. Turning off the main street, I think I'm on the right path. Entering a poor section of town, I look for a building that should stand out from the last.
"There it is…" Eyes locating it from down the street, I find the emblem displayed proudly before the doors of a rundown building that was haphazardly repaired and expanded. The building a mark of one of the poorest familia's in Orario: Take-Mikazuchi familia home.
Standing outside it's crumbling front door, I'm unsure how to approach. While our familias have worked together before, and our deities are friendly… I'll be asking a lot.
They helped rescue Lili.
Reminding myself that these are good people, I raise my hand to knock on the door. As I do, it opens. From the other side appears the person I most wanted to talk to, Ouka.
"Kirito…?"
"Ouka, I need help. Can I talk to you?"
"Of course." Replying in his deep voice, Ouka shuts the door behind him. Walking a few steps away, he slumps against the side of the house and stares at me. His gaze taking in my sorry state. "What happened to you?"
"Well…" Scratching my head, I briefly consider downplaying what happened. "I kind of got destroyed by an amazon in hand-to-hand combat. I want you to teach me."
"Hmm…"
"Please Ouka, this is important."
"Hmm…" Stroking his chin, the big man continued to survey me. "I cannot not help you."
"No! You have to!" Taking a step forward, I'd never honestly considered that he would deny my plea.
"To be honest, I'm too busy, as well as the captain of my familia. However… There is someone else."
"Someone else?" I ask suspiciously.
"Yes. Someone whose body type is more similar to yours. Their aid will be far more invaluable than mine would be."
"Who?" I ask again, hoping for a name.
"Mikoto."
"B-But… She's a… You know." Blushing, I find myself unable to articulate the thought.
"A woman?" Ouka chuckles slightly, raising a singular eyebrow at me. "She's a skilled warrior."
"I-It isn't that…" I protest. The thought of learning from a woman is fine. What's giving me anxiety is the thought of how the training will proceed. I came to Ouka because I knew he wouldn't hold back against me. His tutelage would be hard, but I'd quickly improve, hopefully at least.
"I cannot do it. Decide now. Either ask her or leave."
"…I'll do it." Relenting, I trust in Ouka's judgement.
"Good. Come."
Following him through the broken front door, I freeze as I see the rest of the familia. All eleven others, as well as their god are getting ready for a day of Dungeon exploration. Checking their armour, weapons, bags, and everything else they need to have a successful day in the dungeon.
""K-Kirito!?"" More than one voice calls out in surprise as they all stop their preparations to stare at me.
Ouka says nothing as way of explanation, merely stepping to the side to let me past.
Sending a slightly resentful glare at the man for not helping me out, I try to focus on what I'm doing here. No doubt Ouka is simply forcing me to show my determination. He won't force Mikoto to train me.
Quickly finding the girl, her violet eyes are slightly widened in surprise, but besides that, she makes no comment at my entrance. She stands composed against the wall, already fully prepared for the dungeon as she waits for her companions. Ignoring the whispers in the room, I approach her straight-backed.
Once in front of her though, I don't know what to say. As I stare silently, I hear the whispers in the room increase in intensity as Mikoto's cheeks redden under my gaze.
"H-He isn't actually… Is he!?"
"No way!? Doesn't he know that Mikoto is obsessed with Take!?"
Repressing the urge to whirl around and claim that they had the wrong the idea, I instead bend at the waist. Forming a perfect ninety degrees, I stare at the floor and make my claim.
"Mikoto, no, Eternal Shadow, please teach me martial arts!"
My words silence everybody in the room. I don't dare look up however even as I sense them looking at each other.
"Umm… Kirito, our martial arts are designed to be effective against the human body… There is little use for them in the dungeon where the monsters…"
"It isn't for the dungeon…" I admit, head still down. "Please Mikoto… I need this."
"…I don't understand why though!" The girl replied frustrated.
"Yes," their god interrupted. "If something is happening Kirito, please feel free to rely on us."
"Well…" Hesitating, I'm unsure what to tell them. Eventually though, I settle on the truth. It's better if they know the truth. "There's a… a girl, in Ishtar familia…"
The simultaneous groans stop my story. Standing up, I glance around in surprise. I hadn't been expecting this reaction.
"You aren't trying to learn martial arts to impress one of the berbera… Are you?" Take-Mikazuchi asked with a pained expression.
"N-No! Of course not!" I sputter back indignantly. She's going to be sacrificed in a killing stone ritual, I want to save her!"
"Killing stone…?" He mutters in horror. "That would make her… A renart?"
"Yes…" I agree not really seeing how it mattered. "Her name is… Haruhime, I believe."
As the name feel from my lips, the atmosphere changed around the seven original members. A silence overtook them, stunned expressions on their faces.
"You're sure!?" Jumping forward, Mikoto grabbed my shirt, a frenzied expression on her face. "You're positive her name is Haruhime, can you describe her!?"
"U-Uhh…" Caught off guard, I recoiled slightly undere the ferocity of the questioning. My senses told me the rest of them were closing in, the same manic determination in their expressions. "W-Well, she was wearing a red Kimono…"
"Her features!" Mikoto hissed again.
"R-Right! W-Well her tail was well-groomed and…"
""Colours!"" The room exploded in exasperation.
"Ah ha ha…" Dredging up the memories, I'm surprised at how easily I can call up her appearance. How demure she had appeared sitting there. "Gold… Her hair and fur were like spun gold. And her eyes were like emeralds. Large and bright."
"No… It can't be…"
All at once, the energy and passion disappears. Falling back from me, Mikoto collapses against the wall, Chigusa by her side in an instant.
"Y-You all know her?" I ask nervously.
"Yes," Take groans, the only one capable of words. "The girl was nobility in the far east. She lived in a walled manor a short way from our orphanage."
"She gave us food when we were starving…" Mikoto groaned in pain from her place on the ground.
"She was so gentle…" Ouka muttered in agreement as he shook his head in disbelief.
"I can't believe she's here…" Chigusa muttered.
"O-Oh…" Having nothing else to say, I don't know how to continue broaching the topic. I just told them that the girl they knew in their hometown is fated for death.
"You said Ishtar familia?" Take asks, moving past the revelation. As I nod in answer, the God groans. "Is there truly no chance then? We cannot possibly defeat them in combat."
Averting my gaze, I remember the strength that a single member of their familia had. I don't know their true size, but they likely have at least one hundred members. The god is right, in a straight-up fight, we will lose every time.
In the end, what is that girl to me? What even is Freya familia? I should keep my nose out of it. Allow the familias to figure it out themselves. No one could blame me for minding my own business.
At this point, Take returns his gaze to me. "So, Kirito, why did you want to learn Martial Arts? Do you truly intend to take on the entirety of Ishtar familia? To save a girl you don't know?"
The question burns through me as Take repeats my thoughts. The silent room pulses with a nervous energy as everyone waits for my answer. I can feel the enormity of the decision pressing down around me. My words here could alter the outcome of everything.
I could say no and flee like a coward.
No, that's what I should do. I already have people that are special to me. Girls who care for me. A Goddess who tries her best. A daughter that I want to protect.
To say yes here would be to deny them all. To slap them in the face in order to try and save an entirely different girl.
Why?
Am I a boy that continually chases girls? Once I secure one I simply move onto another? Was I so taken in by the renart's goddess-like beauty that I need to save her?
No, none of those were right…
Closing my eyes, I tried to focus. To remove the various distractions and superfluous details crowding around me. From that, a single memory rose up to the forefront of my mind.
'I'm going to form a Harem.'
The scene was almost painful to relive. To remember the determination with which I'd made the statement. Even now it was hard to believe the girls didn't laugh me into the ground.
'I-I guess… I just want everyone to be happy.'
Yes, that was what I'd forgotten. Why I'd rejected the norm of society and forged my own path. I did it so that everyone would have a chance at happiness. So that I could help improve their lives, if that was what they wanted.
As I open my eyes, one last brief vision filters to the forefront of my mind. A smile, one steeped in sadness, a depression so deep I doubt my ability to comprehend it.
"She's sad."
My simple words ring about the small interior chamber, every occupant waiting eagerly for further words.
"She's sad and… the next time she smiles at me… I want it to be a happy one."
"You'll really risk everything for…? No, I've said too much," Take declares with a smile. "My familia, hear you god's will. Follow your hearts and do what you believe needs to be done!"
""Yes Sir!" The resolute voices ring out in reply.
"…I'll do it." Mikoto declares, standing up to stare me in the eye. "If you feel you need more experience against martial arts… I will do my best to instruct you."
"Thank you." Bowing deeply once more, I accept her teachings gladly.
"If you're doing that…" Take murmured with a pleased smile, unable to resist interfering one last time, "may I suggest bringing Sachi along?"
Mikoto nods instantly, perhaps understanding something I'm not. "I think that's a great idea. Sachi!"
Waving the girl over as the house becomes a hive of activity once more, I greet the girl with an awkward smile and a wave. "Y-Yo…"
"H-Hello, K-Kirito." She stammered back, face flushing red.
"Sachi," Mikoto declares, face tight. "Please accept my selfish request and aid me as I teach Kirito martial arts!"
"O-Of course!" Sachi accepts quickly, head bobbing up and down.
"So… are we going now?" Mikoto asks turning to me.
"Hmm… Not yet," I decide, my head running through different possibilities. "I'm going to go to the guild first and see what information there is on Ishtar familia. After that, I need to send a letter to Hermes familia. Finally, I need to tell my familia what I have decided. So why don't we meet at my house in… two hours?"
The girls nod their agreement in twinned motions. Looking at them now, the similarities between them are eery. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that Sachi seems to be styling her look after Mikoto. In terms of role models, I must agree that she picked a good one.
"Where are we training?" Sachi asked as I prepared to leave and begin my list of chores.
"Our place has some room…" Mikoto murmured. "But it's really only enough for low-level stuff…"
Frowning, I realize the best option I can come up with is the dungeon. "If you have time, why don't you look for one before we meet back up?"
"Got it!"
Waving a hand at the family, I move to leave the familia home in far higher spirits than when I had entered it.
"Wait Kirito!" Take calls one last time, seeing my departing figure. His call bringing the activity to a halt once again. "This ceremony... It happens on the full moon, is that correct?"
"Y-Yes..." Stuttering to recall, his words sounded familiar.
"So we have two weeks..."
"Two weeks..." Muttering the words alongside the deity, I finally leave the house. A period of time thrust in front of me that has never before felt so short and so long all at the same time.
Asuna:
"No dungeon again?" Loki asked as she slid in unannounced to my room.
"I… I just need time…" I mutter softly. The events of last night are still too fresh in my head. The reason why I sent the party to prowl without me was clear; I would have gone to find Kirito.
Our secret relationship would be far less secret with me clinging onto him and sobbing like a child.
But obviously I can't tell Loki that.
"Astrid told me what happened."
Nodding, I pretend not to understand her words. "It appears that this groups of 'Evils', attacked a factory in the night. The reason is still unclear."
"Asuna…"
Even Loki's lack of my nickname couldn't lift my gaze from the floor. Wiggling my toes together, I hugged my knees harder.
"Furthermore, using an illegal item, it was discovered that the assailants were part of Thanatos familia. As per guild records, no mention of the item was recorded."
"Ah, so this is how you want to play it, is it?" Loki responds while narrowing her eyes at me.
"That is everything I know about the event that occurred last night." I confirm again.
"Well, thank you for that report, familia member Asuna," Loki answered, smiling nastily. "Is there anything else that you would like to report?"
"…" Narrowing my eyes in thought, I figured Loki would have left after I clearly displayed my lack of interest in talking about the fact that I… That I killed someone yesterday.
Even just thinking the word threatened to bring another batch of bile up from my stomach.
"I have nothing else to report." I declare a moment later, hoping that would be everything.
"Good." Loki smiles happily. "Since you are uninjured from yesterday's raid, nor have you requested the day off…"
"W-Wait!"
Running over my weak protest, Loki continues with a trickster's smile on her lips. "I have a mission for you to complete!"
"M-Mission?"
"Yupp! Well, not one of those stuffy guild ones that they hand out that are always a real pain-in-the-ass…"
"…Loki?"
"Anyway, this one is waaaay more entertaining!"
"H-How so?"
"Cuz you're coming on a date with me!"
"W-What?" I bark at her, jumping to my feet in disbelief.
"Oh yeah! A nice long walk through the city, just the two of us… My hand may slip as I stumble, accidently grasping that surprisingly plump rear-end of yours…"
"NO!"
"Hehe… And after we eat and drink, I'll bring you back here and update your status… who knows what may happen with your shirt off and both of us a little tipsy…"
"You're a horrible goddess," I glare at the vermillion-haired deity. Loki's eyes are unfocused as her hands are miming the motions that she is seeing playing in front of her eyes.
"Harsh, Asu-tan!" Loki sniffs dejectedly. "On a serious note, this is happening."
"Why?" I press her.
"You can't expect little old me to go hunt for information on my own, can you!?" Loki asks with an astounded expression. "Things need looking into, and no one suspects a couple on a date."
"…Very well," I relent. "But no groping me!"
"But what if I have to make it look convincing?" Loki asks, a sly smile twisting her lips.
Backed into a corner, my mouth flaps uselessly. Eventually I just growl at her. "If you go overboard… I'll knock you out when we get back."
"Scaaary!" Loki declares, backing off a little. "Here, throw these on."
Tossing a pair of articles at me, Loki is out the door before I can get a proper look at them. Once I do… "L-LOKI!?"
Screaming at the absent deity, I despise my past weak self. I should have gone to the dungeon. I should have done something, anything, to avoid the torture inflicted upon me.
Groaning, I stand up and fling the clothes on. Letting my hair flow down my back, I stare in horror at the mirror. The frills are everywhere. It isn't overly revealing thankfully, but at the same time… it's very girly.
I look young in the outfit. The elven grace bestowed by my race stripped away and packaged into an innocent container of white and pink. The aqua blue colour of my hair and eyes sticking out like a sore thumb, but also somehow complementing it.
Missing the elegance of my usual dress already, I try to contain my blush as I go out to find my deity. "Loki…?"
Surprised that she isn't just outside the door, I wander down the hallway. Passing her empty room, my confusion grows. She had made it sound that we were leaving immediately.
"Looooki…" Drawing out her name, I wondered if something was wrong. A slightly irrational fear caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand up as I roamed the empty halls. "Where is everyone?"
The words falling heavily from my mouth, I picked up on the other inconsistency. I couldn't hear any voices. There were always voices echoing down these halls except during the 'quiet hours' as the familia rules called them.
"OOooOOooo…"
Freezing, the noise sent shivers down my spine. The small hairs that were already standing up stiffened even further. Resisting the urge to wrap my arms around myself, my hand reaching down to my waist. Pawing around, I came up empty.
"I-I forgot my sword!?" Groaning, I whipped my head back and forth through the hallway.
"OOooOOoo!"
"EEP! W-Who is there!?" Yelling, I backed myself against a door, my head frantically whipping back and forth down the hallway to try and find the sound.
Click!
With going trepidation, I stared at the handle of the door I was leaning against. With a slow certainty, it continued to move, the handle lowering steadily, albeit slowly.
"N-No… Ahh!"
Screaming, the support of the door disappeared as I fell through the now empty doorway. Entirely within the dark room, I look fearfully up at the shape above me.
"OOooOO!"
"N-No!" Screaming, I crawl backwards away from it. The pale white sheet that covers the being. "W-Why is there a g-ghost here!?" Whining pointlessly, I can't focus on anything except getting away. All too soon, I feel a wall behind my back.
I've run out of room.
"N-No, leave me alone! I didn't mean to! You attacked me!"
Screaming random words at the ghost, my whole body was shaking in fear. I should have known this would happen. I should have known that the man would come back for me.
My sins have followed me. In a world where gods walk with mortals, I should have expected this to happen.
"Wow! You really are scared of ghosts!"
"…Huh?" All at once the shaking stops. Opening my eyes, I stare at the figure in front of me. At what is obviously a bed sheet draped over a human form.
"You doing alright there, Asuna?" Throwing off the sheet, Mirel appeared from underneath it. "I had Droyman doing the voices. He's surprisingly good, isn't he?"
"Y-You… YOU IDIOT!"
"Huh?"
Darting to my feet, I shove Mirel out of the way and run down the hallway. Stumbling down the corridor, I ignore Droyman's confused head, stuck out of a door, looking for information as to what happened. Picking up speed, I just want to get out of here. Away from my tormented feelings.
I just wanted to forget about that look in his eyes. The fear as he realized death was imminent.
Crashing through the dining room, I exit out into the front yard. The two guards standing there turn and look at me in confusion. Ignoring them, I collapse to the ground again. Looking up at the sky, I wait for the sun's light to warm me. To comfort me and wipe away the memories of darkness. However…
"The smoke from yesterday…"
The sky is inundated with it. A lot more than I remember from yesterday. Through it, the sun is pale and dim. Likewise, the air never warmed up. My arms, bared from the short-sleeve top, became speckled with goosebumps.
"There you are, Asu-tan! …Your face is pretty pale, did something happen?"
"…Like you don't know," I glare at the deity that came from nowhere. "This whole thing was a set-up, wasn't it?"
As Loki tilted her head again, I considered that maybe she wasn't a part of it. "Are you… telling the truth?"
Maybe it was the vulnerability in my voice, but Loki extended a hand to me. "I really wasn't. Come on, you can tell me about it as we walk!"
Nodding, I accept the gesture. Standing up, we set out through the front gates. The two guards doing their best to pretend to not watch us.
Instantly my eyes find the path I took last night. Where I turned to head to the factory that was attacked. Maybe sensing my thoughts, Loki took a different turn. "Where are we heading?"
"Hmm? Oh, just around, ya know?"
"…Not really."
"Ah, well just trust in your escort!" Loki laughed with an evil grin.
Giving her an angry glare, I follow Loki through the winding streets I spend barely any time in. Besides last night, I only venture through this part of town to talk to Liz. The diligent girl spends most of her time working at the forge, making her easy to track down whenever I need repairs or just want to talk. Thinking about the girl, my hand runs an unconscious line over where my absent sword would lie. I still need to get it repaired after the trip to the eighteenth floor.
For something that was so recent, it already seemed like a distant time, separate from my current reality. Being able to spend time alone with Kirito… It was like a dream.
"Wat's wit the long face, Asu-tan!?" Loki groaned. "Don't tell me I'm boring you already!?"
"I-It's not that…" I reply, slightly overwhelmed. "I was just… Thinking back on some memories."
"That boy again?" Loki asked, with a knowing glint in her eye.
"O-Of course not!"
"…You know… Us deities can see through the lies of mortals."
"R-Really?" I ask. Blinking, I hadn't heard this information before.
"Yupp! You really like this boy that much?"
Pinned with no room to maneuver, I nod. "He's… Very kind."
"Kind? What kind of answer is that!?" Loki scoffed. "Idiots are 'kind', like that big-breasted idiot of a goddess."
Blushing, I didn't know what else to say. "H-He's strong as well… and his smile…"
"I don't like having serious talks…" Loki says, her tone betraying the importance of her words. "But I'll give you some advice. If you're looking for love, look in the familia, or someone not bound to one. Inter-familia relationships are… messy."
Nodding again, I didn't trust myself to speak. Anything I say would probably betray my situation to Loki. That, even knowing she wouldn't approve, I went and entered into a relationship with Kirito. Despite the move being perhaps a little hasty… I didn't feel any regret. Only a surge of guilt that I continued to hide it from Loki.
"Anyway…" Loki yawned, clearly not caring for the serious conversation anymore, "let's look for suspicious people!"
"Wait, that's your whole plan!" Whining, I rushed to keep up to my goddess, ghosts and hauntings briefly forgotten, all the while never noticing the workshop we walked past nor the sound of a rhythmic hammer ringing out from the inside.
Lisbeth:
To forge a magic sword, you have to put something inside of it. What that something is, is different from person to person.
Many of the Crozzos poured in their pride as nobility… this produced empty blades, powered only through the strength of their blood.
The true strongest magic swords are made when the smith pours their heart into the blade. That is the 'secret' of magic swords.
As my hammer rose and fell, Welf's words from earlier rang through my head on repeat. The metal below me slowly changing shape according to my will and my hammer's command.
"Good, good…"
Welf's muttered words barely registered in my mind. My whole being was focused on this blade. Its form slowly took shape. Just under a metre long, the blade was narrow and perfectly straight. However, the blade was also not thick enough to withstand any impacts.
But it wasn't meant to.
This was a blade destined to break. To be used a few times and then shatter, leaving nothing but a hilt behind.
As I worked, I could feel what Welf meant. The blade was asking for something. My forge ability formed the conduit, allowing me to fuel it. To give the metal something more. Something it didn't inherently have.
To give it magic.
Magic summonable by anyone, with no chant or skill required. Only a flick of the wrist.
But such power didn't come cheap. It took a toll on the blacksmith forging it. And maybe more importantly… The blade didn't last.
"Don't waver now…"
Blinking back into the present, Welf's warning potentially saved the forging. My thoughts were slipping, and with them my connection to the blade.
Concentration renewed, I focused on doing as Welf commanded and pouring my heart into the sword taking shape. To forge a blade that would be able to protect Kirito. To ward off anything that approached him. Anything that his normal sword couldn't slay.
It would help if my heart knew what it wanted.
Struck by the sudden thought, my hammer slipped slightly, causing a dent in the metal. Working to quickly fix it, I could feel Welf's stare of displeasure. He described metal as singing. That had been more like a scream of pain.
Even as my metalwork recovered, no answer came to mind. All I knew was that I wanted to support him as his blacksmith. More than anything else, I wanted to help him. To forge him the blade he'd use to conquer the dungeon with and free us from this world.
But do I want more than that?
Do I want a spot in his harem?
Do I want to give this mysterious boy my heart? With his beautiful eyes that grab my attention and suck me in.
The questions fuel my hammering as I give my heart and feelings to the blade. Hoping that in its completed state, maybe it will give me my answer.
For almost another half an hour I work at it. Heating and reheating, keeping the metal at the perfect temperature as I iron out the imperfections.
Finally…
"It's done."
Collapsing to the ground in exhaustion, I stare at the yellow blade in awe. I feel empty. The blade twinkles, like its staring back at me.
Swiftly replacing my awe is a desire to protect it. To treasure this fragile creation that I've poured my heart into. This work of art that took shape over the course of an exhausting couple of hours.
As its logical fate crashes into me, tears begin streaking down my cheeks.
"So, I'm guessing this is the last magic blade you forge like this?" Welf chuckles with a superior tone as he comes and stands beside me.
"It's so hard…" I admit, still stunned. "I put so much into this sword… and it's going to…" Face contorting, my words cut off as I struggle not to release a torrent of tears.
"Then you'll need to find something else to put into them…" Welf starts, "or just not forge the things. It isn't spite that stops me from forging magic swords."
Holding unto the blade, I digest his words. The truth of them rings true. He's right, there's no way I can subject myself to this time and time again. To pour my heart into blade after blade, just for them to shatter into nothingness. It's too cruel.
Opening my mouth to agree with him, the blade twinkles in my hands again. The sparkles drawing my attention. In my golden reflection, I found the answer I wanted. Smiling, the pain remains, but the discontent flows away.
"Thank you for teaching me Welf… I will continue to pursue this path."
"Exactly, making a normal weapon that gets to live alongside its adventurer is the… Wait, what!?"
"I'm going to keep making magic swords. Until I surpass yours." Standing up, I stare him in the eye as I continue, "no… I'm going to continue until my swords can wipe away anything the dungeon can throw in their way."
"…How," Welf asks, some degree of awe in his voice. "How can you say that!? Don't you feel it!? The pain that the sword will experience!? Your heart being shattered again and again!?"
"Yes, but if this is what it takes to protect Kirito… Then the pain will be worth it. After all…" Trailing off, I give Welf a big smile. "I'm his blacksmith. It's my job to provide him with the best equipment possible."
"…This path is filled with pain," Welf promises me. "Are you really willing to go through this tens, hundreds of times?"
Pausing momentarily, the heat from the blade in my blade confirmed my feelings once again. "Yes. I'll forge and forge until I have nothing left to give. Even if I turn myself into a shell of my former self… It will all be worth it if I can save Kirito even one time."
"You love him, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Heh. Then from now on, we're rivals again. I'm aiming for the top with normal weapons."
"And I'll do it will magic swords." I answer back with another smile. "See you Welf."
"See you Liz."
Walking out of his workshop, a big smile grows on my face. Changing direction, I head for the main store on West main. I want to show this to Hephaestus first.
Babel's top floor:
"My, my, Hermes, are you trying to get on my bad side?"
"Haha… I would never goddess Freya!" Hermes replied with a light chuckle. Behind the god stood a stiff Argo. Sweat pouring off her from the hostile atmosphere in the room. Beside the beautiful goddess Freya stood two men.
One of them, Argo felt like she could protect her god from. While his long gray hair gave him a dignified look, Argo got the impression that they weren't too far separated in skill. The one on the other side, she knew. Both having seen him once with Kirito, and again by reputation. The tall werewolf gave off such an aura of domination that Argo knew instinctively that he could kill her easily.
Yet, neither of them mattered. The whole, luxuriant room seemed to serve as merely a vestibule to illuminate the goddess sitting in the middle of it. Even facing the other way, I couldn't help but stare.
The delicate shape of her nape, her perfect silver hair… My face was heating up. Was this love? I don't know. But I was transfixed. This was a beauty that truly transcended the sexes.
"So… Ishtar thinks she can win in a fight… and you helped her to do it."
"O-Of course not!" Hermes protested weakly. "I was just completing a delivery…"
"…"
"I swear goddess Freya! N-Normally I would have never questioned your familia's ability but in the present circumstances…"
"That's enough."
"Ah!"
Making a strange noise, Hermes promptly shut up in the middle of talking. Freya took another sip of a white wine. The tasteless substance prized solely for its beautiful colour.
"You may leave now Hermes."
"Yes, goddess Freya. You… You won't mess with my familia, will you?"
"…"
"Scary!" Squealing in fear at a mere glance from the silver-haired goddess, Hermes departed the room quickly, Argo in tow behind him.
"Two weeks, huh?" The silver-haired goddess muttered to herself. All the while she twirled a strand of hair with her finger. "Depending on how this plays out… Yes, this may be worthwhile after all…"
"…Goddess?"
Ignoring her follower, Freya began issuing orders. "Ulfric… up the training regime at home. Also, keep an eye on the pleasure district. I find it hard to believe that Ishtar is actually as stupid as Hermes claims."
"…Is there something you want from me?" Heathcliff asked, surprised to not receive any instructions.
"Yes, you will keep me company. I have more questions I want to ask about your world."
"…As you wish."