Floor 7 - Chapter 1 - British Weather

January 5th, 2023 - Floor 7, Teleport Gate

The Seventh Floor, as Argo had told them yesterday, was a series of woodlands, that connected up with each other, with a number of small villages in them. Unlike the Third Floor, which was misty, but relatively dry, the Seventh Floor was, as Argo had described it - ''somewhere Jet should recognise, he's British after all!''. Jet had corrected her, saying that Britain wasn't just a rain soaked land, but had then realised, it wasn't all that far off, but he'd be damned if he gave Argo any credit for that little joke of hers!

''Home, sweet home'' - Jet smirked as he spoke. Okay, he didn't live in a forest anymore, not since his grandparents had moved from Ruarden anyway, but the rain? That was something very familiar to him. Too familiar, in fact. He didn't like it.

''Do you still have those umbrellas from Floor 1?'' - Koharu asked, evidently liking it even less than her boyfriend, as her long hair began to drop in front of her eyes, and she thanked whatever deity that was up there that SAO hadn't modelled their clothes accurately, else she'd have been soaked to her core...

''Err, yeah. Can't really fight mobs with a brolly though, 'less you plan to poke their eyes out with 'em.'' - Jet pictured that idea, and then remembered that quite a few mobs didn't even have eyes...

''True. Maybe a poncho instead?'' - Two very contrasting thoughts popped into Jet's head at that moment. The first, as he pictured himself in a big purple sombrero and poncho, really living up to the stereotypes there. The second, more morbid thought turned to that black poncho'd creep that Jet saw in his nightmares. He shuddered briefly, before returning back to his normal attitude. ''Are you cold Jet, you're kind of shivering?''

''Just a little, that's all.'' - He deflected.

''I wonder if we can catch a cold in SAO? I mean, I can feel how cold the rain is, but...'' - A familiar giant towered over Koharu, and made incremental increases on Jet. - ''I've never heard of anyone getting a status ailment from wind chill. So I don't think we have anything to worry about.''

''Agil!''

''Koharu, Jethro.'' - Jet glared at the axe wielder, arms crossed like an annoyed child. ''I heard you had a big role on the sixth floor boss fight. Good job.''

''We didn't have that big of a role... not everything went well either.'' - Koharu looked to the muddy ground below her. They'd still only arrived too late to really do much, other than keep the mobs off of the attack force, and nearly been ostracised for that.

''Oh, well that's just what I heard. Sounds like a lot has happened, but you two fought well. So be proud of that.'' - A small clinking sound came from behind Agil, followed by a familiar voice. ''What he said! Everybody knows we didn't have a single casualty in that boss, because of you four. Even if they don't want to admit it.'' - Despite the voice, neither of them could see Liten, except for a glint of... oh.

''I'm right here! I know Agil's big and all, but I'm not so small to be able to hide in his shadow!'' - Liten looked slightly indignant at going unnoticed by the couple, and Agil was smirking... never a good sign, really.

''Liten! You've joined Agil's guild?''

''No, I'm still with ALS, but I'm working with Agil to achieve a certain goal.''

''Oh, what goal?''

''You two know of the Soul Copper that drops after the Elf War quest last floor, right?'' - Liten asked.

''Yup, used to make a friend's sword. Apparently came out really well.'' - Jet remembered his brief duel with Yuuki, and just how quick she actually was with that new sword of hers.

''You gave it to a friend?! Then... no. You really shouldn't tell anyone about it.'' - Liten looked a little unhappy at that.

''Err, why? Anybody could get it if they helped with the Elf War Quest, right?''

''It's a problem, because you can't. It's a long story, so we should start from the beginning. I don't know if you saw, but Kirito gave his Soul Copper to both the ALS and DKB, to stop them from fighting.''

''Yeah, we knew that bit. Still convinced that jackass wasn't happy that he didn't get to kick my ass for it...''

''Kibaou?'' - Agil seemed genuinely surprised by that. The calmest head in Aincrad, Kibaou wasn't, but resorting to violence seemed really out of character...

''No, some dipstick in the ALS, Liten might know him. The...'' - At that moment, Jet realised he'd never actually paid any attention to the appearance of the incendiary idiot, and couldn't actually offer a description. - ''Huh. Umm, never mind. Carry on, Agil.''

''Well, after he'd given it to them, they had to decide what to do with it... and they almost slit each other's throats over it.''

''I really hope that one wasn't literal...'' - Jet grimaced, as Koharu looked on in horror.

''Luckily no, but neither could agree on who should have ownership of the ingot, and it's kind of impossible for two guilds to share one item...''

''Never mind that Soul Copper ingots are so rare, that NPC blacksmiths on the Seventh Floor won't handle them, let alone those on the Sixth. They just keep saying that the item is beyond their skill.''

''Umm, couldn't you just ask a player blacksmith? We know Lisbeth was able to make a blade from it, so...''

''How is the smith girl doing, anyway?'' - Agil asked.

''She's gotten better, and hopefully a little wiser to obvious traps.'' - Liten's eyes widened, in concern seemingly.

''There's a story there, isn't there?'' - Agil asked again.

''Eh, I'll tell you later. But, yeah, back to the topic at hand...''

''They could... but given how rare it is, and if they messed up... let's just say, both guilds would be after them, and not for their services.'' - Liten really hoped that no one else knew about Lisbeth's role in making that sword, else the guilds would be after her...

''It also doesn't solve the initial problem, as who'd take the weapon - ALS or DKB? Col, on the other hand...''

''What, sell the ingot to the highest bidder?''

''That too, but think how much that'll go for. The idea is to split the proceeds so that, no matter who wins, both get a ton of money. Well, that was the idea, anyway...''

''Let me guess, both seem to think that it's theirs, therefore they should be entitled to it, and neither want to concede, thus they've come up with some mental system to steal it overnight, a la Oceans Eleven?'' - Jet's initially sound train of thought encountered leaves on the line by the halfway point, before immediately coming off the track at a tight bend...

''Umm, the first bit, yes. The second, I don't think so?'' - Liten tried to process that particular idea, and came out very confused, picturing her not so quiet leader attempting stealth in an art gallery. It was a very strange idea, she had to admit.

''So, they both want the ingot? But that bidding war could just go completely out of control, right?''

''Yeah, which is why it's open to everyone. Though the two guilds do 'own' the ingot, they thought the only way to avoid well... that, was to allow everyone to have a chance, and coincidentally, sell off their surplus gear at the same time.''

''Is their gear any good, I could really do with a new shield again?''

''Focus...'' - Koharu rolled her eyes at her boyfriend, who shrugged.

''Yes, ma'am...'' - Jet responded sarcastically.

''Yes, well, ignoring Jet being completely under Koharu's thumb-'' - Jet squawked indignantly, whilst Koharu nodded, with a look that almost showed she was pleased with herself ''-that ingot is still the source of the problems here.''

''Don't tell me it's cursed or something?''

''Kind of, but not in the gameplay sense. It only dropped to players who achieved a certain condition, and if you went through it, without completing that condition, well...''

''They wouldn't get it.''

''Yep, and anyone who tries to start it now, probably won't get here in time to help clear this floor.''

''Which means this auction will get really heated.''

''I don't even know how to feel about that, but if the goal is to make money to help progress, then I suppose that's a good thing...''

''Yeah, I'm all for making the money move.''

''I still don't think it was right, taking Kirito's quest reward like that... which is why we're here. I'm going to win it at the auction, and return it to him.'' - The look on Jet's face suggested that he didn't quite agree with that logic, or was aware of something she wasn't. Fortunately, Agil spoke up before Jet did, with a similar concern... ''But you're a member of the ALS, Liten. You shouldn't publicly do anything, and I'll enter the auction on your behalf.''

''And that's why you're with Agil. But, umm, this ingot's the main attraction of the auction, right? So won't it be really expensive? Do you have enough money for it?''

''I've raised some funds from friends who can't work openly, but want to return it, and I'm also planning on earning some Col while I can. Agil will fund the rest if needed...'' - Jet shot the man a look, before asking an important question - ''And do you have enough money? Because I'm guessing this thing isn't going to be in the five digits for value, is it?''

''I do... I think, and no, no it isn't.''

''I mean, rather you than me, but... that's a bit generous, isn't it?''

''It's not generosity, it's just business. Give and take, you know?

''I think I do? Why though, unless you needed Liten on your payroll for something?''

''I was thinking of starting a broker business. The auction is a part of the advertising.''

''So, like a shop, or an Argo type broker?'' - Koharu tried to picture Agil sneaking up on someone, and failed miserably.

''Yeah, a bit like a shop. I'd buy stuff off people, and sell it onto others. Think of it as a recycle shop...''

''Oh, so Aincrad's first CeX?'' - Jet joked, forgetting that no one would understand the reference, given that particular store is pretty much a European only thing.

''Umm, maybe? What's a CeX?'' - Agil voiced the confusion of everyone else present.

''Pretty much as you described, but with computers, games and stuff.''

''I guess so, yeah. It's better to me, because you don't have to hold auctions. It's just trading with people, which is a much needed service in here. But I can't really start trading with people, until I have something to trade, and I can attract people to me in particular.''

''Ohhh, so that ingot's your USP?''

''Yes! Point to Koharu. Before returning that ingot to Kirito, I made a deal with Liten to rent it for two weeks for marketing. It should reassure any onlookers that I have the funds and energy to get such an item, and some might even become regular customers!''

''Definitely a more sound plan than my business idea... anyway, tell us when then AeX is opening, will you!''

''AeX? Agil's eXchange? No offense, but I think I'll stick to my original idea for the name...''

''None taken, how would you even pronounce that, anyway? Aches? Ayy-ecks?''

''Add an l, and you've got Alex, I guess?''

''Yeah, but 'Come visit Alex!' sounds like a really lonely guy asking for anyone to visit him...''

''I dunno, it's not that bad. Oh no, you've got me actually reconsidering my stance on that now...'' - Koharu and Liten gave each other a glance, which in a language that no male has ever deciphered, simply meant an exasperated expression of a group of young males.

''Ahem!'' - Koharu cleared her throat, and the two shut up immediately. As amusing as it was watching the two debating the pronunciation of a particularly stupid idea, there was a job to do...

''Right, back on track. Could I ask you both for some help with the fundraising? Don't worry, I'll prepare a suitable reward for you.''

''Sure, as long as we get, hmm, let's say, 50% off the first thing we buy from you?''

''Say, 25% instead, and I'll let you have a small discount on everything else you buy from me?''

''Hmm'' - Koharu was a fairly patient person, she thought, but this? She'd rather be off doing anything else, and so, she interjected, exasperatedly - ''We'll take it!''

''We will?''

''Brilliant! You agreed to it!'' - Jet facepalmed, and regretted his choice of words there.

''I've already found some quests that give decent Col as rewards, and with your levels, I'd say this one fits you two best. All you need to do is get a load of the teeth from those Biting Kapiyva, and give them back to the NPC...''

An hour or so (and quite a few dead mobs) later...

Jet had to wonder occasionally how the wildlife on Aincrad had become quite so dangerous, and why so little of it was made up of herbivores! Whilst the Biting Kapiyva weren't really a massive threat, those damn teeth became really annoying after so long, especially when they'd decided to take a shining to his legs in particular! Returning to the plaza, where they'd been told to rendezvous with Agil and Liten, they both made note that neither were present, although an unfamiliar redhead had taken their place... ''Hey. How are you two doing on this fine day?'' - Jet glanced up, and received a raindrop to the eye for his troubles. ''Fine, I guess? Who are you?''

''You both seem to be on edge...''

''Funny that, isn't it. A strange guy appears where we said we'd meet our friends, and we're on edge...''

''Oh, I completely understand. I apologise for appearing unexpectedly. I find it curious that you don't object to the rain though...''

''I'm British. It's a way of life.''

''I don't hate this rain either. Hearing the rain feels like the breath of nature to me... even if it is in cyberspace.

''Uh huh.''

''Sorry, but have we met before?''

''Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet. Where are my manners? I am Lueur, please be sure to remember my name. It is nice to finally meet you both, Jet, Koharu...''

''Nice to meet you too... hang on, 'finally'?''

''How do you know our names?''

''I just thought of the perfect names for you both, and those popped into my head.'' - Both looked like a fish out of water at that comment - ''It's obviously a joke. I have heard plenty about you both in the news, though. I saw a picture of you both, and I always wished to meet you both.''

''Picture?! There are things like that?!'' - Koharu's horror was matched by Jet's apprehension, and confusion as he swore he saw a bush move...

''Oh yes, you both have some very dedicated fans. Perhaps too dedicated, if I'm honest. Some of which hide and use Record Crystals to take still images of you two. In fact, I believe there's one in those very bushes...'' - The bush moved again, as Jet walked over calmly, hand on the hilt of Hope.

''I promise we won't be angry, but please exit those bushes towards us, and leave any Record Crystals you might have on the floor, please.'' - The bush moved again, as a tuft of red hair became visible, followed by the rest of their stalker...

''Heh, privyet you two... I, umm...''

''Jeez Rain, nearly aged me ten years there. Thought you were Aincrad's paparazzi then...''

''Sorry...''

''Rain!''

''You know this girl?''

''Yeah, she's harmless. Well, to any human anyway.''

''Indeed. As I was saying, I don't believe they mean any harm, so you needn't worry.''

''Uhh, worry about what?''

''Apparently Aincrad has a paparazzi problem...''

''Huh, that actually explains what I saw earlier. Someone trying to film you, I think. They just got a load of trees though.''

''Yes... well, to people throughout the game, the top players are an inspiration, as well as a goal, and potentially rivals.''

''But still, having pictures taken of us is kind of creepy...''

''Do you hate being popular for defeating the bosses? Don't you wish to bask in praise as heroes who are saving the world?''

''Not really, but I wouldn't mind if people would just ask us first. As long as they weren't an ass, I'd be okay with that... it's the clandestine stuff I don't like.''

''We aren't fighting because we want to be praised!''

''I see, then I have a question for you then... what is it to be noble?'' - The redhead asked, as the group thought on it.

''Huh?'' - Both Rain and Koharu looked slightly confused at the question.

''Nobility is not being superior to one's fellow man, but being superior to one's previous self.'' - Jet stated. Koharu could almost see a hint of regency in him momentarily. Rain just looked on in awe. Even Lueur seemed somewhat surprised at the eloquent answer - ''Well! I must say that was quite the answer! I admit, I'm now quite looking forward to your little group's adventures going forth...'' - The redhead disappeared, leaving just the trio stood there.

''That... he was weird.''

''There's pictures of us circling around...'' - Koharu shivered, and Jet worked out that it wasn't due to the rain. - ''Eww, when did they take them?''

''I've got to admit, I'm not a fan of the idea. As I said, I wouldn't object if they'd just ask us, but sneaky photography... ick.''

''Yeah, it's really kind of rude to take photos of someone without permission!'' - Somehow, based off how she'd reacted earlier, she suspected privacy laws weren't the main reason she was upset by the whole idea.

''We're back! Oh, hi, sorry if we're interrupting anything... and Koharu, you really don't look too well?''

''Yeah, finding out people have been circulating pictures of you behind your back does that to a person...''

''Oh, those. Yeah, they're pretty popular. Mostly with the younger kids who look up to you, but...'' - Agil trailed off - ''I mean, it's kind of cute if you two took photos of each other, or if your friends did, but candid shots like that, it's... not ideal.''

''Yeah, that's kind of disturbing. I'll confiscate them if I see them!

''Lueur did say there was no ill will...''

''I'm gonna ask someone to help us out, Ko. Let's focus on the objective for now, please, you guys.'' - Jet toned down his usual attitude, and shifted to reasonable adult mode... an achievement for someone who wasn't one of those things.

''Oh, you didn't get to introduce your friend?'' - Liten asked, looking over to the red haired swordswoman.

''Privyet, I'm Rain!'' - She bowed towards them.

''Agil, and this is Liten. It's nice to meet you.''

''Spasibo, you too!''

''Anyway, I just need to sell these items, so I'll be back in a few minutes.''

''Our chances should be better off with five people. I'm sure we'll get the ingot now!''

''That's wishful thinking, with both of them hosting the auction. We probably shouldn't underestimate them.''

''Umm, is there a problem with both hosting it?'' - Rain summed up what their little group was thinking.

''The prize is an ingot that NPC blacksmiths can't handle. They're holding an auction because they can't share it. So far, so good?'' - Three nods told Agil to carry on with his explanation - ''But there should be players whose skill level is high enough to use it. There's no guarantee that whoever gets it can't make a weapon strong enough to beat the floor boss.''

''Which means that if either ALS or DKB get it, they could gain an advantage, and there's players who will be thinking that.''

''And even if they didn't, they'd still get half of what it was worth. That's a pretty large amount...''

''There aren't any rules that members of the DKB or ALS can't participate in the auction.''

''And well, truth be told... ALS aren't doing so well. I've heard people say the elites are spineless, because they failed to get the Guild Flag on the fifth floor, and well...''

''Don't tell me they think they should've taken it by force...''

''Yeah. People are saying Kibaou lacks any sort of decisiveness, and can't stand up for himself before the DKB. I have a doubt to the ALS for recognising my abilities as a tank, and I want to believe that Kibaou isn't a bad person, even if I don't agree with his methods. But I get a bad feeling, that to try and deflect those criticisms, they'll try to win the ingot. Not for any material reason, but to get a leg up on the DKB.''

''I wouldn't be surprised if the exact same thing is happening in the DKB too.''

''It's ridiculous... all of our priorities should be on beating the floor boss, but all they really care about is who will come out on top.''

''SAO is a game after all, it's only natural for people to aim to be the best. This though, is kind of getting out of hand...''

''You think they're still chasing after Diavel's ideal?''

''Perhaps, which does sort of remind me... where is the guy, and that whole HOA thing? I figured he was having recruitment issues, but I'd have expected him to have shown up with something at least, by now?''

''Maybe they're waiting for the floor boss?''

''HOA?''

''Uhh, Heroes of Aincrad, as he called them. The best of the best, and all of us were asked to join... all of us declined.''

''Why?''

''Can't speak for everyone else, but the fifth floor boss left a sour taste in my mouth. Felt too much like Diavel had us all as pieces on a chess board, and I'd rather not play that game.''

''I suppose that only they can say what they're actually thinking. For now though, I'd rather take some measures to help us. If we can double what we've got now, then that can only help us in the long haul. I'll go and exchange our materials, so that should give us some extra. Meet back here in a few minutes?''

''Roger that.''

''So, Rain, haven't seen you on the frontlines before?''

''I... uhh, yeah, I tended to stay on the first floor, help the young kids out, you know? The orphanage needed some extra money to expand, so I went and took on some quests. That was how I met these two, and well, I said I'd be back, and now I am. I won't slow you down, don't worry!''

''Glad to hear it, I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do!''

After a short while, and some group talk, most of which involved telling tall tales about their exploits - Liten finding the tales about Jet's seeming love of cute, fluffy things particularly amusing, and showing that appearances were often extremely deceptive - Agil returned to the group, about 50% richer, and with additional information.

''I take it you guys had a decent break?''

''Yeah!'' - Liten wiped a tear from her eye, after her laughing fit. Jet notably didn't seem amused, and looked as if he was considering becoming a lightning rod.

''Well, I've got the extra cash, and some more information.'' - The tallest member waved a small book around. The title of said book was 'Argo's Guide to the Galaxy (Volume 7). Jet felt his face drop, and made a note of Argo's apparent tastes in literature, in case he ever needed to buy her a gift. ''Argo's selling her guide to the Seventh Floor, the one that isn't available for free yet. (sigh) Look where I'm stepping... It's a bit expensive, but it makes the buyer feel like they're getting a good deal. I wish I could do that... Anyway, we're a whole day ahead of those waiting for the free version. Let's not let that go to waste!''

''Yeah! I want to get some of Armoured Beast Scales from those Ground Shells in the Raindropping Woods, which is our best option given the time constraints. Anyway, I think we should split up. Agil and I will take the northern area of the woods, can you three take the southern area?''

''Sounds like a plan. We'll meet back up in, say... three hours?''

''Three hours, and back here. Good luck, you three, and be safe!''

''When aren't we?'' - Jet waved off noncommittally.

''I think Goldfish is a better nickname for you now.'' - Agil commented, earning a confused glance off Jet.

The Ground Shells were truly an annoying enemy. Even with Jet's speed, the creeps could hide underground almost completely out of reach for the group, and pop up at the worst possible places. Unfortunately for the monsters, their attack power wasn't particularly high, and they practically bounced off Jet's shield, and right into the waiting blades of Rain and Koharu. Even more inconvenient for the mobs, they weren't the brightest bulbs, as demonstrated by one attacking Jet's shield, leading to it bouncing straight off... and off a cliff face. Did that count as a kill, Jet idly wondered, as another attempted the exact same strategy, only to cease mid way through it's attack, and receive a jab from Hope for it's pause. It decided to dig underground again, and... just disappeared, never to be seen again.

Despite this weird occurrence, it was approaching the three hour mark rapidly, and the trio agreed that heading back was the best idea. They'd collected a reasonable number of the scales after all, so they should be okay...

''You've gotten a lot stronger Rain.''

''Yeah, I've been practicing a lot. You two are okay with me tagging along, aren't you?''

''Of course, the more the merrier!''

''Besides, someone else to watch our backs hopefully means Jet won't keep doing death defying stunts, right?'' - Jet withered under his girlfriend's glare. Rain let out a slight laugh at the couple's behaviour, and decided they were quite clearly alright with her being here.

Clash! Shink! Tching!

''You heard that, right?''

''Yeah, fighting up ahead.'' - Jet squinted to see through the foliage, but managed nothing of any real use. The foliage was simply too dense, and the rain too heavy, for effective visual identification, so the group moved in for a closer look...

A young woman held her blade against the three attackers. She wore the insignia of the Dragon Knights Brigade, and it's mostly blue colour scheme. Never let it be said that Lind was the creative type. ''I don't believe this! You call yourselves part of the Assault Team!''

The person she was shouting at was annoyingly familiar. The bastard from the ALS that had nearly broken the frontlines last floor... ''You sneaky little... Listen up! We're the ones who found this place first! Like we'd let people like you reap the rewards for our work!'' - Guess it wasn't just their group he hated then...

''The guilds are fighting again... I wonder what happened this time.''

''This... really isn't good.'' - Liten looked disappointed in whoever it was - ''Looks like they got hold of Argo's guide too.''

''(sigh) That Argo's a good guy-'' - Jet and Koharu raised their eyebrows as high as they could - ''- but as long as he gets fair compensation, he'll sell info to anybody.''

''Which now means they're scrambling to kill the monsters that give good Col in this field... basically, hoarding it with numbers.''

''Guess that means we'll have to find somewhere else to farm Col. Damn, I was looking forward to a few rounds here, but we can move over to the Withering Woods. Our efficiency will drop a little, but...''

''Ah, it's you five again. I came to see what the commotion was...''

''Lueur, wasn't it?'' - Koharu seemed visibly unnerved by the redhaired man in front of them, still remembering what she'd been told about the photographs of them. Who was to say that he wasn't in on it too...

Liten picked up on it immediately, and looked ready to bash his skull in - ''Is this the guy who took your photos?''

''That was a misunderstanding! I was simply shown a photograph by a certain person. Whilst I do chase after romance, I would never be so brazen to pull off a stunt like that. Stalking is not the beginning of a healthy relationship, I hope you understand?''

''Agreed.'' - Rain looked slightly ashamed of herself, but returned back to as neutral of an expression as she could manage around the wannabe Casanova. That of mild distrust.

''Are you a tourist? Because if you are, I'd advise going around. This place is full of people wanting to pick a fight...'' - Agil advised.

''Thank you for the warning, but I am not here for fun. Tourists are simply low level players who only go to safe zones on higher floors using the gates, right? My level is high enough to walk around the gate area by myself. Despite this though... I think that entering the labyrinth would be tantamount to suicide. Which is the reason I don't intend to do so. You can't see what you want, if you aren't going to take any risks. By the way, if I overheard correctly, your group needs Col, right? If that is the case, I have some good information for you...''

''Definitely doesn't feel as we'd be waltzing into a trap...'' - Jet rolled his eyes, as he quipped.

''Could I be so bold as to ask you to listen to me, before you write me off? There's an elf sage NPC that starts the quest Seeker's Proof in the Withering Woods.''

Koharu and Jet looked towards each other, with looks of recognition - ''An elf sage, huh?''

''I'd put money on that being the next part of the Elf War Quest.'' - Jet nodded.

''Ah! So you guys have been going through the Elf War Quest then? You should definitely go then. Any player who meets the requirements can start the quest with the sage, and the Seeker's Proof, the item that the quest gives you for completion, can sold for quite a lot of Col at an NPC store. Players who've actually been doing the Elf Quest tell me that they've gotten something better, too... Well, at least, that was what a beta tester told me. It definitely seems a good quest for those looking for Col, even if it is pretty difficult.''

''That seems really convenient for us...'' - Liten pointed out.

''Right? That's why I told you. It shouldn't be in the guide yet either. It's worth trying, right?''

''Do you have any proof that this quest is even real?'' - Agil asked, not wanting to waste time on rumours.

''Nope. But I have nothing to gain from lying to you. On the other hand, I do get something from helping you out...''

''That'd be?''

''I always wanted to be a troubadour. Of course, it doesn't exist in SAO, since this game doesn't have jobs or classes to begin with, but I wanted to see proper heroism, tall tales of daring do, and tell people about them. That's my dream.'' - ''Oh great, trust us to get stuck with Bill Shakespeare here...''

''Your dream, huh? You have a nerve to chase after a dream in a death game...''

''You think I'm not taking this seriously enough?''

''I'm not trying to insult you. I wanted to be a tank, and I am proud that I achieved that dream. I believe that having clear things that we want to do are important to our survival. But I do have a question for you - what is a true hero to you?''

''This is a game, but it's also our reality. Are you trying to say that heroes can't possibly exist here? Does that mean there isn't a top player on the Seventh Floor who has the charisma to inspire courage in everyone there?''

''I think there is, I just don't think they know it yet.'' - Jet commented, whilst Rain looked down again, but Lueur caught onto his meaning...

''Interesting, you believe in someone else, but not yourself. You must have really low self esteem, especially since you're one of the few pulling the Assault Team forward, are you not?'' - Lueur stated, before Agil interjected. ''Hey, cut it out. Find somebody else if you're just going to play around with us.''

''I'm not playing around with you, I'm very serious. I apologise if it sounds like I'm goofing around, it's just that this is the first time I've talked about my dream, and I'm getting ahead of myself.''

''They're not here right now, but I- we, did know someone who called themselves a knight. A person who we fought was fighting to grant the wish of those trapped here in SAO. We'll be able to leave this place, so long as there are those committed to fighting the hundred floors. I want to convey that.''

''You surprised me. It sounds like we're of the same mindset. Whilst I myself cannot fight as you do, I wish to tell the mid level players, and those who haven't worked up the courage to fight yet, about your journeys. To cheer them up, hopefully, as they know that they aren't forgotten. I even hope that, one day, people in the outside world will hear my songs. To me, that mindset makes someone a true hero. Fighting for a cause, but never losing sight of everyone else around them.''

''Well, you definitely take the role of troubadour seriously. Singing songs of royalty and heroism for the public, like a storyteller.''

''I am flattered that you think of me that way. There's also a reporter on the lower floors who is trying to accurately record everything that happens here, and as noble as I found that, I wished to leave behind stories, stories of those who saw this world, and rather than be cowed by fear... saw a challenge. To overcome the steel castle, and better themselves in the process. To become true heroes, where none previously were. I wished to record that, rather than cold, hard numbers. But to do that, I need people to continually beat bosses, and clear the game. Maybe you aren't currently... but in all of you, I see potential heroes. Which means it's in my own self interest to provide you with useful information.''

''Hm, I understand your motives now, but how dependable the info is, is still debatable... what do you think, you three?''

''I think we should try it.''

''We should try every available option right now, so let's do it!''

''As he said, sometimes you have to take risks.'' - Lueur actually wondered when he'd said that in his speech, but didn't interrupt her. He didn't mind the praise after all, as vain as that sounded.

''Yeah, you're right. I'd like to go with you, but I haven't done the Elf War Quest. I want to try and find other ways of getting money, instead of spending time on one item.''

''I have the perfect dungeon for you then! You can get the highest rank crafting materials on the Seventh Floor, and some quest items there. It'd be easier to collect Col from farming items, rather than completing quests anyway. But there are a lot of annoying enemies there, you really do need a high level tank, and a heavy attacker to make it worth your while...''

''Then that'll call for Agil and me. I'm good at long battles!''

''Excellent! I'll give you the coordinates to the dungeon entrance. I hope this will help you!''

''Well, with that decided... you guys going to be okay doing the Sage quest?''

''Should be fine, we've got a vague idea on what to expect anyway.'' - Jet answered.

''We have?'' - Rain questioned.

''Well, chances are, we'll have to deal with that Fallen again...''

''I'm not looking forward to that...'' - Koharu shuddered, the memory of Jet's berserker episode still fresh in her head...

''Agreed.'' - Jet had decided that, this time, he'd keep his own advice in mind.

''Well, this is fantastic, I'm watching a story unfold in front of me! It's uplifting!''

''Agil, he's on your team.'' - The axe wielder looked as if someone had thrown his a dumbbell, and told him to swim an ocean, at that passing of the buck. Jet himself looked relieved at not having to deal with the troubadour...

''For now, I'm on no one's team. I shall make myself scarce. Good luck on your quests!'' - Lueur left as quickly as he'd appeared, and with about as much explanation too.

''When he told us he wanted to be a troubadour, I wasn't sure what to make of him. Now though, I... how do I explain it? It feels like he's at peace with himself, and only focussing on others.'' - Liten explained.

''That was because he kept talking. Well, let's trust his information is correct, and get a move on. Be safe out there, you three...''

''We'll make sure Jet doesn't do something completely reckless!''

''Why is it always me that gets the blame for that!''

''Because it's always you doing the most reckless stuff imaginable.'' - Koharu answered, attempting to glare down Jet. Sometimes, her stare could terrify an army... other times, it looked like a slightly angry puppy. This was not one of the former times, and Jet had to struggle not to laugh...

(Author's Comments)

Good grief, there's a lot of talking in this part of the game. Anyway, the next part should have a fair bit more actual story to it, and not just where the game has 'recover (xy amount of items) from (insert enemy here)', which really don't translate well into text.

Also, 30th chapter! (Sort of. Technically 31st on Wattpad, but... let's quietly ignore that.)

Honestly, I'm surprised at the fact I've barely used even a tenth of my ideas for where this story's actually going to go. Also, little bit of a call for ideas - anybody has any ideas for any aesthetics for some of the towns in Aincrad - because most aren't actually shown, so I've got free reign there - either put them in a review, or send me them in a PM. I've already got a couple of later ones in mind, based off real places I've seen pictures of (or been to, in one case.)

But that aside, thanks for the support in reading this story, it's done exponentially better than I ever thought it would, and yeah, the usual applies - follow, favourite, like etc, and leave a comment/review or PM if you enjoyed it, or want to offer any criticisms

Midland 2541, signing off!