Chapter 15: Countdown to Conflict

Deku and Asuna had been walking side by side for some time now. Their partnership had formed naturally after everything they'd been through together, but it wasn't until they reached the upper floors that things started to feel… different. The tension between Asuna and her guild, the Knights of the Blood Oath, had been growing steadily. But, ever since Deku had returned with her after their most recent mission, which revealed his dual-wielding skill to everybody, he could sense the unease between Asuna and Heathcliff, the guild's enigmatic leader.

Today, though, that tension had finally boiled over.

"You're taking my Second in Command away from her responsibilities, Deku." Heathcliff's voice was calm, but the edge to it was unmistakable. His eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto the green-haired solo player with scrutiny. "Asuna is an essential part of the Knights. She belongs here, not gallivanting off with a solo player."

Asuna's fists clenched at her sides, her chestnut hair swaying as she stepped forward, her face flush with anger.

"This is my life Heathcliff!" she shot back, voice strong but not without frustration. "I should be able to choose what I want for myself. You don't own me."

The tension in the air was thick. Other guild members looked on cautiously, clearly aware of the rising conflict. Heathcliff's expression didn't waver, but his eyes narrowed slightly.

"It's not about ownership, Asuna," he replied coolly. "It's about responsibility. Your duty as a leader here is to protect our guild and help lead us toward clearing this game. You're a symbol of strength and stability for our members."

"And what about what I want?!" Asuna's voice wavered slightly. "I've given everything to this guild, but I need to make choices for myself too. I'm not just your tool for strategy and combat. I'm a person, and I need to be allowed to live my life, even if it's here."

Deku had been watching silently, his fists clenched as he saw the strain in Asuna's voice. He knew how much this tension had been building, but he also knew Heathcliff wasn't going to back down so easily. They were at a stalemate.

That's when Deku finally stepped forward, his voice calm yet firm.

"What if we could reach a compromise?"

Both Asuna and Heathcliff turned toward him, their expressions surprised but curious.

Deku continued, "There's something bigger going on in Aincrad right now… The rumors about a player killer guild forming in the shadows, and they're becoming a real threat. We don't know much yet, but they've been getting more organized, more dangerous."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing.

"Assign Asuna to investigate them. I'll go with her and help. That way, she can follow what she wants, and at the same time, she's not abandoning her responsibilities to the guild. It's a shared goal—one that benefits everyone."

Heathcliff was silent for a moment, his eyes scrutinizing Deku carefully. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a small, amused smile.

Heathcliff responded, "Interesting suggestion… but why would I agree to let my Second in Command run off with someone who won't even join us?" His voice was steady, but there was a dangerous undertone. "You're a solo player, Deku. You don't answer to anyone. What happens if things go wrong? How do I know you'll protect her if you're not bound to the guild?"

Deku's jaw clenched. He had always been a solo player. It was his way of protecting himself and the people around him from the pain of loss. But Heathcliff's words hit home. If he didn't do something, Heathcliff could easily reassign Asuna away from him.

"That's different," he replied, his voice quieter now, conflicted. "This isn't about the guild. It's about doing what's right."

Heathcliff raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Deku's moral stance but unmoved.

"Then how about this—one last compromise?" His eyes glinted with a challenge. "I'll agree to this investigation. But after it's done, you'll duel me."

Deku's eyes widened, and Asuna's gaze snapped toward Heathcliff.

Asuna spoke up, "Heathcliff, that's—"

Heathcliff quickly cut her off, "If you win, I'll let Asuna continue to work with you freely, no strings attached. But if you lose…" His gaze locked with Deku's. "You join the Knights of the Blood Oath."

Deku felt his heart pound in his chest. He had never been one to join a guild. He fought solo for a reason—because he didn't want to drag anyone into his battles. But now…

He glanced at Asuna, her concerned expression only deepening his conflict. He couldn't let her be reassigned. He couldn't lose her.

"Fine," he said, at last, his voice steely. "But I'll fight for her freedom."

Heathcliff's smirk widened, pleased with the outcome. "Very well then. I'll assign a small party for both of you to lead on this mission. But remember, Deku…" He turned, his eyes glinting with something darker. "If you lose… you're mine."

Deku swallowed hard as Heathcliff walked away, the weight of the challenge now resting squarely on his shoulders. He turned to Asuna, who looked both relieved and anxious. "Deku—".

Deku raised up a hand, waving her off. "It's fine Asuna, really."

The stakes were set. The investigation into player killers had begun, but the tension between Deku, Asuna, and Heathcliff would only grow deeper from here.

The tension in the room lingered after Heathcliff walked away, but Deku's mind was already elsewhere. His eyes narrowed in thought as he glanced at Asuna, her worry still evident despite the plan they had set in motion. The room remained silent until Asuna spoke up.

"Deku, you didn't have to do that…"

Deku with a determined look responded, "I did. You deserve the freedom to choose your own path, and I won't let him take that from you."

Asuna hesitated, her words catching in her throat. She glanced away for a moment, her mind swirling with thoughts she had barely acknowledged until now. "I… I guess, part of me came here to feel like I was in control of something. My life back in the real world—it's always been planned out for me, every step of the way. Expectations, obligations, you know?" She let out a small, bitter laugh. "I thought being in here might be different… a place where I could decide things for myself. But I didn't realize that this world be so similar to the real one."

Her gaze softened as she looked back at Deku. "But at the same time, it's different. We have the power to change things here, to take control if we're brave enough. And... you've shown me that." Asuna blushed slightly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Well, anyways, I guess all of that was just to say thank you."

Deku smiled, the sincerity in his voice clear. "Always."

"Well anyways, we're going to need more people for this investigation," he said, his voice low but resolute. "It's not something we can handle alone. I won't be long—I just need to reach out to a few people. I'll be back soon."

Asuna gave him a nod, her gaze unwavering as she trusted him completely. Deku turned and exited the Knights of the Blood Oath's headquarters, the heavy doors closing behind him with a faint thud. The moment he stepped outside into the open air, he adjusted the two swords strapped to his back—the Dark Repulser and the Elucidator. Their weight was new, but they felt right as if they belonged there.

As Deku began walking, his thoughts swirled with the task ahead. If the rest of the P-Kers were as dangerous as the group he'd encountered before, then this was no ordinary threat. They were organized, dangerous, and merciless. And if they weren't stopped soon, more lives would be lost.

"I need people I can trust for this… People who won't hesitate when things get dangerous. I can't do this alone, but I also can't involve just anyone."

The streets of the town passed by in a blur as Deku made his way to his destination. His mind ran through a list of allies—those he'd fought with, those who'd proven their loyalty in battle. He needed strength, but more than that, he needed reliability.

"If I'm going to put together a team for this investigation, I need people who understand the stakes. People who can handle the pressure of what we're about to face."

His steps grew faster as he approached the teleport gate. He stood in front of the glowing circle, glancing up briefly at the sky before calling out the name of his destination. The blue light enveloped him, and with a flash, he was gone.

When Deku appeared again, he found himself in a quieter, more subdued part of Aincrad. The area was peaceful, but Deku barely noticed. His focus was razor-sharp, and there was no time to waste. He navigated the streets with purpose, his grip tightening on the hilts of his swords as he approached his destination.

After walking for a few more minutes, Deku found himself standing in front of a familiar door. He hesitated briefly before raising his hand and knocking firmly. The sound echoed, and after a short pause, the door creaked open.

Klein's face appeared in the doorway, his usual wide grin spreading across his face as soon as he saw who it was.

"Deku!" Klein exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine surprise. "Man, it's been a while! You don't usually stop by like this. What's up?"

Deku nodded in greeting, but there was a weight behind his eyes that Klein picked up immediately. His grin softened into something more serious as he stepped aside, letting Deku into the guild building.

"So… not that I'm not happy to see you, but why are you here? You've never come to our guild's building before, so this isn't just a social visit, is it?" Deku nodded as he stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room briefly before turning back to Klein.

"It's not. I need your help, Klein." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "There's something big happening—a guild is forming in the shadows. We don't have any confirmations on their guild's name, but they're not just any group of player killers. They're organized, dangerous, and if we don't stop them soon, things are going to get a lot worse."

Klein's expression shifted from surprise to concern as Deku explained the situation. His usually relaxed demeanor grew more serious as he processed the information. "A guild of P-Ker's, huh?" he said, his voice low. "I've heard rumors… I didn't think they were real, though."

"They are. I've seen the signs myself. They're killing players, and they're doing it for fun, for power. This isn't random—it's planned."

Klein crossed his arms, his brows furrowed in thought. He knew Deku wouldn't come to him lightly with something like this. If Deku was this serious, then this guild was a real threat.

"Alright, kid. I'm in. So what's the plan?" Deku felt a surge of relief at Klein's immediate support. He wasn't sure how many people he could count on, but Klein had always been reliable.

"We need to gather more information on their movements, figure out how they're recruiting and where they're hiding. It's going to be dangerous, but we don't have time to waste. I'm also going to reach out to Agil—he might have some info from the merchant side of things. Start getting ready now, last-minute XP grind, go to the blacksmith, whatever you gotta do… Just make sure you guys are prepped for anything."

Klein nodded, his expression now fully serious. This wasn't just about surviving SAO anymore— If they weren't careful, this could trigger something bigger, something they might not be able to handle. And Klein was ready to fight alongside Deku to stop whatever was coming.

"Sounds like a solid plan. You know I've got your back, Deku. We'll follow you're orders, my friend."

Deku left Klein's guild with a heavy heart. He'd already secured Klein's help, but there was another ally he needed to track down—one that would definitely be the hardest to find. Rumi Usagiyama, better known as Mirko. Her incredible speed and unpredictability made her one of the most formidable fighters in Aincrad, but it also meant she was nearly impossible to track down.

"I really should've asked to add her as a friend when we fought together... Why didn't I think of that? Now I have no idea where she is, and no one can give me a straight answer."

Deku scoured the streets, stopping at every inn, guildhall, and tavern he could think of, asking around for any information. But everyone he spoke to had the same response:

Random Player: She came and went so fast, I barely even saw her."

Another Player: "Mirko? Yeah, I saw her dart through here earlier, but she's long gone by now."

Deku sighed in frustration as he stood at the edge of the town, looking out over the vast expanse of Aincrad's landscape. Finding Mirko without any leads felt like chasing the wind. He knew she was the kind of player who didn't like staying in one place for long, and by now, she could be anywhere. Eventually, Deku would decide he'd worry about finding Mirko until later.

Deku had at least managed to get Klein and his guild to agree to help. It was a good start, but he knew they'd need more than that if they stood any real chance at taking down the player killers. Numbers alone wouldn't guarantee their success, they needed strength, experience, and people they could trust. And that's why he found himself making his way toward the ALF headquarters.

As he approached, he spotted WaveKing, better known as Present Mic, surrounded by a group of younger players. He was guiding them, offering reassurance in his usual energetic way, but Deku could tell from the way WaveKing's shoulders drooped slightly that the responsibility was weighing on him. Not only was he helping to take care of these kids, but he had also taken on the role of leading the Aincrad Liberation Force (ALF).

"Yo, Deku!" WaveKing called out, his voice booming across the plaza. "What brings you here, man?"

Deku stepped forward, offering a quick nod. "WaveKing. I need your help."

WaveKing's smile faltered slightly, and he leaned in, sensing the seriousness in Deku's tone. "With what?"

Deku wasted no time explaining. "We're putting together a group to track down the player killers. Klein and his guild have agreed to help, but we need more if we're going to have any chance at success."

WaveKing sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man, I'd love to help, but things are pretty hectic right now. I'm trying to look after these kids who don't even know how to hold a sword yet, and with me being the new head of the ALF, I'm stretched thin. I've got people counting on me to keep things running here. If I send any of the ALF guys with you, I'd just be sending them to their deaths. They're not ready for something like this."

Deku's face tightened, but he nodded in understanding. "I get it, WaveKing. I appreciate whatever support you can offer, even if it's just a few people."

WaveKing thought for a moment then nodded. "I've got a couple from my old guild who are solid fighters. I can send them your way, but until things clear up here, I won't be able to do much myself."

"That's more than enough. Thanks," Deku said with a small but genuine smile.

As the two began to part ways, something crossed Deku's mind. "Hey, by the way, have you seen Mirko around lately?"

WaveKing scratched his head, his sunglasses reflecting the light as he thought. "Mirko? Man, she's all over the place. You know how she is—she moves too fast for anyone to keep track of. I've been hearing she pops up here and there, but I couldn't tell you where she is now."

Deku sighed, nodding. "Yeah, I figured as much. If you see her, could you pass my message along?"

WaveKing gave him a thumbs up. "You got it, fan boy! She's always been a bit of a wild card, but if anyone can get in touch with her, it's me."

With a final chuckle from Present Mics' comment, Deku gave him a nod, turned, and began walking away, his mind already shifting to the next task. He had Klein's guild, a few fighters from WaveKing's old crew, and the hope that he could find Mirko. But now it was time to head back and meet up with Asuna.

The real fight was just beginning.

As he approached the grand structure of the Knights' base, the weight of his mission settled on his shoulders once again. He had secured Klein, some aid from Present Mic, and with Asuna and the assigned Blood Oath members to their party, they'd could stand a fighting chance against the P-Ker's. But Deku knew they still needed to be ready for anything.

Asuna stood in the grand hallway of the Knights of the Blood Oath's castle, the polished floors gleaming beneath her boots as she watched Deku walk away. The stone walls, lined with banners bearing the insignia of the guild, felt colder than usual. Her thoughts swirled around the conversation that had just taken place between her, Deku, and Heathcliff. She pressed a hand against her chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of her cloak, right over her heart.

"He stood up for me... He always does, doesn't he? But there's something about the way he talks... He's so vague about his battles, especially when it comes to the player killers. It's like he's holding back like he's trying to protect me from something he's seen... or done."

Asuna shook her head, trying to push the thoughts aside, but her mind wouldn't let go. Her feet unconsciously began to carry her down the hallway, pacing back and forth as her thoughts grew more anxious. Deku had briefly mentioned the player killers earlier, but he never went into detail. His eyes always clouded over when he spoke about them as if reliving something he couldn't quite put into words.

"What if something goes wrong? Deku's never been in a guild before… and there's a reason for that. He's a solo player, and he's always been alone in this fight. What if he... what if he can't adjust to working with others, with us? What if—"

She felt a pang of guilt wash over her, her heart sinking at the thought. There was so much riding on this mission. Not only was she about to face the threat of a player-killer guild whose rumors spread like wildfire, but she also felt responsible for dragging Deku into all of this.

"It's my fault... I pushed him into this. And now... if something happens... I don't know if I could live with it."

Her pacing grew more frantic as her mind raced with worst-case scenarios. What if the investigation went sideways? What if they couldn't handle the P-Kers? Deku, despite his strength, was still a mystery to her. She knew how powerful he was—she had seen it firsthand—but there was something else there, something dark that lingered just beneath the surface.

Mito watched Asuna pacing back and forth, clearly lost in thought. She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms, but waited patiently for a moment, hoping her friend might snap out of it on her own. When it became clear that Asuna wasn't even aware of her surroundings, Mito decided to step in.

"Earth to Asuna!" Mito called out, waving her hand in front of Asuna's face, but Asuna didn't react immediately. Her gaze remained distant, lost somewhere far from the present.

Mito sighed and stepped closer, her voice now more serious. "Okay, what's going on with you? You've been pacing around here like a caged animal for ten minutes straight. Spill."

Asuna blinked, startled out of her thoughts. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she realized she'd been caught. "Oh… sorry, I didn't even notice." She tried to force a smile, but Mito wasn't buying it.

"Don't try to brush this off," Mito said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I know you, Asuna. Something's bothering you, and you've been weird ever since we got back. So, what is it? What's going on in that head of yours?"

Asuna hesitated, not sure where to begin. She bit her lip, her mind racing for some kind of excuse or distraction. "It's nothing, really. Just... a lot on my mind, you know? With the mission and everything else…"

Mito wasn't having it. She shook her head and moved to block Asuna's pacing path, forcing her to stop. "That's not the whole truth, and we both know it. There's more to this. Come on, Asuna, talk to me. Is it really just the mission, or…" She paused for a beat, then smirked slightly. "Ohh for the love of— are you really gonna make me say it, DEKU!"

Asuna's eyes widened in surprise, her face turning a shade of pink. She opened her mouth to deny it, but Mito's teasing tone cut through her defenses. She wasn't going to get away with brushing this off. Asuna sighed deeply and looked away, her shoulders slumping.

Mito softened her expression, taking a step closer to her friend. "I knew it. It is Deku, isn't it? You've been worried about him, haven't you?"

Asuna's hands clenched the fabric of her cloak as she nodded slowly. "Yeah… I've been thinking about him a lot lately. About everything."

Mito tilted her head, her gaze gentle. "What about him? You're not worried he can't handle himself, right? I mean, it's Deku we're talking about."

"It's not that," Asuna said, her voice quieter now, as if she was admitting something she didn't even fully understand yet. "He's strong. I know that. He's probably the strongest player I've ever seen. But... I don't know, Mito. There's something else. Something… off. He's so guarded, like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and it's like he doesn't want anyone to see it."

Mito frowned, stepping closer and putting a hand on Asuna's arm. "Have you talked to him about it?"

Asuna shook her head. "He barely talks about himself. When he does, it's vague. He'll mention things in passing, but never really... explain. I don't know, there's times like I feel like I've known him my entire life, and then others where I can't get a read on him at all."

Mito sighed, her expression softening. "Asuna, you can't keep holding all this inside. You're his friend." She gave Asuna a meaningful look. "He's let you in more than anyone else already. But you're not going to help him by staying quiet. He's got his walls up, I get it, but you've got to be there for him, even when he's trying to keep things in."

Asuna blinked back sudden tears, her chest tightening. "But what if I ask him something that hurts him? He's been through so much already… And I—" She paused, her voice trembling.

Mito, seeing the distress on her friend's face, quickly stepped in, pulling Asuna into a comforting hug. "Hey, it's okay," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. "It's okay to feel like this. I know you're scared, but listen… You're important to him. I can see it, even if he's too shy or too stubborn to admit it."

Asuna leaned into Mito's embrace, her worries momentarily subsiding. Mito's presence was a source of comfort, her steadfast support breaking through the fear that had been weighing her down.

"I just… I don't know how to help him," Asuna admitted quietly. "I don't know if I'm doing the right thing."

"You don't have to have all the answers right now," Mito replied, pulling back slightly to look Asuna in the eye. "You just need to keep having faith in him. You're there, Asuna. That's already a lot."

Asuna couldn't help but smile at Mito's words. They didn't make all her worries disappear, but for the first time in a while, she felt a little lighter. "Thanks, Mito. You always know what to say."

"Hey, that's what friends are for," Mito said with a playful nudge. "Now stop stressing yourself out so much. You're going to give yourself wrinkles."

Asuna let out a small, genuine laugh, wiping the corner of her eyes. "I'm so glad we're back to the way things were before. I missed this."

Mito grinned widely. "Yeahhh, me too."

Asuna walked away from their conversation feeling lighter, even if just for the moment. Mito couldn't erase all her worries, but she was reminded that she too had people by her side—people who cared about her just as much as she cared about them.

But even as her steps carried her closer to her next task, her thoughts drifted back to Deku, to the weight he carried and the mystery surrounding his pain. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something she hadn't yet uncovered. Something dark.

Asuna continued her walk through the corridors of the Knights of the Blood Oath's headquarters, Mito's words still ringing in her ears. She tried to hold onto the reassurance her friend had given her, but the knots in her chest hadn't fully loosened yet. If there was one thing she could do to settle her nerves, it was to prepare.

She needed to be ready for anything.

With that thought, she straightened her back and quickened her pace. Her armor and weapons had seen better days. It was time to visit Lizbeth's shop and make sure her gear was in top condition. If they were going to be investigating player killers and potentially facing a well-organized guild, there could be no room for error.

"Player killers... We're walking into something dangerous, and we don't even know where to start. Where should we begin? The rumors are everywhere, but there's no concrete evidence. It's all whispers and shadows."

The winding hallways led her toward the exit of the castle, and as she stepped outside, the cool air hit her face. Asuna breathed in deeply, trying to clear her mind. But the questions kept swirling.

"Who will Heathcliff assign to this investigation? There's no way he'll let us do this alone. If we're going to track down something as elusive as a player-killer guild, we'll need all the help we can get."

She frowned slightly, thinking back to how Heathcliff had been so quick to offer Deku a position within the Knights. There was no denying that Deku was one of the strongest players in the game, but he was also a lone wolf. He didn't operate like a traditional guild member, and she couldn't imagine him suddenly working within a structured group like the Knights of the Blood Oath.

"And then there's the matter of Deku... who is he going to bring along? He said he needed to go get more people, but he was so vague about it. Who does he trust enough to join us? He's always been so... distant."

Her thoughts started to spiral, as they often did when she thought about Deku. He was strong, no doubt about it. But there was something more to him. Something deeper, more complicated. Every time she tried to get close to understanding what drove him, he would retreat, closing himself off again.

"He's never been one to talk about his past. Every time I've tried to ask, he changes the subject, or he just shuts down completely. What's he hiding? What has he been through to make him so... guarded?"

She made her way through the marketplace, her feet carrying her toward Lizbeth's shop almost on autopilot as her mind continued to race. There were so many unknowns ahead of them—the amount of enemies, their true strength, the investigation, and the potential danger at every turn. And yet, her thoughts kept circling back to Deku. To the weight he carried.

"He's never really talked about his experiences with player killers either. He mentioned them briefly, but it was always vague, as if he didn't want to relive those battles. What's happened to him? Has he... lost people to them?"

Her heart ached at the thought. The idea of Deku suffering in silence, carrying some burden he refused to share, made her chest tighten. She had seen the way he fought—the determination, the intensity. But she had also seen the moments when his guard slipped, when he looked like he was fighting not just the enemies in front of him, but something much darker within himself.

"What if something happens during the investigation? What if we run into the P-Kers, and things go wrong? He's never been in a guild before... What if he struggles to work with others, and it puts us all in danger? What if—"

Asuna shook her head, trying to banish the flood of worries that were beginning to overwhelm her. She had to focus. They had a job to do, and worrying about hypothetical situations wouldn't help.

"I need to trust him. He's always come through before. But... why do I still feel so uneasy?"

Her thoughts continued to tumble as she finally reached Lizbeth's shop. The blacksmith's workshop was a welcome sight—familiar, warm, and bustling with the sound of metal being shaped into powerful weapons. Liz's craftsmanship was the best in Aincrad, and Asuna knew that if anyone could get her ready for what lay ahead, it was her.

As she pushed open the door, the ringing of the shop's bell momentarily pulled her out of her anxious thoughts. The familiar smell of iron and leather filled the air, and Lizbeth was hard at work behind the counter, hammering away at a glowing piece of steel. Asuna forced a smile, trying to shake off the lingering tension.

"Asuna (thinking to herself):"

"Okay, focus. Get your gear fixed, and stay sharp. You can't afford to get lost in your thoughts right now."

But even as she stepped into the shop, her mind couldn't stop racing. There were too many uncertainties. Too many things that could go wrong.

And one of them was Deku.

Asuna pushed the door open with a bit more force than she intended, the bell above Lizbeth's shop ringing out sharply. Liz, standing behind the counter hammering away at a glowing piece of metal, glanced up briefly but didn't stop her work. The rhythmic clang of metal on metal continued, filling the room as Asuna stepped in. She barely took in the familiar sights and smells of the shop, her mind too preoccupied.

"Hey, Liz," Asuna greeted, her voice tight, betraying the rush she was in.

"Hey, Asuna," Liz replied, her eyes still focused on the blade she was shaping. "What brings you here in such a hurry? Need something fixed?"

Asuna nodded quickly, stepping up to the counter and placing her rapier in front of Liz. "Yeah, I need you to sharpen this, maybe adjust the balance. I've got something coming up, and I need it in perfect condition."

Liz finally looked up, wiping her hands on a rag. She raised an eyebrow, noticing the tension in Asuna's posture. She could tell her friend was wound tight, more than usual. "Uh-huh," she said slowly, taking the rapier and turning it over in her hands. "You seem like you're in a real hurry today. What's going on?"

"It's nothing," Asuna said quickly, waving her hand dismissively. "Just... a lot going on."

Liz gave her a long, skeptical look as she set the rapier down on the workbench and began inspecting it. "You sure about that?" she asked, her tone casual but probing. "Because you're acting like you're about to jump out of your skin."

Asuna stiffened slightly. She didn't mean to show how anxious she was, but it was hard to hide. "I just... I've got a lot on my plate right now," she muttered, looking away, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's nothing to worry about."

Liz raised her eyebrows but didn't say anything for a moment. She turned back to her work, but she wasn't buying it. The sound of the hammer striking metal rang out again, filling the silence that hung between them.

Finally, Liz broke the tension with a nonchalant question. "Does this have anything to do with one green-haired black swordsman?"

Asuna's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. She thought to herself, "Am I really that easy to read?!". She tried to gather herself quickly, but Liz's sharp gaze had already locked onto her reaction.

"Wh—what are you talking about?" Asuna stammered, looking anywhere but at Liz.

Liz gave her a knowing smile, leaning her elbow on the counter as she spoke. "Oh, come on, Asuna. You've been jumpier than a rabbit today, and ever since Deku showed up, it's like you've had this... I don't know, tension about you. Don't think I haven't noticed."

Asuna sighed, the weight of her worries finally pressing down on her. She hesitated for a moment, biting her lip as if debating whether or not to spill everything. But Liz's steady, non-judgmental gaze broke through her defenses.

"You're right," Asuna muttered, her voice quieter now. "It... it's about him. And everything that's going on."

Liz put down her tools and crossed her arms, giving Asuna her full attention. "Why don't you just tell me what's bugging you?"

Asuna looked away, her hands fidgeting nervously. "It's just... ever since we started talking more, he's been letting me in. Slowly, but he's letting me in. But then this whole mission came up, and now we're dealing with these player killers. And Deku... he's always so vague when he talks about his fights. Like there's something he doesn't want to tell me. Something he's holding back."

Liz nodded, her expression softening as she listened.

"And I'm just... worried about him, Liz. I'm so worried something's going to happen to him, and he's never been in a guild before. What if he can't adjust? What if something goes wrong?" Asuna's words began to spill out faster, her tone growing more frantic. "I'm afraid to ask him anything because I don't want to push him away again. He's just now starting to let me in, and I—"

She stopped abruptly, gasping as she realized what she'd just said. Her hands flew to her mouth, and her eyes widened in shock. The weight of her own confession hit her like a ton of bricks.

"I'm afraid he'll push me away…" Asuna repeated, her voice shaking. She hadn't even realized how deep her feelings went until she'd spoken them out loud. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered the last time she tried pushing Deku to open up on floor 27, but she blinked them back, trying to steady herself.

Liz stepped around the counter and placed a gentle hand on Asuna's shoulder, offering her a kind, understanding smile. "Hey," she said softly, "it's okay. Deku is strong. I know he keeps a lot to himself, but... he seems different around you. Still guarded, but not as much."

Asuna's breath hitched, and she looked up at Liz, surprised by the observation.

Liz's brow furrowed slightly as she remembered her own encounter with Deku, recalling the way his voice had softened when he spoke about fighting alone. "You know... when we were together during that whole dragon mission, he said something to me. He said, 'It's safer for everyone that way. I can't afford to let people get too close.'"

Asuna's fidgeting stilled as she turned to face Liz, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. "He said that?" Again, her mind flashed back to the last thing he'd said to her on the 27th floor about.. some girl and about how only she understood him… then after that she didn't see him for months.

Liz nodded. "Yeah. It was almost like he wasn't just talking about the fights. Like he was trying to keep people at arm's length on purpose. I don't know what he's been through, but... he seems scared to get attached to anyone."

Asuna sighed deeply, her gaze dropping to the floor. "That's what I'm afraid of. I get that he's trying to protect everyone, but it feels like... like he's shutting me out before I can even get close enough to understand."

Liz was silent for a moment, mulling over Asuna's words. She knew that Deku was more complicated than he let on, and while she hadn't spent as much time with him as Asuna had, she could tell that he carried a burden too heavy for one person.

"But Asuna," Liz said, her voice softening, "he is letting you in. Slowly, like you said, but he's letting you see sides of him that no one else does. That's something. He might not say everything right away, but he's not pushing you away, not really."

Asuna gave a small, almost defeated laugh. "I know. It's just... I don't know how to help him, Liz. I don't even know if he wants me to. And with this mission..."

Liz stopped walking, placing a hand on Asuna's arm to still her. "You care about him, don't you? More than just as a teammate."

Asuna's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "I—" She hesitated, unsure of how to answer, but then the truth bubbled up inside her before she could stop it. "Yeah, I do. I don't know how it happened, but somewhere along the way, I... I started caring about him. And now, with all of this—" She gestured vaguely, as if encompassing both the mission and Deku's struggles. "I just want to make sure he's okay, but I feel like I'm standing on the outside, looking in."

Liz offered her a kind, understanding smile. "I think he's lucky to have someone like you who cares that much. But Asuna, I don't know how much I'd push him though. That might make him close himself off more. You have to trust that he'll open up in his own time. He's been through something, I can see that much."

Asuna nodded, but her frustration was still visible. "I just don't want him to think he has to do this alone. I don't want him to end up hurt because he won't let anyone in." Liz gently squeezed Asuna's arm. "Just be there for him. Let him know you're here, that you're not going anywhere. He's probably afraid of losing people—again, I don't know for sure—but the way he fights... the way he keeps to himself... it all seems like he's been hurt before."

Asuna felt a pang of guilt at Liz's words. She knew Deku had experienced loss—she had seen it in his eyes, felt it in the way he spoke about his past—but he never said what exactly had happened. And that mystery made it harder for her to figure out how to be there for him.

"Do you think I should ask him?" Asuna asked quietly, almost as if afraid of the answer. "About what's really going on with him?"

Liz thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Hmm, I'd say let things play out for a while, wait for the right moment before you ask him about it. BUUT, in the meantime, just keep doing what you're doing. Be his friend. Be by his side. And when he's ready, he'll open up."

Asuna felt a weight lift from her shoulders, if only a little. Liz's words made sense, and while they didn't take away her worries completely, they at least gave her some direction. "You're right," she said, offering Liz a small, but sincere, smile. "I'll keep being there for him. And... I'll wait until he's ready to talk."

Liz grinned, a spark of teasing returning to her tone. "Exactly. And trust me, if anyone can break through those walls of his, it's you. Besides..." Liz chuckled softly. "You just need to keep having faith in him. I think just by you being there, it'll give him the strength to win."

Asuna's smile grew a little wider, the tension in her chest easing ever so slightly. "Thank you, Liz. I don't know what I'd do without you." Liz waved her off, pretending to be nonchalant. "Yeah, yeah. I'm just that good at advice. Now go on, before you make me all sappy."

Asuna laughed, feeling lighter than she had in days. As she left Liz's shop, her thoughts were still heavy, but for the first time, she felt like she had a plan—a way to help Deku, even if it meant simply being there for him.

As she walked back to the Knights of the Blood Oath's headquarters, she couldn't help but think about how lucky she was to have Mito and Liz by her side. Their support had given her the strength to face her worries. And now, it was time to do the same for Deku. With a newfound resolve, Asuna left Liz's shop, her mind clearer than before, ready to face whatever came next.

After a short walk back, Asuna found herself at the grand entrance of the Knights of the Blood Oath's headquarters, her thoughts still lingering on her conversation with Liz. The towering castle-like structure loomed above her, its stone walls gleaming under the fading sunlight. She took a deep breath before stepping inside, her heart calming from the rush of earlier.

As soon as she entered, her eyes fell on Deku, who was waiting for her in the main hall. He looked up from where he stood, his green eyes locking onto hers. There was a hint of worry etched on his face as he pushed away from the pillar he had been leaning on.

"Asuna," Deku called out, walking toward her. "Where did you go? I've been looking for you."

His concern made her smile, just a little. "Sorry," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I went to see Liz. I thought I'd get my gear worked on before we head out."

Deku blinked, his expression softening. "Oh. I was wondering where you disappeared to. I didn't want to start making plans without you."

Asuna felt her heart flutter slightly at the thought of him looking for her. He wasn't the most expressive person when it came to his emotions, but in his own quiet way, he always made sure she was okay. It reminded her about how even when he was dark and more closed off, he had still looked out for her, from the very beginning.

"Well, it's good you're back," Deku said, his tone shifting as he got to the point. "Heathcliff assigned us a team. They'll be ready to go by tomorrow."

Asuna's eyes widened slightly, and she nodded. "Tomorrow? That's... fast."

Deku shrugged, his serious expression returning. "The rumors about the P-Ker guild are spreading fast. Heathcliff wants us to move quickly."

Asuna couldn't help but feel a weight settle on her shoulders again. She glanced at Deku, knowing this mission wouldn't be easy. The stakes were high, and the dangers were real. But she also knew they had to face it together.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. The silence stretched between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was as though both of them were taking a moment to gather their thoughts, to process the reality of what they were about to do.

Their new journey would begin tomorrow. And whatever happened, they would face it side by side

AUTHOR NOTES:Hey everyone, sorry that chapter took so long. Took a little break from the story over the weekend to catch up on all the anime and manga I was behind on. The plan moving forward is at least 2 chapters a week. At least for the time being I expect that to be somewhere around 3-5 chapters but my schedule can change on a dime so at least be looking forward to another couple chapters this week. Have a good one! :)