Chapter – 29

Loading up – SAO Integral fragments

Authors Note: First, I would like to apologize for uplading this chapter late. I got hooked up playing a new game and time got away from me. If you play video games, you know how it is. In any case, here is the 29th chapter and I would also like to give a shout out to: Alphawrass199, Ashleycox, Erica, Emily and Ecanonda for sharing their story ideas in the last two chapters. Thank you for your support and enjoy the story.

The wind kept blowing the dirt throughout the fields, unlike SAO or ALO, the environment seemed deserted, almost polluted as well. The fields were field with enemies that you'd normally see in any RPG game. Mobs wondering around the fields, waiting to be ambushed by the players. Unlike Sinon and Kureha, Kirito and I come from a game that is mostly based on sword combat, so getting the handling with a gun will be a bit more challenging, especially since we don't not just haft to worry about the mobs wondering around, in this game, PKilling is the point of the game, players can kill other players and not suffer consequences unlike in SAO were your cursor would turn orange.

Being a survivor form a death game in where I stopped a lot of guilds filled with murderess, I can't say I totally agree with this but… there is no other way around it, gotta stick to the game rules. Kill… or be killed.

Continuing on, Sinon, Kureha, my Arfa-sys, Kirito and I were exploring the fields to find good hunting enemies and being gathering loot for money, upgrade materials and most importantly, better weapons. Rei, my Arfa-sys, seemed to be mostly...

Rei: Okay, master… *she observes the fields* I think if we go this way, we might find a strong enemy that drops a rare—WH-WHOA! *she trips and falls on her butt* U-Uh… be careful with the rocks…

For some reason… she reminded me of Koharu. Their personalities were similar, they are equally clumsy and they both fall on their butts.

Moving on, following Rei's instructions, we eventually found a small dungeon where she said that a missing part might be somewhere inside the dungeon. So here we are exploring it, it took a while with us exterminating the enemies inside the dungeon but we eventually managed to get to the deepest part of the dungeon in where, as expected, a boss was waiting but what I didn't expect—

You: This boss is super crazy!

Angry Berserk: BRZZZZ!

A robot, about ten feet tall, was running around the room swinging an axe like a maniac and it seemed to be very powerful.

Kureha: "Tararararara" Igh, I am running out of bullets!

Sinon: I can't get a clear shot with it running this crazy, were gonna haft to waver it down!

Kirito: easy for you two to say, (You) and I are the ones delivering the front line attacks!

You: Rei, don't you have a device or something that can help us!

Rei: Uh… Yes! Hang on master!

Rei then runs to the center of the room and…

Rei: *she inhales* Hey!

Angry Berserk: … *it stops and looks at Rei*

Rei: Stop being a big meanie you no good, moving hunk of junk!

Everyone: …

Angry berserk: … "SHWOOOO" ARRRZZZZZ!

The boss then began to glow a bright shed of red color and it began to get even crazier.

Rei: uh-oh…

You: Rei!

The boss began to swirl around the room with its axe, moving at an incredible speed, its target being Rei.

Rei: AAAAH!

Rei ran like there was no end but managed to take cover behind a wall in where the axe hit an immortal object icon.

You: *I reach Rei* that was your big idea?! Make it angrier!

Rei: I'm sorry, Master!

You: Augh, we need to get it to stay still or else we are not going to make it out of here alive!

Kirito: easier said than done, that thing has got hard steel iron made through its entire body, our bullets are barely making any damage.

You: maybe bullets can't pierce the iron… *I activate my photon sword* but how about heat through a particle?

Kirito: Uh… *he smiles in agreement and activates his photon sword*

You: girls, listen up! Kirito and I have a plan but we are going to need you guys to make some noise, it's going to get serious!

Kureha: noise, huh. *she smirks and changes weapons* then how about this!

Kureha then takes out a rocket launcher and fires an SMG.

"BOOOM!"

Angry Berserk: "AAAAAAARZZZZT"

Sinon: Why didn't you do that before?

Kureha: I didn't want it to target us.

Sinon: Fair point. Now… *she prepares her sniper rifle* Stay right there…

SInon aims her sniper right at its eye and then…

SInon: …Gotcha… "PEW!"

A bullet flies at high speeds and penetrates the boss's eye, making a critical hit

Angry Berserk: "BZZZZZZT!" *it falls on one knee*

You: Okay, its down. Kirito!

Kirito: right!

We both jump over our cover and begin running towards the boss with our swords at hands.

You and Kirito: HEAAAAAAAAAA!

"Swoosh! Vrooom! Vroo-Vroom!"

Our blades slashed through the boss perfectly, leaving wide stretch marks and massive damage. The boss's HP bar began going down and down and eventually.

You and Kirito: HREAAAAAAAAAAA! *we both cross slash the boss*

With a massive X slash on the boss's chest, the boss's HP goes down to zero and then explodes into red like particles.

"Congratulations!"

A congratulations sign appeared above the room, sort of similar to SAO and the exit was now open.

Kureha: Whoaho! That was insane! You two defeated that boss with using swords, nobody has done that before! Maybe that was the key to defeating this boss, no wonder our bullets were barely making any damage.

Sinon: Not necessarily. You can cause immense damage to an enemy with a single bullet, you just need to find its point of weakness. All enemies have one, once you spot it, you can defeat your target very easily.

Kureha: Really?

Sinon: you did not know that? How did you manage to survive out in the fields all this time?

Kureha: Oh well, I…mostly intend to knock out as most enemies as I can, and if its too much for me to handle, I run away.

Sinon: *she sighs* with the recklessness of what that Arfa-sys did along with your reckless nack of firepower, I fear we might be in trouble.

Kureha: H-Hey, don't judge me! I… don't always rely on firepower, I do strategize on which target I should and should not defeat.

Rei: Forgive me… master.

Master looked down, almost too down, like as if she was about to cry.

Rei: I… thought I could help but… I only made things worse…

You: *I sigh and pat her head*

Rei: Oh…! *her eyes widen*

You: it's okay, it was your first boss fight. No one gets it right the first time… I know I didn't…

Recalling the boss mobs I fought back in the beta test, I can say was reckless too.

You: Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. Next time though, do not shout when you are fighting unless you know you can protect yourself, you saw what happened. Live and learn as they say.

Rei: Live… and learn… I see… okay Master. *she says smiling brightly* Oh wait! The lost part… Its this way!

Rei then walks towards where the boss was defeated and then grabs an item box in where the image displays, lost body part.

Sinon: did she find something?

You: Yeah, I lost part.

Kirito: Really? I cant see it.

Kureha: neither can I. her palm is just empty.

You: Hmm… maybe it has something to do with the masters and Arfa-sys being the only ones who can see the parts. Guess that means that it is all up to Rei and me to find the parts. Alright, so how do we upgeade this to you.

Rei: You haft to do it yourself master.

You: but how do I do that?

Rei: Here. *she gives me the part* place the item in your inventory.

You: alright *I do as instructed*

Rei: Now, open your status menu.

Upon opening my status window, I see that I do not just have direct access to my status but also Rei's status.

Rei: you should be seeing a secondary status window with my name under it.

You: I do… wow, your stats are all down to 1. No wonder you were so slow and so weak.

Rei: it's just as I explained master. We Arfa-sys cannot be any stronger than our masters, it will be up to you to decide what strengths and weaknesses I gain.

You: alright then… this is kind of fun. Building up status for my Arfa-sys. Let's see…

After a while, I leveled up Rei's status with strength by 80 points, agility by around 120, defense by 110, and accuracy by 180 as she will need a lot of precision to aim with weapons and stamina by 80 points. I mainly focused on mid-front strategies because I knew I would be on the front lines fighting the mobs. Rei was going to be my backup from the rear, either drawing the attention of enemies or delivering finishing blows if the opportunity presented itself.

You: Alright, and apply.

Rei's eyes and body shined brightly for a few seconds and then she examined her body.

Rei: I feel a lot lighter and stronger now. Way to go, master!

You: Great, hopefully this will help on future combats.

Rei: Now, let us place the part. Go to your status window again and then go to my customization settings.

Following her instructions, a large menu showing Rei's body was displayed before me, all kinds of crazy customization setting were displayed. I could see every detail of her body… including… the size of her chest settings.

You: why would they even add that…?

Kureha: What?

You: Nothing, its best if you don't know. So, how does this work?

Rei's voice: can you hear me master?

I could hear her voice but ut wasn't coming from her, rather, it was coming from the menu.

You: Huh? Rei? How are you doing that with your mouth close?

Rei's voice: its cool, isn't it master? I can communicate through you anyway you'd like. Shall an unfortunate event happen, such as me getting kidnapped or you getting stuck in a trap ever happen, I can communicate through you with this voice box window. Whatever I want to say, I can say it through here.

Rei, while although wasn't speaking, was still moving her body as she spoke.

You: Yeah, it is.

Rei's voice: Now then, the lost part seems to belong to an eye customization. Chose my eyes and apply the part that is stored in your inventory.

Following her instructions, the eye customization window open and from there, I installed the part into her eyes and the body displaying on my menu began to change completely, almost like as if it was rebuilding itself. After a while though, the body goes back to normal.

You: Huh? What happened?

Rei: Master!

You: Y-Yes?

Rei: the lost part gave me field scanning skills, I can see at a far, far away distance and can also see in the dark! I can see at a 1,000 meter distance! *she shouts happily*

You: Really?

Kureha: Wow! That's amazing!

Kirito: I gotta say, she is surprising me more and more.

Sinon: With such skills, you should see as far away as a sniper scope. It really will come in handy.

Rei: All thanks to my teacher! Oh, and there's also a setting to customize my appearance, you can give me any outfit you want, master.

You: Well then, looks like there is more to Rei then meets the eye.

Sinon: you're her master, it will be up to you to figure out how strong she gets.

You: alright then, guess that clears things out here in this dungeon, huh.

Kureha: Yes. Speaking of which, it's getting pretty late, I should log off for today. Come your)?

You: Uh, I still need to report my research to my publisher before anything, but I will see you again tomorrow.

Kureha: Okay then, but don't take too long. There are so many things I want to talk to you about. But first, we need to head back to the SBC Glocken.

You: Alright then, let's head back for the day.

When we left the dungeon, we returned to the SBC Glocken and entered a small restaurant that looked like a bar. They had beer but it was non-alcoholic, which meant that even minors could drink their fill, although I wasn't sure if it was still appropriate. There were also small pool tables where players played with bets set in place.

Kureha: Well then, I raise a toast.

With our drinks at hand, which was not beer by the way, we raised them high as Kureha shouted.

Kureha: To new friends, cheers!

Everyone: Cheers!

You: "Gulp-Gulp" phew. Not bad for our first day, ey Kirito?

Kirito: gotta agree. When I heard that this game was gun based, I didn't think I would last a second, turns out the game mechanics are much easier to grasp once you get the hang of it.

Rei: you were great out there master, not only did you defeat a powerful boss but you even found me an awesome part. With your help, I can become the strongest Arfa-sys in the whole glocken.

You: Eheh, you are just one of the rare type Arfa-sys, you got competition with Daisy, who by the way, has way more experience out in the front lines. You are going to need to get a lot of training in order to become the best.

Rei: Oh… I see. Very well, master.

You: *I pat her head* but don't worry, you won't be alone. I will be here, since it is my job as your master.

Rei: *she smiles gently* …Mm, right.

Kureha: I am so glad today happened. After all, I was finally able to reunite with my long lost childhood friend… something I thought would never happen. I am… glad we found each other, Elias.

You: U-Uh, if you don't mind, could you just call me (You).

Kureha: O-Oh, right, we are still in game. Well, at any rate, it was great meeting you guys. You too, Sinon.

Sinon: *she nods while facing away with her glass*

Kureha: and still as serious as ever. Well, I gotta go. See you all tomorrow. *she logs out*

You: Phew, man…

Kirito: when are you going to tell her the truth?

You: I don't know. And I would really like to not talk about it, I finally reunited with my childhood friend and… I want to see her face with the same smile she'd always given me. I don't want to ruin our reunion by telling her that I killed my parents and sister, and that I am also trapped in a death game AND also hunting down a mysterious murderer.

Kirito: we don't know for sure if it is a murderer, it's just a bunch of rumors and coincidences.

Sinon: Still, we can't let our guard down. We have no idea who this Death gun person is and with your loud voices I doubt we will ever find him. Also, I don't think it is a good idea to keep this from her out of all people, (You). You saw what happened when Kirito wanted to display her little damsel in distress act, if you don't tell her the truth sooner, the consequences will be more devastating then they haft to be.

You: I know, I know, it's just... my whole life I've been wondering, what happened to her? Is she alive? Did my parents do something to her? Where is she? And now that I can finally see her, do I have to tell her these horrible things? I don't even know what she has been through all these years. Plus she's always been under her sister's shadow.

Kirito: what do you mean?

You: Her sister, is a very smart girl. Part of the reason why she moved overseas was because of her sisters schooling and her parent's job. Her sister is going to have a bright future but Kureha, or Momiji… she has always been placed under her shadow, no matter how good she was, her sister was always better at it. Her parents never did take a favorite, they loved them both equally but that didn't change the fact that her sister was better than her.

Sinon: so she hates her?

You: no way, quite the opposite. She loves her so much that she's afraid she's going to hate her. I guess that's also what brought us so close. We both gave closure to the cruel reality we were living. When we were little, she always told me how much she missed her hometown, her old house, her old friends, now she was in a completely different place, with a new set of lifestyle, because in the United States, they don't have all the polite cleanliness that you have here in Japan, over there, it's a little... a little more confusing and complicated, to put it in more understandable words. But anyways, what I am trying to get at here… is that, if I am going to tell her about these things… I'd rather do it once we… completed everything, so that she won't haft to worry. And most importantly, won't get involve.

Sinon: I guess that's true, we don't want her getting involve in this murder mystery.

You: Yeah. So for now, I will leave this as it is. Once this all blows over, I will tell her the truth.

Rei: Murder mystery?

You: O-Oh, uh… don't worry about it, Rei. Hey, I got an idea. Why don't you go look for a place where my friends and I can spend the night.

Rei: As you wish, Master. I will be right back with a place for you to sta— *she bumps into a waiter*

"Crash! Splash!"

Beer glasses drop to the ground and the glasses break into pieces as they burst into the air as shining triangular particles.

Waitor: Ah, geez!

Rei: AAH! I'm sorry-I'm sorry-I'm sorry! *she says bowing her head up and down repeatedly*

Sinon: Should we be worried?

You: Well, the only way she is going to grow up… is by letting her grow…

Kirito: Well anyways, now that it is just us three, we need to figure out how we are going to get Death Guns attention.

You: based on what we have seen, he only seems to target strong players. If we are going to catch Death Gun, we need to make a name for ourselves in this game.

Sinon: The best way for us to get his attention, would be in the upcoming Bullet of Bullets event.

You: that event has been spreading like wildfire all over GGO. What is it anyway?

Sinon: It's a survival event. The event begins with the registration of players in the SBC Glocken, not everyone can handle it, so only the strongest will participate. The game consists of a player fighting one on one, whoever survives goes to the next round. The match continues until the last remaining members fight to the death on an open terrain map. Whoever survives the longest and is the last one standing will be crowned the strongest player in all of GGO.

You: then I guess that will be our best bet to get Death Guns attention. When are the registrations opened?

Sinon: In a few weeks. Should be enough time for us to get decent equipment and better grasping at the game. You two have only seen a portion of what GGO can provide. If you two really wish to survive, then you are going to need to understand the taste of the last bullet that hits you.

Sinon behaved very strangely. Her behavior changed since we got here, could it be because this place reminds her of something? Then again, I do remember her mentioning something about her past, something that really traumatized her, I never did know what it was because she doesn't wish to talk about it… but I think it's beginning to affect her.

Kirito: Well, I guess all we can do is get stronger and wait for the BoB registrations to open up. In the meantime, I say we get some rest for tomorrow.

You: Rei isn't back yet though… I am getting worried.

Sinon: You're her master, there should be a way for you find her.

You: Let's see…

The map worked the same way as to finding someone in SAO and surely enough, I was able to pinpoint Rei's location.

You: Looks like she is there but she hasn't moved at all. We should go see what's happening.

Later

Upon arriving to the location Rei was, we saw her talking to some guy with a very creepy look on his face. He had a scar in his right eye, dressed in a very heavy hunting coat, wore a brown soldier's hat and also looked intimidating.

Rei: I told you, I must get back to my Master.

?: You keep calling this guy, Master. Why is that? Is he treating you right, do I need to report him?

Rei: What? No, he is my master.

?: Seriously, you are really panicking. *he gets closer* are you okay?

Rei: Eep!

You: Hey!

?: Huh?

You: what are you doing to her?

Rei: Master?

?: Master? This guy is your master?

Rei: I was trying to get you a rare weapon from this mister who was selling it, but then mister number two shook him off and I couldn't get it for you.

?: Don't you know? That guy is a scammer, once he gets his money he will rip you off with some cheap but very similar looking rare weapon. You can't just trust anyone who sells rare weapons. And why do you keep calling me, Mister Two? The name is Bazalt Joe. So level with me here, what's the deal with you two? Why does she keep calling you Master?

You: Well, it's a long story. But her name is Rei, for starters. I am (You), her master. She is an Arfa-sys type-X.

Bazalt Joe: What?! Really?! THAT'S an AI?! You're not pulling my chin are you? She behaves and acts a lot like a human though. Seriously, I saw it around town recently and it just straight up and fell on its butt. There wasn't even anything to trip on.

You: (Yup… she is looking more and more like Koharu…)

Meanwhile in SAO

Koharu: "Achoo!" "Sniff" am I getting a cold or something? Nah, I can't get sick in SAO… or can I? Either way, better take these fresh set of vegetables I just bought back home before they expire. With such amazing veggies, I am sure I can make (You) a nice home cook meal when he— WH-WHOAAA! *she traps and falls on her butt* …Aww… my groceries… well, at least I still have some in my inventory…

Back in GGO

Bazalt Joe: I had no idea there were AI's like that… sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. I have a big favor to ask! The kind a man asks once in his life! I want you to hand over your Arfa-sys over to me! I don't care what it takes. I'll give you everything I have. Hell, if that's not enough, I'd be happy to do even more!

You: Uh, what?

Bazalt Joe: Look, I know I didn't make the best impression because of "Mister two" or whatever, but that's okay! And I know I am no the sharpest tool in the shed, either. But I know a good catch when I see one—and trust me, that AI's a good catch. And yeah, she is always screwing stuff up or saying something dumb, but that is part of its charm. I can't take my eyes off it! I can tell we have what it takes to hit it off! That's why I want it to be my partner! I don't even care that it's clumsy! It's cute!

Sinon: Uh…

Bazalt Joe: I know I can raise it to be the best partner it can be! You'll see! So what'll it be (You)-tan? Will you hand it over to me? I'm begging you, please! I've got to have it!

You: Well firstly, I'd appreciate it if you stopped calling her "It", because she is not an object, she is my friend. Secondly, as her friend and master, I cannot just "Sell" her. She is special to me.

Rei: Master…

You: But at the end of the day… I guess it's her choice. So, Rei.

Rei: Huh?

You: do you want to go with him?

Rei: *she looks at Bazalt Joe* I… I want to stay by my masters side… he is my one and only master… nothing can replace him.

Bazalt Joe: Damn, it's a shame. I guess this was to be expected, plus if she is your friend, no one should just sell a friend off like that. Well, I said my piece and I don't regret it. Still though, you must remember that she is still an item in this game. She can be easily taken. Anybody who wants it in this game is more than welcome to try and snatch it from you.

You: and I am guessing… that it also includes you.

Bazalt Joe: … let's just say. That you better watch your back out there. You never know when I might just come out and snatch it away. And when I do, you'd better be prepared… *he walks away*

You: Well, that's surely reassuring. What's next? A stalker trying to sell me up, Rei?

?: Please, excuse me.

Everyone: AAH!

Out of nowhere comes some weird guy with very shady looking clothes and very bad teeth, walks up to us with pleading eyes.

?: I couldn't help but notice this exceedingly rare piece of work. That's an Arfa-sys type-X, right? I happen to be a rare items broker. When I see something rare, I want it! I will give you 30 million credits. That seems like a fair price, what do you think?

Sinon: 30 million credits?! That's 300,000 yen!

Rei: No way! I belong to master! Isn't that right, master?

You: Yeah, sorry. But she is not for sale. I do give her free of choice so if she wants to go, she can go. But since she doesn't want to go with you, then I am afraid it's a no.

Items broker: Aww, well let me be the first to know if you change your mind. Oh, and that includes you too!

Kirito: Ghigh?!

Items broker: See ya later!

You: that includes you? Did you ran into him before, Kirito?

Kirito: Well, he was interested in my avatar. Since it is a rare avatar, he wanted it. Just like you, I said no.

Sinon: Still though. That was a good deal.

You: Yeah, but Mr. Kikuoka is going to give us a cut anyway so, it's fine.

Rei: I really don't understand what you are talking about. In any case, I've booked a room for you, Master. It's a special designed sweet room at a nearby Inn. It has three rooms and an items inventory box.

You: Great, should be a good place to spend the night. Come on, guys.

Following Rei, we entered the room that looked quite futuristic. I think it was safe to assume that this era within the game seems to be a little more advanced in the modern era, with the technical stuff and electrical wiring everywhere.

You: This place is really big.

Sinon: these types of room would actually cost 5 million credits.

You: Fi-five million credits?! Rei, where did you get that kind of money?!

Rei: Do not worry, Master. The payment was made with cryptocurrency. I will send you an invoice for reimbursement.

Kirito: We haft to reimburse you?!

You: *I sigh* Rei, from now on, be wary of how much money you spend. Now I got a debt of 15 million credits to pay off…

Rei: O-Oh, I'm sorry, Master.

You: Eh, don't worry about it. As long as we have a roof and a place to rest for tomorrow. We have a lot of work ahead of us. You guys should head to your rooms.

Kirito: *he yawns* about time, I've been wanting lie down and just sleep for a few minutes or hours.

Sinon: You and your naps. They are sometimes contagious, you know.

Kirito: What? Getting sleepy?

Sinon: *she yawns* Great, now look what you've done. Let's all just get some rest.

Later

You: these beds sure are comfortable.

Rei: I hope they are to your liking, Master. Let me know if there is anything else you would like me to do. I can clean, manage your schedule, your time, bank savings, etc.

You: You know, Rei. Sometimes I get more and more surprised of just how much you are capable of doing.

Rei: I… I am pleased to hear that, Master. But… I failed you so many times today. I couldn't help you during the last mission… I failed to arrive back in time for you and I got you in debt for 5 million credits… I've been nothing but a failure to you.

You: Rei. That's not true. You did make mistakes but that's just all part of growing up. I still want you as my Arfa-sys and I still want you to stay by my side. See… in this other game, I have a partner… her name is Koharu and… for quite some time, we have been together fighting a lot of battles to the death. We grew so close to each other that we ended up falling in love, but… this time, she couldn't accompany me due to safety reasons and this is my first time going on a mission without a partner… so… *I pat her head* I would really appreciate it, if you'd stay as my partner for as long as I stay here. Will you be my partner?

Rei: Uh… *she smiles* Yes. As you wish, Master!

You: *I yawn* Well, time to go to bed.

Rei: Sleep well, Master. I do not require sleep. So I will stay and watch over you.

You: Are you sure it's okay?

Rei: Rest assured, master. *she pulls in a blanket* I will protect you… with everything I have.

You: that's reassuring to hear… *my eye lids feel heavy and I go to sleep*

Rei: Goodnight… Master.

To be continued…