Chapter – 27
Welcome to Gun Gale online – SAO Integral fragments
My footsteps echoed through the corridors. The walls were greasy and it smelled a lot like gunpowder.
You: Geez, they really went all out with the atmosphere smell. Guess it's all it takes to make a more realistic feeling battlefield. By the way… where the heck am I? I thought that gate would be a teleport gate to the fields. This seems more like a dungeon.
Announcer: Attention players. In 15 seconds, the match will start and the items and money you can gather will be displayed on your transmitters. Keep in mind that once the match is set, all items and points will be no longer available. So fight hard, stay alive and have fun!
You: …say what?
Announcer: 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Fight!
You: Holy crap! I entered an event teleporter! How am I supposed to do this when I haven't even tested these things out?!
"Shreeeew!"
Enemies that looked like futuristic soldiers with guns spawned in front of me, each one getting their attention on me.
Barrage Automaton: BRZZZ!
The first one calls the attentions to other ones and before I know it, multiple red lines are appearing all over my body.
Barrage automatons: BZZZZRAAA!
"Tarararararara!"
You: Whoaaaaaaa! Gigh! AAAAAH!
Running away as fast as I can, I manage to outrun the bullets but they wouldn't stop shooting.
You: I need to look for cover!
At the distance I spot a small base where I can take cover from behind.
You: *I roll to the base*
"Tarararararara!"
The bullets were hitting the back of the base but I was safe, luckily my HP didn't get anywhere down.
You: "Pant" "pant" okay, looks like I am going to haft to test these things out here. But which one…
"Tararararara!"
You: Ghigh! Guess I'll go with the optical gun! *I stand up*
Getting in position and holding the gun, I see the bullet circle aiming at the enemies.
You: Here we go… "Pew-pew-pew-pew-pew"
Plasma bullets fire like submachine gun and penetrates the enemies, lowering their HP but that didn't stop them from loosing their focus.
Barrage automatons: BRZZZ! "Tarararara!"
Still running, I manage to outrun the bullets, getting a grip on my optical gun, I fire at them.
"Pew-pew-pew-pew!"
2 Barrage automatons: BZZZZZT! *they burst into orange-red particles*
2 were down, one was to go.
Barrage automatons: BZZZT!
The last enemy points its gun at me and I see the bullet line aimed directly at my head, using that advantage, I begin running towards the robot with the bullet line still at my head.
Barrage automaton: … "Bang"
The bullet was fired… but I manage to slide under it… as I slide through the ground, I got to the robot…
You: Hmph! *I aim at its head with switching to the live ammo*
"Bang!"
Barrage autmotan: BAZZZZZT! *it burst into particles*
You: "pant"… "pant"… *I fall to my knees* man… that was intense. I thought I'd be used to fighting by now but… I am more used to the way with a sword…
Looking at my gun, I hold it like anyone would…by grip on the barrel and my fingers on the trigger.
You: can I truly wield a gun?
Grabbing the gun, I aim at the wall as the bullet circle grew and shrank.
You: maybe it's because I am new in this game… but for the second time… I feel scared in a game. Koharu was mostly there for me when I needed comfort… and when she needed comfort I was there for her. Partners… but she isn't here, so… I haft to get up. Kirito was able to do it for almost three years… so why can't I? I am just new to this game. No one gets it right the first time. Heck, I tried and failed in SAO too. All I can do right now, is keep heading down and fight…
With my gun in hand, I ventured into the dungeon fighting more and more enemies. As time went on, I grew used to the mechanics of gun fighting. I was dodging bullets while killing enemies on the run. My HP was also in huge numbers, guess since converted, my level, strength and defense are still intact. Almost like in ALO, but I didn't have any items or money on me, so I would haft to hunt them down myself.
"Tararararara!"
Random player: YEAAH BABY! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
Random player 2: WHOOOOOOO!
Hiding for cover, a few players where firing everything they had at me. Are they trying to run out of bullets?
You: most of them have rapid fire guns. Even if I run, there are still too many… but… the battlefield can provide lots of opportunities… I just gotta look for a new angle.
You: Hrmm…
Peeking through the corner, I notice something interesting just aside of the three players shooting at me.
You: Hmm…
Random player 3: "Tararararara-click" Damn, ran out of bullets. *he reloads* but I can never get enough!
Random Player: We could do this all day rookie, so either you come out or stay there cowering until we get bored and kill you.
The three of them had grins on their faces, making fun of me as I hid for cover… but I was just waiting for the right time.
You: Hmph! *I stand up* Hrmm… "Bang!" "Pew!"
The bullet fled at the side of the players… hitting a set of three oil barrels.
Random player: Ghigh!
Random player 2: Oh cra—
"BOOOOM!"
As the smoke cleared, three "Dead" signs appeared above them and they all burst into particles.
You: no hard feelings. I prefer to fight in a strategic way, not in an all-out wreck. *I continue on*
As I arrive to the next door, inside it was another teleporter. Entering it, I arrive to a different area. Looking through my transmitter map, which was added to my pocket as I entered the event map, it displayed a new area that was unexplored. There were hardly any gunshot heard through the dungeon so, I think I was the only one.
You: I ventured pretty deep into the dungeon, can't say if I am any closer to an exit though. Or maybe this dungeon doesn't have an exit, the announcer did say until the event was over, so maybe there is a time setter here. Who knows how long though?
"Tap-Tap-Tap"
You: Hmm? Sounds like footsteps, but they seem to out of order for a step at a time, which means that it must be more than one person, two at the least…
Turning at a corner, I confirm my theory.
?: Hmm?
A player, with a red and narrow-eyed face with dark grey hair comes out from the corner. His outfit prominently features black and white colors, with red seams overall. The inside of the arms of his long-tailed coat are light blue and seemed to be carrying gun shells on the side and back of his coat.
Next to him was another player with a completely white tunic and hair almost the same style as the other, only more combed and dyed in blue colors. He also wore glasses, although he didn't look much like the speaker.
?: Oh my, if you were hiding behind that corner, then that must mean that your hiding skill must be really high. I couldn't detect you.
You: Ghigh… (I could shot him between his face so that he may dodge it, giving me a chance to escape… but I don't know just how fast he is reacting…)
?: You planning on running away?
You: Uh…
?: Giving the circumstances, it seems to be wise decision… but, you do realize that we'll attack as soon as your back is turned against us, right?
You: Hmm… fair enough. But you don't know my skills either.
?: *he smiles* fair enough. If you managed to get all the way down here using merely low rank weapons and armor, then that must mean that you are someone filled with mysteries. I'd rather not die after getting all the way down here.
You: (he was able to see my weapon class and armor? He must be pretty skilled…)
?: But of course, that doesn't mean I am going to let this go easy. This is GGO after all. Which would you prefer? Being killed by me or by enemies? Truth be told, there is a rather troublesome enemy deeper in this dungeon. They've probably laid a trap. We can't move until that thing is gone, so if you manage to defeat it, I'll let you go.
You: So basically, you want me to do the work for you.
?: Don't misunderstand. I am not using you for my own purpose, I am just curious… if you really managed to get all the way down here using merely low rank equipment, then there must be some trick to your game. I would like to see you in action. So what do you say?
His partner didn't even said a word, it was like he was following every word he said.
You: *I sigh* fine. But you better not shoot me while I am fighting.
?: do not worry. I am a man of my word. When I make a promise, I never break it.
You: Mm…!
Hearing those words come from someone else, I must say… its like looking myself in the mirror.
? 2: You might not realize it, but you have really good luck. Itsuki here, is known to be one of the strongest players in GGO. Have you fought against him, you wouldn't have stand a chance. But with this foe, there is a slight chance you might… maybe.
First words I hear him say and it some crazy spout of nonsense… but then again, he and I are the only ones who managed to get down here so… maybe that means something.
You: (So his name is Itsuki, huh?) alright *I grab my optical gun* you guys go hide, I will deal with the boss…
Itsuki: Hmm. *he smirks as he walks away*
I didn't feel comfortable doing this but… what else could I do?
Enetering the gate behind them, a few feet away stood another robot, only, this one had four legs and a submachine gun at its bottom.
You: Accurachnid.
Accurachnid: GHIZZZ! *it prepares its gun*
"Tararararara!"
Just like with the last enemies, this one had a rappid fire one. Running through the halls, I waited paitently until it ran out of bullets.
"Tarararararara-click"
You: nows my chance! "Pew-pew-pew-pew!"
The bullets landed but a field covered its body and only did half the damage.
You: damn it, it has a shield. Of course it does, this is a boss.
Accurachnid: BZZZZZT! *It prepares a weapon on its head*
You: Huh?
A larger bullet line circle was appearing in my field of vision and then.
"Swoosh!" "BOOOM!"
You: DUGHA!
An explosion hit me directly and made my HP bar go down by a quarter.
You: it has a rocket launcher too?!
Accurachnid: *it prepares its submachine gun* "Tararararara!"
You: *I roll through the ground dodging the bullets* damn it, with the way its fighting, I wont be able to stand still. "Pew-pew-pew!"
The bullets penetrated the boss, making only half of the damage.
You: I am running low on bullets. And since both of my guns are handguns, I wont have much to fight with. Guess I will haft to witch out with this… *I grab a wielding knife from my leg pocket*
"Tararararararara!"
You: Hrr!
Using my speed, I begin running in the opposite direction of the boss, making the bullet line follow me. The bullets scraped the walls and destroyed everything around it. Still attempting to get out of its line of fire, I slowly close in on the boss and then eventually.
"Tararararara-click"
You: alright! HREAAA!
Slashing upwards, the boss had a red scraetch on its face and its HP began to lower down at a faster rate.
You: Hrr! HREAAA! HYEAAAA!
Accurachnid: BZZZZZT! *it positioned its legs*
You: HRRAAAA!
Lowering its HP down to the red zone, the boss settled its legs and then.
You: Pugh!
The boss pushed me away as its legs scraped me away from its body.
You: grr! Damn it! Should have known it had a backup in case a target got too close.
Accurachnid: BZZZZT! *it prepared its submachine gun*
You: damn it, only got two bullets left… what to do? What to do?!
Accurachnid: BZZZZT! *its eyes shined red*
You: wait…
Looking at its center, I realized that its eyes were the only thing not metallic in its body.
You: maybe… *I load my gun*
As I aimed, both of our bullet lines displayed at each other… one of us was going down after this… but I wasn't aiming for its eyes in case you are wondering…
You: Hrmm… "Bang"
Accurachnid: "Bang"
Our two bullets were fired... my bullet headed straight for the boss's bullet... our bullets crossed... then my bullet ricocheted it's bullet, making it's bullet hit the ground and making mine aim for its face.
Accurachnid: BZZZRRXZZZZTT! *it gets shot in its eyes*
The bullet passes through the center of its eye, causing it to lose it's eye with a popping sound and an electrical hum coming from its eye, draining its last numbers of HP.
Accurachnid: BZZzzzt…bzzzzz… zzzzz… "Poof"!
"Dead"
Like a machine, it falls down malfunctioning and then poofs into particles.
You: "pant" "pant"
Itsuki: "clap-clap-cap" impressive. Most impressive. You managed to take it down on your own. I'll have you know that it takes a team of attention-getting high-defense players, fast-moving shooters, and well-coordinated snipers to handle one of those. You sure are skilled. Is this your first time playing a VRMMO?
You: U-Uh, well… I converted over a different game, so you could say I have experience. None of them were involved in gun fighting though.
Itsuki: I see…
You: W-Well, since I defeated the boss, I guess that means I can go, right?
Itsuki: of course, I am a man of my word. However, the truth is, I have pretty much the worst luck here. The last few items, the rare items were all taken by the uncrowned Queen. There are two roads up ahead, you must pick one. Don't worry, I won't shoot you or anything.
You: Hmm… guess I'll go right then.
Itsuki: alright then. Be careful out there, not everyone is as friendly as me. If anyone notices you, they will shoot you down. *he runs off with his partner*
You: (what a strange guy? Giving his enemy advice? He… sort of reminds me of myself… Who is that guy really?)
Later
I kept walking through these futuristic looking hallways that kind of resembled the building construction of a ship.
You: what is this place even supposed to resemble anyway? I just hope I don't run into anymore enemies here, I have only one bullet left, no telling how I am going to survive here since I also don't have any healing items and that last boss got my HP down to a quarter. I hope this is the last path I will take…
Arriving at the end, I get to a room filled with computers.
You: What is this place? Hmm… maybe those computers have something useful.
Getting to the computers, I touch the keyboard which makes a light shine from behind me.
You: Wh-what the?
Another teleport gate shines behind me and it shines brightly letting me know that it is ready of use.
You: A teleport gate? Hmm…
Walking down the stairs, I enter the portal and it begins to shine brightly as I stand in its center, then in a matter of seconds, it teleports me to a different area.
You: *I load up* Hmm?
I am standing in the center of what looks to be the cockpit of the ship, I can tell because of the windows at the end and the driving mechanics at the end as well. In its center though, stood a large capsule with grey and blue colors.
You: what is that…?
Feeling a sense of curiosity, which made me cautious because of my SAO instincts when approaching an unopened chest, moved me closer and closer to the capsule…
You: what… is this?
Taking a peek inside, I saw the silhouette of something… or rather, someone.
You: is that… a person inside?
It was hard to see at first, so I wanted to take a closer look, making my hand get placed on the glass.
"Vroooom!"
The capsule began to shine and rise up as an announcer shouted through the speakers.
Announcer: Player authentication… starting master registration.
"Shreeeeew!"
The capsule began to glow brighter as smoke began to rise from beneath the capsule.
Announcer: Master registration complete.
The capsule began to open and… from the inside… I saw… a girl… maybe around the same height as Koharu. At least from my point of view.
?: Uh…
The girl began to levitate from the capsule with white light surrounding her.
You: Whoa…
I just stood there, staring at the amazement in front of me, not realizing my surrounding.
?: *she falls down*
You: Igh! *I attempt to catch her*
"Bang!"
The sound of a gunshot was heard nearby and I also had the strange sensation of a circle on my back. The girl was in my arms. The girl had short white hair, purple colored eyes and her entire body had a purple on white outfit and she seemed to have no reaction to the current situations.
?: M-Master…?
You: what?
"Ching"
The sound of a weapon loaded was heard behind me, it sounded like a submachine gun if it had so many bullets.
? 2: Drop her and don't move.
The voice appeared to be a female and she didn't sound happy.
You: what do you want? *I raise my arms*
? 2: I want that Arfa-sys.
You: that what?
? 2: don't play dumb with me. I want that Arfa-sys and your ganna give it to me or else.
You: H-hey, I don't even know what an Arfasis is and even if I did, why would I give it to you?
? 2: oh please. You reached this whole deep level of the map and opened the capsule without even knowing what an Arfasys is? You seriously can't expect me to believe that.
You: Look, I didn't intend to enter this event, I just entered here by accident. I am new to this game so I didn't know what was what. I just wanted to test out the weapons I got so I came here, but I didn't know this was an event.
? 2: all the more reason you should give it to me. I worked so hard to get it… so hard… its just… its not fair.
She sounded pretty distressed rather than angry, why was she even eager to get this, "Arfasis" thing she is talking about, if I am even saying it right.
You: What is it that you want?
? 2: I want that Arfasys that your holding.
You: What? *I look at the girl* this girl is an Arfasis?
? 2: its pronounced "Arfa-sys" and yes it is. Now give her to me… *she prepares the trigger* or I'll shoot you on the spot.
You: O-Okay, chill out. I don't mean any harm—
? 2: you have five seconds to give me that Arfasys or I will shoot you. 5…
I didn't even know what to think, this girl I was holding stood still in my arms as her big eyes looked at me in confusion. The way she looked at me... she reminded me of Yui when I first met her.
? 2: 4… 3…-
"Ching"
? 3: drop your weapon.
A voice that sounded very familiar was heard behind me as well… it was Sinon.
? 2: Igh! How did you—?
Her words were cut out as a "Vroom-Vroomy" sound was also heard.
? 4: do as she says, or there will be consequences.
? 2: Grr… *she lowers her weapon* fine.
After hearing the gun being lowered, I stood up with the girl still holding me in my arms, slowly getting up with me.
You: Phew. You guys made it in time—
Turning around, I see Sinon, with a new look. She had pale blue swaying hair, her combat attire consisted of a green light wear coat, a long white scarf that was sort of similar to Koharu's, green military pants and black light boots.
Beside her was… another girl? She had long black hair, big purple eyes along with black thigh pants and a white casual long sleeved shirt.
Sinon: *she smiles* I didn't expect to find you here.
You: S-Sinon, hey… and who might that be?
? 4: M-Mm! I… I'm… Kiriko.
You: (Kiriko? Sounds way too similar to Kirito…) I-I see. Nice to meet you…
Kiriko: Oh-Oh, the pleasure is all mine. Hehe! *she giggles*
You: Oookay. Anyways, what all that about? Who are you—?
Before I can finish, I see the girl who was holding the gin on my back… she was wearing a black tank top and white skirt, accompanied by a prominently pink jacket, along with white gloves and boots.
? 2: I have no reason to give you any personal information regarding myself. I just want the Arfa-sys… please…
The way she talked just now, didn't sound menacing, just… pleading.
You: O-Okay, if she's all you want, you can have her but… I don't really see as to why you are making such a fuss over her.
? 2: Wait, so you seriously don't know?
You: N-No.
? 2: *she sighs* she is an Artificial Financial Adviser System, or Arfa-sys for short. One of the rarest weapon models in all GGO.
You: is she?
? 2: not only that, she happens to be a model type-X unit, the rarest of all the models. She is the only model in this entire event and will be the only time she will be implemented in the Gold Rush update via a special tournament. This could and might as well be my only chance to get one… then I can make a name for myself…
You: Mm… alright then, its not like I've plan to have her anyway.
? 2: R-Really?! Th-Thank you so much! *she says with her eyes beaming with joy* A-Ahem. Sorry about that. Arfa-sys, as of right now, I am your master.
Arfasys: I am the Arfa System type-X A290-00. Master registration has already been complete. (You), you are my master. Main system functional, 50%. *she said in a robotic way*
? 2: Huh…?
You: Wh-When did that happen?
? 2: HUH?! *she holds me by the neck* HOW COULD YOU?! HOW COULD GO AHEAD AND REGISTER IT?! *she yeld demandingly*
You: I-I had no idea, I just—
? 2: No excuses, look at me in the eyes and answer me!
You: I-I don't know how I can be anymore clearer! And… *I look closely into her eyes* wait…
? 2: what are you…? W-wait… *she looks closely into my face*
Sinon: are you two gonna kiss or something?
You: No… no it cant be…
?: *she gasps and lets go*
Making a few steps behind, the girl widens her eyes with shock and disbelief… the same went for me… I couldn't even believe what I was seeing, or rather who I was seeing… it just, it couldn't be happening!
You: I-it's…
?: I can't believe it…
You: H-How? Wh-when—?
?: wh-when those men in black suits came into my house, they had… guns, they tackle my dad and… it was so scary and—
You: they grabbed me by the arm and dragged me into a car and then held me down. I tried to reach out as a last attempt but they closed the door and I was taken away… weeks later I went back to the house to see if you were still there but when I got there you were…
?: gone… *she says on the verge of tears*
You: I thought I'd never see you again… *I say on the verge of tears as well*
?: *she smiles with tears streaming down* I'm here… Elias!
You: Momiji!
As a long waited reunion, we embrace each other with big tight hugs as our tears of joy couldn't hid in our eyes, clearly showing we were happy to see each other again after so many years…
Momiji: "sniff" I missed you…
You: I thought my parents did something to you, something that would make me never see you again… when I saw the house empty… I was so scared and worried.
Momiji: they didn't "Do anything" per say. They just re-located us in a different location and made us swear we'd never speak about what happened or that they would take away my sisters future.
You: it's a good thing you'd listen. No telling what they would have done to your family.
Momiji: I couldn't stand it. I spent every day worrying about you, fearing that you might have gotten hurt or worse…
You: its… a long story… one I will tell you later.
Both of faced each other, each one with smiling faces and tears streaming down. After years of being kept in the dark, I finally heard and saw my childhood friend. Never in a million years would I thought I'd see her again… not in VR at least.
You: W-Wow, look at us. Were grown up.
Momiji: you kind of look like your dad.
You: Igh, don't say that. *we both laugh*
Kiriko: I am sorry, did I miss something here?
Sinon: I think that's his childhood friend *she says in surprise* well… *she smiles* what were the odds that they would reunite in a game?
Kiriko: childhood friend…?
Sinon: By the way… *she gets close to her ear* when are you going to stop this girl acting?
Kiriko: Oh… I just want to see how long he lasts until figuring it out.
Sinon: *she sighs* you're so immature.
Momiji: "sniff" I am so glad you are safe… how long has it been since we last saw each other?
You: I think it was… almost twelve years or thirteen, give or take.
Momiji: I thought you were dead… when I heard the news that the house you were living in got blown up… I thought you died…
Momiji barries her face in my chest as her grips tighten around my jacket.
Momiji: I thought you were gone… I thought you were blown up… do you have any idea how scared I was?
You: I am sorry… I truly am. I… I was worried too you know. I didn't know what my family would have done to you or your family. Worst case scenario, they'd bribe the police into telling them that you'd kidnapped me and that they would press charges unless you all kept your mouth shut about this. It wouldn't have been the first time they done something like that.
Momiji: Well… I don't care how it is, I am just glad we got to see each other again. But how did you know it was me?
You: It was a bit hard, considering that your face changed a bit and you're wearing mostly pink but… when I saw the pattern you make when you get frustrated, I knew it was you.
Momiji: Pattern?
You: Yeah. Whenever you get mad, there is this small movement you do with your eyes, almost like as if they were shaking, that's how I knew. Every time I'd get something rare over at the mystery prize games, you'd get jealous, hold me by the collar and make that same movement with your eyes.
Momiji: O-Oh… I guess that would blow me off easily. And just for the record, I wasn't jealous, I was just… making sure you weren't cheating, that's all.
You: Uh-huh. So whenever I won, it was cheating but when you'd win, it was fair.
Momiji: O-Oh shut up. And besides, you wanna know how I knew it was you?
You: Huh?
Momiji: Its because of the face you'd make whenever you felt guilty… you'd always blame yourself over so many things that would happen and you'd always make the same guilty face… when I saw the way you were adverting your eyes, I knew it was you. Plus you'd always stutter.
You: N-No I didn't!
Momiji: Like right now *she says with a smirk*
You: Grmm…
Momiji: Snrk…
You: Krk… Hahahaha!
Momiji: Hahaha!
Sinon: they have only seen each other for no less than five minutes and they are already behaving as close friends.
Kiriko: you can really see the deep relationship they have, it's almost as if they'd knew each other for such a long time.
Arfa-sys: Main system 90% functional… 100%... System check… all clear. Startup complete… Master, you can name me!
You: H-Huh?
Arfasys: names are unchangeable, but if you pick anything weird, I'll explode! *she says in a more cheerful tone*
You: Wh-Whoa there, your personality change. You sound more… cheerful.
Arfa-sys: that's it, Master! The type-Xs are super androids that all come with their own set of personalities!
Momiji: Well would you look at that. Well, aren't you going to name it?
You: Huh? But I thought you wanted her.
Momiji: she is clearly not going to change masters and besides, when we were little we both agreed that whatever is mine is yours and whatever is yours is mine.
You: and I thought I told you that that's an agreement when you live together.
Arfa-sys: sorry, I didn't get that.
You: O-Oh sorry, um… lets see… (Since her last numbers a zero-zero, then the Japanese name for that would be "Rei" then…) Rei… that's your name.
Arfa-sys: Rei… Name registered. I am glad you're are more sensible then you look, master.
You: Sensible then I look?
Momiji: Rei? As in, the Japanese name for zero? Very creative, I like it.
Rei: since you are my first master, I'll give you this as a gift. The best weapon for you will be this.
Rei then places a weapon that looks similar to a grappling hook, considering that it had a wide length on the edge but no hook in sight, only a bullet hole.
Rei: this is an ultimate fiber gun. The name is a little long, so you can call it the UFG.
Momiji: Ooh, I've never seen this gun before. Is it a ray gun? It looks like a pretty rare weapon.
Rei: it was left on the warehouse. It's perfect for a master with zero experience.
You: I don't know if you are praising me or insulting me…
Rei: I can't predict my master's future because I don't have enough information. So I decided to give an unknown weapon-but not an experimental one.
Sinon: Whoa! So you're saying it's an unimplemented weapon? That's rare even for a super-rare item! You really hit the jack-pot (You).
Momiji: (You)? Who is that?
You: O-Oh, uh… that's my name.
Momiji: oh yeah that's right, we use different names in game. Well in that case, you can call me Kureha.
You: Kureha, huh. (She doesn't know that I changed my name to this name… guess I'll just haft to play along until I tell her the truth… eventually…)
Rei: right then. I suppose I should teach you how to use the UFG. Follow me!
My Arfa-sys android, aka Rei, guided us to a wide open space area with a tall wall in front of us. There was a ladder you could use to climb it but it based on the height, it could take some time.
Rei: Right. I want all of you stay here and watch my master do his thing. First, aim the UFG to the top of the wall.
You: Hmm… alright…
Grabbing the UFG, my field of vision showed a three sided target on the wall, as I aimed the position of the UFG, I pulled the trigger and unexpectedly.
"Pew!"
You: WH-What the—WHOAAAAAAA!
A green beam shot out of the gun and pulled me like a grappling hook and then took me to the top of the wall.
You: igh! *I grab on to the edge and pull myself up*
Kureha: WHOA!
Sinon: He got there as fast as a bullet!
Kiriko: That gun can move you like a grappling hook would! That's so cool! *she says excitedly*
You: Whoa-hoho! That was so cool!
Rei: I knew you could do it master! *she says clapping right beside me*
You: Wh-Whoa! What the?!
Looking down below, I saw that Rei was nowhere in sight but beside me.
You: how did you get here so fast?
Rei: Since I cannot be further away than 20 meters from my master, I automatically spawn as far as you are. Or if you also change your coordinated position.
You: Huh… that can actually be useful.
Rei: I really am amazing, huh master?
You: Um… do you haft to kill me master every time?
Rei: Absolutely. Since you are the one who registered me, I am obligated to call you and nobody else, master. You can, however, unregister me and I will be force to look for a new master. It is only up to you.
You: Well… Kureha did say that she wanted you in the first place…
Kureha: Oh no you don't… Igh! *she climbs up* look, I know I said that I wanted her… but to be fair, you are the one who registered her. You came first and you earned her fair and square. I am sorry for getting heated up in the moment, but I am all over it. Getting to see you again… is the best reward I could have gotten from this event.
You: Momiji…
Kureha: U-Uh! *she blushes* B-But enough chit-chat. Let's continue with this UFG testing.
Sinon: Igh! *she climbs up*
Kiriko: Whoa! *she climbs* I really don't see how Rei can automatically spawn to the top of the wall and (You) can use that weapon to get to the top when we had to climb up by ourselves...
Sinon: No point in moping about it. All we can do is follow…
Later
Handgun drone: "robotic beeps"
Rei: Right. You can also use the UFG to drag enemies to ground level with you. This can help not only get the firearm down in the air, but also give you a chance to get rare items from the drops.
You: is that so…
Using the UFG, I aim to the dron in where the same triangular target glew this time red and with a pull of the trigger.
"Pew!"
The green beam is fired.
Handgun drone: "Bzzzt!"
With an electrical buzzing, the drone falls to the ground where I point the UFG again and this time, the triangular target lights up yellow and then pulls a part of the drone, which as a result, causes the drone to go haywire and then malfunction.
You: Whew! Got some items, lets see… LE photon controller…
Sinon: those are items that you can use to either enhance or accessories your weapons. You want to get as many as you can. The more you enhance, however, the pricier it gets.
You: So keep stocking up on items and money, huh.
Kureha: that gun can be very useful, both in combat and hunting. Do you think you can let me use it?
Announcer: Time out. All participants, please lower your weapons. Any further fighting will not count towards the final scores.
Kureha: Oh, so that's it for this event, huh. I wonder who scored the highest, let's see… *she sees her menu* Whoa! Sinon and Kiriko won!
Kiriko: For real?!
Sinon: that's amazing!
Kureha: congratulations to you both. Although, I think it's safe to say that today's real winner was you. You found what might be the rarest item in the game.
Rei: there isn't anything rarer than a type-X! I think… so don't break me, okay?
You: Well, lucky me, huh.
Kureha: you always did have a four leaf clover luck!
You: Heh, I thought you'd forgotten that…
Kureha: how could I forget the compliment you hated the most? We are going to be automatically transported to the SBC glocken. Let's celebrate when we get back.
Bright light begins to surround us and I am then transported to a different area. The room seemed very futuristic, especially with all the holographic signs in front of me for an upcoming event called Bullet of Bullets III. The room was filled with players smirking or bragging about the loots they just earned from the last event we were in. I however, got the rarest item of all, it seems.
You: so this is the SBC Glocken…
Rei: Whoa… this place is so cool…
You: Wh-Whoa Rei, I almost forgot about you. So, you spawn next to me no maater where we are?
Rei: that's right. As long as I am ordered to do so, I spawn wherever you are. Wherever you go, I go.
You: Uh!
Koharu's memory voice: Wherever you go, I go.
You: Mm… that's nice. It's good to know I have a partner here…
Saying that though, made a small hole in my heart. It was good to have someone by my side bides Kirito and Sinon, but the fact that she is my partner now… feels almost like as if I am replacing her, but…
Koharu's memory voice: I would feel a lot more safer if you had someone to guide you.
Knowing her though, I think she'd feel a bit more safer knowing that I got support.
You: alright Rei. Guess I'll be counting on you from now on. *I show a fist bump* partner.
Rei: Uh… *she exams my fist* Mm… *she bumps it*… Balalala.
You: Uh… sorry, but this is no Big hero 6 movie. This is just fist bump, showing your partner that you trust them. But you don't go "Balalala" that could get you sued… possibly killed
Rei: I see… I will be sure to remember this "Fist bump" as show of gratitude from my master.
Rei seemed very cheerful, sort of how Koharu was when SAO first started. I got the funny feeling that it was Koharu all over again, seeing that made me… smile, for some reason.
You: (Hmm… if I am going to get Death Guns attention, I will need to make a name for myself here in GGO… but what could be the fastest way of doing so?)
?: hey there.
You: Oh, its you guys.
Turning around, I see Kiriko, Sinon and Kureha walking towards me and Rei.
Sinon: I see that the Arfa-sys is still with you.
Rei: My name is Rei, and I go wherever my master goes.
You: You know, If you keep calling me "master" that way, people are going to get the wrong idea. Maybe you should just call me by my name—
Rei: No!
You: Uh!
Rei: A-Ahem. Sorry for shouting at you Master… but you being my master means something really special to me. I will not call you by any other name but master… but if you don't want me to… I guess I can call you something else… *she says in a hurt tone*
You: (Oh great… she is doing the ever so popular innocent girl act, making me feel all guilty about not letting her do something… and gosh darn it, it works) *I sigh* fine… you can call me master.
Rei: *she smiles brightly* ~Aah~! Thank you master!
Players: "Whisper-whisper"
You: B-But try not to speak so loudly about it, okay?
Rei: O-Oh, okay master *she says whispering*
You: You are an interesting android… By the way, Sinon. What were you doing in that dungeon?
Sinon: someone wanted to test out her new photon sword *she says bumping Kiriko*
Kiriko: W-Well, I wanted to see if it worked the same way it did when I played this other game and it did.
You: a photon sword, huh?
Sinon: Yeah. By the way, you are going to need better equipment then the one you have right now. Follow me.
Sinon then takes us to a small gun shop within the SBC Glocken. Pretty small but had better weapons then the ones I had.
Sinon: Alright, there are two types of guns here in GGO which are optical guns and live ammo guns.
You: yeah, I pretty much already got the jinx of it.
Sinon: Really? Wait… by any chance, did you went for the tutorial level?
You: Y-Yeah…
Kureha: Damn, that must have been tough. That woman can be very aggressive with her teaching methods.
You: Ugh, tell me about it.
Sinon: Well, that should make things easier. Let's start with stats, highest ones first.
You: Hmm… it would be STR, AGI and DEX.
Sinon: I see… you got three weapon of choice here, either a heavy assault riffle, a one-handed submachine gun or a Glock-28 fire pistol… got any credits?
You: yeah, only a thousand credits though.
Sinon: that's the amount everyone starts with.
You: yeah, that figures.
Kiriko: don't worry, I can lend you some money.
You: O-Oh no, I couldn't possibly.
Kiriko: don't worry about it. I've won this game that allowed me to earn 300k credits.
You: Geez, what kind of game allowed you to get such cash?!
Sinon: The game was called untouchable. Basically, the point was to get to the target without getting shot at by bullet lines, but the thing is that the target would shoot so fast before the bullet lines could be seen, so it was almost impossible... this one, though, defeated him in a single attempt. How do you ask? She predicted the predictions.
You: Predicted the predictions? How does that make any sense? Even then, it should still be impossible…
Kiriko: Ehehe *she laughs sheepishly* I can lend you the 100K since it's all I have left after buying some other weapons and armor.
Kureha: I can lend you another 100K.
You: Wh-what?! That's too much!
Kureha: don't worry about it. I have plenty more, besides, it's a small price to pay when I am using your Arfa-sys and UFG gun, the rarest weapons of all.
A notification pops in front of me saying that the following users are lending 100k credits. Kiriko and Kureha.
You: *I press accept* I don't feel right accepting though.
Kiriko: don't worry about it. Everyone needs a helping hand now and then.
Rei: Master, might I suggest you buy this. It's an MP-443 handgun. It has an easy grip barrel, light ammunition and can double shot your enemies!
Sinon: It's also one of the fastest rapid firing pistols for a one-handed gun user.
You: Hmm… alright then. I'll take it.
Pressing the purchase button, a robot like machine emerges from the shop and then spawns the weapon in front of me.
You: Hmm…
Inspecting the pistol, I could tell it was better than the current one I had.
Robot merchant: thank you for your purchase.
You: Cool.
Kiriko: Hey, you should get a photon sword too!
You: should I?
Kiriko: Sure, you'd be great at them, I guarantee it.
You: you speak almost like as if you know I can…
Kiriko: O-Oh well, it's easy for me to use so, you know… Hehehe…
You: alright then…
Rei: here they are master. Photon swords.
Rei then shows me a menu for all kinds of photon swords.
Sinon: I really wouldn't recommend it though.
You: Why not?
Sinon: Well, the photon swords can only damage your target if you're up close and if your that crazy to get even close to it, you'll get shot full of holes.
You: Hmm… still though, I think I am set on buying one.
Upon purchasing the item, the same merchant robot slides through the room and spawns the photon sword. Its design was the same color as my avatar, blue.
Robot merchant: thank you for your purchase.
You: Man, these things cost 150K credits. They are pricey…
Upon pressing the button, a beam of blue light "vrooms" out.
Sinon: Photon swords are basically a beam of light in a wave of a particle. Photon swords is the official name but other people call them laser blades, beam sabers and something else I can't remember…
As I waved my sword, it made "Vroom-Vroom" sound as I waved it from one side to the other.
You: (Is the other name "Light Sabers"?) it's cool the way the light moves as it swings… let's see…
Entering a wider area, I raise my hand with the photon sword at my side to prepare to attack or deflect, the same combat style I do in SAO.
Kureha: Whoa, I thought he would have a bit of trouble handling it. But he looks like he's a pro at it…
You: *I breath in and out* Hmph! "Vroom!" Hup! "Vroom!" HREAAAAH! "Smash!"
"Vroooow!"
The way I wielded the sword, I first started with a diagonal slash to the right, then swirled around in the same direction and then smashed the ground with the beam, making a wave of blue slashes hit the air.
Sinon: Whoa!
Kiriko: that was awesome!
Rei: you were so cool master!
Kureha: you seem to know your way around those.
You: Well, beginners luck, am I right?
Sinon: You should primarily use your pistol as your primary weapon to not let your enemies know that you have backup when you are so close to them. It will give you a point advantage.
You: if you say so.
Kureha: Hey, why not head out into the fields and test out your new weapons, and get Rei into the fighting action.
Rei: You can count on me with anything. I am programed to follow any kind of role, such as tank, supporter, defender, offender, you name it.
You: Hmm… having you around might turn the tables around in the neck of trouble. Just leave it to me master… but I will need to get some fighting equipment…
You: Guess we are going to need to start grinding up some money, huh.
Kureha: Here, you can use my old submachine gun. Its not has powerful as the one I have right now but it brought me a lot of luck back in the old days.
Rei: ~Aah~! Thank you so much Kureha. Now I can fight alongside you master!
You: alright then.
Sinon: you are also going to need some protective gear. Here, follow me and we'll get you all prepared.
Later
After a while, I walked into the locker room and was ready to go out with my new team. The outfit was called "Nocturnal Coat" and came with long dark blue pants, a blue jacket on top, a gray badge on the chest along with a half-covered turtleneck and a gray pocket on the belt.
"In case if you are not familiar with the design, it is the outfit design from the SAOFB Kirito outfit. Look it up to get a better idea of how it looks. I just wrote the way I described it"
You: Not bad. It sort of reminds me of my ALO attire though.
Rei: Whoa, master you look so cool.
You: You've been saying that same sentence for some time. *I say with a grin*
Rei: Well its true. You are so cool no matter what you do!
You: Well, how can I turn down a complement from you? *I pet her head* thank you, Rei.
Rei: Ehehe… *she smiles sheepishly* I like that…
You: if you say so. Oh look, here comes Sinon, Kureha and… Kiriko?
As I saw the three of them heading out from the changing rooms, I see Sinon and Kiriko in different attires. Sinon was wearing a desert-colored military jacket, bulletproof armor of the same color, and combat boots, as well as a white muffler around her neck. Kiriko, however, was wearing all-black outfit and an overcoat while also using small chest plate. Sort of similar to mine only, more slender. Kureha was walking alongside them with her face all red and emberassed, as if that weren't weird enough, Kiriko was walking with a red hand mark on her cheek.
You: Hey, so uh… what happened?
Kiriko: W-Well, we uh—
Kureha: I'll tell you what happened. So I was taking "Kiriko" to a changing area so "She" could change into the gear we bought "Her". Sinon said she'd wait outside and, as I enter a begin to change into a better cameo outfit for the fields, I begin to change out of my clothes and "She" begins to get all frantic about it, then proceeds to show me who "She" really is, and it turns out "She"! Is a male!
You: U-Uh male!? Wait… so with that black attire… it is you, isn't it Kirito?!
Kirito: Y-Yeah…
You: Well, that makes a whole lot more sense. Especially when you said that I knew my way around swords.
Sinon: *she sighs* I told you, you shouldn't have gone pretending you were a girl.
Kirito: but since you already knew, why didn't you stop me from going inside that room?! I didn't know it was a changing room.
Sinon: I wanted someone to teach you a lesson, I surely wasn't going to do it.
Kureha: wait, so you knew she was a guy and you let me enter the same changing room with him.
Sinon: Yup.
Kureha: Don't say it so casually!
You: so that red hand mark on your face means…
Kureha: Yup. I slap his perverted female face.
Kirito: Oh give me a break. Its not like I wanted to be in this avatar.
Sinon: that's actually a M9000 series avatar. One of the rarest male avatars in the game. With the way things are going, you two are getting the rarest items in the game in just day one. That avatar is popular due to its feminine appearance. A lot of guys wish to get their hands on it.
You: (why do they want to get an avatar that makes them look like a female?) Well, I guess going out for a search for Kirito is no longer needed. I was about to propose it but it doesn't seem necessary now. Why do you guys say we hit the fields and begin testing out our new weapons?
Kirito: sounds good to me!
Rei: I am ready when you are master!
Kureha: Just stay away from me you creep.
Kirito: Ugh…
You: aren't you going to change, Kureha.
Kureha: Not after that, I will manage just fine.
You: alright then… everyone. Lets move out!
Everyone: Yeah!
And so, our adventure begins in this new worlds of guns and swords. We need to get strong so we can face Death gun and also find my Fluctlight in this massive world game. I don't know about anyone else, but I had a feeling that this adventure could be quite longer then ALO. After all, I got two new companions on my group… Rei, my Arfa-sys android… and Kureha, my long lost childhood friend… again at my side… but for how long I wondered?
Here we go. Watch out Gun Gale Online because the Integral Factor has arrived.
To be continued…