Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Prologue

There was a gentle humming filling the air.

It was a familiar song that he had believed described him very well.

He resisted the urge to sing along to it, unwilling to interrupt the beautiful sounds.

Still, as much as he loved it, they couldn’t just stay like this forever,

“The others will come soon,” he said to the girl who was pressed against him.

She got to the end of the song before she answered.

“I hope they take their time,” she said softly. “It would be great if it was just the two of us for a bit longer.”

He couldn’t agree more.

He leaned down to kiss the girl on her head…

Only to realize that there was nobody next to him.

He got up and looked around in terror.

He couldn’t speak, there was no time! He had to find her!

Suddenly, the world seemed to turn red as everything started to shatter into polygons.

Where are you?! He wanted to call out. Where are you?!

All of a sudden, an imposing man wearing white and red appeared in front of him.

He glared at the boy with contempt.

And then he finally saw her. She was laying face-first on the ground, her back was cut open as she struggled to move.

“You couldn’t save anyone. You couldn’t save her, could you, «Black Swordsman»?”

And then he saw it, 4 other bodies laying around him. Cloaked in brown, yellow, purple and green.

Their friends…

From out of nowhere, he pulled out a sword and charged at the man, wanting nothing more than to kill him.

This is all your fault!

***

A black-haired boy immediately shot up and looked around.

Where are you? he thought desperately. Suddenly the realization kicked in, draining him of energy. …Where are you?

She would never be here… never again could he see her…

He let himself lay on his back again as he stared into the sky.

Among the clouds, there was a giant steel-coloured castle. With its spires, it was an imposing sight to many… but to him, it only filled him with memories of another life.

“Are you still mocking me?” He asked that every time he looked at the place which was once his home and prison.

Today was January 7^th, 2025.

Over a year had passed ever since the death game «Sword Art Online» was ended. Over a year had passed ever since he had last been trapped there. …Over a year had passed ever since the last time he had heard the voice of the person who was as close as family to him… and even longer ever since he last saw her and their friends…

Kirito, the boy whom some would call a hero was laying in a random field, trying to get some sleep, only to be haunted by his past.

“Found you sleepyhead,” a voice called out.

Knowing who it was, he continued to lay there, although he couldn’t help but smile.

In a second, a girl clad in green and white, with a long blonde ponytail stood over him.

“Hello Sugu,” he greeted his beloved sister.

“Hello Kazu,” she greeted cheerfully as she sat down next to him. “You know, if you want to take a nap, we do have our own house. Also, a real house in the real world with a real bed.” She plucked out some grass and sprinkled it on his face.

He smiled at her as he gently reached for her hand.

“But when I sleep here, I can get an extra hour of sleep before someone calls me lazy.”

“Whatever,” she said as she rested her head on his belly.

The two siblings lay there for a while, finding comfort in each other’s presence.

“Are you still having those dreams?” she asked after some time.

“Yeah…” he answered sadly.

“Was it about her? About them? About him?”

She knew about everything that happened during his time in SAO because he told her every detail. She was the only one he spoke to regarding his past and the only one who knew of truths that he couldn’t bear to tell anyone else about.

“All of them,” he said sadly.

She gently smiled as she stroked his cheek.

“I really wish I could help you with them…” she said sadly.

“You’ve done plenty,” he assured her. “If anything, all my problems are because of me. Seriously, it’s been over a year and I still can’t get over it, how pathetic can I be?”

“I don’t think you’re pathetic,” she whispered kindly.

“Tell that to the others,” he scoffed, although he appreciated her kindness.

“Well, do you want to hear something to cheer you up?”

He looked at her skeptically, not believing that anything could really cheer him up.

“Tell me, have you heard of «Zekken»?”

“Zekken, the «Absolute Sword». Currently the person everyone called the strongest player in all of ALO.” He listed what he knew about them. “How could I not know about Zekken?”

“Right, sometimes I forget that you know EVERYTHING that happens in the virtual world,” she mocked him.

He gave her a loving but annoyed look, appreciating how openly she was speaking to him but still annoyed as any sibling should be.

“Well recently they’ve been challenging people on the 24^th floor of New Aincrad and they’ve been offering their own Original Sword Skill to anyone who could beat her.”

“Their own Original Sword Skill,” he repeated. This had piqued his interest.

“Yup, an 11-hit Original Sword Skill, the most hits ever in a single skill.”

11-hits?! That’s more hits than any sword skill that I’ve ever heard of.

“Naturally, many players have challenged her as a result, including your entire friend group and yours truly.”

He ignored the gentle teasing of his lack of social skills as he thought of who this «Zekken» must be.

If they were able to defeat Leafa, they must be powerful! he considered. While he may never say it to her face – mainly because she would never let him live it down – he had always known that she was one of the most powerful players in all of ALO. In fact, it sounds like she even beat Asuna…

“Are they still taking challenges?” he asked Leafa.

She returned his question with a grin. “They’ll be at their usual place in about an hour.”

With a spring in his step, he got up and activated his wings. He smiled as he turned and offered his hand to Leafa.

“Well? What are we waiting for? Let’s get going! I’ve got a sister to avenge.”

***

At the same time, a girl with purple hair woke up.

With a smile, she stretched out her limbs before laying back on the ground.

“Did you have a nice nap?”

She turned her red-eyed gaze towards the speaker.

She was a woman dressed in white with beautiful, light blue hair.

“Yes I did,” the girl answered as she got up.

She took a look at the time. There was still an hour before she had to go challenge people today.

“I saw Aiko this time,” she said to the woman. “She told me to keep trying to find the one.”

“Don’t you already do that every day?”

“Of course,” she answered as she activated her wings. “But today, I’ve got a really good feeling.”

And with those words, she flew off, her heart full of hope that she would fulfill her wish soon.

Chapter Text

So much for my good feeling.

As she watched her latest opponent walk away, the girl known as «Zekken» couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Today, she had arrived at her spot early and there were already a few people lining up to fight her. Naturally, she assumed that they wanted to challenge her without having to lose in front of a crowd.

As she did every day, she had mowed through them with little effort.

Maybe you were wrong about today, Aiko, she thought of her sister.

Thinking back to all her challengers, she was starting to think that maybe she should have invited one of the girls that fought her. In spite of their losses, two of them had fought masterfully, at a level that had exceeded anyone that she had faced… but she couldn’t help but find an issue with each of them that made her decide that it was better to find somebody else.

The blonde Sylph with the big chest was certainly powerful, but she seemed a bit too rigid with her fighting style.

The beautiful, blue-haired Undine just seemed like she was trying to prove something.

Still, it would’ve been nice to get to know them.

Deciding to take a break, she walked behind the giant tree, out of sight of the crowd and flew into its branches.

And as she did so, her eyes focused on an arriving duo consisting of a Spriggan dressed entirely in black and a green and white garbed Sylph.

“So this is the place?” Kirito asked his sister.

“This is the place,” Leafa replied. “I can’t tell if we’re early or late,” she commented as she looked around, trying to locate Zekken.

“Hmph,” Kirito snorted as he sat down. “Well if a swordsman says they’ll be somewhere, they’ll be there. That’s just the way of the sword.”

Leafa rolled her eyes and grinned as if she understood something as she sat down next to him.

“Good to know that you remember so much from our kendo days.”

He smiled at her, enjoying the open way she spoke with him. He scooted over to press his shoulder against hers.

“So what’s Zekken like anyways?”

“Zekken’s the strongest player that I’ve ever fought. Far beyond anyone or anything any of us have ever faced.” He knew that voice and it wasn’t his sister’s.

He didn’t get up or turn around as he heard two pairs of feet land behind him.

“Hello, Asuna,” he greeted the Undine without sparing her a glance.

“Hello, «Black Swordsman»,” she gruffly greeted back.

He couldn’t help but groan when she said that.

“You know that nobody calls me that anymore.” And I wish they’d all forget it. He couldn’t like that nickname anymore, not after somebody ruined it for him.

“I think I deserve to be able to call you that.”

He rolled his eyes as he got up. Quickly psyching himself up, he turned to the group who arrived.

In front of him was a breathtakingly beautiful «Undine» girl with long, waist-length light-blue hair and crystal-clear eyes of the same colour.

Still, he couldn’t help but imagine them as a beautiful shade of orange, just as he remembered her from back in SAO – «The Lightning Flash».

On one side of her was a freckled «Leprechaun» with pink hair who glared at him with her pink eyes.

“And now I’m surrounded by more of Zekken's victims.”

Asuna gave him an annoyed look.

“Joke all you want, but I bet a month of my cooking that you’ll lose to her.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” he snarked. He couldn’t help but wince at himself. It was always difficult for him to speak to people in general… but talking with Asuna was especially difficult.

“I can’t believe that this is the guy you like,” he heard the Leprechaun girl whisper under her breath.

He didn’t spare her a look… partially because he agreed with her…

Asuna nudged her friend in the ribs with an embarrassed expression.

“Well in the interest of getting to spend a month eating your amazing food,” he said to Asuna, “why don’t you girls tell me about Zekken?”

The girls, including Leafa, looked between each other before answering.

“Zekken’s an «Imp»,” Asuna answered first. “The weapon used was a one-handed sword, kind of like yours, but it's almost as thin as my rapier here.” She tapped the weapon she kept sheathed at her waist.

“Also Zekken is fast,” Leafa added enthusiastically. “Like REALLY fast! The normal attacks used on me were nearly as fast as sword skills! My eyes could barely follow Zekken’s actions!” She stopped and looked at him with a look of realization. “In fact, I’d almost say it was like fighting you, Kazu.” Kirito and Leafa had duelled several times in ALO. The virtual world was the only place where he had a ghost of a chance of beating her… Back in the real world, she would curb-stomp him at kendo without issue or mercy.

He grimaced at the info. Contemplatively, he put a hand on his cheek. “If even my incredible sister had issues following Zekken’s movements, I may not have a chance…” Still… he couldn’t stop his face from morphing into a grin. “It’s been a while since I had some real competition.”

That earned him a whack on each of his shoulders from two different girls.

“Anyways…” Asuna said hesitantly. “Try to be careful.” She of all people should know how «careful» he was. “Leafa is right. There was something about the way Zekken fought… it really was a lot like fighting you.” Her eyes turned away hesitantly. “And I don’t mean that Zekken was just another super addicted player…”

“…”

What was there to say about something like that? Even if Zekken is powerful, nobody is unbeatable.

“Thanks,” he spoke to his first partner. “I’ll do my best.”

He didn’t say anymore as he turned away from his friends. As they waited for the time to come, Kirito went through several strategies in his head. At the same time, the fingers of his left hand wrapped around a «Record Crystal» that he kept hanging from a string attached to his belt. The crystal was something that did not originate in the world of ALO and it was used up over a year ago. Still, it brought him comfort and calmed him whenever he touched it in his avatar’s virtual hands or even looked at it.

Before they knew it, a crowd had arrived. Evidently, they were here to challenge Zekken or to watch the duels that would occur.

Ignoring them, Kirito kept clutching the crystal as he began to hum the tune that it once contained to relax himself before the battle up ahead.

By the time he got to the end of the song, the crowd began to stir and cheer.

Looking up from the ground, he saw a flash of purple shoot out of the tree.

Gracefully landing on her feet was a girl with beautiful, dark purple hair, fixed with a red headband. Like a boss in an RPG performing its animation, she energetically spun around and flashed a V sign to the gathered players.

As soon as he saw her, he was completely mesmerized by the girl, watching her with fascination.

As he continued to stare, her eyes suddenly locked on to him and fixed him with her beautiful crimson gaze.

“Hi there!” she greeted in an unexpectedly cheerful voice. “Black-dressed swordsman over there! How about you be my opponent?” she requested him.

Caught off guard by her attitude and request, he said the first thing that came to him. “S-sure…” Why am I so nervous? “I’ll be your first opponent…”

She continued to smile with a sunny disposition, throwing him further off guard by going against the image of Zekken that he imagined from everyone’s description.

“H-hang on a sec,” he requested as he grabbed Leafa’s arm and turned her around.

Pressing his head against hers, he scolded her in a hushed whisper, “You didn’t tell me Zekken was a girl!”

With their bodies touching, he could feel Leafa shrug.

“I’m pretty sure I did tell you,” she teased. Thinking back, she may have, but this wasn’t the time to admit that he wasn’t listening about that part. “But since I knew you didn’t pay attention to that, I thought it’d be pretty funny to see you when you found out.”

“Grrrr,” he grumbled. She knew him too well.

“Second, I didn’t think it’d matter. Since when have you ever cared about the gender of your opponent?” she asked in a teasing tone. Clearly she had already considered her answers.

“Fine, you’re right, I’m not Klein,” he conceded.

“Right now, that’s questionable.”

“…” He glared at her, only for it to be returned by a smirk.

“I'm sorry, is that a problem, Ki-ri-to-kun?” Asuna asked in a dangerous tone. Just from that tone, he knew that he shouldn’t look at her face. However, he could still feel her intense stare burning holes into his skull.

“I’ll show you, Sugu,” he tried to sound as if he didn’t fear Asuna’s killing intent. “I’ll show everyone!”

With that thought, he turned back towards Zekken, but still felt that burning, almost audible stare boring into him.

“Go get her, Bro!”

“You’ve got this, Kirito-kun!”

“Kick his butt, Zekken!”

Drawing his sword, he approached her, one step at a time.

“By the way,” Zekken called over to him. “My name’s Yuuki. Or you can call me Zekken, AKA The Absolute Sword.”

Something about that girl’s carefree attitude calmed him down. Although, maybe he was crazy, but he thought he heard a bit of envy in her voice.

“My name’s Kirito.” He paused. Two different things he could add on to his player name popped into his head, however he couldn’t use either of them. One reminded him of a past he’d rather leave behind… While the other would be insulting to the people he once failed… “…Just Kirito.”

For a moment, her smile seemed to waver and her eyes seemed to droop with sympathy. He felt himself shrink back under the girl’s look. It felt as if she was staring directly inside him, going into his mind. It was almost as if she knew that he had other titles to use.

Almost as quickly as it appeared, her somber expression changed back into her usual bright one. "Well, okay, Just Kirito," she said his name in a playful tone. The girl snapped her fingers and pointed her finger towards him. “Why don’t I tell you how I’ll play.” The girl waved her sword around while responding. "You’re welcome to use magic and items if you wish. However, I will only be using this." She tapped the handle with her free hand.

“A straightforward fight between swordmasters?” Kirito recapped with a grin. “That’s exactly what I need.”

However, in spite of his enthusiasm, this type of fight made him recall a duel back in SAO… Then again, that was more a fight for my life than a duel…

She smiled brightly in response, as if happy with his choice. Suddenly, she loudly said something leisurely.

"Ah, right. A fight on the ground or an aerial one, which do you prefer?"

She asked this earnestly, her beautiful smile hid not a hint of wickedness. Clearly, she simply believed that she could win no matter what kind of fight it was.

And people like to say that I’m cocky.

"Then, a fight on the ground," he requested.

"Ok. Jumping is fine, but you can't use your wings!" she said in a way that reminded him of a child making the rules for a game they made up.

After saying that, Yuuki's shadowy Imp wings immediately faded and disappeared. At the same time, Kirito also put away his black Spriggan wings.

Despite all his time playing in ALO, Kirito had always felt more at home on the ground. It was probably a combination of the year he spent battling as a groundbound swordsman in SAO. Not to mention the kendo practice he helps Sugu with at home.

Getting a feel for the ground, he tapped his toes on the grass two times before sliding the sole of his boot across the surface, understanding the friction he was working with.

Next, he confirmed his enemy’s «Multicolor Pointer».

Since it was the first time the two of them have met, it wouldn't show their names, thus there was nothing above her HP bar. To the left side was a small icon – a «Guild Emblem». Unconsciously, his focus lingered on the girl's emblem which was a very cute one with a pink heart with two white wings spreading from its side.

Kirito himself wasn't part of any guild, so there was no emblem on his pointer. Several times, his friends – usually Asuna or Klein – have mentioned forming a guild, but he had always refused…

Still, he could recall a time when there was a guild symbol beside his player name – A black cat sitting against a simple white background…

The sight of a request for a duel returned him to the present.

[Yuuki is challenging you.]

At the bottom of the window, there were 3 modes to choose from: «First Strike Mode», «Half Loss Mode» and «Total Loss Mode».

Guessing what was the right choice in this situation, he pressed the «Total Loss Mode». Back in SAO, such a thing would’ve been forbidden because of the death rule… Again, his mind went back to a fight to the death he had no choice but to accept – His last fight in SAO.

He took a deep breath and let it out, trying to purge the memory from his mind.

The window requesting a duel automatically disappeared, replacing it was a ten second timer.

Positioning their blades at the same time, Kirito took note of his opponent’s weapon – It was a thin, single-handed, double-edged straight sword. It was translucent with an obsidian purple hue like her armour.

He was no blacksmith or weapons expert, but even he could tell from a look that despite the sword's impressive design, there was nothing special about as if it was a rare or legendary weapon.

Good, he thought. That should keep things fair.

His own sword was a simple black longsword, the same colour as his hair, coat, pants… basically his entire being.

‘Maybe you should wear more than just black,’ a girl who should’ve appreciated that at least one of her guildmates lived up to their name had said to him once. He smiled fondly at the memory.

At least this girl understands what it means to have a signature colour. He took note of his violet opponent.

Yuuki placed her sword in front of her at her waist, and lowered her body.

Kirito put his left foot half a body in front, his waist was lowered, and the sword in his right hand was held downwards with its tip nearly touching the ground – A sword style honed from over a year of fighting for his life in this very castle.

Taking a look at his opponent who was looking prepared to fight but kept up a sweet, kind of cute smile, he made his resolve. I’m going all out. This girl deserves nothing less than my very best.

While he took a deep breath and let it out, he returned her smile with his own, which he could only hope didn’t look smug.

The counter on the timer reached zero.

In the instant the word [DUEL] flashed, Kirito ran towards Zekken at full speed, instantly crossing the distance to his opponent.

This may not be a «First Strike Mode» duel, but he was determined to make the first hit. Something that he had learned in his time in ALO was that one can find out a lot about their opponent’s fighting style based on how they defended themselves against a fast opponent.

"Ha!" his voice cried out.

His sword cut threw the air, leaving a black afterimage in its wake as it got closer to Zekken.

However his opponent barely seemed to be taken off guard. With impossibly fast motions of her own, she dodged the first two strikes, his sword only striking a bit of her long, purple hair. As for the third strike which she seemed to move into, she used her purple sword to defend herself, knocking his sword off target.

He couldn’t help but be shocked. How?! Nobody, not even Asuna or Leafa had been able to block his rapid speed hits so easily!

He didn’t have time to consider it further.

At the same time, a black light aiming for his neck leapt into his eyesight.

"——!!"

Instinctively, he turned his body slightly, planted his feet and brought up his sword to parry the hit before it could make contact.

Now it was Yuuki’s turn to be shocked. Her red eyes widened in disbelief as her sword bounced back from the recoil.

Not letting her recover, he tried to follow up and attempted another attack – a series of stabs at her chest.

However she was able to move her sword to block them, making his sword shift to the side.

Immediately after that, he kicked off the ground and jumped backwards, getting out of the way to give himself time to think.

Without taking his eyes off of his incredible opponent, he took a few deep breaths to compose himself.

Yuuki on the other hand had already thrown off her shock, she stood where he left her, sword raised to her waist, she smiled at him playfully.

As he took another deep breath, he couldn’t help but smile in return… his lips spread as he gave her a grin which showed his teeth…

He didn’t smile out of politeness… Nor was it anxiety… So why was he smiling?

The answer was obvious to him.

It was because, in front of him was an opponent who could not only keep up with him, but actually for once in his virtual journey, there was somebody who could get the better of him…

…No, for what may have been the first time ever since he was in the beta test for SAO, he was excited!

With a new energy and purpose guiding him, Kirito dashed towards his opponent.

At the same time, Yuuki also leapt forward. The smile in the corner of her mouth had widened into a wild looking grin and a radiance shone in her red eyes.

Meeting each other halfway into their dashes, they both went on the offensive. A flurry of strikes rained down on each combatant, making sparks fly out from both of their dark swords.

However neither of their attacks even grazed each other’s bodies as they were both able to predict how the next strike would be and successfully parry or avoid the attack completely.

Even as he fought, Kirito’s mind still made assessments of his opponent.

She’s strong, and her reaction speed is at least on par with mine. Kirito had little issue admitting that he was very arrogant, however that was only because he knew his limits very well. Not to mention that she’s probably as fast as Asuna. But she doesn’t seem to have much experience fighting other players! He could surmise this based on the way that not once has she used a feint and opted to fight him directly.

Quickly, he dodged her next three-hit combo and got right into her face, forcing her to take a few stumbling steps backwards.

Despite his focus on the battle, he could vaguely hear a few people whistling, and even someone call him a playboy, but he ignored them.

With their bodies nearly touching, they continued their exchange of strikes, making it almost seem as if they were dancing with each other.

As soon as he found a slight pause, he deliberately brought his sword up as if to stab at her.

Her eyes gave off an arrogant glow as she predicted his next move and rushed to attack him.

But it was a feint.

Bringing his sword back, he effortlessly parried the hit, making her sword stop dead against his sword.

Now her eyes betrayed a look of shock.

At that instant, Kirito pulled back his sword. At the same time, he clenched his left hand into a fist and using all his might, he punched Yuuki in the side.

“Oof,” she grunted.

In spite of his skill with swords, Kirito had always had a fascination with bare-handed skills ever since his time in SAO. What he used was a «Boxing» skill from ALO rather than a «Martial Arts» skill like the one he trained back in SAO, so it did almost no damage due to the fact that he didn’t have a knuckle-type weapon equipped, but it succeeded in his objective of making her flinch.

I might as well have two weapons!

Kirito’s black sword shone bright red as he activated his first sword skill of the battle.

«Sharp Nail»

He was confident that the attack would hit. Yuuki's balance was thrown off and attacks were impossible to avoid at this distance.

…However, a simple look at his enemy indicated that he had made a mistake. Even though her eyes were wide open, there wasn't a trace of panic in them. Rather, they were focused on the tip of his blade.

She already knows my next move! he realized in horror.

The instant that thought crossed his mind, Yuuki's obsidian sword flashed out.

The first two strikes made contact, slashing at her left shoulder and middle, however, she fearlessly tanked them and her sword struck his, knocking the third and final strike backwards.

With the last hit being parried, Kirito was frozen in a position with his right arm stretched out for several tenths of a second — this hopeless recovery time overtook him and Yuuki didn’t miss her chance.

"Aaah!" she released a war cry as she attacked.

She thrust forward with a speed that would've been near impossible to avoid even if Kirito wasn't recovering from his skill. It first struck his left shoulder. Slanting directly towards the bottom-right, she executed a 5-hit combo without rest.

It was a combo that he had never seen before, which meant-

Oh no! Oh no! Crap! This must be her 11-hit, OSS!

Those 5 hits that already made contact had reduced his HP to a few pixels above the yellow zone.

If there’s 6 more hits to go, there’s no way I’ll survive! He could feel his panic begin to rise, not ready to let himself die.

In that moment, he let his panic reach its peak while also keeping it in check, using it to decide his next, desperate gamble to win.

There was no way to dodge, or miraculously parry the unknown hits… So the only thing he could do was to go down fighting rather than roll over and die!

Nobody! Not even the most timid person I knew would go down without trying to survive!

Putting all his energy into his right hand, for the second instance in this duel, he activated a sword skill, but this time it was an Original Sword Skill. It was not his own, rather it was created and forcefully imparted to him by the first partner he ever had in the virtual world… The partner that he felt that he betrayed long ago, but still held a deep mutual care for…

«Starry Tear»

Red and blue flashes interlocked. Going from Kirito’s right shoulder to his bottom-left, the tip of Yuuki's sword intersected with her previous hits and made a cross.

However, Kirito’s sword finally hit Yuuki. Drawing the apex of a small star on his opponent’s body.

They finished exchanging five hits. Then there was a moment of silence. Neither of them had fallen.

Yuuki's HP bar was reduced to nearly a quarter, but it was still yellow. Whereas Kirito’s HP bar entered the red zone, and there was only a little left.

Unfortunately for him, as it turns out the rumours were true and Zekken’s OSS truly did have more hits than any other known sword skill…

Her blade was still releasing a violet glow… One more hit was coming his way…

Once again pulling back her sword, it seemed that she was aiming directly at the center of Kirito’s body, the intersection of the cross-shaped effect.

So this is the OSS Zekken was offering for this duel? Time seemed to slow down before the sword approached. Power and speed which exceeded common sense, beauty which was even greater than those. I guess… I can lose to this…

However, before he could fully resign himself to his fate, he thought he heard a voice and remembered something… a promise he could never truly make to someone, but one he lived by for her sake even in his darkest time… just as he did on that final day…

“Keep living”

I can’t lose! he snapped to attention. I have to keep living!

The eleventh hit ferociously descended — However, an instant before he would have to suffer a cooldown for using a sword skill, with a movement that exceeded any speed possible in any world, Kirito brought his free hand to his blade’s handle and hit it with his knuckles, pivoting his wrist and sword to intercept his opponent’s equally fast strike.

Her sword struck the upper part of his black sword with a resounding *CLANG*, stopping dead against it.

"—?!" Yuuki’s eyes widened, shocked that he could intercept her OSS like that.

In the wake of the duel, the two of them stared into each other’s eyes, grey meeting red, they exchanged their shock at what he did.

A few moments passed before they both remembered that they were still in a duel.

But before Kirito could even think to strike, something black, shiny and pointed flew across his sightline. At the same time, the sword in his hand felt just a tiny bit lighter.

Hey… he thought idly as his eyes flitted towards the object. Isn’t that…?

“AHHHHHHH!” a girlish shriek of horror made them both flinch.

At that moment, Kirito realized a few things;

1. That that was his blacksmith screaming.

2. That his sword was broken and he could feel it disappearing from his hand.

3. He had already lost the duel.

It took him a while to recover from all that. Once he was in the right state of mind, he tried to launch another punch at Yuuki.

With a grin, she intercepted it with one hand and brought her sword to his neck.

Well that’s the end of that, he conceded his defeat. He couldn’t help but grin, ready for her to end the duel.

I may have lost, but that was incredible! Kirito thought with excitement.

Zekken, The Absolute Sword, Yuuki. For now, he would concede that she was the most powerful player in ALO – in any virtual world. One day, I will surpass you!

He took another look at the girl whom he’d consider his rival.

I hope we can duel again.

However instead of finishing him off… she squeezed his fist which she was still holding and gave him a brilliant smile.

“Wow…” she breathed as her red eyes scanned him over. “Wow! Wow! Wow! That was great!”

"Wait... Wha...?" he said dumbfounded. Kirito was completely lost and could only let out a dazed sound.

Unconcerned at his awkwardness, she cheerfully nodded and continued speaking.

“That duel was incredible! Hardly anyone has been able to give me a challenge like that in ALO!” Even without turning around, he knew that three pairs of eyes were boring holes into the oblivious girl’s head.

At least they aren’t glaring at me for once.

Putting away her sword, she took both of his hands in her own. He was shocked at the girl’s boldness but didn’t get a chance to say anything as she went on.

"I've always, always been looking for a strong person. This time I've finally found one! Hey, Kirito, do you have anything to do after this?"

Around them, a few whispers could be heard, some even asking if Zekken was proposing to the black-dressed swordsman.

She gave him an earnest, pleading look. His mind wandered, remembering a time when someone else looked at him like that. Although at that time, it wasn’t her who was asking.

Taken off guard by her energy and the memory, he could barely muster a response. "Well... uh. No..."

Her eyes widened as she smiled sweetly, making him realize how adorable this girl was.

"Then, come with me for a while!"

At the same time, Yuuki widened her back and activated her wings. The translucent, bat-shaped wings appeared, raising her body slightly.

“Sure,” Kirito agreed as he activated his Spriggan wings.

However, before they would fly off, he turned back to his audience who was looking at him with assorted looks.

Lisbeth gave him a look of annoyance, which he was used to from her (and he felt like he deserved).

Leafa gave him a confused but primarily happy look, encouraging him to get going.

Asuna… surprisingly looked approving… or at least she didn’t seem upset since she was slightly smiling at him.

“I’ll log out later,” he spoke primarily to Leafa. “See ya!”

“See ya, Bro!” she called as she waved. “Do your best!”

Smiling to her, he turned back to Yuuki who was looking at him expectantly. Shaking his restrained arms a bit, he gestured for her to lead the way.

Giving him another radiant smile, she grabbed his right wrist with both hands and quickly launched both of them into the sky.

He was caught off guard by the girl’s forwardness, allowing for him to be dragged several metres through the air before he could bring himself to use his own wings.

Yuuki's wings released a purple radiance and she instantly put on a sharp burst of speed. Barely able to keep up, he followed after the mysterious, violet swordswoman.

Chapter Text

Yuuki couldn’t believe it!

After all this time, she finally found the perfect person for their mission!

Thank you, Sis!

Dragging said person behind her, she flew as fast as she could through the clouds of the outer world of Aincrad.

The whole time, she felt the black-themed swordsman cling to her wrist desperately, unwilling to get separated from her.

Dashing through the clouds, she didn’t slow down until they finally reached the floor they were heading to.

Suddenly stopping, the inertia caused the boy to crash into her with a grunt.

He fell for a bit before using his wings to pull himself up. Looking at her with a bewildered expression, he asked her something for the first time ever since their flight began.

“Hey, uh, where are we going?”

She responded by smiling at him. “To the 27^th floor!” she said without a care. “There’s some people there I want you to meet.”

Excitedly, she got ready to dash.

“And I always tell my sister not to go off with ran-”

He didn’t get to finish his sentence as she took off at full speed, dragging him in tow. Carelessly navigating away from all the monsters, it didn’t take them long before they made it to the small town that was their destination: «Ronbaru».

“Oh… this floor…” Kirito said mysteriously. “It’s been a while…”

A part of her wanted to stop and ask him what he meant by that, but she was too excited to consider it at the time.

“Come on,” she called to the boy. “This way.”

She didn’t actually have to tell him that, as his wrist was still locked in her fingers, letting her drag him through the alleys.

It didn't take them long before they reached their destination – A small inn.

Before entering, she took another look at her companion who was smiling as if amused by the turn of events.

Smiling back, she used her free hand to open the door.

***

As soon as the door opened, they were immediately greeted by a clamorous voice.

"Welcome back, Yuuki! Did you find one?!"

Around a round table at the centre of the room were five people.

They looked at the arriving duo with inviting smiles.

“You bet!” the excited girl answered.

"—Let me introduce you,” Yuuki spread out her arms in their direction. “This is my guild, my companions from the «Sleeping Knights»."

Then she grabbed Kirito’s hands and pushed him towards the people.

“And guys, this is our new friend, «Just Kirito».”

He let out an internal groan at that.

“Nice to meet you, «Just Kirito»,” the Salamander boy who had greeted them earlier said.

“No, it’s j-” He wasn’t going to make that mistake again. “My name’s «Kirito».”

The Sleeping Knights smiled at him teasingly.

“Hi, Kirito! I’m Jun!” The boy named Jun introduced himself in a somewhat careless manner.

…For some reason, the image of a different boy who spoke like that appeared in his mind.

"Ah, about that, my name is Thatch. Please treat me kindly." A large Gnome man introduced himself in a leisurely tone.

"I, I am, that, that is, my name is Talken,” the skinny Leprechaun youth with glasses introduced himself. “Please advise me... Ouch!!"

He was cut off by a female Spriggan kicking him in the shin.

"Enough, Tal, stop being like this! You're always like this in front of girls!"

Kirito couldn’t help but frown at that.

"I'm Nori. Glad to meet you, Kirito."

…How long has it been since someone last made that mistake?

“…I’m a boy…” Kirito mumbled. At the same time he could feel his face heating up.

“…” There was silence in the room for a few seconds.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Siune.” The female Undine introduced herself as if nothing happened. “Thank you for coming here."

“And I’m-! Oh, wait… I’ve already introduced myself… Oh well, I’ll do it again! My name is Yuuki, the «Absolute Sword»! And the leader of the Sleeping Knights!”

He couldn’t help but feel surprised at this. Making someone as hyperactive as her be the leader? That would be as silly as putting him in charge of anything!

"Let's work hard together!" Yuuki cheered.

“Work hard to…” Kirito was lost, “do what exactly…”

“She didn’t tell you?” Jun asked.

“No, she just dragged me up 5 floors without explaining a thing.”

“After I beat you, you mean,” Yuuki added.

“…” He immediately glared at her.

“You forgot that part,” she teased.

Around them, he could hear everyone snickering at the interaction.

“After you beat me…” he whispered. Next time will be different.

“And yet you came anyways,” someone – probably Talken – whispered quietly.

“Okay, Yuuki,” Nori put in, “enough teasing the boy, why not tell him why he’s here?”

“Awww! But it’s so fun!” Yuuki whined brightly. “Fine.” At the same time, she grabbed Kirito’s hands and looked deep into his eyes with an imploring look that brought his dear sister to mind. “The truth is… We need your help.”

Shrinking back a bit under her cute assault, he could only ask in a meek voice. “Help with what…?”

“Don’t laugh but… we want to defeat this floor's boss with only the members of this guild."

“…You’re… kidding…” he couldn’t help but say.

He didn’t mean to do it, but his mouth widened into a grin. He couldn’t help it, but a second later, “Hehe… S-sorry…” He couldn’t stop himself from laughing.

What she just said… reminded him of a certain swordsman who thought he could do everything on his own.

“You… laughed…” Yuuki said in disappointment.

“No it’s just,” he stopped laughing but kept his smile, “you made me remember something.”

Under the continuous looks of the Sleeping Knights, he immediately composed himself and stood up straight.

“Sorry. Go on.” He was genuinely interested in their reasoning.

Yuuki glared at him for a bit longer with puffed cheeks before she finally went on.

“Anyways…” she said a bit testily. "We actually also challenged the 25th and 26th floor's bosses."

Kirito’s eyes widened; he was impressed that they actually tried it. Clearly these Sleeping Knights aren’t just all talk.

“And how far did you get? With just 6 people?”

“We actually did very well!” Yuuki boasted. Then her expression became a bit more downcast. “…Unfortunately, our MP and HP potions can't keep up no matter what… and while we were raising money around and about, the boss was defeated by the large group."

“I see.” He took a look at the faces of the Sleeping Knights. There was no doubt that they were serious about this challenge.

“And is there a reason that it can only be the 6 of- Sorry, I mean the 7 of us?”

“About that…” Yuuki seemed hesitant to answer as her eyes fluttered around.

“It’s cause we want to get all our names on the «Monument of Swordsmen»!” Jun called over.

“The «Monument of Swordsmen»?” Kirito couldn’t help but blurt out.

As soon as he said that the red armored boy was lightly hit on the chest by Nori and Thatch before they forced him into a nearby chair as Talken looked on a bit flustered.

He couldn’t help but smile a bit at the interaction. Somehow it told him that these guys were rather close.

…And it made him remember some people he once knew…

"About that, let me explain,” Siune interjected. “Before that, please have a seat."

The 7 people including Kirito sat down around the table, and an NPC brought them the drinks they've ordered. Siune gently crossed her fingers on the table, and started speaking in a quiet voice.

“The truth is, we didn’t meet in this world. We met in an online community outside of any game… and immediately got along and became friends. Although… It’s only been a few months.”

Kirito looked away for a second. They don’t need to know…

However from the corner of his eye, he could’ve sworn that Yuuki caught his reaction.

"We were really the best of friends. Together, we went to quite a few different worlds, and undergone various adventures.”

She paused as she smiled serenely, perhaps remembering the adventures she shared with her friends.

“And while we’re in this world-”

“We want to leave our mark in this world!” Jun interrupted as if he couldn’t contain his excitement any longer.

This time, nobody rebuked him – In fact, he noticed that all of their eyes were gleaming with excitement.

"And if we defeat the boss, we can leave our names on the «Monument of Swordsmen» in the «Black Iron Castle» inside the 1st floor's «Starting City»," Yuuki completed the thought.

“I see…” he said slowly. He couldn’t help but grin as he realized what they were planning. “So you guys want all of your names recorded on the «Monument of Swordsmen», is that it?”

The Monument of Swordsmen was a 3D object that recorded the names of the people who cleared the floors of Aincrad. Usually it would only record up to 7 players' names per floor, and usually only the leaders if there were multiple parties. Therefore, if anyone wanted all of their party members to be recorded on it, only a single party could do so.

“Yeah, basically,” Yuuki confirmed.

It was such a simple thing. To want a special memory with friends…

How long has it been since I longed for something like that?

It was almost the true spirit of an MMO!

As he thought it over, his hand went to the crystal he always wore under his coat. It was an unconscious habit of his, but right now he wanted to feel her spirit.

Before anyone could say anything more, Kirito gave his answer. “I’m in!”

Everyone looked at him with shocked, but not ungrateful looks.

“A-are you sure…?” Yuuki asked, sounding taken aback. “We haven’t even offered anything!”

Putting up his hand, he waved off her concerns. “Don’t worry about that. Let’s just say that I’m doing this out of the kindness of my heart.”

Taking another look at everyone, he could tell that they looked relieved that he had accepted so easily.

Maybe there was once a time where I would’ve demanded something big in return, but I’m not trying to survive anymore… just live…

Immediately, he felt a bit nostalgic… How long ago did they ask me for help?

“How about this?” Kirito intoned before they could fully agree. “All I ask for in return for my services… is compensation for the sword that your great leader broke.”

As he said that, he pointedly looked at Yuuki with a smug expression on his face. She returned the look with a slightly guilty smile. At the same time, the other Sleeping Knights craned their necks to look behind him, evidently noticing that there was no weapon on his person at the moment.

“Aw! Not again, Yuuki!” Nori sounded exasperated as she laughed a bit.

“Hey! It’s not my fault!” Yuuki said defensively. “I was already going to win! Kirito should’ve just taken the loss!”

Smiling everyone looked to him as if to ask if she was telling the truth.

With a casual smile, he shrugged, confirming that this was true.

“I’ll never just roll over and die.” I made a promise after all...

Putting aside his thoughts of the past, he looked at the faces of his new guildmates.

He could see the determination in each of their faces as they looked to him.

"You know what? Let’s not focus on what happens afterwards right now. In fact, for now, put aside things like success rate."

His eyes locked with Yuuki’s who looked as fearlessly determined as he felt.

“Right now…” He couldn’t help himself from thinking of a guild cheer which he participated in a few times but never got to initiate himself.

“Let’s do this!”

***

After discussing some more about the upcoming fight, the group’s drink order finally arrived. Quickly drinking a toast, the Sleeping Knights started talking among themselves for a bit.

When he noticed that Yuuki was taking a break from talking to her guildmates, Kirito decided to ask a question that was making him curious.

“Hey, Yuuki,” Kirito indicated his temporary leader. “You said that you were looking for strong people through duels, right?”

“Yup,” she answered cheerfully.

“Well, those girls I was talking to before we duelled, they mentioned that they fought you. And I know firsthand how strong they are. So how come you didn’t ask them for help?”

Yuuki’s eyes seemed to brighten even more, “Oh right!” she seemed to remember who he was talking about. “Those beautiful girls you surround yourself with!”

…

“Yeah, I remember but…” she hesitated. “Well it’s embarrassing but…” she scratched her head, “after I beat the Undine, I heard her tell her pink-haired friend:” she put her hands on her hips, “‘Kirito-kun would be able to defeat her. He's completely unbeatable!’” she did a rather impressive Asuna impression.

“HA!” A laugh couldn’t help but escape him… however he couldn’t help but think of the significance of his first partner’s words…

So she still has that much confidence in me…

“And I was curious about who could be stronger than her after that duel.” She stopped and smiled at him. “So I was excited when you said your name… it’s almost like… I was waiting for you…”

“I… uh…” he stuttered.

Suddenly she flashed a mischievous grin. “Too bad she was wrong! I still defeated you!”

His arm moved automatically and he couldn’t stop himself from giving her a playful shove.

With a smile, she returned the shove, nearly knocking him to the ground.

Even if we’re working together right now, one day I will still defeat you, Yuuki!

“Fine. But what about the Sylph?”

“The one with the biggest chest I've ever seen?” she asked excitedly.

“…” That was never a subject he liked to talk about. “Yes. Her.”

“Well I may have been slightly distracted when fighting her, but if I had to say, she’s a little too rigid with her fighting style. Like, she can’t adapt to the situation fast enough.”

He nodded. What she was saying had some merit – Having trained in kendo from a young age, Leafa did have a habit of falling back into her disciplined ways rather than trying a new approach.

“I see."

“Now it’s my turn,” Yuuki interrupted his thoughts. “Those girls, what are they to you?” she asked curiously.

He couldn’t help but feel put off guard by that question. «What were they to him?» It was difficult to put it into words…

“They’re…” he hesitated, “my irreplaceable friends…” It was probably best not to reveal that Leafa was actually his sister. “I’m glad that they’re always willing to stay by my side.”

All of a sudden, Yuuki leaned over and got up into his face. “They’re just friends?” she asked in an odd tone.

Caught off guard, he stumbled back a bit.

“Y-yeah,” he answered nervously. He wasn’t used to girls in general, but girls who got up into his space like this? Even Sugu was respectful of his personal space! …sometimes… “They’re my… friends…” He knew what she was implying.

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but longingly imagine the faces of the girls that he was closest to…

No… I can’t be with anyone… I lost that right a long time ago…

Back in the original Aincrad, Kirito had felt that he did unforgivable things… He could never forgive himself for leaving his first friend behind… nor his first partner… and not for the loss of his guild…

While thinking of that, he couldn’t help but look at the gathered guild who were enjoying their time among themselves.

In a way, perhaps this adventure was his way of making amends…

“Kind of difficult to believe,” Yuuki said. “A guy like you seems like he could go through a lot of girlfriends.”

He smiled at that. “Very funny.”

It was strange, Kirito wasn’t used to being able to talk to somebody so naturally… Usually, his own awkwardness and the memories of how he had wronged his friends would put a stop to that.

However as he looked at the Sleeping Knights who merely wanted to enjoy being a part of this new world, he wanted to put that guilt aside…

Even if it’s for a little while… let me enjoy this time…

***

After talking for a while longer, and deciding to meet up tomorrow, Kirito finally got up and left the inn.

Yuuki couldn’t help but stare after him as he left.

There was something about that boy that made her so interested.

It was obvious that he was strong but for some reason she also couldn’t help but long for his company. I really want to get to know him better…

Lost in her musing, she was caught off guard when she felt somebody suddenly push on her shoulder.

Turning around, she saw Jun behind her, smiling teasingly for some reason.

“What?” she asked.

At the same time, she saw that the rest of her guildmates were looking at her with assorted smiles.

“What is it?” she asked again, this time more defensively.

“Oh you know,” Nori seemed to tease her.

“Why don’t you see him off?” Siune suggested kindly.

Is that the right thing to do? Admittedly, Yuuki wasn’t exactly the most socially aware person in any world so she would take the suggestion.

“All right,” she agreed. “See you all tomorrow.”

With that, she exited the inn.

Despite the fact that Kirito didn’t tell her where he was going, she had the idea that he was heading to the plaza first before logging out.

As she walked alone with her thoughts, she couldn’t help but think of what it meant to be a leader. It was only recently that she had become the leader of the Sleeping Knights, having taken over after their previous leader… couldn’t stay anymore…

She was elected as leader afterwards, however even she knew that it wasn’t because she was the best at «leading», rather it was because she was the strongest.

Eventually, she turned a corner, and the plaza was in her sight, and so was Kirito!

Oddly, she felt a slight tightness in her chest as she got a quick glimpse of him.

Her legs immediately tensed up, ready to run directly into him…

However, once she got a better look at the boy, she couldn’t help but stop completely.

The black-haired boy had his left hand hidden under his black coat as he was standing near the centre of the plaza, just a bit away from the teleport gate… but for some reason he was looking away from it.

The direction he was looking at, she realized, was the direction of the floor’s labyrinth.

Based on his stillness, she could tell that he was standing there for a while.

Slowly she approached him and as she did so, she couldn’t help but feel the melancholy aura he was giving off… It was completely different from the more awkward but playful vibes he had in the inn…

From the moment he introduced himself to her, she had suspected that he had suffered from a loss similar to hers. As they spoke in the inn, a part of her wanted to ask precisely what happened… However she didn’t… After all, she didn’t want him to think that he invited him out of pity! …And somehow she knew that he wouldn’t want to talk about that to somebody he just met…

Quietly, she crossed the distance to him and once she was next to him, he still didn’t even glance away.

Without knowing the real reason why, she hesitantly reached her hand out and grabbed his vulnerable right hand.

***

Kirito looked at his hand in surprise. Surrounding it was the gloved hand of the girl he met today. Despite getting a good idea of this girl, he couldn’t believe that she would be so forward!

…Still, he couldn’t help but squeeze her hand in return.

After the things he’s done, he had often felt that he never deserved such kindness or companionship from anyone… But that didn’t mean that he didn’t long for it…

He put up his other hand and gently put it on the girl’s head of lustrous purple hair.

“Thank you,” he whispered. At the same time, he finally pulled his hand out of hers.

She looked at him with a gentle smile which he couldn’t help but return.

The truth is, his reason for wanting to clear this floor and having his name being associated with it wasn’t just about helping the Sleeping Knights… It was something more personal than that…

After all, this is the floor where five members of my first guild died…