Chapter 16: First Contact

A week had passed, and the tension in the air was palpable. The newly assembled group, tasked with tracking down the elusive player killer guild, was gathered for their first official meeting. In the large hall of the Knights of the Blood Oath headquarters, representatives from all corners of Aincrad had come together. Klein and his guild sat near the entrance, their usual carefree demeanor replaced by a seriousness that the situation demanded. The ten elite members from the Knights of the Blood Oath were seated in their designated positions, armor gleaming under the low light. A couple of players sent by Present Mic lingered on the edges of the group, observing silently.

At the head of the table sat Asuna, her expression a mix of calm authority and barely contained impatience. Next to her, Mito sat quietly, scanning the room. Asuna leaned over, her voice a whisper.

"Where the hell is he?" she asked, her frustration barely masked.

Mito gave her a side glance and smirked. "You know how he is… probably muttering to himself somewhere."

Asuna sighed, glancing at the large clock on the wall. "He said he'd be here on time. This isn't something we can just push back."

Mito shrugged. "Maybe he's lost track of time, or… Agil's got him distracted."

Asuna was about to respond when the door creaked open, and in came Deku, followed closely by Agil. Deku, ever the awkward one, scratched the back of his head nervously, offering an apologetic smile.

"Hey, sorry we're late," he said with a forced laugh, trying to brush off the tension. Agil, nonchalant as always, gave the room a nod as if their tardiness wasn't an issue.

Asuna's eyes narrowed immediately, staring daggers into Deku. She didn't say anything, but her glare was enough to make him stumble over his next words. He muttered something under his breath as he took a seat, trying his best to avoid her gaze.

"Well," Asuna said, still glaring at Deku for a brief moment, "now that everybody is here…" Her voice was sharp, carrying a mixture of authority and frustration. "…we can get started."

The room fell into an uneasy silence as Asuna took a deep breath and began to address the group. "I'm sure all of you have heard the rumors spreading through Aincrad. A guild—one made up of player killers—is gaining momentum. We don't know much about them, but they've left a trail of victims, and it's up to us to track them down and stop them."

She paused, her eyes scanning the room, gauging the seriousness in the faces around her. "That's why we've brought all of you together. We're not just facing random player killers anymore. This is something more organized, something far more dangerous."

She turned to Deku, her gaze softening just a bit, though it still held an edge. "I'll hand it over to Deku now. He's had some encounters with these killers."

Deku stood up, clearing his throat as he moved toward the front of the room. All eyes turned to him, the weight of expectation heavy on his shoulders. He didn't show it outwardly, but the pressure gnawed at him from within. His hand absentmindedly hovered over the hilt of the Dark Repulsor, the weight of both swords on his back a reminder of the battles yet to come.

"Thanks, Asuna," Deku began, his voice steady though his mind raced. He knew what he had to say, but there were things he couldn't bring himself to reveal—things too painful to share.

"As Asuna mentioned, this isn't just about random player killings anymore. From what I've gathered… there's a group forming, a guild, filled with P-Kers. They've been targeting players without mercy. But there's more to it than just the killings…."

He paused, locking eyes with the group as they listened intently. "I've spoken with a few survivors—players who managed to escape their attacks. What they've told me paints a grim picture. These killers aren't just random players—they're organized, disciplined, and, in some cases… dangerous enough to rival even the strongest of us."

Deku hesitated for a brief moment, his mind flashing back to that night—the night he had tried and failed to save Present Mic's students. The memory of their terrified faces haunted him, but he pushed it down, hiding the pain that threatened to surface. His voice wavered slightly as he continued.

"There's one player in particular… someone I've heard rumors about. A figure who might be even stronger than me. They seem to lead or at least be connected to the core of the player killers. They're ruthless and skilled. We have to be prepared for that."

As Deku spoke, a flicker of pain crossed his eyes, something he quickly tried to mask. He couldn't tell them the full truth—that he had failed to save the students from the hands of these killers. Instead, he spoke as if he had only heard second-hand accounts, but the weight of the guilt still clung to his words.

"The good news is, we're not going into this blind. We know they operate mainly in the shadows, often in smaller groups, and we have a few leads on where they've been seen. But we can't be reckless. This group is dangerous, and they won't hesitate to kill any of us if we're not careful."

He glanced back at Asuna, who gave him a small, encouraging nod. Turning back to the group, Deku took a deep breath before finishing.

"Our goal is simple: find them, track them down, and bring them to justice. But remember, they're not to be underestimated. We have to be ready for anything."

The room was silent for a moment after Deku finished speaking, the gravity of the situation settling in among the group. Everyone exchanged glances, realizing that this mission wasn't going to be easy.

Asuna stood up again, the air around her sharp with determination. "We start tomorrow. Prepare your gear, rest up, and be ready to move out at dawn. This is our chance to make sure Aincrad is a safer place."

As the rest of the group slowly trickled out of the room, the soft murmur of conversation faded into the background. Klein and his guild left in high spirits, sharing a few words of encouragement amongst themselves, while the Knights of the Blood Oath filed out with a more serious demeanor. The players from Present Mic's group lingered for a moment before slipping out as well, leaving the room nearly empty.

Deku, standing awkwardly near the entrance, could feel Asuna's sharp gaze burning into him. The tension in the air grew thicker with each passing second as the room emptied, leaving only the three of them—Deku, Asuna, and Mito, who was pretending to study a map in the far corner but occasionally sneaked a glance at the scene unfolding.

Asuna crossed her arms and tapped her foot, clearly waiting for something—or more accurately, for someone. Her eyes stayed locked on Deku, who stood stiffly in place, feeling her frustration build from across the room.

Finally, the last of the players exited the hall, and Asuna wasted no time stepping forward, her arms still crossed over her chest.

"Well?" she said, her voice stern and her brow furrowed. "You better have a really good explanation for being late, *Mr.*"

Deku froze, a cold sweat already forming on his brow. He could feel his heart race as he met Asuna's sharp gaze, his mind frantically searching for the right words to say. In the corner, Mito glanced up, biting her lip to suppress a grin, clearly amused by the situation.

"Uh—I, uh..." Deku stammered, his hand instinctively going to the back of his head, scratching nervously. "You see... Agil and I were... um... talking about... gear upgrades. And, uh... then—uh..."

Asuna raised an eyebrow, her foot still tapping the ground impatiently. Deku's explanation was falling apart with every word, and he could feel the pressure building as he tried to salvage it.

"I-It took longer than I thought, and... uh... then Agil mentioned something about... the Dark Repulsor, and I—uh..."

He could tell by the look on Asuna's face that his excuse wasn't cutting it. She gave him a flat, unamused look, waiting for him to continue, but it only made Deku panic more.

"And then, uh... we were... uh—"

"Spit it out, Deku," Asuna said, her voice still sharp, though there was a hint of amusement behind her irritation. "I'm waiting."

Mito finally let out a loud snort from the corner, failing to suppress her laughter any longer. She quickly covered her mouth, trying to look innocent, but her shoulders shook with silent giggles.

Deku shot Mito a helpless glance before turning back to Asuna, now fully aware that his excuse wasn't going to hold water. He let out a defeated sigh, his shoulders slumping.

"I... I'm sorry, Asuna," he said, bowing slightly. "It won't happen again... I swear."

Asuna held his gaze for a long moment, still frowning, but the corner of her mouth twitched ever so slightly as she uncrossed her arms. She let out a sigh, shaking her head.

"You're impossible," she muttered, though there was a softness in her tone now. "You're lucky you're good at what you do, *Mr., or else..."

She trailed off, her frustration ebbing as she gave him a knowing look. Deku, still standing stiffly in place, felt a wave of relief wash over him as Asuna's stern demeanor softened.

"I-I'll make sure to be on time from now on," Deku promised, bowing again slightly.

Mito, finally done pretending to study the map, wandered over to them with a wide grin on her face. "You really need to work on your excuses, Deku," she teased, nudging him lightly on the arm. "That was painful to watch."

Deku chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah... I know."

Asuna rolled her eyes, but the tension in the room had lifted, her earlier frustration now more of a teasing reprimand than actual anger.

"Just... don't let it happen again," Asuna said with a sigh, giving him a final look before turning back toward the door. "We've got too much on the line for you to keep showing up late, alright?"

Deku nodded, still feeling the weight of Asuna's words but grateful for her understanding. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as Mito continued to grin beside him.

"Well, at least you didn't get totally chewed out," Mito joked, giving him a playful wink.

Deku chuckled nervously, glancing at Asuna one last time. "Yeah... guess your right."

Mito, grinning, said, "Seriously, Deku, you're like a deer caught in headlights when Asuna gets mad at you. It's almost cute, honestly."

Deku, blushing slightly and scratching the back of his neck, replied, "I-I wasn't that bad, was I?"

Mito laughed, "Bad? You were practically shaking in your boots! I thought you were about to pull out your sword and start calculating hit points to figure out how many apologies would fix the situation."

Deku chuckled awkwardly, trying to laugh it off. "I mean… maybe I panicked a little. It's just that, well, when Asuna's upset, it's kinda… intimidating."

Mito crossed her arms, teasing, "Oh, I saw the whole thing, trust me. You're the fearless Black Swordsman who's taken down more bosses than anyone else in Aincrad, but one glare from Asuna, and you're suddenly the nervous kid back in school, hoping you didn't forget your homework."

Deku groaned and briefly buried his face in his hands. "Okay, okay, I get it. I'm not great at handling Asuna when she's mad… or, well, disappointed."

Mito, smirking, said, "That's an understatement. You looked like you were about to disintegrate on the spot! I could almost hear your brain frying, trying to come up with an excuse."

Deku sighed, "It's not that easy, Mito. I just… I don't like letting her down, you know?"

Mito nudged him playfully, "Letting her down? She's not that mad at you, Deku. Trust me, you're overthinking this. She'll forgive you by the time we're out on the field tomorrow. You just need to survive until then."

Deku, chuckling nervously, replied, "Survive… Right. That's what I do, after all."

"Exactly!" Mito said with a grin. "But, if I had to pick between a boss battle and dealing with an angry Asuna? I think I'd take my chances with the boss."

Deku smiled, "At least bosses are predictable. They have patterns. Asuna… well, she's a little more complex."

Mito laughed, "Yeah, no kidding. One minute she's cool and calm, then the next she's giving you that look. You know, the one that says 'You're dead meat. I'd say it's about as lethal as any Sword Skill."

Deku, blushing more, laughed along. "Tell me about it… She's not even using any Sword Skills, but I feel like I'm losing hit points just by standing there."

Mito grinned wider, "Maybe you should come up with a strategy for that too. Forget about mastering your dual-wielding or whatever, you need an Asuna survival guide."

Deku, pretending to seriously think about it, said, "You know, you might be onto something. I'll need to analyze her attack patterns, study her cooldown periods… maybe figure out how to dodge the worst of her glares."

Mito burst into laughter. "Good luck with that! If you manage to crack the code on Asuna's wrath, you'll be the true hero of this game. Forget clearing Aincrad, just teach us how to avoid her bad side!"

Deku grinned, shrugging, "Hey, if I survive the next few days, maybe I'll write a manual."

Mito chuckled, "Make sure to include illustrations. I bet Klein would pay for that kind of knowledge."

Deku laughed, but quickly went back to feeling a bit anxious. "Yeah… I just hope I didn't mess things up too much this time. I know I was late, and with everything going on, she's probably worried about the mission. I just… I don't want her to think she can't count on me."

Mito softened a bit and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Deku, come on. You know Asuna trusts you more than anyone. You're just overthinking it like you always do. She might've been annoyed about the time thing, but it's not the end of the world."

Deku nodded, but still seemed unsure. "Yeah, but… this mission is so important, and I know she's been thinking about it non-stop. I don't want to be the one who messes it up."

Mito, encouraging but with a playful tone, replied, "Listen, you're Deku, the guy who's been fighting on the front lines, saving people left and right, and taking down bosses without breaking a sweat. You're not gonna mess this up. Plus, you've got Asuna by your side. Together, you two are practically unstoppable."

Deku smiled, though still feeling the weight of the responsibility. "I hope you're right. I just… don't want to let anyone down."

Mito grinned and said, "You've already proven yourself a million times over, Deku. And besides, you know Asuna's tough. She might give you a hard time now, but deep down, she knows what you're capable of. She wouldn't be this mad if she didn't care so much."

Deku nodded slowly, thinking about it. "Yeah… I guess you're right."

"Of course I'm right. I'm always right. Now stop beating yourself up," Mito teased. Then, seizing the opportunity, she added with a sly grin, "But if you're really that worried about it, it wouldn't hurt to stop by later and apologize again. You know, just to be sure. And make sure you come up with what you'll say beforehand. You don't want to end up muttering through the whole thing, do you?"

Deku, smiling but also feeling his nerves creep back in, said, "I guess you're right… but, yeah, I'll try to keep the muttering to a minimum."

Mito chuckled, giving him a playful nudge, "Good. Because I'm pretty sure she's already starting to figure you out."

Deku wandered through the bustling market, the evening sun casting a warm, golden hue over Aincrad. The usual sounds of merchants advertising their goods and players chatting filled the air, but Deku barely registered any of it. His mind was consumed with one mission: finding the right flowers.

He had spent the better part of the last hour wandering from stall to stall, overthinking every little detail.

"Should I get red flowers? No, no, red could mean romance, and that's not the message I'm trying to send! Maybe white? Wait, no… that could be too formal, like I'm apologizing for something major… This is just a small thing, right? Or is it?!"

Deku muttered to himself, pacing back and forth in front of a flower stand, completely oblivious to the curious looks from nearby players. His heart raced as he considered every possible scenario that could result from this apology.

"Asuna's going to think I'm overdoing it… or worse, she'll think I don't care enough if I choose the wrong flowers! What if she thinks I'm apologizing for something I didn't even do?! What if—"

He caught a glimpse of a bouquet of light pink flowers—soft, simple, and not too flashy. His heart skipped a beat.

"Maybe… these? Pink's not too intense… right?" He stared at the flowers, gripping his chin in thought. "Wait, no! Pink could be interpreted as affectionate… but also sweet? Ugh, why is this so hard?!"

Deku's thoughts spiraled further as his mind wandered to the idea of Asuna's reaction when he'd give her the flowers. He imagined her smiling gently, thanking him, and suddenly, his cheeks flushed red.

"Oh no! What if she thinks this is a romantic gesture?" He panicked, his heart beating faster, a vivid image of Asuna blushing back at him popping into his head. "Then what do I say? What if—" He clutched his face, practically glowing from embarrassment. "I'm not ready for that! This is just an apology, just an apology!"

He inhaled sharply, shaking his head to try and clear the wild thoughts that had taken over his brain. His eyes darted around the marketplace, hoping no one had heard him muttering to himself like a complete mess. Just as he finally managed to calm down enough to reach for the flowers, a sudden noise pierced the air.

The faint clash of blades echoed through the market, followed by a brief scream. Deku's head snapped up, all thoughts of flowers and apologies vanishing instantly. His senses sharpened as he honed in on the direction of the sound.

"What… was that?" His heart skipped a beat again, but this time for a different reason.

Without hesitation, he dropped the flowers, falling to the ground. Deku, sprinted toward the commotion, weaving through the crowd as players turned to watch in confusion. His hand instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword as he bolted through the narrow streets, his eyes searching for the source of the noise.

When he reached the alleyway just outside the market, he found the aftermath of a duel. Two players stood frozen in place, their faces pale with shock as they stared at the ground. Deku's heart sank as his eyes followed their gaze.

There, lying motionless in a pool of light, was a player. Their avatar flickered weakly before shattering into fragments of pixels. Deku's breath caught in his throat as he realized what had happened.

A player had been killed.

Deku's fists clenched as a wave of guilt washed over him. He hadn't made it in time. He had been right there, and yet...

"Who did this?" he demanded, his voice low but filled with urgency. He stepped closer to the two remaining players, their shocked faces reflecting the horror of what had just unfolded.

Before they could answer, Deku's sharp eyes caught a figure moving in the shadows—slipping away quietly, hoping to disappear into the chaos. Without another thought, Deku bolted after them.

His heart raced as he chased the culprit through the dimly lit streets of Aincrad, his mind focused solely on catching them before they could escape. His feet pounded against the cobblestone, his eyes locked on the shadowy figure darting ahead. Whoever they were, they moved fast—but not fast enough to lose Deku.

"I won't let them get away!" he thought, determination flooding through him.

The chase was on

Deku shoved through the crowd, his feet pounding against the cobblestone streets as he desperately chased after the figure. His breath came in quick bursts, but he couldn't afford to slow down. The distant sounds of marketplace chatter faded as the alleyways grew narrower, the twisting paths barely giving him room to maneuver. His eyes remained locked on the shadowy figure ahead, who slipped further into the darkness.

I can't lose him, not now!

His heart raced with urgency, remembering the lifeless player lying on the ground just moments ago. This wasn't just about another duel gone wrong. There was something more—something sinister.

Deku's pulse quickened even more when the figure turned down a dead-end alley. The killer realized too late, glancing back, and Deku saw his moment. He lunged forward, grabbing the player's shoulder and yanking him around.

"Got you!" Deku growled, his grip firm.

The figure—a man dressed in mismatched armor—turned slowly, his wild eyes meeting Deku's intense gaze. But instead of fear or surprise, there was… joy. A grin stretched across his face, wide and unsettling, and then he started laughing. Low at first, but the sound grew, echoing down the narrow alleyway, bouncing off the walls with a twisted glee that sent a shiver down Deku's spine.

"What's so funny?" Deku demanded, his anger rising. "Why did you kill that player?"

The man's laughter continued, his eyes gleaming with madness as he leaned in close to Deku. "Kill them? Oh, that was just for fun, a warm-up."

Deku felt his blood run cold at the casualness of his words, but before he could react, the man's voice dropped to a sinister whisper, his smile widening.

"You think stopping me changes anything? You think taking us down will stop what's coming?" His eyes gleamed with twisted delight. "It doesn't matter how many of us you kill, 'Black Swordsman.'"

Deku's grip tightened, his heart hammering in his chest. "What are you talking about? What's coming?"

The player's maniacal laughter intensified, his body shaking with glee. "You aren't ready. You have no idea what's coming for you! The boss… oh, he's going to bury you six feet under and laugh while you rot!"

The boss?

Deku's heart skipped a beat as the words sank in. His mind flashed back to that hooded figure—the one who had tortured and killed Present Mic's students. The one who had slipped away before Deku could stop him. Was this the same person? Or is there someone even worse?

He felt his stomach twist at the thought. Could that have just been a taste of what was to come?

Before Deku could ask anything else, the player let out a final laugh, wild and unhinged. With a swift movement, the man reached into his inventory and pulled out a small vial. Before Deku could stop him, the man brought the vial to his lips and swallowed the contents in one swift gulp.

"No!" Deku shouted, lunging forward, but it was too late.

The man's laughter turned into choking gasps as the poison took effect. His body convulsed for a moment before his knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground. He looked up at Deku, eyes wide with madness and triumph, a wicked grin still plastered on his face.

"See you in hell…" the man whispered before his body flickered and dissolved into nothing but pixels.

Deku knelt there, staring at the spot where the player had been, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The man's last words echoed in his mind, haunting him. The boss... six feet under…

The poison had taken him before Deku could get any more answers. But the warning was clear: something bigger was coming. Something far more dangerous than he could have imagined.

Deku stood slowly, his fists clenched at his sides, a cold resolve settling over him. Whoever this "boss" was, he wasn't going to let them keep terrorizing Aincrad. He wouldn't let anyone else die like this.

But as he stared into the darkness of the alleyway, the weight of what was to come settled heavily on his shoulders.

I need to be ready

Weeks passed with little to show for their efforts. Each group scoured different floors of Aincrad, combing through hidden corners, talking to suspicious NPCs, and chasing leads that led to dead ends. Asuna's group spent days exploring Floor 40 with no success, while Klein's group faced similar frustrations. Even Mito and Deku's respective groups found the same results: nothing. The elusive player killers were like shadows, always out of reach.

It wasn't until later in the investigation, when the monotony of failure had nearly dulled their spirits, that things began to change. Deku, already on edge, was turning over the lead he had received earlier that day. A vendor on a lower floor had mentioned a group of suspicious players making routine visits to a cave hidden deep within the cliffs of Floor 48. According to the vendor, these players rarely left the cave and seemed to be gathering supplies at odd intervals. The description had sparked something in Deku's memory—P-Kers often holed up in secluded areas like caves or abandoned fortresses.

It was here, in this remote and desolate part of Aincrad, that a breakthrough would finally reveal itself.

Deku, eager to chase the lead, decided it was worth checking out, though it seemed too quiet for his liking. He stood at the entrance to the cave now, the rocky terrain stretching out before him, and turned back to his team.

"Something feels off here," Deku muttered, glancing at his group. "I'm going to stay here and check this place out. You guys should head over to Floor 40 to help Asuna finish up there. I'll meet you back at headquarters after this." One of his team members opened his mouth to argue, but Deku held up a hand. "Don't worry. I've got this. If I find anything, I'll send word."

Reluctantly, his group nodded before heading off to assist Asuna.

Now alone, Deku made his way into the cave. The darkness swallowed him as he moved further inside, his instincts on high alert. His hand hovered near his sword, every step cautious. The air was thick with tension—something about this place felt different.

Just as he rounded a bend in the cave, he froze. Voices echoed from deeper within, low and menacing, accompanied by the faint sound of clattering metal. Deku inched closer, his heart pounding in his chest as the voices became clearer. He pressed himself against the cave wall, peeking around the corner. In a large open chamber, a group of P-Kers had gathered. They stood around a single player, bound and trembling on the ground. Overseeing the scene was a figure Deku instantly recognized—the hooded player. The one who had haunted his memories since that terrible night.

The hooded figure was back

Deku crouched low behind a cluster of rocks, scoping out the entrance to the cave. His keen eyes scanned the surroundings, noting the guards and the positioning of the players standing watch. Inside, he could hear faint voices—one, in particular, stood out, deeper and more menacing than the others. He knew this was it. The lead he had followed had brought him right to one of the hideouts of the P-Kers.

He exhaled quietly, preparing to move closer when his HUD pinged softly, signaling an incoming message. Deku opened it, his eyes flicking to the screen.

Message from Mito: Your 11 o'clock.

Deku blinked, his gaze immediately shifting to the other side of the cave. There, nestled behind a boulder, was Mito, her familiar scythe glinting faintly in the dim light. She had spotted him before he noticed her. She must've followed another lead which lead her here.

He gave a small nod, raising his hand in acknowledgment before signaling back to her with a quick series of hand movements. The plan was simple: Mito would handle the guards and the henchmen, giving Deku the opening he needed to deal with the leader—the hooded figure torturing the player inside the cave.

Mito returned the signal, her lips curling into a confident smirk, and gripped her scythe tightly. She was ready, waiting for Deku's cue.

Deku inhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing as he prepared himself for what was about to happen. With one last glance at Mito, he signaled her to move, and the two shot into action.

Deku and Mito crouched silently above the cave's entrance, peering down at the twisted scene unfolding below. A player, beaten and bound, trembled as a hooded figure loomed over him, brandishing a sword held backward in a menacing fashion. Around them, several henchmen lingered, sneering and laughing, clearly enjoying the torment.

Mito's eyes narrowed as she spotted the hooded figure, her grip tightening on her scythe. Deku's fists clenched at the sight of the helpless player being tortured.

"Ready?" Deku whispered, his voice tense.

Mito gave a quick nod, a fierce determination in her eyes. "Let's end this."

In an instant, both of them leapt down into the fray, the wind whistling around them as they descended. Mito landed first, her scythe already sweeping in a deadly arc before any of the henchmen could react. The wide, glowing blade sliced through the air with precision, disarming one of the attackers and sending another flying backward.

Deku hit the ground behind her, rolling to his feet, his eyes fixed on the hooded figure. The hooded man barely flinched, his sword still held backward in his hand, the edge glinting menacingly.

Mito's scythe spun and twirled with an elegant ferocity, carving through the crowd of henchmen. One swing decapitated the weapon of a nearby thug, while another knocked two more off their feet. Her wide-range attacks kept the group of henchmen scattered, giving Deku the opening he needed.

"Go after him, Deku!" Mito shouted over her shoulder, her voice sharp and commanding. She blocked another strike with the shaft of her scythe before sweeping her weapon in a massive arc, clearing out the remaining attackers.

Deku nodded, already moving toward the hooded figure. His grip tightened on the hilt of the Dark Repulser as he charged forward, closing the distance in a flash. The hooded figure smirked from beneath his cloak, still holding his sword in that strange, backward grip. He lifted his free hand to scratch at his neck, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You... the Black Swordsman. You've got the dual-wielding skill, don't you?" His voice was low, almost growling. "That… that was supposed to be mine!"

Deku's eyes narrowed, but he didn't respond. He swung his sword, aiming for the figure's midsection. The hooded figure blocked the strike effortlessly, his backward grip surprisingly effective as he twisted his wrist and deflected the blow.

Their blades clashed repeatedly, sparks flying as Deku pushed forward with each strike. But the hooded figure moved with eerie precision, as if every step and every block had been calculated well in advance. Despite Deku's speed and strength, the hooded figure was matching him blow for blow.

"You still don't get it, do you?" the hooded figure sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "There are no heroes in this world. Just killers. And you…" He blocked another strike and spun away, backing toward the cave's entrance. "You're just another fool trying to play the hero."

Deku's heart pounded as he realized the hooded figure was leading him away from the cave and closer to the town. The narrow confines of the cave had made it easier to control the fight, but now, as the hooded figure maneuvered them into open space, Deku realized what was happening too late.

Just as the hooded figure's feet touched the open grass outside the cave, he flicked his wrist, sending a handful of small throwing knives sailing through the air. Deku's eyes widened as he saw them heading toward a group of innocent bystanders who were just beyond the edge of the field, unaware of the battle taking place.

Without hesitation, Deku moved before the hooded figure's knives could hit their mark. His legs burned with effort as he sprinted, positioning himself between the civilians and the oncoming blades. He pushed the nearest two bystanders out of the way, but as he did, one of the knives buried itself into his shoulder, the sharp tip coated in a faint, glowing poison.

The moment the knife hit, Deku's muscles seized. His body locked up, unable to respond. He stumbled and fell to his knees, the paralysis poison coursing through his veins, leaving him completely defenseless.

The hooded figure's smirk deepened as he approached, his sword gleaming wickedly in his backward grip. "See? No heroes. Only fools who think they can save the world."

Just as the hooded figure raised his sword for the final strike, Mito's voice rang out from behind him. "Not today!"

Her scythe came down in a brutal arc, forcing the hooded figure to leap back, narrowly avoiding the deadly blade. Mito stepped in front of Deku, her scythe poised defensively as she glared at the hooded man.

"Tch." The hooded figure's expression twisted in frustration. "No matter. Laughing Coffin is about to change the world." He sheathed his sword, giving both Deku and Mito one last look before turning and disappearing into the night, his mocking laughter echoing behind him.

As soon as he was gone, Mito knelt beside Deku, worry flashing in her eyes. "Deku! Are you alright?"

Deku groaned as he lay on the ground, his body paralyzed from the poisoned knife that had struck his shoulder. The hooded figure had disappeared into the shadows, leaving him vulnerable. Just as the figure was about to deal the finishing blow, Mito arrived, her scythe slashing through the air and forcing the attacker to retreat.

Panting, Mito dropped to one knee beside Deku, assessing his condition. "You okay?" she asked, her voice sharp with worry.

Deku grunted, barely able to move. "I... I'll be fine. Just... need a minute," he muttered through gritted teeth, his muscles refusing to respond.

Mito glared at him, her usual teasing replaced by frustration. "You idiot! What were you thinking, going in alone? This is exactly the kind of thing Asuna worries about! What do you think she'd say if she found out?"

Deku's heart sank, sweat already trickling down his forehead from the fight. But now, hearing Asuna's name, he felt his anxiety spike even more. "I… I know, you're right. I messed up," he admitted, his voice low and full of regret.

Mito, still irritated, didn't let up. "I told you before, Deku, I won't tell Asuna this time. But you need to be better. Asuna is my best friend, and I'm not going to let you keep putting her through this. She doesn't deserve to be constantly worrying about whether you'll come back alive."

Deku, feeling the full weight of Mito's words, nodded as best as he could in his current state. "Yes ma'am," he muttered, his voice barely audible as the paralysis still gripped his body.

But then Mito smirked slightly, her tone shifting back to its usual teasing nature. "Of course, you might not have to worry about me telling Asuna... but Klein? That might be another story."

Deku blinked, his mind racing as the realization hit him. Klein already knew that he had gone alone. After all, he had sent his squad to help Klein earlier.

"Oh no..." Deku groaned, face-palming as much as he could in his current state. "Klein's going to tell her, isn't he?"

Mito chuckled, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Well, you did send your squad to help him, so it's not like you kept it a secret. Do you really think Klein's NOT going to say anything about this when he sees her?"

Deku's face flushed with panic. "I'm dead… so dead," he muttered, already imagining Asuna's reaction.

Mito, shaking her head with a grin, gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Yeah, you might want to brace yourself for that buddy."

Deku sighed deeply, the weight of the situation finally sinking in. "Great... just when I thought things couldn't get worse."

Mito stood up, pulling out an antidote from her inventory and helping Deku recover from the paralysis. "Look Deku I'm serious, no more Mr. Solo. You're not invincible, even if you act like it… And none of us want to see you die."

Deku nodded again, slowly regaining control of his body. "I-I'll be smarter next time. Promise."

Then, a thought suddenly crossed his mind, and his eyes widened in realization. "Wait a minute! You went in there alone too!" Mito smirked, her expression smug. "Yeah, but I at least kept my squad nearby in case I needed backup. Unlike someone who told their entire team to go help Klein."

Deku chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head with his good arm. "Yeah… I guess that would've been the smart thing to do, huh?" Mito gave him a light slap on the back of the head, though it was more playful than anything. "You think?"

They both shared a small laugh, though the tension of the encounter still lingered in the air. But for now, the danger had passed. All that remained was to ask the victim a few questions and regroup with the others to update them on their objective, Laughing Coffin.

Once back ate the entrance of the cave, Deku knelt down, staring at the spot where the player had been, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The man's last words echoed in his mind, haunting him. The boss... six feet under… The poison had taken him before Deku could get any more answers. But the warning was clear: something bigger was coming. Something far more dangerous than he could have imagined.

Deku stood slowly, his fists clenched at his sides, a cold resolve settling over him. Whoever this "boss" was, he wasn't going to let them keep terrorizing Aincrad. He wouldn't let anyone else die like this.

But as he stared into the darkness of the alleyway, the weight of what was to come settled heavily on his shoulders.

Deku and Mito, their adrenaline slowly subsiding from the fight, turned their attention to the trembling player they had just saved. The player was still visibly shaken, his body weak from the torture he'd endured at the hands of the P-Kers. He sat on the ground, clutching his sides, his face pale and drawn. Deku knelt down beside him, offering a reassuring nod while Mito stood watch nearby, scanning their surroundings to ensure the P-Kers wouldn't return.

"Hey," Deku began gently, his voice steady despite the turmoil swirling inside him. "We're not going to let them hurt you again, I promise. But we need to ask you a few questions to help us figure out what's going on. Can you talk?"

The player nodded, though his voice was hoarse from the pain and fear he'd endured. "Y-yeah, I'll try…"

Deku exchanged a quick glance with Mito, who nodded back, signaling they could proceed.

"Do you know who those P-Kers were? Have you seen them before?" Deku asked softly, trying not to overwhelm the player.

The player took a shaky breath, his eyes still darting nervously as if he expected the P-Kers to reappear at any moment. "I... I didn't recognize any of them. They were wearing hoods the whole time. I've never seen them before. I just—" His voice wavered as he thought back to the encounter, his hands trembling. "They didn't look like random thugs though… they were organized, like they knew exactly what they were doing."

Deku frowned, his suspicions growing. "Alright… can you tell us when they started following you?"

The player nodded slowly, as if piecing together the fragmented memories. "It was… two days ago, I think. I was just traveling between floors, trying to level up in peace. Then I noticed them on Floor 35, keeping their distance at first, but I could tell they were watching me. I didn't think too much of it at the time, just thought they were scouting the area like most players. But then... it changed."

Deku's eyes narrowed slightly. "Changed how?"

"They got bolder. Last night, I saw them closer than before. I thought maybe it was a coincidence, but… then they attacked me. Dragged me into that cave." He shuddered, his voice growing quieter. "I tried to fight back, but I couldn't get away."

Mito stepped forward now, her face serious as she asked the final question. "Do you have any idea why they targeted you? Do you think it was random, or did they have a reason?"

The player's face twisted with confusion and fear. "At first, I thought it was just a group of thugs chasing me down for the fun of it… but when they started torturing me…" His voice trailed off, and he lowered his gaze, his breathing becoming uneven. "They started saying things—things about my real life, things I haven't told anybody here."

Deku and Mito exchanged a glance, their expressions darkening.

The player continued, his voice barely a whisper now. "They called me a disgusting pig… said I deserved to die for the amount of their friends I put away. But… I don't understand how they knew that. I've never told anyone in this game who I was in real life, and I don't know any of them outside of this world. But they knew. They knew everything." His voice cracked as he added, "They made it personal… like it wasn't just about the game anymore."

Deku's mind raced, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place but forming a terrifying picture. Whoever these P-Kers were, they weren't just targeting players for fun—they were digging into people's real lives, making it personal in a way that shouldn't have been possible. It sent a chill down his spine, reminding him of how dangerous and twisted this world had become.

Mito clenched her fists, her face hardening with anger. "This is getting worse than we thought…"

Deku stood up, his expression grim but determined. "We'll get you to safety. But I need you to stay calm and tell us everything you remember about them later. We'll make sure they don't hurt anyone else."

The player nodded weakly, still visibly shaken, but there was a flicker of hope in his eyes as he looked up at Deku. "Thank you… I didn't think anyone would come."

Deku gave him a reassuring nod. "You're safe now. We'll stop them." He turned to Mito, a sense of urgency rising in his chest. "We need to report this immediately."

Mito nodded in agreement. "Let's get him somewhere safe, then we regroup."

With that, the two prepared to escort the rescued player back, but the weight of what they'd learned lingered heavily between them. Whoever this group was, they weren't just killing players. They were turning Aincrad into something far darker and more dangerous.

After the battle in the cave, Deku and Mito made their way back to the Knights of the Blood Oath headquarters. The adrenaline had worn off, and though they had gathered some crucial information, Deku couldn't shake the sense of impending doom. It wasn't the hooded figure that worried him now—it was the scolding he knew was coming.

As they stepped into the grand hall, they were met by Asuna, Klein, and the rest of the investigation team. Asuna's eyes locked onto them immediately, her expression shifting from relief to frustration in an instant. Klein stood off to the side, leaning against a pillar, clearly enjoying the scene that was about to unfold.

"Asuna..." Deku began, trying to soften the blow, but she was already walking toward them, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

Mito, who had been walking beside Deku, froze, her usual confidence faltering for a moment. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated as Asuna stopped in front of them, her gaze sharp and unforgiving.

"Explain to me," Asuna started, her voice calm but carrying a weight that made both of them flinch, "why you thought it was a good idea to go in without more backup."

Mito blinked, taken aback. "Wait, I—uh... I kept my team around! They were nearby in case anything went wrong. I didn't go in alone, like—"

Asuna cut her off with a pointed look, not even letting her finish. "You still went in without notifying the rest of us. You know how dangerous it is to act without a coordinated plan. What if something had gone wrong?"

Mito, clearly not expecting to be on the receiving end of Asuna's frustration, looked helplessly toward Deku, her confidence fading. Deku, still recovering from the paralysis and the whole ordeal, opened his mouth to try and explain, but before he could get a full sentence out—

"I'll deal with you in a minute," Asuna said, cutting Deku off mid-mutter, her eyes not leaving Mito.

Deku gulped, his shoulders stiffening. The weight of Asuna's looming scolding felt heavier than the fight they had just come from. From the corner of the room, Klein let out a loud, hearty laugh, slapping his knee as he watched Deku squirm under the pressure.

"Haha! Man, you're in for it now, Deku!" Klein cackled, wiping a tear from his eye. "Told you Asuna wasn't gonna let this one slide!"

Deku shot him a desperate look, but Klein just kept laughing, clearly enjoying the show.

Asuna finally turned to Deku, and for a moment, the room seemed to freeze. "Now, you. What were you thinking going in there by yourself?"

Deku stammered, trying to form a coherent response under her gaze. "I-I thought… since I already had a lead, and… Mito and I… we—uh—well, it just made sense to—uh..."

"Deku," Asuna sighed, shaking her head. "You can't keep doing this. I don't care how strong you are, going in without proper backup is reckless, and you know it." She crossed her arms, her frustration clear but with a hint of concern behind her words. "What would have happened if Mito hadn't shown up?"

Deku lowered his head, feeling the weight of her words. "You're right... I should've waited for more backup. I'm sorry."

Mito, still looking slightly stunned from her own scolding, nodded in agreement, though she shot Deku a sideways glance that said, You're not getting off easy either.

Asuna sighed deeply, rubbing her temples in frustration. "What is it with beta testers always thinking it's better to do things alone?" Her eyes flicked from Mito to Deku, clearly exasperated.

Mito and Deku exchanged guilty glances, neither of them willing to meet her eyes.

Asuna, seeing that her point had been made, finally let out a breath and relaxed slightly. "Alright, enough. Let's get back to business."

The group gathered around a table as Deku and Mito began to relay what they had uncovered. Klein, still chuckling to himself, eventually joined them at the table, though he kept casting amused glances at Deku every now and then.

Deku cleared his throat, trying to focus on the mission. "We found the hideout of a group of P-Kers. It's on Floor 48, hidden in a cave deep in the cliffs. They were torturing a player when we arrived, and I fought their leader—a hooded figure."

At the mention of the hooded figure, Asuna's expression grew serious again. "Did you manage to capture him? Get any more information?"

Mito shook her head. "He got away, but not before saying something strange. He mentioned Deku's dual-wielding skill... said it was supposed to be his."

Asuna's eyes widened. "He said that?"

Deku nodded, his face grim. "Yeah, and he seemed obsessed with it. Like the skill was meant for him, but he never got it. He was strong—stronger than most P-Kers we've encountered."

"And before he left," Mito added, "he said something else. Something about 'Laughing Coffin.' He said they're about to change the world."

Asuna's brow furrowed in concern. "Laughing Coffin... So it's true. They're more organized than we thought."

The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of the revelation settling over them.

Klein finally spoke up, his voice more serious now. "So, what's the plan? Do we go back to the cave and finish the job, or do we regroup and figure out where they'll strike next?"

Asuna looked between Deku, Mito, and Klein before nodding. "We regroup. We've learned enough for now, but we need to be smarter about our next move. They've more than likely already left the cave. If Laughing Coffin is truly as dangerous as we think, we can't afford any more mistakes. Now that we've started to pinpoint their location, we should be able to pick up some more leads."

Deku, still feeling the lingering effects of both the battle and the earlier scolding, nodded in agreement. "We'll take them down… together this time."

As the group began to focus back on the mission, Deku and Asuna found themselves standing close, their eyes meeting. For a moment, everything around them faded, and Asuna could see it—the fire, the determination burning in Deku's gaze, even brighter than before. It was the same resolve that had drawn her to him from the start, but now it had only grown stronger.

A warm smile spread across her face, softening the frustration from earlier. "You mean that?" she

asked, her voice gentle yet filled with trust.

Deku nodded firmly, his voice steady. "I swear.