Floor 5 - Chapter 3 - Who Ya Gonna Call!

December 28th, 2022 - Floor 5, Karluin Town

After a night's sleep, and some pondering on Jet's part as to the identity of the ghost, the couple had woken up, and headed into Karluin, to the spot where they were supposed to meet Argo... who, surprise, surprise, was late. Honestly, Jet felt like changing her contact in his messages to 'GWR', given how reliable she was in terms of timekeeping...

Speaking of the devil... ''Sorry for the wait, all of ya's. Took a bit longer than we thought... mind ya, the way you said it, wasn't quite so easy for ya either...''

''So then, what actually happened?''

''Oh right, we found an ALS member and a small child in a dungeon, helped them to escape, found a weird ring. Got attacked by Fallen Elves for said weird ring, then met up with Kizmel again, went and found a Guy Fawkes wannabe planning to blow up most of the ruins, stopped them, and then got these nifty swords.''

''Ehh, bit too small for my liking.''

''Strea, you use a sword that's length is measured in metres, rather than centimetres. I could pass you the largest sword ever made, and you'd still claim it was too small...''

''Anyways, Ko here said ya found somethin' out about the boss, right?''

''Oh, yeah, it's some form of living stone apparently.''

''Hmm, well in this type of game, that means we're dealing with a golem, or a gargoyle then...''

''Eh, 'long as it isn't a Weeping Angel, we're fine.'' - Jet commented dismissively, earning a glare from almost everyone present.

''The boss of this floor was a giant Golem in the beta. I'm guessin' it still is. Problem is, not only is it large, but it has an insanely high defence stat. Durin' the beta, I heard it took 100 players to take it down in the beta...'' - Argo looked hesitantly, at the looks of dawning horror on everyone's faces. Even Jet, who had been joking around only moments earlier, looked downright terrified of this beast...

''Ugh, I read about that. Several raid parties got absolutely demolished, and the only way they beat it was by going at it in waves... that's an almost nightmarish enemy when you can't die. I agree with the avoid and defend strategy...''

''Wait, it took 100 people to take this thing down?! The assault team is only, what, about 50 people! We'll be hopelessly outmatched...''

''What happened to the optimism from earlier?''

''I'm a realist. There is no way we can win against that thing!''

''We need a strong offense, and a strong defence. A good tank to be our wall will also be key in beatin' it. We don't know whether it's attack pattern has changed, or whether it still throws out waves of enemies at ya too, so we'll just have ta find that out on the battlefield...''

''We're going to need both guilds to work together, if we want to beat this boss, right? We should tell them ASAP...''

''Yeah, about that Ko... ya might want to talk ta our ghost himself, first...''

''Umm, where is he?''

''I must admit, you two have both grown into your roles. I think I made the right call in inviting you both back then...''

''Diavel!''

''I was expecting you to have changed your face after that speech, you know?'' - Jet joked, as the two shook hands.

''Sorry to disappoint you, Knight of the Wind...''

''Argo... did you tell him that nickname?''- Jet's tone had become almost saccharine, as he turned to the Rat...

''I am offended that you'd think that of me... and no, it was Strea.''- She deflected, passing the blame onto the guilty party.

''Of course it was... oh sister of mine... come here, would you?''

''Those two are related?!'' - Diavel looked between the two, and struggled to notice any family resemblance.

''Yep, and none of us can work out who's the more mature of the two...''

''Me.'' - Both siblings answered in stereo, as everyone rolled their eyes at them.

''Anyway, now that's settled, we've got a few questions... mainly, why were you pretending to be a ghost?''

''Right then, I shall explain - after the first boss fight, I stayed on the first floor. I know that you have been defeating one boss after another, and that it wasn't easy.''

''Wait, you've been watching us?! After you left, the clearing group split in two, and both tried to take leadership, but both clashing that frequently has been...''

''Taxing.''

''Thing is, I understand that. I'm a guild leader myself, so I get wanting to be the best, but this isn't a normal game! Both Kirito, and this idiot here-'' - Jet just smiled and waved - '' tried to help where they could... but both sides are just squabbling. It's only a matter of time before something irreparable happens...''

''Exactly, which is why I've returned to the front lines.''

''Then why stay in hidin'? Ya could've mobilised plenty 'a people...''

''It'd be quite disgraceful for someone who's called himself a knight, and a leader to be grinding levels behind everyone's backs...''

''Hmm, I don't buy it. Not one bit.''

''I think knight-boy's onto somethin', and Diavel, you of all people should know not ta underestimate Argo the Rat! Take a look at his gear all of ya's. Visually, it looks like the same stuff he used on Floor 1, but it's been levelled up nicely. Same goes for his weapon too. You continued to level up on the first floor so ya could return at any time, am I right?''

''The levelling part is correct. Sadly, Jet is correct, my motives are not quite so admirable.''

''So, what was with the whole ghost thing? It's kind of childish just to make a ghost story to scare people...'' - Klein chastised the knight, who did look somewhat guilty over that.

''I assure you, I never intended for that to happen. It just sort of happened, a by-product of sneaking around. I actually came to this floor to gather information from an old friend. He's in ALS, but only the leaders are allowed to know that information. It'd be bad if people found out that he told me. Other players had seen me, so I decided to cover my tracks... to think, that I'd become a ghost.''

''Then you were just hiding? No special equipment that makes ya invisible?'' - Argo sounded quite disappointed with that conclusion. If Jet were being honest, so was he. It just felt all so... anticlimactic.

''If I did have such an item, I wouldn't have had to hide from people. Still, because of that rumour, players have been avoiding the Cemetery, making solo levelling all that much easier.''

''Hm.'' - Jet still seemed apprehensive about all of this, but was willing to give Diavel the benefit of the doubt for now.

''I must admit, I didn't expect my choice of successors to lead to such strife and division. That being said, I am in no position to bad mouth either, considering my vanishing act. But, I do wish to take responsibility.''

''Why? Does that have something to do with the information that your friend told you?''

''I'm sorry, but I can't talk about it right now. Still, the reward for whoever takes down the fifth floor boss is huge. Regardless of which guild gets it, be that ALS or DKB, it is sure to ruin the relationship between them both...''

''I think I understand it now. You didn't come back out of the goodness of your heart, you wanted the reward. If it's sure to cause so much trouble between the two guilds, then why not give it to you... a neutral third party, and not one of those 'dirty beaters'. '' - She made sure to include air quotes around the last part.

''I... wish she was incorrect, but she isn't. Not entirely, anyway. The latter part, I don't appreciate, but the former, yes. I worry that the disruption to the balance of power could be so grave that a war may potentially break out...''

''That wouldn't happen... surely?''

''I mean, everyone's human, but over something that petty?'' - Jet really hoped his faith in humanity would survive their time in here...

''Uhh Jet, just to remind you of something. We've been near football grounds on match day before, you really think people wouldn't fight over something that petty?'' - Strea pointed out.

''Fair point.''

''It could. There are probably plenty of people out there, that would hurt others if it benefitted them. It could be a real problem, I mean it's one problem fightin' monsters... but fightin' players too? I mean, Jet should know, that whole thing with Morte, and his little plan... that could've escalated very quickly.''

''It's terrible, but it might just happen...'' - Koharu looked disheartened at that conclusion.

''Well, before all of that does happen, let us hightail it to the boss floor!''

''Wait, so after you unify ALS and DKB, what happens then? You want us all to follow under the same banner? Sorry bud, but Fuurinkazan goes it's own way. Like hell are we gonna be underlings for a bigger guild!''

''I'm not planning to make a new guild. I just want to go with a superior few, for example... everyone here.''

''You can't be serious, right? This thing took 100 people to bring it down in the beta... there's, what, 6 of us now! Never mind a massacre, the word to describe it doesn't exist yet!''

''Got to side with her here, Diavel. If we go in there now, we'll be deader than dodos before the two minute mark. I hate to admit it, but I'd almost think you're leading us like lambs to the slaughter, if we try to go in now...''

''I understand your reservations, but that isn't the plan at all. Soon, a few more will come to help...''

''Diavel, unless your description of 'a few' is 94 players... we are still hopelessly outnumbered. You can't seriously think that skill alone will make up for that steep of a numerical disadvantage, right?'' - Jet really did hope Diavel had some ulterior motive... because otherwise it meant he genuinely was that naïve, and that he was hoping for a miracle as a plan.

''Alright you blue haired weirdo, it's a pretty compelling story, but as Jet and Strea have both pointed out, not only are we outnumbered vastly, we know very little of this thing's attack patterns or anything like that. It's a suicide mission, even with more people involved!''

''I am aware of that, yes. Which is why I want you to see my true power for yourselves. And if you are willing to tag along, then I'll go into more detail about what I said earlier. I promise.''

''How are you thinking of doing this? PvP?''

''I have a more logical way. Just before the labyrinth on the fifth floor, there is a huge maze you have to pass through. But if you complete a certain quest, an NPC will bring you straight to the labyrinth.''

''We were actually looking into that, but that stupid ghost rumour meant we put it off. Guess that's come back to bite our behinds. So you're saying you want our help to finish this quest, yeah? Well, I was gonna put it in the guidebook anyway, so why not...''

''Thank you. It's just better to have more people, and time on our hands. I want Argo, Klein and Strea to clear the gimmicky dungeon, and I'll be tagging along. Jet, Koharu, do think you could assist in clearing the Tower Ruins of it's monsters?''

''Sure, we'll help...'' - Jet agreed apprehensively.

''I knew you'd say that. Seems I was right for counting on you. Thank you. Alright you two, take this coin, and throw it into the fountain in the Tower Ruins, then take down the Mouldy Mummy that appears, and collect the key item that drops. Once you've done that, head to the front of the fifth floor labyrinth.''

''Huh, so you want us to fish out a monster that drops with a coin?''

''According to the quest details, it's the wretched ghost of a gambler who lost his life when he was caught cheating...''

''Cheery stuff then...'' - Jet mumbled sarcastically.

''So, it's more a mummy than a ghost...''

''Let's not waste time on semantics. Let's get movin' if we're done here...'' - As the two groups separated, Jet mouthed something to Strea - ''Watch out for him.'' - She nodded back to her brother, as the groups broke apart, and headed for their objectives.

Koharu fidgeted with her dagger, Faith, as the couple made their way through the Tower Ruins, to the fountain - ''What kind of information would make guilds clash like that?'' - She asked, her voice going quieter than usual.

''That, Koharu, is what worries me...what would make them do that...''

''Something feels... wrong, about all of this. I can't place it though...''

''Same here. I'm kind of hoping that Diavel is actually a traitor, all things considered.'' - Admittedly, it was a macabre prospect, but to Jet, it was better than the alternative option, and he honestly wasn't sure which worried him more.

''Wait, why!?''

''Because it means he isn't stupid. If he genuinely doesn't have any ulterior motives...'' - Jet looked away, his face contorted as he tried to rationalise the knight's thoughts.

For Koharu though, the realisation set in... ''He's willing to throw his own, and others lives away, because he thinks he's right.''

The remainder of the walk to the fountain was uneventful, with only a small number of slimes and mummies getting in their path, and being quickly dispatched with...

''Well, we're here. Here goes nothing...'' - The coin was thrown into the fountain, and a larger Mouldy Mummy, flanked by about 10 smaller ones appeared before them.

''I know he didn't specify it'd be alone, but... that's a small army!'' - The pair readied their new weapons, and steeled themselves for a fight.

''Place your bets... Life... or DEATH!'' - The Mummy bellowed, as Jet rolled his eyes. That pun was worse than his!

''Oh great, this one can talk... well then, if you're such a betting man, the odds are in! It's 1 to 1 on us kicking your sorry arse!'' - The pair raced in, and made short work of the smaller mummies, whilst keeping themselves at the maximum reach for the larger one, until it's entourage had been cleared out. Once that was done, the couple turned their focus on the bigger mummy, and with only a brief struggle, were able to best the creature...

''That should be all of them...''

''That was definitely not what I'd call fun...''

''Those things creep me out, especially the talking ones. I'm just glad they can be killed though...''

''Well, now we just need that key item. Reckon that's it?''

''I'd say so, yeah.'' - Jet picked up the the two dice that lay there. Each die looked as if it had seen far better days, with the enamel worn, and chipped, whilst the black dots had long since faded, meaning some faces had only the pits for the dots left. - ''It's called the Gambler's Heart. Let's head back to Diavel...''

Arriving at the labyrinth, something stood out immediately... Argo was nowhere to be seen. If situations could wave flags, this one currently had double red flags flying...

''Ah, you two made it back safely. Seems you could handle a fetch quest after all...''

''Yeah, we had to deal with the problem gambler's entourage... we're back though. Here's the item.'' - Jet materialised the two die, and handed them to Diavel.

''Excellent, I shall hand them over to the requester!''

''So, where's Argo?''

''Oh, she's answering messages over there. Load of messages from people asking for info.''

''Ah, right then.''

''Jet, aside.'' - The siblings headed off in a different direction to the main group, whilst everyone else continued talking amongst themselves.

''Diavel really is something... Not only are his commands on point, but he can really fight... I'd say he's a bit over-levelled, but just the way he moves, and his timing when using skills is great. It's fun even watching. He's nothing like the rumours... people said he was too afraid to fight after nearly losing his life during a boss fight.''

''Is that really what people are saying?''

''Just some low ranking members that I heard talking about it, that's all.''

''They're right, you know. That's why I've been on the lower floors this whole time. Since then, I've been teaching players on the lower floors the best way to farm, helping them level, you know. Even though they're under-levelled, they're chomping at the bit to join. They're all very passionate people... and they gush about the top players and guilds, without even knowing my face or name... or that I ran away from there.''

''What's wrong with that? I was able to meet Jet over there, but I imagine that without him, I'd still be in the Town of Beginnings. I knew I wanted to help others, but I was so weak... we all were. We only ever considered taking on the boss because of Diavel asking us...''

''It means a lot to hear that. I still firmly believe that the guild should be the hope of all players, but during that time, I was comforted by the fact that I wasn't a symbol of hope. I became a coward, instilled with the belief that, even if I were to disappear, people would still fight for me.''

''You don't have to say it like that - maybe you weren't on the frontlines, but you were still getting stronger. You're still setting out to clear the game. I, the great Klein, can assure you that nobody would do what you did, whilst honestly trying to run away.''

''The great Klein? Really?'' - Strea questioned, honestly wondering what she saw in her guild leader sometimes...

''At this rate anyway, it will be quite a while before we reach Floor 100, but I believe it is imperative that we get the first boss clear bonus. To save lives.''

''And definitely not for any selfish reasons...'' - Strea mumbled.

''Yes, well... I'd like to ask you all again. Will you fight besides me?''

Jet stopped to think, and looked towards Koharu. For once, he was considering the actual consequences of his actions. If he agreed, he put himself, Koharu and Strea straight into the firing line of a boss that had proven itself a ferocious foe, and ran the risk of waltzing headfirst into a potential trap... but if he declined, he'd let a group of people who knew head straight into the same situation that he'd refused to face, and would have to deal with the guilt of their demises...

''Koharu?''

''I... I think we should.'' - She wasn't sure, but she thought about everyone else, and decided it was the best course of action... not that it made it a good idea, by anyone's standards.

''Then, against all of my better judgement Diavel, we're in.'' - Jet didn't seem all that confident in his answer, but he'd made that choice. Whatever happened next, they'd just have to face it, as they always had done...

''Urgh, and to make sure my bleeding heart little brother doesn't get himself killed, so am I.'' - Strea certainly didn't seem too happy with the situation, but she'd be lying if she claimed she didn't feel some form of duty to help avert a war...

''Having seen what you can do, you can count me in. To refuse would be a most cowardly thing to do!''

Argo returned from answering her messages, and seemed to have a newfound understanding of the situation - ''The bonus that the guilds are fighting for... it's the Guild Flag, isn't it?''

''Guild Flag? What, some sort of banner?''

''Hm, interesting. Tell me, where did you get your hands on that information?''

''I can tell you... for a price. Just kidding, it's from one of my big supporters.''

''Supporter? You don't mean... him, do you? If so, then there's nobody better!''

''Guys, guys... care to elaborate here, because I am completely lost here...''

''Oh, excuse me. Well, first, I'll explain the Guild Flag. It's the common name of the Long Spear, dropped by the fifth floor boss. Gorgeous weapon, but terrible attack power. Players that equipped it pierce the ground, and give all guildies within a 15 metre radius various buffs, attack, defence and resistance mainly.''

''Wait, so you can buff others just by having it equipped? That's freakin' awesome!''

''Also, buff duration lasts as long as it's in the ground, and can buff an unlimited number of guildies. It's a super rare, godlike item.''

''And suddenly, all of this cloak and dagger stuff makes sense... that's a fairly massive advantage.''

''Yeah, and ALS have probably learned of it's existence by now, and are probably trying to get ahead of the DKB by getting it first. They'll be trying to get through it by tonight, I reckon...''

''Absolutely, I got the information from a leader in the ALS, and they admitted they can't stop Kibaou on their own. They're worried, as right now, the two guilds are even... this will easily tip the scales in the ALS's favour. They're a group based on sharing, that intel and rewards should be free to be shared amongst the players of SAO. DKB on the other hand, they're a more rigid command structure, and believe that the top players should be symbols of hope for others. Both are-were based on the morals I installed, but to think that they would break apart like that... I've caused this. I can't let them destroy each other.''

''If we get our hands on the Guild Flag, I don't think anyone's stopping you from trying to unite the two guilds... though, as a guild leader myself, I think it'd be better if I had that responsibility...''

''How about... no. You may be my leader, but if this thing is 'godlike', you would actually be the last person I trusted with it. Remember when you lost your spear, only to find it, conveniently enough, in my bedroom...''

''Yeah, we get the picture Strea!'' - Jet interrupted, not wanting to hear any more about that pair's private dealings - he quite liked his breakfast staying in his stomach, if he could at all help it...

''I was pulling your leg!'' - Strea mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like ''That's what you wanted to do then too.''. Jet snickered, as Klein carried on. ''But man, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want it, since an auto-buff is pretty nice. Still, we don't mess with people and their affairs. We aren't the type to tell others how to play the game. So that's why I'll leave this to you, a... what are you again?''

''Knight, and I think my supporters would agree. Since ya told us about the shortcut quest, we should be able ta meet 'em inside the labyrinth.''

''Uhh, this seems kinda shady, you sure we can trust them?''

''Nah, this is far more above board than some of the stuff I had to do. We'll be fine.'' - Strea thought back to one of her jobs investigating a company's business practices. To her, that was shady... this was just keeping quiet.

''Ignoring what Strea said, because I have far too many questions that aren't currently relevant, we should be okay, if they're who I think they are.''

''As Jet just said, there should be no problems if they are what I believe them to be like.'' - The group began to head off, before Diavel cut in, remembering something. - ''Oh, before we head off, I should share the rewards from the boss quest with you.'' - A trade request appeared in each member of the group's peripheral vision, offering them 2500 Col, and some crafting materials.

Eventually, after some maintenance on everyone's equipment, and some very awkward questions... and answers, between Strea, Klein, Jet and Koharu, the group headed off, with Argo filling everyone in on their expected foe...

''Kay then, this is all info from the beta, so I hope it stands up. The boss is a Golem, but fortunately fer us, it doesn't really use AoE attacks, just punches and stompin' on ya. Just 'cause it doesn't have any big attacks like its breath, doesn't mean those attacks don't pack a heck of a punch, so study those attack patterns, and dodge like hell. When ya can't, defend like hell.''

''We're gonna need a tank then. I mean, Jet and Diavel have their shields, but that probably won't cut it.''

''Don't worry 'bout that, I called in a favour, she should be here any minute now...'' - And with that, an out of breath looking Asuna came into view of the group.

''Sorry I'm late, we had to rush through the quest we were doing.''

''So, if Asuna's here... then your supporter was...'' - Followed by a considerably less out of breath Kirito.

''Allow this Beater to join.'' - Jet jokingly pointed to his wrist, miming tapping a watch, as Kirito shrugged his shoulders, both trying their best not to laugh - ''Also, I knew you'd come back, Diavel.''

''Ah, yes, thank you Kirito.''

''Besides, I don't want to see any more infighting with the guilds. So... let's win this, Mr Knight.''

''Let's do this!''

''Heh, if it isn't Kirito... the Beater's pretty infamous!''

''Ah, yeah...''

''Think you're so cool with two aliases, huh? Maybe I should have a cool nickname to go by! I can hear the crowd cheering as the gallant and majestic-''

''Not to mention fictional.'' - Jet muttered, as Koharu elbowed him, eliciting a small yelp from him.

''- spear master enters the battlefield! I can hear them all shout it now! 'xCr1mz0n Br4vRx Klein'!'' - Everyone in attendance cringed at that. Everyone who wasn't in attendance cringed at that. The monkeys in Jet's mind cringed at that...

Whilst Argo sighed into her cloak, Koharu was the first to speak up - ''Ugh, that's just cringey...''

''Klein, are you sure the voices you heard weren't the ones in your head?''

''Oh yeah, because you aren't the epitome of try-hard, Jet...''

''Old nickname, it stuck.''

''Bullshit'' - Strea coughed into her hand, and waved back innocently when Jet turned and glared at her.

''Maybe something simpler - how about 'Bl4z1n S4mur41''?''

''Klein, for all of our sakes... just give up. Before you really do embarrass yourself any further.'' - Strea considered who she was saying that to, and realised that the odds of that happening were next to none. Still, a girl could hope, couldn't she...

Kirito suppressed his laughter at the samurai's antics, long enough to be able to start talking again - ''You haven't changed a bit Klein!''

''That's just how I am, man. Let's catch up after we bust up that Golem! Also, you can tell me some more about that babe you're with...'' - Strea looked genuinely offended, and Jet moved as far away from his sister as possible. An angry Strea was... well, there hadn't been a weapon invented yet that could stop her. Luckily for Klein, some more people turned up, and distracted everyone... except Strea, who maintained a glare of daggers at her ally.

''Diavel, the news of your return will probably spread across the players by tomorrow. I know it's tough, but I'm really counting on you to take control of the situation and bring peace between the guilds.''

''Yes, I hope everything goes well too. Anyway, who's your friend?''

''The name's Liten. Please allow me to fill in for a tank. I also heard from my friend that you are quite the leader.''

''Liten! Shouldn't you be over with the ALS?''

''I care about my friends in ALS, which is why I want to avoid any infighting, as much as I possibly can. I'm really glad you guys are joining the fight for the Guild Flag. By the way, what happened with Mater? I'm sorry I kind of pushed her on you...''

''I don't really know, but I think she made it out of the dungeon safely.'' - Koharu looked quite upset, as she thought about how they'd left a young child in a dungeon, and gone about their business...

''Oh my god! That's so good to hear! I've been worried about her since!'' - A completely different voice came from the armour. Gone was the strange distorted voice they'd had, possibly thanks to their armour, replaced by a distinctly female sounding voice... a voice that sounded far less affected, and far closer to what Jet assumed was their actual voice...

''What the?'' - Koharu glanced towards Jet in confusion, whilst Jet raised his eyebrows slightly as everything came together.

''Ahem. Umm, what I meant to say was, please accept my deepest thanks...'' - And the armoured person went back the affected voice...

''Liten, you can give it a rest now. These are good people, who won't judge you on your looks.''

''Err, is that so?'' - The figure took off their helmet. Underneath, a chestnut haired girl, around Kirito and Asuna's ages, who looked a little skittish, after the momentary relief of being able to take off the helmet, which didn't look all that comfortable really. Koharu processed that information, as Jet just shrugged his shoulders. - ''Nice to meet you properly.''

''We met before though?'' - Liten looked confused at Jet's choice of words.

''We were in a dungeon, fighting for our lives... hardly a time to talk, really.''

''Huh, you're a girl too, sorry I didn't notice it before. Though, as Jet said, we were kind of preoccupied.''

''No need to say sorry! I hid my gender from everyone. Also, though SAO is my first VRMMO, I've played as tanks in other games, so I decided to be a tank in SAO. But people said girls can't be tanks because we're unreliable...'' - Everyone present, bar Diavel, raised an eyebrow at that statement.

''Even though gender has nothing to do with it...'' - Asuna said, the venom in her words ever present.

''My friend helped me gear up, but I still had to hide my gender from everyone in the ALS, until I got to know them better. I did it because I wanted to be judged on my skills and ability, not my gender.''

''I mean, we know plenty of strong girls, right? Asuna, Rain, Strea, Yuuki, and even Kizmel.'' - Jet noticed Koharu looked slightly down as she summarised her list, herself noticeably absent from it...

''Yeah, more girls have been joining the frontline recently. I look forward to meeting them in the future.''

''Seriously dude, how the heck do ya do it? There some kind of babe attracting device on ya or...?'' - Klein began to ask, only to be cut off by the boiling cauldron of anger that was Strea... - ''Are you (BLEEP)ing serious?! Are you absolutely serious, you absolute-'' - Strea gave the samurai wannabe the most powerful kick that had been seen in Aincrad up to that point... administered squarely to a particularly sensitive part of the human anatomy. Whilst the Pain Limiter absorbed 90% of the pain that such a kick would've generated... the placebo effect was very much still in play, and Klein fell to the floor, clutching himself whilst huddled in the foetal position. Every male in attendance could almost feel the pain involved, and winced...

''Well, now that Strea's made sure I'm never becoming an uncle...'' - Jet unintentionally forgot his seven other siblings in that line.

''Also, Klein? Liten's already got somebody, so don't make things weird...''

''Owwwwww, the pain is unbearable...'' - Klein cried, not realising about the Pain Limiter...

''That from the knacker attacker over there, or finding out you don't have a chance with someone considerably younger than you?''

''Huh, it doesn't hurt that much... weird.'' - Klein discovered, as he decided to punch himself there again, to very little effect. Both Jet and Kirito would've sweatdropped at that point, if that were physically possible.

''Yeah, Pain Limiter. Kind of a pre-requisite, otherwise getting stabbed would be very unpleasant.''

''Your sister's evil, dude.'' - Klein pointed out the obvious.

''No arguments there... though, I'd say she's more chaotic evil than outright evil.''

''Word of advice Jet, I wouldn't if I were you... otherwise you'll receive the same, little brother...''

''Hehe, shutting up now.'' - Jet said, in what turned out to be the wisest thing he'd said that week.

''I thought as much.'' - An evil smirk appeared on her face, as both Jet and Klein felt fear similar to a deer caught in headlights.

''Sorry to interrupt yer fun time, but if we don't leave now, the groups ya passed will have caught up wi' us!'' - Some shouting could be heard in the wind. How much of that was monsters, and how much were the guilds, no one was sure.

''They're on their way?!''

''Diavel, your call.''

''Alright. We'll split into parties. Stay loose, but don't drift apart. Each party is to head straight to the boss room. As you all know, the boss is a giant Golem. With our current small, but elite, force, this will be a tough fight. Still, we're all friends here with the same purpose. If we put our strength together, we should... no, we will win! Still though, even if we do win, we still face 95 more floors... but the rewards will be huge.''

''Yeah! We had a late start, but I can give 'em hell! I'm just itchin' to kick some butt!''

''The Guild Flag is meant as a symbol of hope! It should never be the match used to start a war! So we must win, not just for ourselves... but for everyone!''

''Alright, let's do this!''

The combined shout of ''Yeah!'' from everyone present could've been a double edged sword, as Jet could've sworn he'd heard someone else a bit back. Still, the group got moving, and headed for the labyrinth...

{Author's Comments}

We're approaching the point where I'm going to take a two week break (still two chapters to go yet, though.), so I can plot out the next few floors in advance. Unlike last time, there won't be a ''coming soon'' trailer, as I realised that I've changed plans, so some parts won't be used at all, whilst one will likely happen MUCH later that I originally planned it to, meaning that some of the trailer is quite inaccurate...

As for what part, well... you'll just have to read the next chapter, as that's when the Butterfly Effect will really come into play. I'll still be using Integral Factor as a basis for some parts (the Elf War especially), but a fair part will be my own original ideas...

Also, I'm making a small change to the day I release chapters. I'll be releasing them on Tuesdays, rather than Wednesdays (which I'd unknowingly been doing anyway, as this site uses PST, not GMT, which is where I am...)

Anyway, enough rambling from me. Thanks to everyone who reads this, and the usual continues to apply.

Midland 2541, signing off!