Chapter 4: Echoes of the Fallen
A month had passed since Melissa's death. A month since her words echoed in Izuku's mind, reminding him of the person he wanted to be, the hero he had always dreamed of becoming. But now, that dream felt distant, unreachable. He wandered into the last town of the first floor, his steps slow and deliberate. The lively atmosphere around him contrasted starkly with the hollow emptiness he felt inside.
Izuku's once-bright eyes were now shadowed with guilt and grief. He had grown distant, keeping to himself, convinced that the path forward was one he had to walk alone. The memories of fighting alongside Melissa still haunted him—her laughter, her determination, and her final moments as she dissolved into pieces of light.
I failed her.
That thought had burned itself into his mind, repeating over and over until it was all he could think about. He couldn't bear to get close to anyone else, fearing that he'd fail them too. Being a solo player was the best way. The only way to keep people safe.
He had stopped using the sword he gave Melissa. The Elucidator now remained in his inventory, untouched. Every time he saw it, he was reminded of the promise he made to her. But he wasn't ready to wield it again. Not yet…
Asuna's POV
Asuna's sword was a blur of motion as she fought valiantly against the relentless waves of monsters. Her breaths were ragged, and her strength was waning. The labyrinthine dungeon was a cacophony of chaos—swords clashing and monsters roaring. Her mind was clouded with the dread of defeat and the sharp pang of worry for Mito. Asuna had witnessed Mito's hurried departure earlier in the battle. She had said that there was an rabit that drops loot ahead of them she was going to go after. Right as she kilks the rabit, she noticed a trap had sprung by Asuna and she was overwelned.
As Mito watched Asuna's health bar drop faster and faster. More monsters started to make their way to her, Mito mad the a split-second decision driven by a desperate instinct to survive, Mito had fled, leaving Asuna to face the onslaught alone.
As the battle raged on, the intensity of the fight began to overwhelm Asuna. Her strikes became less precise, her movements slower. She could feel the weight of her fatigue pressing down on her, each blow she landed against the monsters feeling more like a desperate plea for help. As she struggled, she couldn't shake the thought that Mito might not return in time. The fear of failing, of not surviving this battle, gnawed at her.
Just when she thought she couldn't hold on any longer, she saw a new figure appearing in the fray. The figure moved with an effortless grace, cutting through the enemies with precision and skill that seemed almost otherworldly. The shadowed figure fought with a ferocity and expertise that was both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Asuna's eyes widened as she watched the figure's movements, realizing that this was no ordinary player.
Deku's POV
Deku's heart pounded in his chest as he cut through the enemies, his focus unwavering despite the tumultuous emotions roiling within him. The weight of Melissa's death hung heavily on him, a constant reminder of his perceived failure. Each swing of his sword was an attempt to atone for his past, to redeem himself from the guilt that plagued him. His movements were fluid and precise, a testament to the countless hours he had spent honing his skills.
When Deku saw Asuna in trouble, something within him snapped. It wasn't just a sense of duty that drove him but a deeper, almost primal urge to protect those who were vulnerable. The memory of Melissa's last moments haunted him, and he was determined not to let anyone else suffer the same fate.
As he fought alongside Asuna, he could see the exhaustion in her eyes, the struggle in her movements. His resolve hardened as he fought off the last of the enemies surrounding her. The battle felt personal, a way to channel his grief and anger into something productive, something that could potentially save a life.
Asuna's POV
The battle ended almost as abruptly as it had begun. The enemies lay defeated, and the dungeon's eerie silence was a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. Asuna lowered her sword, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to regain her composure. The mysterious figure who had saved her now stood before her.
Asuna's heart pounded in her chest, her mind barely registering the swift destruction of the monsters that had nearly ended her life moments ago. One moment, she had been on the verge of death, surrounded by creatures too powerful for her to handle alone, and the next, the boy had appeared—his movements fast and decisive, like he was more part of the game than a player.
She stared at him, still reeling from the shock of her near-death experience. "Why? Why did you save me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The boy, clad in dark armor, didn't even flinch at her question as heDeku approached her, his face partially obscured by the shadows of his hood. He reached out and handed her a small bag.
The gesture was unexpected, and Asuna's eyes widened in surprise as she looked inside the bag. The items within were invaluable— a health regeneration crystal, a teleport crystal, and a map. Her initial shock was quickly followed by a rush of gratitude.
She looked up to see the boy looked about the same age as her, or maybe slightly younger since he was shorter than her. She met his green eyes—sharp yet distant, as if he'd seen too much for someone his age. His voice was calm, but it carried a weight that sent a chill down her spine. "Because your face told me your true feelings. You didn't want to die."
"Thank you," Asuna said, her voice tinged with emotion. "I don't know how to repay you."
Deku's just turned around and walked away, with a small wave goodbye without looking back. Leaving Asuna stunned and confused by the interaction. But she was to swept up in her pain about Mito to think about it any further.
As Deku made his way towards the last town of the first floor, his mind was consumed by the weight of his grief and the burden of his decisions. The town was bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the grim reality of the dungeon. Players were chatting, buying items, and preparing for the next challenges. For Deku, however, the noise and commotion felt distant, as if he were observing from behind a glass wall.
He had become accustomed to the solitude of his existence, finding comfort in being alone despite the occasional interaction with others. The bustling marketplace, filled with vibrant colors and animated conversations, felt foreign to him. He moved through the crowd with a sense of detachment, his thoughts focused on the upcoming boss raid.
As Deku started preparing for the raid, he crossed paths with a group of players, one of then being Klein, suppodely one of the leaders of the guilds that came to the meeting. With his friendly demeanor, he gave Deku a nod of acknowledgment.
"Hey, Deku!" Klein called out. "You ready for the raid?"
Deku merely nodded, his gaze focused on the ground. "Yeah, just preparing."
Klein, ever the enthusiastic one, chimed in with a smile. "Ya know we've heard good things about you. Good luck out there, hope we can chat longer next time!"
Deku gave a curt nod in response, his expression unreadable. "Hmm, Thanks," he replied. The brief exchange was polite but lacked the warmth of genuine camaraderie.
As Klein and his guild moved on, Deku resumed his preparations, his mind still preoccupied with the weight of his decisions and the burden of the role he had chosen for himself.
The tavern where the meeting was being held was packed with players, more than Deku had seen in one place since the launch of Sword Art Online. Wooden beams crisscrossed above the bustling crowd, the hum of nervous excitement filling the air as dozens of players gathered for the first floor boss meeting. The room was dimly lit, the only real source of light coming from flickering torches mounted on the stone walls, casting long shadows over the crowd.
Deku stood near the back, his green cloak pulled close around him, blending into the background as best he could. He wasn't looking to stand out—not now, not when tension was high. There were at least forty players gathered, their levels varying from the low teens to the mid-twenties, and all of them were there for one reason: to take down the first floor boss and move forward in the game.
At the front of the room, a tall man named Diavel—one of the more prominent players on the front lines—stood on a raised platform. His blue armor gleamed under the torchlight, and his expression was confident, almost too confident for Deku's liking. Diavel was clearly the one in charge. Deku thought his voice sounded familiar as he explained the strategy for the upcoming battle. It sounded almost as if he'd done this before.
"Alright, everyone!" Diavel called out, raising a hand to settle the murmurs in the room. "We've gathered the strongest players here on the front lines, and with this group, we're going to defeat the boss and clear the first floor. Now, the raid is going to be divided into parties. We'll need balanced groups of damage dealers, tanks, and support."
Deku listened quietly as Diavel broke down the plan. The strategy was simple enough—tank the boss while damage dealers whittled down its health, and support players would keep everyone alive with healing potions and buffs. It was standard MMO strategy, but in a world where one wrong move could mean death, everyone was on edge.
"We'll divide into groups of six," Diavel continued. "It's a party requirement for the boss room. Make sure your party is balanced and that you have enough healing items. Once we're inside, stick to your role. Don't get greedy, don't panic, and most importantly—don't die."
The players around Deku began shifting, forming into groups. Most had already arrived with their parties, huddling in circles as they discussed last-minute preparations. The energy in the room was a mix of anticipation and anxiety, with some players cracking nervous jokes while others checked their inventories one last time.
Deku scanned the room, taking note of the players who were still alone. His eyes settled on a familiar figure standing near the edge of the crowd— the girl he had saved just a few days prior. She stood by herself, arms crossed, her hood pulled low over her face. Her equipment looked a little better than the last time he'd seen her, but she still seemed a bit out of place amidst the more seasoned fighters.
Deku sighed. He had come here knowing that he couldn't stay solo for this raid. The boss room required parties of six, and he couldn't take on Illfang the Kobold Lord alone. Reluctantly, he pushed through the crowd toward Asuna.
She noticed him approaching and raised an eyebrow, her expression guarded.
"You don't have a party either, do you?" Deku asked, his voice low so as not to attract attention.
Asuna shook her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. "No. I prefer to fight alone."
Deku understood that sentiment better than anyone, but he wasn't in a position to be picky. "Same," he muttered. "But we don't really have a choice. If we want to take down this boss, we'll have to form a party."
Asuna hesitated, glancing around at the players already grouped up. There weren't many solo players left, and it was clear she wasn't eager to team up with a stranger. Finally, after a long pause, she gave a resigned nod. "Fine."
Deku gave her a small nod in return. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
They opened their menus, the soft blue light of their interfaces glowing in the dimly lit room. Deku sent Asuna a party invite, and with a brief hesitation, she accepted it. Her name appeared on his party list, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The awkward tension between them was palpable, but Deku didn't let it bother him. This wasn't about making friends—it was about surviving.
"We'll stick to the plan," Deku said, breaking the silence. "I'll focus on damage, and you cover me."
Asuna nodded, her eyes flickering with determination. "I can handle that."
Deku glanced at her gear again, making a mental note to keep an eye on her. She was still relatively new to the game, and while she seemed capable, he didn't want to take any chances. He couldn't afford to lose another person. Not like before.
"Alright, everyone! Thats everything for tonight, you have until tomorrow at noon then we'll all meet at the edge of the forest before taking our first step to getting out of this dam game!" Diavel's voice boomed through the tavern, signaling the end of the meeting.
The room erupted into motion, some players gathering their weapons and heading out early for tomorrow's big day. Deku and Asuna followed the crowd, their steps in sync as they moved toward what would be their first major battle in Sword Art Online.
Deku glanced at her gear again, making a mental note to keep an eye on her. She was still relatively new to the game, and while she seemed capable, he didn't want to take any chances. He couldn't afford to lose another person. Not like before.
As they walked out of the crowded tavern into the cool night air of the first floor's main town, Deku and Asuna remained quiet. The town buzzed with activity, players gearing up for the upcoming boss battle, each step closer to clearing the first floor. The tension in the air was palpable, but Deku's mind was elsewhere. He couldn't shake the feeling that Asuna's gear wasn't enough. She had talent, no doubt, but talent only got you so far in this game.
Without a word, Deku changed course, steering them toward the marketplace. Asuna, noticing the shift, raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. She trailed behind him, curious but distant, still processing the upcoming battle.
The marketplace was still alive with traders, the glow of lanterns casting warm light over the various stalls selling weapons, armor, and potions. Deku stopped in front of one particular vendor, eyeing the swords on display. After a moment of silence, he reached out and picked up a finely crafted blade, the metal gleaming under the light.
"This one," Deku said flatly, handing the vendor a small pouch of Col, the in-game currency. He didn't stop there. He grabbed a few health crystals and defense potions, adding them to the growing list of purchases.
Asuna watched him with confusion, her arms crossed as she tried to figure out what he was doing. "Why are you buying all of this?" she finally asked, her tone cautious.
Deku turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Your gear isn't good enough for tomorrow. You need this if you want to survive."
"I don't need charity," Asuna snapped, crossing her arms tighter, her pride flaring up.
Deku's green eyes hardened slightly as he met her gaze, his voice cold but firm. "I refuse to let a party member die."
The words cut through the tension like a blade. Asuna opened her mouth to argue, but something about the way Deku said it—something about the look in his eyes—stopped her. There was a sharpness in his tone, but beneath it, there was something else. Something deeper. She took a step back, unsure of what to say.
Deku handed her the sword and the other items without another word. He turned, his steps leading them to a nearby bench. He sat down, pulling a piece of bread from his inventory and taking a bite. Asuna followed, the new sword now hanging at her side as she quietly sat down beside him. She glanced down at her own bread, nibbling at it with little enthusiasm.
After a moment, Deku noticed the way she picked at her food, her eyes distant. He sighed, setting his bread down and rummaging through his inventory. He pulled out a small jar—a jar of cream. His heart clenched slightly as he looked at it, memories of his last quest with Melissa flooding back. This was the last jar he had, a small memento of the past he couldn't let go of.
Still, he unscrewed the lid and set the jar on the bench between them.
"Here's a little trick," he said softly. He placed a finger over the top of the jar, a small white glow emanating from his hand as he spread the cream over his bread. "Try it."
Asuna hesitated, but eventually followed his lead, mimicking the way he spread the cream on her bread. She took a small bite, her eyes widening in surprise at the taste. For the first time that night, a small smile crept onto her face.
"This is… really good," she said quietly.
Deku gave her a faint smile in return, but it quickly faded as he noticed the look in her eyes. Asuna's expression shifted, her gaze falling back to the ground. She looked cold, angry, and sad all at once, the weight of something heavy pressing down on her.
Old instincts kicked in, and for a brief moment, the old Izuku—the one who cared deeply about others—poked through. He cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to find the right words.
"You okay?" he asked softly. His voice was gentle, almost hesitant, as if he wasn't sure if he should be asking.
Asuna tensed at the question, her fingers gripping the bread a little tighter. She glanced at him, surprised by his sudden concern.
"I'm fine," she replied, her voice clipped. But there was a crack in her tone, a sliver of vulnerability that Deku didn't miss.
He looked away, not wanting to push her. "I'm just a stranger," he said quietly. "But if you need someone to listen… I'll listen. Especially since we probably won't see each other again after tomorrow."
The words hung in the air between them, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Asuna stared at him, unsure of what to say. She had been holding everything in for so long, carrying the weight of her anger and sadness like a shield. But something about the way Deku spoke—something about his quiet offer to listen—broke through her defenses.
"I…" she hesitated, her voice trembling slightly. "There's this girl. Mito. We were friends in the real world. And when this game started, we teamed up. She was a beta tester, so she knew more than I did. I trusted her."
Deku listened quietly, his gaze focused on the ground as he let her speak.
"One day, we went out on a quest together. Everything was fine, but then… there was this rare item. She wanted it. I guess… I wasn't important enough to her." Asuna's voice cracked, her hands tightening into fists. "She left me. She left me, and I almost died because of it."
The pain in her voice was palpable, and for a moment, Deku didn't know what to say. He thought back to Melissa, to how he had failed her, and how the guilt had eaten away at him. He knew that kind of pain all too well.
"I can't speak for all beta testers," Deku said quietly, choosing his words carefully. "But I like to believe they aren't all bad. You said she was your friend in the real world, too. I overheard some people talking to a girl with a katana sword at the tavern. If she's the same Mito as you mentioned then you should talk to her. By the way she looked, I'd say she's carrying a lot of guilt herself."
Asuna blinked, caught off guard by his words. "Really? How can you tell?"
Deku gave her a small, almost sad smile. "I'm good at analyzing people," he said, though in his mind, he thought, "because I carry a similar guilt."
They sat in silence for a while after that, the night air cool around them. There was an understanding between them now, a shared sense of loss and guilt that neither of them had expected to find in one another. And though they didn't say it out loud, both of them felt a little less alone.
Tomorrow, they would face the boss together. But for tonight, they were simply two players, both weighed down by the past, trying to find a way forward.
As Deku and Asuna left the tavern behind, their footsteps echoed through the stone-paved streets of the town. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale light over the quiet path that led to the labyrinth's entrance where the boss battle awaited them. Neither of them spoke for a while, both lost in their thoughts. The weight of tomorrow's fight hung heavy between them, and the silence became more and more uncomfortable.
Asuna, her mind racing with questions and doubts, finally broke the stillness. "Do you think this is eventually going to become normal?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with uncertainty. "Is that the reason Akihiko Kayaba did this? Or is he just... a man with a power complex and a need to control everything."
Deku didn't answer right away. His green eyes stared straight ahead, his hands gripping the hilt of his sword as they walked. He had wondered the same thing many times since the game had begun. Why would someone go to such lengths to trap thousands of players in a virtual world? Was it just to prove that he could? Or was there something deeper, something more twisted, driving Kayaba?
"I don't know," Deku finally replied, his voice steady but thoughtful. "Maybe he wanted to see how people would react... how they'd adapt to a world without quirks. It's hard to say. I've thought about it a lot, but the truth is... none of it really makes sense."
Asuna glanced at him, studying his profile in the dim light. "So you think he's just... watching us?"
Deku nodded slightly. "Probably. This whole world is too detailed, too perfectly designed for it to be just about control. It feels like an experiment sometimes. But... I don't know if it'll ever feel normal. We're fighting for our lives in here."
Asuna sighed, the weight of his words sinking in. "Yeah... I guess you're right. It just feels so... surreal, sometimes. Like, one minute you're in school, and the next, you're fighting for your life with a sword in some fantasy world."
Deku gave a faint smile at that. "Surreal is one way to put it."
They walked in silence for a while longer, the looming labyrinth walls drawing closer as they neared the entrance to the boss room. The group ahead of them, consisting of other players, had already started gathering near the massive doors that led to the first-floor boss. The tension in the air was thick, everyone knew that this battle would set the tone for the rest of the game. If they could defeat this boss, it would mean hope. But if they failed... it would mean death.
The leader of the raid, Diavel, stood at the front, addressing the crowd. His blue armor gleamed under the moonlight, and his voice was calm but commanding. "Alright, everyone, we've gone over the plan multiple times now, but I'll say it again. Stick to your assigned roles, don't get greedy, and watch each other's backs. We take the boss down together, as a team. We've trained for this."
Deku watched as the other players nodded, their expressions a mix of fear and determination. Diavel was a natural leader, rallying the group with confidence and charisma. For a moment, Deku wondered if Diavel had been a leader outside the game as well. There was something about the way he carried himself that felt familiar.
"Asuna," Deku muttered, turning toward her, "stay close to me during the fight. We don't know what kind of surprises this boss might have."
She nodded, gripping the new sword he'd bought her earlier. "Got it."
The large doors to the boss room creaked open with a deep, ominous groan. Inside, the chamber was vast, dimly lit by torches hanging on the stone walls. In the center of the room stood the first-floor boss—Illfang the Kobold Lord. His massive figure towered over the players, his blood-red eyes glowing with malicious intent. Behind him, his minions—the Ruin Kobold Sentinels—stood at the ready, armed with spears and shields.
Diavel raised his sword, rallying the group. "Let's go!"
The players charged forward, following the plan they had discussed. The tanks took the lead, absorbing the brunt of the damage from the Kobold Sentinels while the DPS players like Deku and Asuna weaved around, dealing as much damage as possible. At first, everything seemed to be going smoothly. Illfang's health bar dropped steadily, the players working together to chip away at it while avoiding his heavy attacks.
Deku moved fluidly through the fight, his sword slashing through one of the Kobold Sentinels with precise, calculated strikes. He could hear Asuna's blade slicing through the air beside him as they worked in tandem, keeping the enemies at bay. For a moment, he allowed himself to hope. Maybe they could do this. Maybe they could actually win.
But then, something changed.
As Illfang's health bar hit the final quarter, he let out a deafening roar. His body began to glow with a dark, ominous energy, and suddenly, his movements became faster, more erratic. The players scrambled to adjust, but the Kobold Lord's attacks were now unpredictable.
Deku's eyes widened in shock as he narrowly dodged a devastating strike. "What's happening?!"
Illfang's movements had become... different. It wasn't just that he was faster—it was almost as if he had... a Quirk. His attacks were now imbued with bursts of energy, and his blade crackled with lightning as it swung through the air. Three players were caught in the crossfire, their health bars dropping to zero before they could react.
One of them was Diavel.
"NO!" Deku shouted as he watched Diavel fall to the ground, the lightning-infused blade slicing through his armor. Deku rushed over, sliding to a stop beside him, cradling the fallen leader in his arms.
Diavel coughed, his breath ragged as his health bar flickered dangerously low. "I thought... I could take him," he rasped, his eyes filled with regret. "I thought... because I was a hero in the real world... I could handle more."
Deku's heart clenched as Diavel's real-world identity came to light. He wasn't just a player—he was the Normal Hero: Manual, a professional hero in the outside world. Deku's mind raced as he remembered Manual from his own hero research. He had been someone Deku had looked up to, even if he wasn't as powerful as heroes like All Might. Manual had been someone who made a difference, even in the small ways.
Diavel—Manual—gasped for breath, his time running out. "You... you were a beta tester too, weren't you?"
Deku stiffened, his grip tightening around the fallen hero. "Yes," he admitted softly.
Diavel smiled weakly. "Then... you can lead them. Lead them to victory. Make sure... everybody... works together. It's the only way... to make it out of here alive."
Deku nodded, his chest tightening with emotion. "I will. I promise."
With a final breath, Diavel's body began to disintegrate into pixels, his form fading away in Deku's arms. The room fell eerily silent, the other players watching in horror and disbelief as one of their own—one of their leaders—was gone.
But there was no time to grieve. Illfang let out another roar, his health bar still dangerously high.
Deku stood, his resolve hardening. He glanced at the remaining players, many of whom looked terrified and uncertain. Without a second thought, he stepped forward, his voice steady and commanding. "We're not done yet. Follow the plan—tanks up front, healers support from the back. DPS, focus on Illfang's weak spots."
The players hesitated for a moment before nodding, rallying behind him. Deku's heart pounded in his chest as he prepared for the final push. He gripped his sword tightly, his mind focused on one goal: finishing the fight and ensuring no more lives were lost.
With a surge of adrenaline, Deku charged forward, his sword glowing with energy as he called out the name of his attack. "FULL SMASH!"
His blade slashed through the air with blinding speed, a combination of one of the game's sword skills and his own homage to All Might's signature moves. The strike hit Illfang square in the chest, sending the Kobold Lord staggering back.
The other players followed Deku's lead, launching their final assaults on the boss. Asuna's blade glowed as she delivered a devastating combo, her movements precise and deadly. The other DPS players swarmed the boss, their attacks synchronized with Deku's leadership.
Illfang's health bar dropped lower and lower until, with one final strike from Deku, the boss let out a deafening roar and shattered into pixels. The room fell silent as the last remnants of Illfang disappeared, leaving nothing but the glowing crystals dissipating across the floor.
As the cheers echoed around him, Deku stood in the center of the room, his sword lowered, his heart heavy. Manual's final words echoed in his mind.
"Make sure… that everybody… works together...It's the only way."
For a moment, he allowed himself to believe that this victory might have been worth the cost. But then, from the edge of the crowd, a loud voice cut through the celebratory atmosphere like a knife.
"Three of us died!" a player shouted, his voice thick with anger and grief. "It shouldn't be a celebration!"
The noise around the room quickly came to a crashing halt. The players, who moments ago were congratulating each other and reveling in their triumph, now turned their attention to the fallen players' bodies that were slowly fading into pixels. The weight of what had just happened settled over the group like a suffocating blanket.
"We lost people… good people," the same player continued, his face pale with frustration. "And it didn't have to happen!"
Another voice chimed in from the opposite side of the chamber. "If the beta testers had told us about the boss's Quirk, nobody would've died!"
Deku's stomach clenched. He could feel the atmosphere of the room shifting—anger, suspicion, and fear coalescing into something dangerous. The crowd was on the verge of turning on itself. His eyes scanned the room, locking onto Asuna and Mito, both standing to the side with wide, fearful eyes. Mito looked particularly terrified, her hands trembling as she clutched the hilt of her sword.
Deku took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Manual. I don't think I'm fit to lead, but I can at least keep them from tearing each other apart."
He clenched his fists, forcing himself to make a decision. Manual's words rang in his ears again: "Make sure they work together."
Deku's mouth went dry as he took another breath, his mind racing. He could already feel the tension mounting around him, and he knew it was only a matter of time before things spiraled out of control. Without thinking further, he stepped forward and began to laugh.
At first, it was quiet—just a low chuckle—but soon, it grew louder, echoing through the boss room until it drowned out the murmurs of the crowd. Players turned to look at him, confused and startled by his sudden outburst.
Deku straightened up, his face twisted into an almost mocking grin as he spoke, his voice sharp and biting. "You think beta testers are to blame for this? You really believe that just because we have more information, it means no one will die?"
The crowd fell silent, their attention now entirely on Deku.
"Here's the truth," Deku continued, his voice growing louder and more intense with every word. "The beta testers are nothing at all! Sure, we have more information than you, but it's what you do with that information that matters!"
His grin faded, and his eyes darkened as his tone shifted into something more sinister. "There are only a few beta testers out there who are even worth a damn. But me? I have more intel than anyone. I went higher than anyone."
His voice dropped, becoming almost a whisper as he glared out at the crowd. "And it'll stay that way here, too."
The room buzzed with murmurs again, the players now exchanging worried glances. One of them pointed at him and shouted, "You're worse than a beta tester! You're just trying to make yourself look better. You're a... you're a beater!"
More players began to chime in, throwing insults his way. "Yeah, a beater!" "He's no better than the rest of them!" "He's probably hiding even more info from us!"
Deku turned his back to the crowd, his face tightening as he gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to snap back. Every fiber of his being wanted to defend himself, to explain the real reasons behind his actions, but he knew it wouldn't help. He had to protect them—protect the beta testers—and ensure they didn't become scapegoats for every failure in this death game.
"Call me what you want," Deku growled under his breath. "I don't care."
Without looking back, he reached into his inventory and pulled out the black cloak he'd received as a reward from the boss fight. The fabric flowed smoothly over his shoulders, the darkness of the cloak matching the steely resolve in his heart. He took one last glance over his shoulder, his voice cold and detached. "I'm going to open the portal to the next floor. Why don't all of you go back and grind a few more levels? I'd hate to see you all die before I clear the game."
He waved dismissively, walking toward the stairs that led to the next floor, his steps echoing in the quiet room.
Asuna's POV
Asuna stood beside Mito, her heart pounding in her chest as the crowd's mood shifted from celebration to anger. It was unsettling to see how quickly people had turned on each other, their grief morphing into hostility. The word "beta tester" echoed through the room, growing more venomous with each repetition.
Mito, standing beside her, looked pale and terrified. Her knuckles were white as she gripped her sword, her body shaking with fear. Asuna could feel Mito's panic, but her own emotions were in turmoil.
What was going on? Why were they turning on the beta testers now? Asuna's mind raced, her gaze scanning the crowd, searching for any sign of what was going to happen next. That's when she saw him.
Deku.
He stood in the middle of the room, his back turned to the rest of the players as he began to laugh. Asuna's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, confused and anxious. What was he doing?
She had fought beside Deku today, trusted him in battle. He had been cold, distant—yes—but not... this. Not someone who would mock the rest of them. As he continued to speak, her heart clenched in her chest. He was taking the blame, deflecting the anger of the crowd onto himself. But why? Why was he doing this?
"He... saved me," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "None of this makes sense."
Mito glanced at her, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. "Asuna? What's happening? Are we... are we in danger?"
Asuna shook her head, unable to give Mito an answer. Her mind was racing. She looked back at Deku, who had already started walking away, pulling his black cloak around him as the crowd's anger began to die down.
Mito, her voice trembling, turned to Asuna. "Are... are you coming back with me?"
Asuna stared after Deku, her chest tightening with uncertainty. "Give me one sec," she murmured, her feet moving before her mind had caught up.
Asuna caught up to Deku on the stairs leading to the next floor. She had so many questions swirling in her mind, so many things she didn't understand. "Wait!" she called out, her voice carrying over the soft clatter of his footsteps. "Why... why are you doing this?"
Deku stopped, glancing back at her, his face a mask of confusion. "What do you mean?"
Asuna's fists clenched as she struggled to find the right words. "You... you said all those things, but it doesn't make sense. You saved me. You helped me. Why are you acting like... like you don't care?"
Deku's eyes softened for a moment, but then his expression hardened again. "I *do* care," he said, his voice steady but cold. "But all I care about is beating this game. That's the fastest way to save everyone."
Asuna frowned, her heart twisting at the distance in his words. "But you're stronger with others... right? Shouldn't you have someone to fight beside you?"
Deku turned his gaze away, his shoulders stiffening. "Trust me," he muttered quietly. "It's safer for everyone if I'm alone."
Asuna opened her mouth to protest, to argue, but before she could, Deku continued up the stairs, his black cloak billowing behind him. She stood there, watching him disappear into the shadows, her mind swirling with confusion and frustration.
"Who are you, Deku?" she wondered, feeling an odd mix of sadness and curiosity settle in her chest.
—
AUTHOR NOTES: That took longer than I thought to look over this chapter. I'd like to get to chapter 11 by sometime next week but it all depends on what my work schedule will be. Until next time :)