Chapter 8: The Black Swordsmen and A Tamer's Hope

"Silica's POV"

Silica stormed through the thick forest, her emotions a chaotic mix of anger and frustration. She had just been kicked out of her party—again. It wasn't fair. The players she had been traveling with had done nothing but criticize her every move, treating her like a burden. The final straw had come when one of the members, a tall swordsman with a smug grin, sneered at her after she'd failed to hit a beast with one of her dagger throws.

"You're just a kid, Silica. Maybe you should stick to playing with your little pet dragon. You're more of a mascot than an actual fighter anyway," the swordsman had mocked, his voice dripping with disdain.

The laughter of the group echoed in her mind. Silica had clenched her fists, holding back the tears that threatened to spill over. But instead of retaliating with words, she had turned and walked away, Pina fluttering close behind her. The others hadn't tried to stop her—they hadn't cared.

"Fine!" she muttered under her breath, her voice shaky. "I don't need them. I'm better off alone."

She tightened her grip on the small dagger she carried. It wasn't much, but it had served her well in the past. Silica knew she wasn't as strong as the others, but she was determined to prove that she could handle herself. Pina chirped at her side, nuzzling her cheek for comfort.

"Thanks, Pina. At least I still have you," Silica said, her voice softening as she stroked the dragon's head. "We don't need them. We can manage on our own."

The two pressed forward, deeper into the forest, the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above. The atmosphere was quiet, too quiet. Silica's gut twisted with unease, but she pushed the feeling aside. She had made up her mind—she wasn't going to rely on anyone else.

But just as they rounded a bend in the path, a sudden rustling in the bushes sent Silica's heart racing. Before she could react, a pack of red-eyed beasts leaped out from the underbrush, surrounding her in an instant. Silica's breath caught in her throat. She was outnumbered.

"Pina!" Silica called, panic rising in her chest.

Pina immediately responded, unleashing a burst of cold fire at the nearest creature. It staggered back, but more of them kept coming, their eyes glowing with hunger. Silica fought desperately, swinging her dagger, but her strikes were clumsy, and her hands trembled.

Suddenly, one of the beasts lunged at her, claws extended. Silica's world slowed down as she saw the creature's deadly strike aimed directly at her chest. But just as it was about to hit, Pina darted in front of her, taking the blow.

"No!" Silica screamed, her voice breaking.

She watched in horror as Pina's health bar plummeted, the dragon letting out a weak chirp before collapsing. The surrounding creatures closed in, but all Silica could see was Pina's small form, fading away into shimmering particles. All that remained was the dragon's heart, floating in her hands.

"Please, don't leave me," Silica whispered, tears streaming down her face as she clutched Pina's heart. Her chest ached, and her vision blurred as her only companion, her best friend in this world, was gone.

"Deku's POV"

Deku had been traversing the lower floors of Aincrad, focused on a specific task. Several guilds had asked him to track down a group of notorious player killers that had been terrorizing lower-level players. It wasn't something he normally did, but the request came from high-ranking guilds on the front lines, and he knew it was important. Despite the heavy task, it gave him some space from the front lines—a brief respite from the constant pressure of progressing through the game.

His thoughts wandered as he moved through the forest, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. He often found himself reflecting on his promise to Melissa, the weight of it never fully leaving his shoulders. He'd promised to become the hero of Aincrad, to save as many people as he could. But there were days when the weight of that promise threatened to crush him. Especially on days when he was reminded of how he had failed her.

Suddenly, a scream tore through the air, cutting through his thoughts like a blade. Instinctively, Deku dashed toward the source of the sound, his boots pounding against the forest floor. He dodged between the trees, his heart racing. Someone was in trouble.

When he broke through the trees, he saw her—a girl kneeling in the dirt, surrounded by monsters. Her form was small and trembling, her hands clutching something close to her chest.

Without hesitation, Deku drew his sword and leaped into action. His blade gleamed in the dappled sunlight as he slashed through the creatures with practiced precision. They didn't stand a chance. His sword moved in swift arcs, cutting through the red-eyed beasts in a matter of seconds.

As the last monster fell, dissolving into pixels, Deku sheathed his sword and stepped closer to the girl. She was still kneeling, her face buried in her hands, crying softly. His heart clenched at the sight.

"Are you okay?" Deku asked gently, his voice low so as not to startle her.

The girl—Silica—looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She didn't speak right away, only managing a small nod. Her hands trembled as she clutched the heart-shaped object in her lap.

Deku's gaze softened when he saw what she was holding. It was the heart of her fallen dragon. His chest tightened with sympathy. He knew exactly how she felt—losing someone who meant the world to you.

"There's a way to bring her back," Deku said quietly.

Silica's eyes widened in disbelief. "W-What?" she stammered, her voice shaky with both hope and fear.

Deku crouched down beside her, speaking calmly. "There's a flower called the Revival Flower. It only blooms around this time of year, and it can bring your companion back to life."

Silica blinked, her tears momentarily stopping as hope flickered in her eyes. "I can bring Pina back?"

Deku nodded. "Yes, but we'll need to hurry. The flower only blooms for a short time, and it's on a higher floor."

Silica hesitated, looking down at Pina's heart in her hands. "But I'm not strong enough to make it there alone. I'll never make it in time."

Deku smiled gently, shaking his head. "You won't be going alone. I'll help you."

Silica looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of hesitation. "Why? Why would you help me? You don't even know me."

Deku paused for a moment, his gaze distant. "Because... I know what it's like to lose someone important. And... you remind me a little of my mom."

Silica's breath caught in her throat. She didn't know what to say to that. The boy in front of her, the one who had just saved her life, seemed to carry an incredible sadness beneath his calm demeanor.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft but sincere.

Deku stood and extended his hand to her. "Let's head back to town. We'll leave for the flower tomorrow morning."

Silica took his hand, allowing him to help her up. "I'm Silica," she said, offering him a small, grateful smile.

"Deku," he replied with a nod. "Now let's get you back somewhere safe."

Back in town, Silica sat in the quiet inn, still holding Pina's heart in her lap. The warmth of the fire crackling in the hearth didn't seem to reach her, and despite the comfort of the inn, she couldn't shake the weight of her sadness. The events of the day replayed in her mind over and over—Pina's last chirp, her body dissolving into light.

But even amidst the grief, there was a glimmer of hope. Deku had promised to help her bring Pina back, and she believed him. There was something about the way he spoke—calm, assured—that made her trust him, even though she barely knew him.

She glanced across the room at Deku, who was sitting quietly, his eyes distant as he stared into the fire. He seemed so composed, but there was something about him that felt... heavy. Like he was carrying a burden no one else could see.

"Why did you become a solo player?" Silica asked, her voice breaking the silence between them.

Deku's eyes shifted to meet hers, and for a moment, he didn't answer. Finally, he sighed softly. "It's... easier that way."

"Easier?" Silica frowned. "But it's dangerous. The front lines are brutal. Why fight alone?"

Deku leaned back in his chair, his gaze returning to the fire. "Because if I'm alone, I don't have to worry about others getting hurt because of me. I can fight without putting anyone else at risk."

Silica's heart ached at his words. She could hear the pain in his voice, the same pain she felt after losing Pina.

"But... isn't it lonely?"

Deku chuckled softly, though there was little humor in it. "Yeah. It is. But that's the price I pay…"

Silica looked down at Pina's heart in her hands, her fingers tracing the outline of the crystal. "I know it's not the same, but... I became a Beast Tamer because it reminded me of my quirk," she admitted quietly. "In the real world, I have a dragon quirk. Her name is Pina, just like my companion here. She's a part of me, and... I couldn't bear the thought of being without her."

Deku's eyes softened at her words. "I understand. Losing someone... it never gets easier. But that's why we keep going. For their sake."

Silica nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek as she smiled faintly. "Thank you, Deku. For everything."

Deku smiled back, though it was small and fleeting. "Get some rest, Silica. We've got a long journey tomorrow."

As Silica lay in bed that night, clutching Pina's heart to her chest, she felt a sense of peace she hadn't felt since the day began. She wasn't alone anymore. Deku was with her, and tomorrow, they would bring Pina back.

The next morning, Deku and Silica set out early, making their way to the 47th floor, where the Revival Flower was said to bloom. The path was quiet, with only the sound of their footsteps and the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind. The fields were breathtaking, filled with vibrant flowers that stretched as far as the eye could see.

As they walked, Silica couldn't help but glance at Deku from time to time. He moved with such confidence, his presence reassuring her that they would succeed.

"I've been meaning to ask," Silica said after a while, breaking the silence. "How did you know about the Revival Flower?"

Deku smiled faintly. "I've spent a lot of time exploring Aincrad. You learn things when you wander alone for long enough."

Silica nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Do you fight on the front lines?"

Deku's expression darkened slightly. "Yeah. I fight on the front lines. Someone has to clear the way so the others can survive."

"That's brave," Silica said softly. "To do it all alone."

Deku chuckled, though it was tinged with sadness. "It's not bravery. It's necessity. I'm just doing what I promised."

Silica frowned slightly but didn't push further. Instead, they continued their journey in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

As they reached the heart of the field, a beautiful array of flowers swayed gently in the breeze. Silica gasped softly at the sight—it was like something out of a dream. Vibrant hues of blue, pink, and purple stretched as far as the eye could see. For a moment, the heavy weight of their mission lifted, and Silica found herself smiling despite everything.

"This is it," Deku said softly, stepping forward. "The Revival Flower blooms in this area, but we'll need to be careful. There are strong beasts guarding the area."

Silica nodded, tightening her grip on her dagger. "I'll do my best to help."

Deku gave her a reassuring smile. "Stay close to me, and if things get too dangerous, use the teleport crystal I gave you."

The two ventured deeper into the field, their eyes scanning for any signs of the flower. Silica's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and fear. If they could just find the flower, Pina would come back. She would see her friend again.

Suddenly, a rustling sound broke the calm of the field. Deku's eyes narrowed as he drew his sword. "Get ready."

Without warning, a pack of large wolf-like creatures emerged from the flowers, their red eyes glowing with malice. Silica felt her heart lurch in her chest, but before she could react, Deku was already in motion.

His sword flashed in the sunlight, cutting through the beasts with precision and grace. Each swing was calculated, each step measured. Silica watched in awe as he moved, his confidence in battle a stark contrast to the awkwardness he had shown earlier.

"Stay behind me!" Deku called over his shoulder, cutting down another beast.

Silica nodded, her hands trembling as she clutched her dagger. She wanted to help, but the sight of the monsters paralyzed her. Her thoughts spiraled, doubt creeping in. What if she wasn't strong enough to be a part of this quest? What if she was just a burden?

Just as one of the beasts lunged toward her, claws bared, Deku intervened, blocking the attack with his sword. "I've got you," he said, his voice steady. "You're not alone."

His words brought a sense of calm to Silica's racing heart. She wasn't alone. She wasn't the scared girl who had been ridiculed by her former party members. She could do this.

With renewed determination, Silica gripped her dagger tighter and stood her ground, preparing to fight alongside Deku. The two of them worked together, and while Deku took down most of the creatures, Silica managed to land a few hits of her own.

After a few minutes, the last of the beasts dissolved into pixels, leaving the field quiet once more.

Silica panted, exhausted but proud. "We did it…"

Deku turned to her, his expression soft. "You did great."

Silica blushed at the praise, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you… I wouldn't have made it this far without you."

Deku smiled, but before he could say anything, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Well, well, look who it is. Little Silica, all grown up and fighting monsters."

Silica froze. Her blood ran cold as she recognized the voice. It was the same group from earlier—the ones who had abandoned her in the forest. She turned to see the group of players approaching, their leader—a tall man with a sneer—stepping forward.

"What are you doing here?" Silica asked, her voice shaking.

The leader smirked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Oh, just following up on a little rumor. I heard you were searching for the Revival Flower. Figured I'd let you do all the hard work and then take it for myself."

Silica's heart pounded in her chest. She stepped back, clutching Pina's heart tightly. "You can't… I won't let you!"

The man laughed, a dark, sinister sound that made Silica's stomach churn. "You don't really have a choice, Silica. Hand it over, or things are going to get ugly."

Deku stepped in front of Silica, his posture calm but his eyes sharp. "You're not taking anything from her."

The man's eyes narrowed as he sized up Deku. "Who the hell are you?"

Deku didn't answer. He simply drew his sword, the blade glinting in the sunlight.

"Big mistake, buddy," the leader sneered. "Let's show this guy what happens when he gets in our way."

His group of players unsheathed their weapons, surrounding Deku and Silica. Silica's heart raced, but before she could panic, Deku spoke, his voice calm and steady.

"Stay back, Silica. I'll handle this."

Silica's eyes widened. "But there are too many of them!"

Deku chuckled softly, glancing back at her with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I've dealt with worse."

With that, the group attacked, their swords flashing as they charged toward Deku. Silica's breath caught in her throat as she watched the scene unfold, her hands trembling with fear.

"Part Two: The Flower Fields"

But Deku didn't move. He simply stood his ground, letting the first sword strike him. Silica gasped as the blade sliced through Deku's side, her heart racing as she watched in horror. What happened next, though, left everyone in shock.

Deku's health bar, which had dropped significantly upon impact, surged back up almost instantly.

"What...?" the leader of the group stammered, her eyes wide in disbelief. Her player icon remained green—marking her as someone who hadn't officially crossed the line into a red player, while her lackeys' were clearly marked as red, branding them as player killers. They were the ones who had attacked Silica earlier, and now they stood before Deku, blades drawn, looking utterly baffled by what they had just witnessed.

"I see... you still don't get it," Deku said calmly, his voice carrying a weight that sent chills down Silica's spine. He turned his head slightly to meet the leader's gaze. "This is what happens when you mess with someone stronger than you."

The leader, a tall woman with striking black hair and a cruel smirk named Nissa, narrowed her eyes. "You think you can scare us with your tricks? You're just one guy. Take him down!"

Her red-named lackeys hesitated but lunged forward anyway, their blades gleaming in the sunlight. But Deku was faster. His sword was out in an instant, moving in a blur of speed that left Silica struggling to keep up.

"Sword Skill—Steel Smash!"

Deku's voice echoed through the field, and in the blink of an eye, he had closed the distance between himself and Nissa's lackeys. His sword struck with the force of a hammer, the blade gleaming brightly as it connected with their weapons, shattering their defense. Each blow sent them sprawling, their health bars plummeting with every hit.

Silica watched in awe as Deku moved with a fluid grace she had only seen from the best of the front-liners. It was like watching a true hero at work—someone who fought not out of anger or revenge, but to protect.

One by one, the lackeys fell, their weapons clattering to the ground as they lay defeated. Deku didn't kill them; he simply disarmed them, leaving them gasping on the ground as their health bars hovered dangerously low.

Nissa's smirk faltered, fear flashing across her face as she realized she was the only one left standing. "Y-you... you think you've won? You're just like the rest of them... a self-righteous fool!"

Deku didn't respond immediately. Instead, he sheathed his sword and began walking toward her, his footsteps calm and deliberate. Nissa raised her sword in desperation, but before she could strike, Deku was on her.

"Turbo Slash!"

Nissa's breath hitched as she stared into his cold, unyielding gaze. Her mind raced, trying to piece together who he could possibly be. She had heard rumors, whispers of a player… who moved like the wind dressed in all black… faster than anyone could track. But this… this was beyond anything she had imagined.

"N-no... you're him, aren't you?" Her voice wavered, the realization dawning on her face. "The Black Swordsman…"

Deku couldn't help the small, almost amused chuckle that escaped him. "Is that what they're calling me now?" he muttered under his breath, shaking his head slightly. The edge of his lip curled into a faint smirk, though the intensity in his eyes never wavered. "Doesn't really matter. What matters is that you won't hurt anyone else today."

The point of his sword hovered near her chest, just barely touching her skin. The tension in the air was thick, and for a moment, Silica feared Deku might actually strike her down. But then he lowered his weapon, sheathing it once more.

"You're done," he said quietly, his eyes meeting hers. "You and your lackeys are going to be turned in to the authorities."

Nissa's face paled as the realization hit her. "You... you can't do this to me. I'm not a red player! You have no right—"

"You're leading them," Deku interrupted, his voice sharp. "You may not have done the killing yourself, but you're responsible for what happened here. And trust me... Aincrad's justice system doesn't take kindly to those who manipulate others into doing their dirty work."

Before Nissa could protest further, Deku flicked his wrist, summoning his menu. Within moments, a signal flare shot up into the sky, signaling to nearby players and guards that a group of player killers had been apprehended.

Silica stood frozen, her heart pounding as she processed everything that had just happened. Deku had taken down Nissa and her entire group without killing a single one of them. It was like something out of a storybook—a hero standing tall after saving the day.

Nissa and her group would be arrested soon, and Silica was safe. But as Deku stood there, watching the flare ascend, something in his expression shifted. For a brief moment, there was a sadness in his eyes—a weight that Silica couldn't quite place.

As the sound of approaching footsteps signaled the arrival of the guards, Nissa was taken into custody, her eyes burning with hatred as she was led away. "You'll regret this," she hissed at Deku, her voice venomous. "You'll regret ever crossing me."

Deku didn't respond. He simply watched as they took her away, his face expressionless. After, he gestured to Silica to go ahead and grab the flower.

The Revival Flower shimmered in Silica's hands, glowing faintly under the soft light of the moon. They had made it in time. Despite everything, they had found the flower, and now, finally, she had a chance to bring Pina back.

Silica knelt down beside Pina's heart, her hands trembling with emotion as she placed the flower on the heart. For a moment, everything was still, and then, slowly, Pina's body began to reform—her small figure appearing in a gentle burst of light.

Tears welled up in Silica's eyes as she watched the transformation. "Pina... you're back."

The tiny dragon let out a soft chirp, nuzzling against Silica's cheek. Silica laughed through her tears, holding Pina close as the weight of her grief lifted.

"I thought I'd lost you forever," Silica whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Pina... for coming back to me."

Deku stood nearby, his arms crossed as he watched the scene unfold. There was a warmth in his chest—a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. This... this was why he kept fighting. It wasn't just about clearing the game. It was about moments like these—moments where people could find hope again.

Silica stood, turning to Deku with tears still streaming down her face. "Thank you, Deku. I... I don't know how to repay you for this."

Deku shook his head, offering her a small, genuine smile. "You don't have to repay me. Just take care of Pina. That's more than enough."

Silica smiled through her tears, holding Pina tightly to her chest. "I will. I promise."

The two stood in silence for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened hanging in the air. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Deku spoke.

"I should go," he said softly, turning toward the town. "You'll be safe now."

Silica's heart clenched as she watched him start to walk away. "Will... will I see you again?"

Deku paused, glancing over his shoulder. For a moment, his face softened. "Maybe. I'm usually on the front lines, but... who knows?"

Silica smiled, nodding. "I hope we do."

With that, Deku disappeared into the night, his form fading into the shadows as he made his way back toward the front lines.

Silica watched him go, her heart full of gratitude and admiration. "Thanks, Deku," she whispered. "I won't forget this."

As Pina chirped happily in her arms, Silica closed her eyes, a feeling of peace washing over her. For the first time in a long time, she felt like everything was going to be okay.