Chapter 2: Friends, Courage, and Baths
It has been three weeks since the start of the death game, Sword Art Online, had begun. The first floor has yet to be cleared, let alone finding the boss room. Morale was at an all-time low for everyone. Yet I, West, and my friends Luna and Tycha were remaining strong together. Though there was the scares we all went through, and I’m sure it caused quite the problem here in the game. Blackouts. Players were blacking out, and falling limp in the streets or zones. The theory was our bodies were being moved in the real world and we were disconnected from the internet.
It was a scary thought given that you only received a minimum amount of time before the NerveGear was triggered and your brain was destroyed. Though after a week of everyone staying within of Safe Zones all seemed safe. There were no more reported blackouts, but it never left the back of our minds.
As of right now we were training in a nearby dungeon getting materials for our weapon upgrades. I had enough for a sword upgrade, and half the materials for my other sword.
“You know these monster drop ratios are bogus.” I muttered as we walked through the dungeon
“Oh you’re just mad that we already got our mats and they stopped dropping.” Luna teased from behind
“It just doesn’t make sense!” I scoff “I mean c’mon we get Tycha’s mats, and he has two shields, with no problem. Then yours easily, but when it gets to mine, good god I can’t have jack!”
“I think he’s jealous.” Tycha smirked as checked a corridor for Kobold Soldiers, and saw a group “Hey West down here.”
“Alright round fifty-six.” I muttered and pulled out my swords one the Anneal Blade, and the other being Axial Blade, both quest drop blades.
Tycha prepared his shields, and was going to taunt the enemy, when we saw a shooting star. Not a literal one but one that was made by a red cloaked player. Their <
I held Tycha back, and he looked at me questioningly “It’s rude to walk in on people’s kills, they attacked first.” But as I watched, I noticed they were taking unnecessary risks, and I saw them stumble “We’ll jump in if we have too.” Tycha nodded in understanding, and Luna did as well, watching intently
It was obvious they had chosen the ‘Fencer’ class given their choice of weapon was a Rapier. The poise was excellent, but yet they were taking way too many risks in this fight. The player finished off their last opponent. They righted themselves, and I was going to turn away, but I noticed they began to fall down. We sprinted over to where they fell. Their health bar was only slightly depleted. At closer examination their armor was badly damaged, and the sword was on the verge of being broken.
“It looks like they were out here for days.” Tycha summarized “That’s completely ridiculous do they not care?”
“Tycha, not everyone had support like we do.” Luna lectured “Let’s just get them out of here.”
“You guys go ahead and do that, I’m going to hunt for a bit.” I stated before walking away
“Are you going to be alright?” Tycha asked my receding form
“I’ll be fine I got plenty of potions and I know the danger spots.” I waved back “Just get them out, and I’ll meet you outside.”
Outside Of The Dungeon (Luna PoV)
After making it outside the dungeon, Tycha laid the sleeping player on the ground gently and walked over to a nearby tree. He leaned up against it, and gazed at the unconscious player. He shook his head and looked back over to the entrance.
“Why did you shake your head?” I asked curiously
“Because, Luna, their completely Overkilling.” He stated bluntly
“What do you mean?” I cocked my head to the side confused
Taich let out a sigh “After their second <
I thought about it for a moment, and nodded in agreement, “I suppose you’re right.” I gazed back over to the entrance “I sure hope West is alright.”
“I’m sure he’ll be fine, he hasn’t dropped off my friends yet.” Tycha spoke calmly, but it was obvious he was concerned. Even though we were level 12 all around, if you ended up with too many mobs on you then you were done for.
In real life he had always been there since we started off as friends. Yeah it had only been a year, but he’d helped tremendously with getting things off our chest. To be honest, he acts like a big brother that I never had, and I think for Tycha it was definitely a friend that he never had. He’d help me in awkward situations with other boys who would try to hit on me, and I didn’t want the attention. He also had an ear open for anyone, and he would listen and not ignore you. He was strong for those close to him, and always wore a smile regardless of how he truly felt on the inside. I know for a fact lately this has been weighing down on him, but he still remains strong.
There was rustling on the ground, and it caught my attention “Looks like their waking.” I spoke quietly
Tycha tore his attention from the dungeon entrance and watched as the player jerked awake and started scooching back in surprise “Woah now, calm down you’re alright.” Tycha walked forward his hands raised
“Why did you save me?” I froze and so did Tycha, this was a female player. That was rare
I decided to take the initiative “Well why wouldn’t we? You collapsed and were vulnerable.”
“Does it matter?” the voice spoke, it sounded as if it lost the will to live
“Well certainly you want to get back home don’t you?” I questioned raising and eyebrow
“This game isn’t winnable, the only difference is when and where you die.” She spoke monotonously, from behind her hood. I couldn’t see much but I saw distant brown eyes, and then she started to get up
“Hey now you’re exhausted.” Tycha spoke up again “You need to relax. Your weapons are basically finished and your armor is falling apart. You need to go back to town.”
“Like I said it doesn’t matter. I will continue to fight until I die.” She spoke coldly, and monotonously “I have five of the same sword and same goes for the cloak. I’ve already been here for four or five days. Not that it matters.”
“Four or Five days!” Tycha exclaimed “Quit talking non….”
“That’s enough Tycha!” a voice called out
We looked over at the source of the voice and sure enough it was West coming out completely unscathed. He gazed over at the reawakened player and took in their current state.
“If they want to go back then by all means let them.” West said calmly
“You can’t be serious West!” I exclaimed, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing from him
“I am indeed.” West nodded straight faced, and the girl started to walk past him “but one more thing before you go and die. Can I have your map data? You’ve been in there four day’s right? You should have some new information that even we don’t have.”
“Fine whatever.” She opened her menu and traded the map over.
West watched her leave for a moment before speaking “You know I understand that this may seem pointless, but if your dead set on dying maybe do it for a reason.”
“A reason?” The girl stopped and looked back
“There’s going to be a meeting in Tolbana. A meeting on how to clear this floor.” West looked back at her “I would suggest going to it. If you’re going to die why not do something worthwhile. Besides seeing the skill you have, it would be a shame to let it go to waste.”
“……….” There was silence from the other player, as if she was giving it some thought, “I’ll take it under advisement.” And she walked off, in the opposite direction of the dungeon
West let out a sigh, and leaned against the tree “Sometimes girls can be so stubborn.”
“I’m right here.” I scoffed
“Yeah well I know you, so it doesn't count.” West chuckled before standing up and stretching
“So did you get all your mats?” Tycha asked
“Thankfully.” West grunted “Freaking ridiculous, had to kill five mobs to get what I needed.”
“How horrible.” Tycha smirked
“Yeah yeah spare me.” West waved a hand in retort “Let’s just get back to town.”
“Wait a moment West.” I called out and he stopped “How did you know about a meeting today? It’s the first I heard of it.”
West chuckled and said, “Well I got it straight from the Rat.”
“Argo huh? Should have figured.” Tycha smirked “How much did that cost?”
“Nothing actually considering it was paid for by the guy initiating the meeting. Someone called Diavel.”
“I heard about him, he’s a ‘Knight’class, and he found the rare drop for blue hair on this floor.” Tycha recalled from memory
“Is that so?” West rose an eyebrow at that “Interesting either he got really lucky or he knew how to find it.”
“Why do you say that?” I questioned
“Because, that drop only occurs in one place on this entire floor, and its neck deep in Plant Monster territory. You have to know your way around so you’re not swamped with mobs.” West pointed out, but I still didn’t see his point
Tycha saw my confused look and let out a sigh “He’s saying that Diavel guy is probably a beta tester. How that is supposed to be important is because as of right now beta testers do not have the best reputation.”
“Oh! That makes sense now.” Tycha sighed again and West chuckled
“Alright let’s get back to town. I’m exhausted as is.” West turned around and we followed, keeping an eye out for monsters all the way.
. . .
Town Square, Tolbana (West PoV)
“Well if it isn’t West, Luna, and Tycha.” A familiar voice called out from the alley
“Argo, how are you!” Luna said with a wave and smile, making her way over to Argo who had made her presence known
“I see you’re bright as ever LunaAAAAHH! Let go of me!” Argo squeaked Luna wrapped her in a bear hug
For some reason or another Argo had singled us out as her favorite people, and customers. Mainly because we gave her info for free on all that we knew. Though she didn’t expect to get favorited by Luna. Luna instantly fell in love with the little girl, despite her being older, mostly because of the red whiskers on her face that she wore. Tycha, and I just stood on the side trying to contain our amusement.
“Don’t just stand there! Help me!” Argo yelped out trying to wriggle her way out
I walked over in front of her struggling face, and smirked “How much?”
“What?” Her brow scrunched in confusion
“How much are you willing to give me to get you out of her clutches?” I repeated again
“I shouldn’t have to pay! Hey don’t touch my face!” Argo pushed Luna’s hand out of her face and glared back at me, “She’s your friend!”
“And you’re my friend so why should I pay for info?” I raised an eyebrow, and her face went blank in surprise, she had just been cornered
“F-fine three pieces of information for free.” She offered with a child-like smile
I sighed, and chuckled, “Well I guess that’s really all I’m going to get out of her.” “Alright deal.” I look up at Luna and winked and she let go instantly
“Hey! You set me up!” Argo yelled at me
“Well not exactly, Luna running to you and smuggling you wasn’t. This just happened to be a good opportunity.” I grinned and rubbed down on top of her hood “So what did you need us for Argo? We don’t have any new information on this floor.”
She swatted my hand away, but I could have sworn I saw a slight blush underneath that hood “It’s about the offers on your swords. He’s gone up to thirty thousand Col.”
“Are you kidding me?!” I exclaimed “Thirty thousand?! This early in the game? I don’t see how, you would have to grind the dungeon since we started this game to get that much.”
“He has it believe you me.” Argo stated bluntly all business “He put the amount in the trade window for me to see. I make sure all my deals are authentic, West you should know that by now.”
I shook my head in bewilderment “I’m sorry but I’m not selling my swords. Even with the money it won’t help me getting anything better. Besides once I get these upgrades taken care of these should last me at least to the third floor.”
“So I’m going to take this as a decline?” Argo raised an eyebrow
“Yes, indeed.” I nodded in confirmation
“Do you want to know the identity, it can be bought.” She inquired, but I shook my head
“No I don’t need to know. It doesn’t concern me that much. Just let he, or she, know I will not be taking anymore offers.” I stated
“I’ll be sure to do so.” Argo bowed “Welp I’m off, a life of the Info Broker is never done.” And she took off with a smile
“She complains that it’s hard, and yet I think she enjoys it too much.” Tycha grunted folding his arms
“Well it’s better that way isn’t it?” Luna said with a smile, “At least she can find something she can enjoy here.”
“I suppose so.” Tycha smirked “So let’s go to that Blacksmith shop already and get these upgrades done. Hopefully both of my ‘Tower Shield’s will be successful, I need all the defense I can get.”
“Yeah I agree my ‘Tempest Blade’ could go for an upgrade to its accuracy, and dexterity.” Luna shook her head in agreement
“Well then by all means let’s get going.” I responded and turned around and began to walk to our destination
As we walked I looked around and gazed at all the little details that this game offered. I still couldn’t help but feel fascinated by it all. The textures weren’t all accurate, but it was damn near close. The smells were authentic, and the temperature was there as well. If one didn’t know better they would think they were inside an actual world and not a game. Bringing back myself to my current reality, I began to think of something that had been nagging at the back of mine lately.
“Hey Tycha?” I spoke allowed catching his attention
“What ya need West?” He responded with another questions
“How come, being you are a heavy shield user, you’re only allowed to wear leather?” I turn my head a bit to look at him and he had this ‘are you serious’ look on his face
“Out of all the questions to ask that’s what you want to know?” Tycha replied bluntly
“What?” I grinned “It’s an honest question. You’re a heavy shield user, and yet you only wear leather armor. To me it just doesn’t make sense.”
“The reason being, West” he let out a sigh “Is because I need to be a mobile fortress. Wearing leather armor lets me move fast and get where I need to be. Also, the more freely I can move the quicker I can move my shields. This helpful when dealing with multiple mobs.”
“Oh! Ok that actually makes sense now.” I nodded and continued walking “Geez and you called my class a pain in the ass. Yours sounds more of a pain than mine.”
*tch Tycha smirked “Yeah whatever, sword thrower.”
I stopped in my tracks and turned around “Oi! I don’t throw my swords! You’re the Masochist!”
His eyes grew, and glared at me “Take that back!”
“Make me!” I crossed my arms
We both glared at each other, our shoulders pressing against each other. It felt like electricity sparked between us, before we felt a cold stare at our backs.
“I’m tired, cranky, and hungry.” A cold voice dripped from behind, and both Tycha and I shivered “I don’t have time for your little fights!” Luna yelled at us with red glowing eyes
“Yes Ma’am!” Tycha and I squeaked and stood straight
“Good.” Luna said bluntly and turned around and started walking “Ok lets go and upgrade!” She said back in her cheery tone
Tycha and I both thought at the same time “Still changes moods quicker than anyone I know.” And shivered
After that, we finally arrived at the Blacksmith shop. It wasn’t much, but with looks that the NPC had showed that he was content with what he had. That was the other thing, I loved about all of this, the NPC’s felt so alive with their emotions. If you weren’t careful you would think they were a person
“Hello and welcome to my shop swordsmen!” the NPC called out in a cheery tone “How can I help you?”
Tycha stepped forward first placing one of his ‘Tower Shield’s on the counter “Defense, and Dexterity.”
Tycha handed over the materials, and the NPC set off to work. The upgrading system had three stages. Critical upgrade, which would give you more than what you provided materials. Regular upgrade, which would give you what you provided in materials. Or you had Failed upgrade, which meant that the upgrade failed and were refunded half the materials as an apology.
The NPC smiled and came back with his shield “Regular upgrade successful. 2 Defense, and 1 Dexterity.”
Tycha handed over his second ‘Tower Shield’ “Defense, and Dexterity as well.”
Once again materials were handed over, and the NPC set off to work. There was nothing really that riveting about the whole upgrade system in general. The only time in which you saw something work out was when a player was doing the work. Sadly right now there weren’t that many with high enough skill to do upgrades, and if they did they charged ridiculous amounts of money to do so. They had a risk as well considering they had to go out and venture to level to gain levels to be able to make better gear or weapons. So they had to be able to fund those ventures. Though once more people started to take up crafts hopefully it will go down.
Once again the NPC smiled and came back with his shield “Regular upgrade successful. 2 Defense, and 1 Dexterity.”
Tycha smirked and looked back at us “Hope I didn’t take all the luck.”
“I swear to god that if I end up getting failed upgrades I’m breaking your shields.” I growled at him.
“My turn!” Luna smiled and set down her ‘Tempest Blade’ “Accuracy and Dexterity please!
Luna handed over her materials, and waited patiently for the NPC to finish his work. I started to wonder if we should take up some crafts such as ‘Leatherworker’, or a ‘Blacksmith’. It would definitely be beneficial for us. A player Blacksmithed weapon could be on par with most boss drops, once they gained the levels that was. It was also a good way to earn some money on the side, but yet it wasn’t battle oriented and to us a wasted use of a skill slot. You only had so many you could use here.
The NPC turned around with a smile and handed back katana “Regular upgrade successful, 3 Accuracy, and 1 Dexterity.”
“Sweet! I knew that one extra set would come in handy.” Luna grinned as she sheathed her blade
I strode forward now very nervous, and handed over my ‘Anneal Blade’ “Strength, and Dexterity if you please.”
I handed over my materials and watched with clenched nerves. I knew for a fact that after every attempt it started over for a chance of a different upgrade, but in every game I played I always held a superstition of bad luck, and the previous person had most likely taken the luck or bad luck.
The NPC turned and smiled and handed back my sword “Regular upgrade successful, 2 Strength, and 1 Dexterity.”
I let out a small sigh, and sheathed the ‘Anneal Blade’, and pulled out my ‘Axial Blade’ “Defense and Dexterity if you please.”
As I handed over my blade Tycha spoke up “Defense why would you need that?”
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“Because my class functions as both a tank, and dps.” I looked back at him “It helps out with other stats when I put points in it.”
He nodded in understanding and went back to staring ahead. I turned my attention back forward, and began to think about what we would do once we got the second floor. I had been wanting to make a guild even before this turned into a death game, but we had a problem. We only had three players, and to create a guild you need at least five. I couldn’t ask Klein if he would, I knew he had an idea of what he wanted for a guild, and me and my friends don’t really know him all that well. Besides a guild here should be trustworthy, it must be a family that is willing to work together and protect each other.
“Regular upgrade successful,” I was pulled out of my thoughts by a smiling NPC once more “2 Defense, and 1 Dexterity.”
I sighed and relief, and took back my sword and sheathed it “Well that’s a load off my mind.”
“I bet.” Tycha chuckled “So where too? The meeting’s not for another hour according to your intel.”
“Hmmm.” I thought about it for a moment “Well let's go stock up on some potions, and see if there is some gear we can buy.” I looked at my gloves and boots “I need some repairs, but if there’s anything better it would be nice.”
“Yeah I need a chest plate anyways.” Luna tugged at her breast plate
“It really just dawned on my but you’re the only light metal gear user in the party.” I pointed out “Maybe it would help to pick up the ‘Blacksmithing’ craft.”
“West.” Tycha said sternly “Right now survivability is key for us for clearing the floors. Leave that to the others who want to be crafting.”
I let out a sigh and shrugged “Alright, alright. It was just a thought, but you’re right. In any case let’s get going.”
. . .
“Fifteen hundred Col! What on earth were they thinking when pricing that junk?!” Luna seethed, as she exited the store
We had just exited an armor shop, and to say the least Luna was not the least bit amused by it. All of the chest pieces, and pants pieces, cost fifteen hundred Col, but at this current point most players would be cashing in most of their funds for that, and it truly wouldn’t be worth it. So Luna only ended up getting a new pair of light metal gloves, while both Tycha and I settled with some new boots, and gloves.
“Calm down Luna it’s not the end of the world.” Tycha tried to calm her “When we get to the higher floors fifteen hundred Col is going to feel like pocket change.”
“That’s not helping me now is it?!” Luna countered, and slouched “Why is it such a pain to get to get some decent armor.”
“Wouldn’t be an MMORPG if it weren’t Luna.” I said with a chuckle, I gazed up at the clock “Alright let’s get going, the meeting is in fifteen minutes.”
“Fine.” Luna huffed, grudgingly walked with us
I couldn’t help but speculate what the meeting was about. I knew it was about clearing the floor but the message that Argo sent was very vague, which is unusual for her. So I assume that the giver of this information wants people to be curious and show up for it. This guy knows what he’s doing. As we arrived at the Amphitheatre, there was a rather decent sized crowd present, considering the topic of discussion. I looked around, and I saw a familiar red cloaked player sitting by herself on the far side.
“Well that’s a relief off my shoulders.” I chuckled and sat down towards the middle back of the Amphitheatre. I looked up at the clock, and smiled “Made it with five minutes to spare would you look at that.”
“Yeah for once you made it here without taking your time and being fashionably late.” Tycha jabbed his elbow into my stomach
“Oh come off it.” I grunted
“Hello everyone! Thank you for coming!” a voice called out from on top the stage “My name’s Diavel, and I rolled the ‘Blue Knight’ class!”
“There’s no colored classes!” A person called, and the crowd lightly chuckled in amusement
“Ok, ok do you guys want to hear this or not?” Diavel chuckled and rubbed the back of his
“Well he certainly knows how give morale.” I thought “But yet, it feels so forced. Like he’s doing this for the sake of others. I know how it feels but if you want it to be genuine you have to be happy about it yourself.”
After the crowd quieted down a moment he put on a serious expression “Today our party found the entrance to the boss room.” The crowd entered into a serious mood “With this comes a responsibility to us players, who are choosing to fight this game to get free. We have to prove that this game is beatable. To prove to others that we can get free if we keep pushing. Do you agree with me?”
At first there was silence, but I started to clap. People looked at me for a moment before I was joined by Luna and Tycha. Then slowly but surely the crowd filled with claps and whistles of approval.
“Alright, I’ll take that as you are all on board.” Diavel said with a satisfied smile “To take on this boss safely we will need to form parties of six. We will explain loot, and experience sharing later on.” Though as he said that I realized we were in a predicament. There was only three of us, and it seems that everyone else was in a party already.
“Uh West what we going to do?” Tycha asked with a raised eyebrow
I gazed around calmly to see if I could find a group of three, but to no avail but then my eyes fell upon the red hooded player Well better than nothing I suppose I walked over to where the girl was sitting, and she didn’t flinch “Did you get left out?”
“Not even.” She replied quietly “Everyone just seemed to know each other.”
“I see.” I nodded in understanding, “You want to join up with me?”
“Why?” Her hood shifted to me, with blank brown eyes “You all know each other, I would just be in the way.”
“What kind of logic is that?” I rose an eyebrow
“What?” She asked kind of taken back
“The other groups had six players, and we don’t.” I explained “To me it doesn’t matter if you know us, or if we know you. Besides, you won’t be able to fight, unless you’re in a party regardless.”
She was silent for a moment and nodded “Fine.”
I sent her a party invite and she accepted quietly. Her name appeared on the party list and it read ‘Asuna’. Interesting character name. I sat down next to her, and Luna sat down on the other side of her, and Tycha sat next to me. We waited for Diavel to speak, and groups being finalized.
“Is everyone grouped up?” Diavel looked around and nodded in confirmation “Good. So right now the plan is…..”
“Wait just a moment!” A coarse voice called out, everyone turned to look to find a man with ginger hair spiked, in my opinion, in a ridiculous fashion. It kind of looked like a cactus.
“This won’t end well.” Tycha muttered, and sighed
He walked down to the stage leisurely “I gotta get this off my chest before we go any further with this pretend-friends.”
Diavel looked on with a smile “Why of course you can. It wouldn’t hurt to have some opinions, but if you wouldn’t mind could you introduce yourself?”
“hmph, I guess I could give ‘them’ the courtesy.” He grunted and turned to face the crowd “My name’s Kibaou, and don’t forget it.” He threw his arm out and pointed into the crowd. It kind of felt he was pointing directly at me. “The few that are out there need to apologize right now!”
“Apologize? For what?” Diavel rose a mocking eyebrow
Kibaou continued to glare into the audience “For the two thousand deaths that happened. For the two thousand deaths that ‘they’ caused, for hogging everything for themselves and abandoning them in this damn death game!”
“Kibaou” Diavel said with a quiet voice “By ‘they’ I’m assuming that you mean the former beta testers?”
“Who else would it be?!” Kibaou snarled “When all this happened the Beta Testers up and left leaving all of us clueless on how to survive in this game. They went and leveled without even a second thought. I know that there are a few right here and now thinking they’ll just squeeze in. Well guess what?! I’m not going to put my life on the line if they don’t get down here, and bow down and apologize, give up their Col they earned, and the gear they earned! If they don’t trust us with their help, then how can we trust them to help us in a party? Why should we?”
A ripple of unease washed over the crowd. All that hard work that Diavel did to keep a positive was taken away because of the selfish ignorant man before us all. I grimaced at it all, and I let out a sigh. Tycha looked at me, and raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
“Just don’t get into much trouble West, go speak your mind.” He nudged me in the side
I grunted and took my stand and made my way down stage “Excuse me for a moment Diavel.” Diavel’s eyes drifted to me and he nodded with a grim face. As I approached I locked eyes with Kibaou, and he smirked “I knew it. He knows I’m a Beta Tester.” I maintained an uninterested face, as I walked up to him. There I stood unblinking before him, unamused “I’m sorry.” I spoke finally, and there was a collective intake of breath, and Kibau’s smirk grew “There you go there’s my apology.” I shrugged, and he scowled
“I said to also give up your gear and earnings!” He snarled
“You see here’s the problem with that.” I rose a finger, my face remained unchanging “I’ve actually helped the new players.” Kibaou’s face changed to that of confusion “On the day, you quoted ‘this damn death game’ began, I had actually helped an entire group of players help use their sword skills appropriately. This was of course before the reveal. After that I gave them the option of coming with me and my friends to this very town, and you know what they said? They weren’t ready. They were going to train a bit more.”
“You can’t prove that!” Kibaou growled pointing his finger at me
I sighed “You know it’s rude to point at people, but you’re right I can’t prove that unless they were here, but right now they’re busy. So I have another way to prove that I’ve helped.” I opened my menu and selected a pocket book. “You see this book right? You got one correct?”
“Yeah, so what’s your point?” He growled confused
“This book is chock full of information on this floor, how to use skills, mob spawn points, dungeon loot, and some rare drop finds.” I stopped to let that sink in “Now open to the back of the book there is a list of people who have generously offered their help in compiling this book; Argo, West, Luna, Tycha, Axford, Freigner, Dynamo, Freeload, Axel, and the list goes on.” I looked back at Kibaou, and bowed “West, ‘Dual Wielder’, and former Beta Tester at your service.”
Kibaou’s face to say the least was priceless, it was in complete shock. There was also a gasp from the crowd. I had fully admitted to who I was, and given my identity to the entirety of Aincrad. As I raised back up I held a confident smile.
“This entire book was compiled by former Beta Testers, and this book was handed out for free in the Town of Beginnings, Tolbana, and even along the paths to and fro. Anyone who refused the book or read the book had their chances. There was only one thousand Beta Testers here Kibaou, and that means for every Beta Tester they would have to teach nine people by themselves how to fight. Now this may be me, but from my knowledge not every gamer is very social, or that great of a teacher. Then there are the people who refuse to fight. You neglected to take in all this information didn’t you?”
“I – I” Kibaou stuttered
“Then there you go on saying you won’t fight because Beta Testers won’t apologize for something that’s not their fault for one thing, and they won’t give up their earnings and gear that they nearly died trying to earn.” I rose an eyebrow at him “You call us selfish, well I have news for you pal, you are not a chosen one here. You are one of the currently eight thousand people left alive. If you don’t want to put your life on the line you’re more than welcome to leave. I’m very sure there are plenty of other players who just as strong as you are, and they’re not Beta Testers.” I turn around to make my way off the stage “Oh one more thing Kibaou. How did you get here? You’re not a Beta Tester, but you seemed to get here just fine didn’t you? That goes for everyone here, I know for a fact not even half of these people here are Beta Testers. Most are regular players themselves. If you want help just ask, but try not accuse anyone anymore we are supposed to be trying to clear the game, not holding swords at each other’s throats.” With that I made my leave back up to my seat.
Both Tycha, and Luna sat there with semi amused faces, while the girl named Asuna just sat there unmoving her face hidden beneath her hood. Kibaou had lost all his fight, and went to sit down next to a rather bulky ‘Axeman’ with black skin. He looked rather puny next to him, it was quite hilarious. With that the crowd had given its attention back to Diavel who cleared his throat to speak again.
“Well now that’s taken care of let’s get started with the planning of the boss raid.” He opened his menu and brought out the pocket book I had previously showed “As this was mentioned earlier,” he gestured to the book “This is the latest version, and it holds information on the floor boss, Illfang the Kobold Lord.” The crowd unconsciously leaned forward to listen in “The bosses uses a standard axe and buckler shield. Also at his disposal are waves of elite Kobold Sentinels, twelve in each wave. At the end of his last health bar in the red he will enrage, and switch to his secondary weapon a ‘Talwar’.” He gazed around, and players were already discussing what they should do “Alright Tanks, Runners, and DPS I won’t tell you how to do your job. All I say is stay safe. Got it? Good. Get plenty of sleep we leave at ten thirty tomorrow. Dismissed!”
I stared down at Diavel and looked up and motioned for me to come down. I nodded and stood. I motioned for Tycha and Luna to follow me, but I noticed that Luna and Asuna had disappeared. “When did they leave? They were there a moment ago?” I shrugged, and walked down to the stage, with Tycha on my side.
“Thank you for speaking up earlier.” A small smile was on his lips “But onto business, what’s your party’s size?”
“It’s made up of four people.” I responded bluntly “As for speaking up, well that was more of me sick of hearing a hypocrite.”
He flinched, and rubbed the back of his head “Ah is that so, well still thank you.” I nodded in agreement, “Though due to your party size you’ll be focusing on the mobs instead of the boss for your safety of course.”
“I understand, I figured that it would be like that.” I actually did think about that, so I’m glad he isn’t all talk “Just one thing Diavel.” I put a hand on his shoulder as I prepared to walk off, and whispered Make sure you feel the same way when you’re talking if want to make it believable. I’m behind you, but…. You need to make them believe it. If you don’t, how do you expect them too?
With that I made my leave and walked up the stairs and exited the Amphitheater. I could feel Diavel’s eyes on my back as I left, and whether or not it was confused, hostile, or thankful I don’t know.
Meanwhile (Luna PoV)
“Will you quit following me.” Asuna said in an annoyed tone
“Not until you tell me where you’re staying.” I replied in a slightly more cheery tone
“That’s none of your business.” Asuna replied
“We’re in the same party now. So I think it is my business.” I retorted back and she whirled around
“Why do you care?!” Her voice sounded like it was on the verge of breaking “You don’t know me, and I don’t know you! We aren’t even here, we’re trapped from the outside while our bodies are strapped to machines and wasting away! So I ask again why do you care?!”
I leaped forward and wrapped her in a hug, she was crying “I’m Luna, and I care because you’re another human being despite our bodies not even being here. You still cry, you still smile, and you still love whether or not you think it’s true.” I patted her back softly as she continued to cry “We may not be in the real world, but we are still here, alive in this Iron Castle. I care because I don’t want to lose what humanity I have.”
We stood there for a moment in silence. I felt her arms slowly wrap around me and a small smile played on my lips. I could tell she had been needing to let all of this out of her, and I’m happy that I could help. Then a thought occurred to me, this must be how West feels when he helps us. I can understand how it can be taxing, but it does seem to be rather rewarding. After a few more minutes I felt her pull away, and she wiped the tears from her face.
“Thank you.” I heard her voice come out from under her hood “Luna.”
I smiled, and grabbed her hand, and she made a little squeak “C’mon let’s grab a bite to eat.”
After talking to a Traveling Merchant NPC we ended up some standard ‘Rough Bread’, and we made our way to a nearby fountain. I looked up at the in game clock and see it’s getting a tad bit late, but I shrugged. Tycha and West knew I could take care of myself…… at times. We sat down on the ledged and brought out our delicacies.
“You know I actually think these taste quite good.” I smiled and took a bite out of it. It wasn’t bad, but not great either
“You actually think these taste good?” She grumbled as she took a bite
“Well yeah their cheap, and in surplus, but I do have a little trick to make them better.” I grinned and opened up my menu
“What trick?” She was interested and leaned over to see
“Hmmm.” I pressed the item ‘Butter Cream’ and held the jar in my hand “I’ll tell you, but you have to put your hood down.”
“What? Why?” She asked defensively
“Well I find it unfair that you know how I look, and I don't know how you look.” I crossed my arms in a pout “Besides all I can see occasionally are a pair of pretty brown eyes. I can’t say I’m not curious.”
She hesitated for a moment, but I also could have sworn I saw a slight blush too, but not the point. She finally muttered “Fine.” And pulled down her hood.
When she pulled it down, I was kind of taken aback. Her hair was a beautiful auburn color that completely complimented her eyes. Inside it felt as if a tiny firework had set off when I stared into her eyes. Though at that point I realized that I was staring her in the eye. I felt a raging blush on my face, and quickly turned my head away.
I think she had the same reaction because she turned away too. “U-uh um so I took my hood down what’s that jar?”
I cleared my throat before I spoke and calmed myself before I turned back around “Ah yes well I’ll let you try it. I promise it’s nothing bad.” I set the jar between us, and tapped the top “Go ahead.” I made a tapping motion on the jar
She moved her hand cautiously over the jar and tapped it and her hand was enveloped in a blue light “What happened?”
Instead of answering her directly, I tapped the jar itself and my hand appeared the same as hers. I then touched my ‘Rough Bread’ and a light yellow cream spread across it. The ‘Butter Cream’ item shattered to pieces sadly, but I had three more of them and it could be bought. She watched and mimicked my motions. I started to eat my bread, and I heard her murmur ‘Cream?’ and took a bite. I watched hesitantly and then out of nowhere she engulfed the pour thing in three bites, and let out a sigh that was mixed with sadness, and contentment.
“Well I’ll that as you liked it.” I chuckled and stared up “I got it from a quest line a town back, but it can be bought. Though the cost is a little much right now.”
“I’m not here to eat good food.” I heard her say in monotone
I let out a sigh “See there you go again being all negative. I understand that you have your own thoughts on what will happen here, but yet if you see enough people trying to do something more, why discourage them. There is merit to the phrase, if you can’t beat them join them.”
“I…. never thought of it that way.” She pondered her face in a frown
I poked the side of her cheek, and stared at me with her smushed face “Did you know that it takes less effort to smile than to frown?” I smiled at her “So how about this you try to smile more here. Make it genuine. You say you lost everything, but yet your still thinking, smiling, frowning, and crying. If I think I’m right then I do believe you are alive here after all feelings can’t be generated those are made by you and you alone.”
I had no idea where those words came from, but I think it came straight from the heart. Though now I’m kind of embarrassed, and felt a slight blush coming to my face. Asuna beside seemed to feel the same, but she also took my words into consideration, I hope. I pulled my finger from her face and I stared up at the ‘sky ceiling’ of Aincrad. Even though it wasn’t a real one it still had its own beauty to it.
“There you guys are.” A familiar voice called out “I’ve been looking for you. It’s getting late, and we have our rooms.”
I don’t know why but I felt a bit of relief, and a bit of sadness, wait hold on “Rooms? Don’t we usually only have one West?”
“That may be true.” West said with a chuckle as he walked over “Though this one had a good deal, but Tycha made the mistake of hitting rent all.”
“Who on earth put a rent all button in there?!” Tycha growled as he walked over from behind West “Freaking ridiculous.”
“Well you should have been paying attention.” West chuckled “Though it does come with benefits. There is a bath, and some warm milk…Hey!”
I don’t when she moved, but Asuna was on him in an instant. I can’t lie I was a bit jealous. Asuna spoke in harsh tone, full of need “What did you just say?”
“Uh” West stuttered “All the warm milk you want Ack!”
Asuna squeezed tighter on his shirt nearly choking him “Before that!”
West was confused but then realized in an instant “Oh yeah there’s a bath, but the way it feels isn’t all that great since there is a lot of data that goes into that ACK!”
“I don’t care! I need a bath!” Asuna clenched harder to the point it was painful to watch
Tycha didn’t say anything being amused by the whole thing so I decided to intervene “Uh Asuna could you not choke our party leader? After all he did just tell you the good news.”
“Huh?” She looked at her hands and saw West in her clutches “Oh! I’m sorry!”
West was released, and coughed, and Tycha smirked “You know we can’t actually choke here right?”
“Yeah that may be true but the feeling of pressure is still there!” West growled at him “Why didn’t you help me?!”
“I was too amused.” Tycha shrugged with a chuckled
West huffed but nonetheless he smiled and stood up “Well I’ll take that you’ll want that bath to clean that hair of yours.” Asuna finally realized that she still had her hood down, and frantically tried to pull it up before West stopped her “Hey now no need to pull it up among friends. If you want to wear it up during the fight, then by all means go ahead, but we’re friends here, there is no need to hide alright?”
She stared at him for a moment before reluctantly nodding “Fine.”
West smiled and let go “Good. Now let’s get to our place of residence for now. I’m exhausted.”
“Place of residence?” I questioned “Is it not an Inn here in town.”
“Well no.” West said casually, “It’s actually an outside establishment. Inns won’t start having baths until, I think, the tenth floor, but it is possible to have one, you just gotta look for them.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Asuna grumbled
“Well that may be true.” West chuckled “but later on when you get plenty of Col you can actually buy property, and if I remember correctly each housing establishment has a bath in it.”
Asuna’s eyes seemed to light up at the thought, it would seem that West had just given her a new reason to live through the game. I saw West look back at me and made eye contact with me. He studied me for a moment, and then looked at Asuna, and back at me before he smirked. Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. He’s onto me. Why did he have to be the one that had to know….. Hell he was the one that pulled me out of that closet! He turned his attention back to the path as we exited the town. Until a familiar female voice called from behind.
“Oh West and crew!” Argo the Rat called from behind. Asuna instinctively pulled up her hood as Argo ran forward
West sighed, almost agitatedly. Wow he must be really tired “How can I help you Argo?”
“I just wanted to say that was quite the performance today.” She said with a smile nudging him in the side “I didn’t think you were one to speak up like that.”
“I usually don’t but seeing him being his own hypocrite really kind of bugged me.” West said with a shrug “So what is it you need Argo? I know you better than that. If I’m not careful I’ll owe you something.”
“That hurts Westy!” Argo faked flinched, and West’s eye twitched at his new nickname, and Tycha held in a laugh “But all joking aside the buyer would still like to buy your swords.”
“I thought I said I wasn’t taking any offers? Besides the boss fight’s tomorrow so there’s no way I can now.” West said with a serious expression “If I didn’t know better, it feels like they don’t want me to go on the raid.”
“I tried to tell him but he paid me extra to try again.” She said with a chuckle, “but I won’t do it again. I’ll be sure to let him know your answer is final, and I won’t be taking the request any further.”
West nodded in approval “Good, so is that all Argo? It’s been a long day and quite frankly I’m exhausted.”
Argo scrolled through her list of things to do, and nodded her head “Yeap that’s all for you Westy. I shall take my leave.” She saluted and took off.
As she ran off West’s eye twitched again “I really don’t like that nickname. I was hoping she would have forgotten it.”
“Her forget something?” Tycha scoffed “Yeah right she sells her own stats for a price. To forget something is too lose Col.”
I let out a sigh “Can we just get home? We have a big day, and I’m actually looking forward to that bath.”
West turned around and could see Asuna tap her foot impatiently “Y-yeah I’d hate to be crushed again.” Tycha chuckled and West punched him in the arm “Shut it.”
With that we made our way back to our current place of residence. When we arrived it looked like a standard farm house, and I knew Asuna was skeptical, and I was as well. West saw my concerned look, and smiled.
“Hey now don’t judge a book by its cover.” West chided me and Asuna.
We walked to the top floor of the Farmhouse and I was surprised. It had ivy on the walls, but yet it seemed to add to its charm. The wood was all in good condition, and when you look in the rooms they had relatively comfortable looking beds compared to the cheap inns in town. Though there happened to be one little problem.
“What do you mean there’s only one bath!” Asuna yelled at West
West raised his hands in defense “Hey now calm it down a bit. There’s only one bath yes, but we can take turns you know.”
“That’s not the point I know for a fact that if you lock the door only I and ‘party’ members can open the door!” Asuna shouted at the poor guy
“You know I’m hurt that you think I would peek.” West rubbed the back of his head “If that’s your fear then I have no problem dissolving the party or at least have me and Tycha leave it.”
“What about Luna? What about him?” Asuna pointed at me, and blushed fire red…… wait I’m a HE!!
West could barely hold his laughter in, and Tycha wasn’t doing much better, I mean granted my armor doesn’t show much but my hair should be a dead…… right I cut it short “Uh Asuna.” I muttered and she turned to me raising an eyebrow “I’m a girl.”
Her face went through confusion, to realization, to shock, and embarrassment. That seemed to be the last straw for West and Tycha because they burst out laughing and literally rolling on the floor. I rose a hand to my face to hide my embarrassment while Asuna tried to pull her hood up to hide her blushing face. After a few more moments of the awkward tension West finally calmed down and removed Tycha, and himself from the party.
“Alright there we go. I’ll let you two finagle over who goes to use the bath first. It’s in your girl’s room anyway.” West pointed down the hall “Last one on the left.” And then he and Tycha walked into their own room, and closed the door.
We stood there awkwardly in the hallway for a moment before Asuna spoke “I-I’m sorry.” She turned to face me and bowed in apology “I didn’t mean any offense by what I said.”
“No no it’s alright. Believe it or not, you're not the first who’s done that.” I got her to raise back up “I forgot I don’t have my long hair, and well I wasn’t wearing my glasses when I logged in. I was wearing my contacts.”
“I’m still sorry I feel so ashamed and embarrassed.” She blushed a bit more
“Well as an apology you can let me use the bath first.” I smiled evilly and ran off to our room
“Not fair!” Asuna shouted and ran after me “That’s not fair at all!”
She was too late however, I had already entered the bathroom, and declared it as my spot. I knew she wouldn’t enter again unless she wanted to suffer embarrassment. I unequipped my armor, and was left in my casual clothes. A white blouse and black jeans like pants. I looked back one more time, suddenly very self-conscious, before I removed all articles of clothing. With the water already nice and warm I sank in it and let out a satisfied sigh. This hit the spot very very well.
In the other room (West PoV)
“You know we’ll never make it to that bath right?” Tycha said to me after we redressed into more comfortable attire
“I know full well.” I chuckled, “I knew that was going to happen even if it was just Luna coming back. There’s always tomorrow. You know that house on the second floor has two baths in it.”
“That’s if it stays true to the beta.” Tycha grunted “But hey I’m not going against it either.”
“Yeap.” I gazed at the ceiling from the bed I was resting in “So tomorrow is the big day, isn't it?”
“Sure is.” Tycha said from a similar position “Don’t do anything stupid West I know how you think.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” I chuckled and gazed at the ceiling when I felt my eyes start to droop “Hey Tycha?”
“Hmm?” Tycha hummed
“Did I say the right thing?” I asked bluntly
I heard Tycha let out a sigh “Does it matter what I think? If you believe it was right then it was right. You’re the one that has told us that many times don’t tell me you forgot that?”
I chuckled tiredly “Yeah I guess I did. Well it sure is refreshing hearing someone else say it.” I closed my eyes feeling sleep coming upon me “Well I guess I’ll see you in the morning. Night.”
“Yeah night.” Tycha murmured
Like that we both drifted off to sleep. It was an empty sleep, but it was still sleep. Compared to the other nights this one in particular seemed to be more relaxing. Well it is the calm before the storm.