Floor 3 - Chapter 4 - Cloak and Dagger
''So, let me check I've got this right, Kibaou? You believe that there's a mole in ALS, passing info to DKB, and vice versa.''
''Yes.''
''I have one question. Why?'' - Jet asked, somewhat disbelievingly.
''I... have a hunch. I think they're tryin' ta start a conflict between the guilds. Not sure why though.''
''How can you be sure? I mean, we've experienced enough nutjobs in either guild...''
''Jet!'' - Had Koharu not been out of reach, she would've elbowed her partner. Luckily for him though, she was, and his ribs would thank her for it.
''It's true though.'' - He carried on, unapologetically.
''One member was spotted working with the DKB, albeit with a slightly different appearance. He used a grey cloak rather than a white one.'' - Even Kibaou realised precisely how poor of a disguise that was, and honestly looked ashamed at how blind they'd been.
''He truly is a master of disguise...'' - Jet quipped, voice dripping with sarcasm.
''Yeah, yeah. Mock us all you like -'' - Jet grinned like a Cheshire cat, realising he'd just been given express permission to mock them. Kibaou realised his mistake, beginning to backtrack, before Koharu gave Jet a glare capable of melting the contents of a freezer. He slumped back into his seat, deflated. - ''But, if he managed it...''
''Then are there others?'' - Koharu asked, hoping Kibaou was wrong, and believing in people.
''All sounds a bit paranoid to me though...'' - Jet dismissed it as paranoia, but he could see where Kibaou was coming from.
''It's... certainly a possibility. I can't say I believe it myself though.'' - Rain's train of thought was along the same lines at Jet's, but worded slightly more tactfully.
''You're saying you won't help? Even though people's safety may be on the line...'' - Jet internally cursed his hero complex at that moment.
''Not saying that, just that we want slightly more proof first.''
''One of my guys saw him talking to a guy in a black poncho the other day. Said sommin' about 'how glorious the upcoming battles would be. All the bloodshed!' - All of the trio looked visibly horrified, as Kibaou continued - ''Next day, that guy died on a quest.''
''How, if you don't mind me asking?'' - Koharu asked as sympathetically as she could.
''Apparently, a swarm of monsters attacked him... but not the other guy, who was nearly 5 minutes away at the time.''
''Okay, that's a little suspicious. Has this incendiary element got a name?''
''Huh? Oh, name. Goes by Morte. Wields a single handed axe... with us, at least.'' - Suddenly an alarm bell rang inside Jet's head, and his face visibly dropped. - ''Jet?''
''Uhh, nothing. Just sounds like a name to run from, that's all...'' - Both Rain and Koharu shot him a glance to call that story into question...
''Sure. Look, if ya gonna help, can ya come see me in Zumfut tomorrow? Should be a large meeting hall.'' - And with that, the guild leader departed back through the bushes, towards Zumfut...
After the end of the impromptu meeting, the trio were lying back in the tent, although none of them could sleep. If there really was someone trying to start a conflict between the guilds, that gave a lot more questions than it answered. Notably, that if Kibaou was aware of this, and evidently spooked enough to come to them for help, then surely he'd have gone to the DKB and informed them about it. That was the one thing that Jet did trust Kibaou on - he wasn't trying to get anyone killed. Pig headed, arrogant, a complete jackass, and a really bad judge of fashion, he may have been, but a murderer, even an indirect one, he wasn't. The other big question was to do with the man in the black poncho. Who was he, and why would he want a conflict between the clearing guilds? ''Ugh, these questions are just giving me a headache...'' - Jet chose to lay back down, and try to get some sleep. Who knew, maybe tonight would be the night where he actually managed it?!
''Jet, you've heard that name before... right?'' - Koharu leant over to her partner.
''Never heard it before.'' - Jet answered far too quickly.
''That wasn't the reaction of someone hearing a name for the first time. Much less yours.''
''I think I recognise it from another game. It might just be nothing though, so I don't want any weight attached to anything I say.''
''Was he that bad?''
''He was bad news, to allies and enemies alike. I fought him once, and it was one of the toughest battles I had, pre-SAO anyway. I got lucky, he got arrogant... and a burst of seven-sixty two fire later... ''
''What do you mean, to allies and enemies alike?'' - That part scared them. Was this guy that much of a loose cannon to attack his own team, as well as his enemies?
''He had a nasty tendency to attack his own team for perceived sleights. From what I heard, anyway.''
''Sounds exactly the type of person that Kibaou fears then...''
''And exactly the type of person that would get someone out of their way for ratting them out... but murder? The guy was a dick, sure, but being a dick doesn't automatically mean you'd be willing to take a life!'' - Jet hoped. His optimism in people had been ill placed before, so was it completely unlikely for the guy who spent two hours hunting down players to be a... oh. Jet gulped, and for once, hoped he was very wrong...
December 16th, 2022 - Floor 3, Lyusulan Camp
The trio had said their goodbyes to Kizmel, and the rest of the Dark Elves, and Jet had said his to them too, and especially Fluffy, who Jet had spent nearly half an hour petting, before being physically pulled away by Koharu, whilst Rain and Kizmel both failed to suppress their laughter at the scene of the haggard looking Jet being pulled across the ground by his collar, his face scrunched up, clearly fighting to suppress his own laughter at the situation, by a less than pleased looking Koharu.
''I can't decide who will be the alpha when those two actually do get together...'' - Rain looked down at her feet, hiding her face from Kizmel.
''Yeah, maybe we'll see one day...'' - She answered in a far less cheerful tone, before returning to her earlier cheerful demeanour, as the duo returned to them, Jet still adjusting his collar.
''You know next time you want me to come with you... can you not drag me by my collar? It's an absolute ball ache to fix it now...'' - He moaned, continuing to twiddle with his collar like a child on their first day of school. Koharu quickly adjusted it back to normal, and shot him a look to say 'I am completely done with this. Act your age please...'. Jet just shrugged as the trio walked off into the forest.
A few minutes later, in the forest...
''What was all that about?'' - Koharu was the first to break the tension between the trio.
''All what about?'' - Jet shrugged, and continued to act as nonchalant as he could.
''The acting like a child who doesn't want to do something!'' - Jet fell silent at his partner's words, as he looked around. No one around but them, and the trees. He supposed he could drop the act, it wasn't like either Rain or Koharu were going to hold anything against him - both were far better people than that.
''Delaying the inevitable, I suppose. I'm not sure I want to fight against Morte... not again.''
''Is he that bad?'' - Rain looked at the face of Jet, and it painted a terrifying picture. The knight who'd given her a reason to fight, who'd fought bosses... currently hoping to luck out of a fight. That was terrifying to her. If someone so strong daren't face them, what chance would someone like her stand?
''I came this close to dying last time... and that was just a game. This isn't. Truthfully, I'm terrified, more so than normal.''
''You'll have us though. We'll do it together, right?''
''Koharu, I wasn't alone last time either. Eight of us went after him...'' - The girls eyes widen at that. Was this guy really that much of a threat, that even the headstrong Jet was considering alternative ways around it?
''We'll win. We always do, right?''
''I hope so... I really do.''
December 16th, 2022 - Floor 3, Zumfut Village Hall
The trio found the hall fairly easily... it was absolutely massive, and being three stories up made it quite obvious to anyone looking. Inside the hall stood two familiar figures, alongside the leaders of the DKB and ALS.
''Huh, guess you guys really are spooked about this...'' - Jet put on a stoic front for this one.
''And that means?''
''Just surprised you actually put your egos aside, that's all.''
''Jet!''
''Fine, so we got any more information on this guy, I'm not sure I wanna go in half cocked here?''
''No, but we do have a plan.'' - Suddenly, Jet felt his stomach drop out from underneath him. Those were the words that spelt out imminent doom - I/we have a plan... Despite this, Jet kept listening to the guild leaders. - ''He'll be on guard duty tonight, near the Forest Elf Camp. Kibaou here has suggested that a small squad of non-partisans attack the Forest Elf Camp, to keep up appearances, whilst a small group find him.''
''All well and good... but what do we do when we've got him? I mean, no offence, but your lots were ready to lynch the last guy you had in custody, if Kirito was right.'' - Neither Lind nor Kibaou looked particularly pleased about that being bought up, but it was a salient point - what would make them any better than the orange players, if they went round executing people?
''We're making use of the Blackiron Palace as a prison for now. It's the most solidly built structure so far, by any standards.''
''Wait, non-partisans?'' - Rain asked, trying to understand that part of the plan.
''A group of non guild players. In other words...''
''Us. That's why we're here... we're the cannon fodder.'' - Jet looked less than pleased at that. - ''On that note, before we do anything stupid. I might have something. I don't know how relevant it is, but it's worth a mention at least. I think I've fought Morte before.''
''Wait... wait, what?!''
''How?!''
''In another game, a few months ago. He wasn't easy to take down then. Eight of us went after him, and I was the last man standing... and even then, I only got him because of a fluke of luck. I think he may still have a vendetta against me for it.''
''Really?'' - Jet supposed everyone had a right to look at him strangely. It wasn't like it had been a death game, and the only thing on the line back then, were their reputations... and Jet's squadron were newbies at that too, so only his rep had actually been on the line. Maybe it was a little egotistical to think that Morte even remembered that battle, but it would explain why he was doing. Of course, so would the more simple explanation - the guy was a sociopath, and cared so little for human life, that treating them as chess pieces on a board was justified, in some far grander goal...
''Maybe, I have no proof on that one, but one of the top players losing to a complete noob was probably more than a bit embarrassing.''
''Hmm, if you're right, then maybe you three are the best to tackle him. Certainly the most inviting targets, at any rate.'' - Lind looked oddly pleased with himself, whilst the other six shot each others looks that made them all momentarily wonder whether he was in fact the mole... he wasn't, but still... that wasn't the expression of a man concerned, in Jet's opinion!
''Can I just say something, really quickly?'' - Kibaou nodded, and Jet spoke up - ''I think I preferred being cannon fodder, over bait.'' - Jet quietly thought to himself... ''Me and my big mouth.''
Some time later, Zumfut Village.
Jet whistled, as he looked out at the view - the village itself was a marvel of engineering in his eyes. A series of stone huts, built nearly 50 foot into the air, and suspended on the enormous trees, it really did fit the whole fantasy element of the game. His partner evidently thought the same, as he looked at her. If she looked any more in awe, her pupils would've been replaced by little stars...
''It's amazing... almost makes this whole world bearable...''
''I suppose so, yeah. I mean, it's not like we'll ever see anything like this in reality...'' - Koharu looked slightly saddened by that thought. The idea that a day may come when, despite this world being the creation of a twisted monster, she wouldn't get to see it again. No more sights like this, or chats with Kizmel... ''Health & Safety would have a field day!''
The bad joke was enough to snap Koharu back to reality - ''Jet?''
''Yeah?''
''Be safe later, please?''
''I will. I don't plan on getting maimed tonight, anyway.''
That evening, outside the Forest Elves Camp...
The first group, formed of Jet, Koharu, Rain and Kizmel, began to make their way to the first waypoint. From there, Jet would engage Morte solo, whilst Rain circled around for a sneak attack on him. As the pair dealt with Morte, Koharu and Kizmel would rendezvous with Kirito, Asuna and Argo, and sneak into the camp to recover the orders that they'd been tasked to recover. With everyone at their best, detaining Morte, and waiting for Kibaou and Lind to bring their respective forces to drag the creep back to Blackiron, this shouldn't be all too hard if everything went to plan...
''Okay, we're here. Koharu, Kizmel...'' - Jet saluted, and hugged his partner. - ''Be safe. Don't do anything I would.'' - Both nodded their heads, and carried on towards the camp, leaving just Jet and Rain, who'd reached the point early. If everything was going according to plan, Morte would leave the camp at 19:58pm, and should be there by 20:01pm... it was currently 19:35pm, meaning they were 23 minutes early... as was their mark.
In the distance, the pair could faintly make out the shadow of their mark, meaning that Rain had to get moving, whilst Jet got the mark's attention. With any luck, everything would go according to plan, and the pair would subdue Morte without any real problems. Jet made a mental note to keep quiet, and avoid jinxing himself...
''Oh, I can't say I expected to see another... holy crap! You're Jet! You're the guy who defended beta testers, and told the guilds where to go! Oh, you have no idea how much of an honour it is!'' - Jet was briefly caught off guard. This was the guy who'd caused people's deaths? He was a fan boy... and seemingly an obnoxious one, at that.
''I... uhh, thanks, I think? You must be the mysterious player of both guilds then. Can't decide if you're a lot smarter than you look... or that cloak is a scathing indictment on their recruitment policies...''
''Oh ho ho, so you know me then!''
''I'd hope so... I took you out of that tournament last year. Thanks for standing there like a lemon, by the way! Made it very easy to line you up, and pew.'' - That was probably not the best insult to go for... Morte's affable smile, had become one that took on a far darker tone...
''Ohh, that's why I recognised the name... I still owe you for that one!''
''Well, I take cash and contactless. Cash is preferable though.'' - Jet rubbed his fingers together in a mocking fashion.
''I feel you need a nickname... after all, what good would a hero be without a nickname? Hmm... I think, maybe... The White Knight of the Wind!''
''Nah, too wordy. Now, The Knight of the Wind, perhaps...'' - Jet decided to banter back, and decided on his nickname from now on in...
''Oh, you give as good as you get... I like you! I think... I'm going to enjoy this... quite... thoroughly!'' - A notification appeared on Jet's HUD...
Duel Request
Player Morte has challenged you to a duel
Duel Mode: Half Strength Finish
The duel will be over when either players HP reaches 50%
Do you accept?
Y/N
Without thinking, and with a smirk on his face, Jet pressed the green tick, and a countdown began...
''Good man! Though I must ask, out of curiousity... your girlfriends? Where are they?'' - Most of Morte's face was still covered by a chainmail hood, but his lower face was still visible, including his smirk... a deeply unsettling indicator of this guy's personality. Good at talking his way into places, and using that to sow discontent.
44... 43... 42...
''Well, wouldn't you like to know...'' - Jet tried to come across as blasé, but instead managed catty.
''Oh, I'm sure you can understand... but I really don't want to be ambushed. It's very unsporting...'' - Jet understood that... but given that was actually his plan all along, it did throw a fairly large spanner into the mechanisms.
36...35...34...
''No one here but us chickens...''
''Phew... glad to see my opponent is one of the few people here who still honour a duel! Can you believe the nerve of some people...''
''No, I really can't...'' - He commented, his voice possessing a sarcastic edge to it. One of them in particular was stood in front of him, prattling on... and on... and on.
20...19...18...
Jet rapidly came up with a plan. If he knew people like this as well as he hoped he did, Morte would launch a sword skill on the 1, rather than the start. As long as he could block that attack, Morte would be left in an unfavourable position, and he could use that opportunity to counterattack.
10...9...8...
''It's not too late to back out, you know...''
''Nope.''
3...2...1...
Morte leapt into the air, sword skill active, as Jet raced to cover himself with his shield.
START!
CLANG! - Morte's sword slammed against Jet's shield, as he readied another skill. Jet thrust his blade forward, hitting Morte's arm, and cancelling the skill, as he swung back, whittling away at his HP. - ''Funny thing is, Morte... your little ruse hasn't quite worked!'' - Jet deflected an axe strike against his shield, as he spoke.
''My ruse?!'' - Morte struck back. CLANG! - Literally, as his axe hit the shield hard enough to push it out of place. ''84%'' - Jet made a mental note, and thrust his blade at Morte, this time doing only a percent worth of damage, but winding his opponent.
''Yup. You know, the whole causing the guilds to clash here... you weren't quite as clever as you thought. Props for the plan though, getting the guilds to the same point on a quest, at the same time. Definitely requires some planning...'' - Jet put some space between him and Morte, as he saw a yellow glint in the tree line behind Morte.
''Cough, cough... I'm impressed you worked it out!'' - Morte raced forward again, but Jet was able to sidestep the attack, and a slant attack hit home, bringing his opponent's HP down to about 70%.
CLANG! - Jet smirked as another strike ricocheted off his shield, but scored a glancing blow on his leg - ''Nah, we've got a detective, and a very annoying information source on our side. Should be saying that to them!'' - ''69. Heh.'' - Morte swiftly attacked again, this time receiving a very unsporting injury as a counter, as Jet kneed him in the crotch, before pushing the guy away with both hands, pushing both their HP bars down - Jet to 58%, and Morte to 59%.
Morte swung once more, his sword passing just over the top of Jet's head, as the knight went low, his blade hitting Morte across the thighs, and reducing his health to 48%... and ending the duel.
END!
''Hm, I believe some form of congratulations are in order... as well as commiserations. You won, but at what cost, Knight of the Wind?'' - Morte began to slink off into the trees, and Jet gave chase... but to no avail. Jet had been literally seconds behind, and yet the bastard had still made an escape!
''SHIT!'' - Jet shouted, as he slammed his sword into the mud below him in frustration. It was probably less than a second after he heard a clash of swords, and yelling...
''Out of my way!'' - Morte had seemingly found Rain, and whilst the redhead was putting up an admirable fight, she hadn't anywhere near the same armour as he did, and a single slash that got through knocked her back, and took a chunk out of her health - putting her down to 60%...
''Goodbye, Knight of the Wind!'' - The bastard mocked, as he disappeared into the foliage, whilst Jet ran over to Rain...
''You okay!?''
''Urgh, just a scratch.'' - Jet gave her a health potion, as h rubbed his hand against his forehead in frustration.
''Can only hope everyone else had more luck than we did...'' - At that moment, a tent collapsed, alongside part of the wall that formed the perimeter of the Forest Elf Camp. Both Jet and Rain looked towards the camp in horror - ''Although...''
{Author's Comments.}
So, another chapter with a fair bit of combat in it. I apologise in advance for those, as I feel they're easily the weakest part of my writing, but, they're kind of inevitable.
But, as always, thank you for reading, and if you enjoyed it, favourite and follow it, or if you've got a question, leave a review, or send me a PM.
Midland 2541, signing off.
Next Update - 17th November.