April 8, 2023 – 11th Floor: Talf
8:30 p.m.
The wind blew softly, carrying with it the damp scent of the mountains.The main street of Talf looked like a painting frozen in time: the orange lights of the streetlamps flickered over the wet cobblestones, and the murmur of the wind was the only thing breaking the kind of serene silence that felt almost unreal.
On a modest terrace, with small wooden tables and lamps hanging from copper chains, a blond-haired young man sat alone.His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, following some invisible beat —a melody that existed only in his mind. His other hand supported his face, half-hiding a tired or perhaps simply bored expression. The steam from his cup rose slowly, blending with the night mist.
Then, a white silhouette appeared before him.
The young man barely lifted his gaze.The girl who sat across from him had white, almost silver hair that shimmered under the lantern's light with faint blue reflections. Her clothes were casual, simple —no trace of metal or armor pieces, a rare sight in that world. Her smile was serene, yet there was something unsettlingly calm about it.
—"And who might you be?" —Aomine asked dryly, not bothering to hide his distrust.
The girl let out a light laugh, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense.
—"My, how direct. Being the current leader of ALS, I thought you'd be a little more… polite," she said, her tone teasing yet refined.
Aomine sighed heavily, his gaze shifting toward the flickering lights beyond the terrace.
—"I don't trust people I didn't call for," he replied coldly. "Besides, I was about to have a quiet dinner… with someone else."
—"I know," she said, leaning forward with interest. "But seeing you alone was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I wanted to talk to the player so many call 'the invisible strategist,' the silent hero who helped defeat several bosses."—…—"Although…" —she added with a mysterious smile— "I wonder what would happen if everyone learned the truth about their hero."
Aomine's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening.
An NPC waitress approached with mechanical steps, placing a cup of tea in front of the stranger.The scent of herbs filled the air, but the tension between them remained.
—"I don't know what you're talking about," Aomine said, resting his elbows on the table. "But walking up just to drop hints is bad manners."
She took a graceful sip, never breaking eye contact.
—"I was only observing," she replied softly. "In the last few floors, you hardly take part in combat. You always stay back, just watching. Odd, considering you were the one who defeated the fifth floor boss, isn't it?"
Aomine didn't answer immediately. His hand tensed slightly on the table.
—"I just try to analyze the fights from where I won't get in the way," he said at last, his tone controlled. "But if you're going to keep playing mind games, you could at least introduce yourself. I don't make a habit of trusting strangers."
The girl smiled, closing her eyes with feigned innocence.
—"My apologies. My name's Risu. I lead a small guild… though we only come out at night. Daytime isn't nearly as interesting as the dark," she said, her calm voice making each word sound slightly more unnerving.
Aomine raised an eyebrow.
—"A nocturnal guild? Can't say I've heard of that. But if you only came to say hi, I'd like to enjoy what's left of my night without talking about guilds or strategies."
Risu stood up slowly, leaving a few coins on the table to pay for the tea.Then she leaned close —close enough for her voice to brush his ear.
—"Tell me, Aomine… are you still afraid of dying?"
The sound of her voice froze him.His muscles tightened. The cup trembled beneath his hand.
Risu glanced at him sideways, amused, before turning to walk away with light, unhurried steps.
—"When a human tries to hide that fear," she whispered without looking back, "they end up devoured by it. They become a coward who only seeks to survive."
Her words faded into the wind, leaving Aomine alone with the tremor in his fingers and the echo of that phrase burned into his mind.
The steam from the tea still rose before him.But he no longer saw it.
(Ever since I defeated the fifth floor boss… everything changed. I don't want to fight anymore. I hide behind the role of strategist —far from danger, far from feeling that edge close again. The mere thought of seeing my HP bar in red paralyzes me. I keep telling myself that as long as I have them, I'll be safe… but even that's a lie. My body moves, but my mind… only wants to run.)
His gaze drifted into the tea's surface, where the reflection of orange lights wavered like a dying flame.And within him, fear continued to burn —quietly, endlessly.
The sound of the wind slipped through the cracks of the tavern, carrying with it the distant murmur of the plaza. The hanging lamps cast orange glimmers that reflected off the glasses and silverware, while the steam from the abandoned tea still rose slowly in front of Aomine —who remained lost in his thoughts.
His gaze had gone blank, fixed on some nonexistent point on the table, so still he seemed detached from the world itself.He didn't even notice the shadow approaching until a soft cough broke the silence.
—"Looks like I've finally got your attention. What are you spacing out about this time, Aomine-kun?" —a light, playful female voice teased, like a breeze cutting through a nightmare.
Aomine blinked, startled.The young woman's purple hair shimmered under the warm light of the tavern, tied up in a high ponytail that swayed gently as she sat across from him. Her presence was familiar—comforting.
—"Uh… well, I was just… analyzing some work stuff, that's all. Though, you took your time getting here, didn't you, Mito?"
—"Yeah… I ran into some people from the earlier floors," she replied with a slightly awkward smile. "I couldn't just ignore them, you know? You're the one who said, 'don't forget the friends you make along the way,' remember?"
Her tone tried to sound relaxed, but there was a subtle edge to it—a shadow of irritation.Aomine noticed right away but chose not to press it. Instead, he raised his hand to call over the NPC waitress, who approached with her usual mechanical steps.
—"Anyway, now that you're here… hungry? You invited me to dinner, but I waited to see what you'd order first," he said with a forced smile, trying to ease the air between them.
—"How gentlemanly of you," Mito replied with a short laugh. "I'll have some pasta."
—"Pasta? You always order the same thing."
—"It's easy to make, you know?" she said, resting her elbow on the table. "In the real world, I used to eat it almost every day. No complicated recipes needed."
—"Sounds like you," she added with a faint smile. "Always trying to improve yourself—"Her tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Since we joined DKB, things have gotten easier. Some bosses even feel predictable now… but I can't shake the feeling that you're falling behind, Aomine."
Her words hung in the air.The blond stopped smiling.The faint clatter of cutlery and the murmurs of other players in the tavern faded all at once.
Mito lowered her gaze for a moment before continuing:
—"Look, I know you hate talking about levels… but you stopped leveling up since the seventh floor. We're already on the eleventh. That's four floors without fighting.Michael's level 42, I'm 43. Gundou, Historia, and Elsa are 40. Keyki 39, Yuna 30…" —she sighed— "You're still 25. Remember when we started together? We were the same level."
The silence that followed was heavy—almost suffocating.
Aomine looked away.The waitress set two plates on the table, but he didn't even glance at them.Mito watched him, frustration and sadness flickering in her eyes.
—"At least you could—" she began, but he cut her off.
—"I don't want to fight," Aomine said quietly, his voice trembling. "They already know I just want to help from behind. When I decided to keep following them, they promised they'd protect me… so, why should I fight?"
Mito frowned, placing both hands firmly on the table.
—"You can't think like that. Eventually, there'll be missions where your level will matter. You can't keep falling behind, Aomine."
—"I'm done going on missions." His tone grew cold, almost empty. "I'll handle paperwork and strategies. That's enough."
Mito's expression softened; concern replaced the frustration.When she spoke again, her voice was quieter, almost tender.
—"I don't know what happened during the fifth-floor battle… but you're not the same anymore. You've changed. A lot."
Aomine said nothing.The steam from the tea continued to rise, blurring his face beneath the golden light.Then, without lifting his gaze, he muttered:
—"…I'm scared."
Mito blinked, taken aback.
—"Huh?"
Aomine clenched his fists on the table.
—"Since the beta, I always thought this world was just a game… a simple challenge I could enjoy without ever thinking about dying. But when the real SAO began and we got trapped, I was terrified.That first day, I didn't even want to leave the Starting City. But Michael and the others convinced me… they said they'd be with me, and I moved forward. I liked being with them. They made me feel safe."
His words began to tremble—just like his voice.
—"But… when Gundou's HP turned red because of my mistake on the fourth floor, I realized I could be a burden. I wanted to help more, so I fought in the fifth-floor raid. And I did it, but… something changed.While I was fighting, my mind split in two.Part of me wanted to keep going… but the other part just wanted to run.It was like fear had its hands around my throat.And when it was over… when I saw the boss fall—" his voice broke— "all I could think was: I don't ever want to feel that again.I don't want to die. I don't want to stand on the front lines again."
Tears blurred his vision, barely held back.Mito watched him in silence, her chest tightening. She had seen that same fear before—in someone else.The memory struck her so hard her expression grew somber, melancholic.
The sound of the wind returned, filling the silence between them.Outside, the world carried on just as peacefully as before, as if nothing had happened.But at that table, in that quiet corner of the night—something inside Aomine had begun to break.
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Since I was born… or maybe since I started to understand the world, I've always had that feeling in my chest.A burning weight — like nothing I ever did was enough.Whenever I tried something, whenever I gave my best, the people around me always wanted more.More from me.More than I could ever give.
I remember when I was a little girl, standing in the backyard, holding a ball between my hands.
"Look, Mom! I did it! I made it!" I said, smiling, filled with excitement, waiting… just for a small pat on the head or a kind word.
She barely turned her head, and with a cold voice, said:"Yes, you did… but not better than her."
That "her" became the shadow that followed me my entire childhood.There was always someone better than me.Faster.Prettier.Smarter.I was always the one left behind…The second place.
Whenever I drew or ran for something important, I always ended up there again:Second.I still remember my father's tense expression when he saw the results.
"At least she's good at some things," one of my uncles would joke."Yeah, even if those things aren't anything special. Not bad for someone like her.""It's not like my brother ever accomplished anything either, haha."
The laughter hurt more than any punch.I learned that when you don't win, when you're not the best, people don't just forget you…They humiliate you.
Even when I did well at school, outside of it I didn't matter.Once, when I lost an election for class president, my father exploded.
"What do you mean you weren't chosen?! Why did you lose to her again?! Always second place!" he yelled, slamming the table.
I lowered my gaze."I… I tried my best…" I whispered, my voice trembling as I tried not to cry.
My relatives always talked about me like I was some badly told joke.Whenever they bragged about their kids, my parents would lower their heads.And their words were always the same:
"Well, your daughter must be good at something… even if no one knows what.""She's got a perfect record of second places! A specialist in losing finals!""My brother never achieved anything, so it's no surprise his daughter can't win either."
Over time, their words stopped hurting… or maybe I just convinced myself they did.My mother started hitting me, my father started yelling.They said they wanted me to do better, but really, they were just trying to fix their own failures through me.I wasn't their daughter.I was their second chance.An extension of their regrets.
But everything changed a year before high school.After fourteen years of marriage, my parents divorced.I remember the empty house, the suitcases, the shouting at night.They left me with some money and a small apartment, as if that would make up for anything.Suddenly, they both tried to spoil me, to buy back my love… but it was too late.The girl who needed their affection had died long ago.
One night, as I walked home alone carrying a bag of food, I saw a video game shop.The neon lights flickered, and from inside came the sounds of laughter and clicking buttons.I had always been curious, but my parents never let me go in.That night, I did.
The smell of plastic, metal, and electricity wrapped around me.I picked up a controller and played.I lost.Again and again.But strangely… it was fun.Every loss felt like mine, not theirs.
"Damn it, again!" I growled.
[You lost. You were so close to winning.]
"I know! You don't have to rub it in!" I shouted at the screen.
I kept trying.And when the glowing message finally appeared, something inside me lit up.
[Congratulations! You're the best! Enter your name for the Hall of Fame.]
"I won…" I whispered, eyes trembling with joy. "I actually won!"
It was the first time anyone — or anything — told me I was the best.Finally, number one.That night, my eyes shone like a child's — one who had finally found a place she belonged.
That's how I started with video games.I asked for money, bought more titles, spent my nights in front of the screen.They stole my childhood… so why not take it back with their own money?
By the time I entered high school, nothing affected me anymore.People looked at me with distance, maybe even fear.But I didn't care.I didn't need anyone.
Until that clumsy day.
It was a quiet afternoon.The sun fell between the schoolyard trees, and the wind played with my purple hair.I had my headphones on, my portable console in hand.I didn't hear the voices around me… until I bumped into someone.
The impact was hard.My console fell — the screen cracked in two.
"My console…" I whispered, voice breaking as I held it with trembling hands.
"Ouch, that hurt. You shouldn't walk around with headphones on, you know?" a female voice said — amused, but firm.
I looked up, furious."How dare you break my console?!" I yelled, grabbing her by the shirt.
"Huh? What are you talking about? You bumped into me. I even warned you I was carrying things," she said, frowning.
That's how I met Asuna.My first friend — even if we started with an argument.
Fate must've been laughing, because we kept running into each other.And somehow, we became close.She was everything I wasn't:Perfect. Graceful. The daughter of a rich family, raised to shine.And yet… when we were together, she looked at me as if I were her whole world.We played, laughed, understood each other without words.It was the first time someone made me feel important.
Then came Sword Art Online.A new world.A life where I could be myself — no parents, no comparisons.Playing with Asuna there felt like a dream.For once, I had a friend, a place, and a purpose.Until… she stopped looking at me that way.
As the days went by, Asuna began to stand out.She grew stronger, more confident, made new friends.It hurt more than I wanted to admit.At first, I thought it was just passing company.But when she started bringing them to every mission, when her gaze changed whenever she talked about them…something inside me broke.
One day, during an EXP event, we were ambushed.The enemies separated us.I had to choose — go back for her, or save myself.And I remembered her words: "I want to move forward with more people, Mito."That sentence pierced my chest like a sword.
So I ran.I didn't help her.And later… I deleted her from my friend list.I left her behind.
But she survived.And now she has Kirito.She has someone who looks at her the way she once looked at me.Meanwhile… I'm still here. Alone.
One night, I heard an interview on TV.A man's voice said something that stuck in my mind:
"Dicen que los jóvenes buscan amor, pero es una mentira a medias.
"People say young folks seek love, but that's only half true.What we actually seek is something smaller… and darker: to be someone's Number One.Not in the world, but in the tiny universe of another person.When you grow up as an option, a burden, or invisible,that wound becomes an empty throne in your soul.You approach someone, not to share — but to conquer.Need disguises itself as passion.And that's where affection breaks and turns toxic."
Those words sank into me like sweet poison.To be someone's Number One…To have someone look only at you…That must be beautiful, right?
I thought of Aomine.Of how he spoke to me, how he listened, how he smiled.Of how warm his voice was,and how empty I felt when he wasn't there.
Yes.If I could have that…If I could be his Number One…his only salvation in this rotten world…maybe then, I'd finally stop feeling like the second.
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I let out a smile without meaning to.I didn't know why, but I felt it spreading across my cheeks, trembling slightly, moving on its own—as if my body still remembered what it felt like to smile for real.It wasn't a smile of happiness… more like a mix of relief and something I couldn't define.Maybe it was the first time in a long while that I didn't feel empty.
I slowly stood up from my seat.In front of me, Aomine was no longer looking at me.His eyes were fixed on the plate that had just been served, that same distant, restrained look he always wore when he wanted to hide his feelings.
I gripped both sides of his chair firmly.The sound of metal scraping against the floor echoed as I turned it sharply with the strength of my arms, placing it right in front of me. Aomine looked up, startled. Our eyes met.Those clear blue eyes—almost sky-colored—trembled between confusion and unease… and mine, I knew, must have looked intense, dominant, filled with something I could barely contain.But I didn't care. Not this time.
"It's okay if you don't want to fight anymore."My voice came out soft, with a trace of understanding, almost maternal—though deep inside, something much stronger was burning.
He didn't answer.His lips moved faintly, but no words came out.I could see in his pupils the reflection of the fire nearby—that mix of exhaustion, fear, and… resignation.He seemed torn between speaking and staying silent, and in that moment, I understood that anything he said might break something inside him.
"I'll protect you," I continued, not allowing silence to swallow us."If you don't want to fight, I'll be by your side. If you're afraid, I'll hold you so you won't feel alone. I can be the one you rely on… tell me, do you like that idea?"My voice became a blend of tenderness and restrained obsession.
I could feel it—my hands trembling, warmth building up in my chest.It was as if the words I had held back for so long had finally escaped.Words I once wanted to say to Asuna.But now… now I was saying them to him.And that made me feel something strange—painful, yet addictive.
My face burned, all the heat in my body rushing to my cheeks.My heart pounded violently against my ribs, but my posture remained steady, confident, dominant.My arms stayed braced on either side of the chair, keeping him trapped in that small space where only the two of us existed.
"If… if I did that… wouldn't that make me a coward?" he asked in an innocent, almost timid tone.
I chuckled softly—a sound I couldn't hold back."Hehe~ Well, cowards are the ones who survive, aren't they? Besides, who said you'd be a complete coward? You help in your own way…I'll protect you and save you if you want me to. Just… become mine.I want to be number one in your mind and in your heart. Please…"My words came out as a plea, but underneath them hid determination, desire, and a faint spark of regret.
He looked away, turning his face aside as if trying to escape the intensity between us.But the slight blush on his cheeks betrayed him.That little detail was enough to tell me I was getting through to him.My smile grew wider on its own—one I no longer wanted to disappear.I wanted him to look at me.To see how happy that tiny reaction made me.
"So tell me… what do you say? I'll be yours… and you'll be mine."My voice no longer sounded pleading. It was possessive, almost hypnotic. A voice that didn't ask—it commanded.
"I… that's a lot, you know? We've only known each other for a few months… saying things like that feels kind of weird," he replied awkwardly, trying to escape the suffocating air between us.
"Maybe," I answered calmly, though my tone carried an edge."But it's just as weird that someone like you could change so suddenly—being completely different from how you were at first."
My words hit him. I saw it in his face.His brows furrowed slightly, as if reflecting on them.He glanced at me, then looked away again, uncertain.That small gesture was enough for me to decide.
I wouldn't let this happen again.I wouldn't lose something that could be mine.I wouldn't let it end like it did with Asuna.
I slowly released the chair.My right hand moved delicately toward his face.My fingers brushed his chin, lifting it gently, forcing him to meet my gaze.Aomine's eyes widened, but he didn't pull away.
I leaned closer, shortening the distance between us.I could feel his breath brushing against my skin.The air between us was heavy, thick with something even reason couldn't dissolve.
"Eh? Wait… I… there's still so much to think about…" he stammered nervously."I mean, it's not that I dislike the idea, but with how I am now… I need time… I just need—"
I pressed my index finger against his lips, silencing him.His skin was warm. His breathing hitched.
"If you don't want this… just turn your head away when I do it," I whispered almost soundlessly.
I leaned in.The world disappeared.My lips brushed against his… and then, I kissed him.
The contact was gentle at first, but it quickly deepened—stronger, more deliberate. Aomine didn't pull away. I knew he wouldn't.Not with his mind still broken, still searching for a refuge.And I… became that refuge.I deepened the kiss, guiding every movement, until finally we parted.
He looked at me, his face completely flushed, breathing uneven.But there was no disgust in his eyes—only confusion, surrender… perhaps a hint of relief.
I smiled—a sweet, yet dangerous smile.
"From now on, I'll protect you," I said softly, my voice like honey."But promise me something… promise that you'll only keep me in your heart."
It sounded like a promise wrapped in tenderness—but deep down, it was a demand dressed as love.
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April 14th, 2023 — Floor 15: Anurbo
The sound—a nervous tapping, rhythmic yet tuneless—filled the room like a small storm of fingers.The blond young man fidgeted with the table: four fingers moved in sequence over the wood while his thumb stayed still, pressed down; it was a tic that revealed as much about his focus as it did about his anxiety.He looked frustrated, his jaw tight, eyes fixed on nothing in particular. His wrist rested on the edge of the table, and every movement seemed to measure a thought on the verge of exploding.
"It's strange, isn't it? Really strange," he muttered, his voice rough, as if repeating the idea would make it make sense.
The reply came like a slower note—hesitant, yet curious.
"Uhmm, honestly I didn't think it was real. But I'm glad he found someone. Now there are two couples in our group. That's... not exactly pleasant, being our friend and all, but we should be happy, right, Michael?" said a voice that sounded doubtful, a bit possessive, its brow faintly furrowed.
The others exchanged glances. The conversation had begun to tread into personal territory; gestures grew smaller, voices softer.Gundou took a slow breath, letting calm—or perhaps habit—return to the table.
"I know, Gundou. I should be happy too. But still… it's weird. Not about their relationship, Aomine has been acting strange since Floor 5. Don't you think Sakuragui's behavior has been off lately?" Michael replied, his tone carrying the precision of someone who notices patterns.
Gundou's eyes softened with reluctant agreement.
"She wants us to call her Mito now. Quite a jump in familiarity. But I get what you mean—her gaze when she's with Aomine is… odd. Even Elsa and Historia aren't like that," he admitted, shrugging lightly.
Michael tilted his head, uneasy.
"Yeah. When we found out about Elsa and Historia, we were genuinely happy for them—though they were already together in the real world. We even celebrated. But the way Aomine and Mito talk and act around each other… it's weird. It's like Mito speaks for him. In battle, it's different, but she still carries that same superiority," he added, his voice tinged with quiet melancholy.
The tone of the conversation began to twist, threatening to spiral into speculation.The room smelled faintly of parchment and oil—it was their miniature base of operations: maps pinned to the walls, charts with numbers, lists of names, half-empty cups of tea.A small tactical sanctuary where every plan had its place.
And just as their voices lowered, the door burst open.
Historia stormed in like a gust of wind.Her footsteps struck the wood sharply, and her usually composed face burned with fury.She dropped into one of the chairs with more force than necessary, crossed her legs, and fixed her gaze on the group.Whoever dared to speak would do so at their own peril—and as fate would have it, the unlucky one was Gundou.
Wearing the face of someone who wanted no part in the spotlight, he swallowed and spoke.
"Did something happen, Historia-san?" he asked, trying—and failing—to sound innocent.
The response was an explosion.
"Eh?! Fine... NOTHING'S FINE! THAT BITCH MITO—HOW CAN SHE BE SO JEALOUS?! SHE STARTS TALKING NONSENSE JUST BECAUSE I WORRIED ABOUT THAT WORM AOMINE! SHE GETS DEFENSIVE, THROWS INSULTS ABOUT MY BODY AND MY CHEST—IF YOU DON'T SEPARATE THEM RIGHT NOW, MICHAEL, I SWEAR I'LL COMMIT A HOMICIDE!"
Her voice no longer sounded feminine—it was sharp, cutting, each word slicing the air like a blade.
The scream bounced off the walls.For a moment, everyone's expressions wavered between shock and alarm—the line between humor and threat had been crossed too quickly.Gundou froze halfway through a motion toward her; Michael tilted his head, taking a deep breath, trying to steady the air.
Historia clenched her fists, her nails digging into the fabric of her skirt.Her eyes gleamed with a mix of fury and humiliation.It wasn't a simple outburst—it was the build-up of jealousy, unspoken words, and insecurities that had grown far too loud.The silence that followed was heavy, as though the room itself had stopped breathing.
Gundou, who usually avoided conflict, raised a hand awkwardly to calm her.
"Historia, take it easy," he said softly. "Tell us exactly what happened."
Historia inhaled, her chest trembling with air that vibrated with emotion.
"She… she got between Aomine and me when I just talked to him," she said through clenched teeth. "Then she started saying my body was an insult and mocked me in front of him. How could she—? I can't stand it. Not when I care about him… and see someone else blocking my way with a smile."
The room froze.The accusation hung there—not only over Mito, but over the shifting dynamic everyone had begun to notice.Michael frowned, his hands curling into barely visible fists.
"Historia, I'll talk to her," Michael said firmly, his tone a small cup of calm in the middle of the storm.But beneath that calm, unease still lingered.The pieces of this emotional puzzle didn't fit together, and loyalty—so fragile in a guild held together by shared battles—was starting to crack.
Mito—if anyone called her a ticking time bomb, they wouldn't be wrong—was breathing somewhere across the city, far from that room.But her name was already on everyone's lips; her relationship with Aomine was no longer a private matter.Now, words turned into blades.And when Historia screamed, the wound opened for everyone to see.
Gundou looked at Michael, searching for a clean, tactical response—and found only determination in the sub-leader's eyes.The next step would be to talk, to calm, to investigate.But the truth was that in a place where survival depended as much on teamwork as on trust, suspicion was far more dangerous than any golem they could face.
The meeting ended in a roaring silence.Each of them returned, in their own way, to their place at the table.In the corner, Gundou's teacup still steamed faintly—a small reminder that everyday life continued, even through the tension.Outside, the city—ever indifferent—kept pulsing steadily.
Inside, emotions rustled like dry leaves.And somewhere, between maps and plans, the line that divided friendship from possession had grown far too thin.
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April 14th, 2023 — Floor 15: Anurbo, Boss Chamber
A large crowd stretched out before an enormous wooden gate, covered in moss and dried mud, as if time itself had stopped in that artificial swamp. The greenish lights rising from the ground and the foamy puddles reflected the tense faces of the players—each carrying their own emotional burden.
Whispers rippled through the air like a low hum—complaints, plans, crossed glances. No one said it out loud, but everyone knew it: the group was no longer the same. The forced union of guilds had created more friction than alliance; there was restrained anger, wounded pride... and fear.
Suddenly, through the murmur, a slightly nervous voice broke the silence.
"Uhmm... well... phew..." exhaled a young man with an awkward smile, trying to ease the tension. "You know, I've run out of inspiration for battles. It's always the same story. I think some are already tired of it, others still tolerate it... and some just want to fight. I get that. Doing this for months gets boring."
His gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the swamp's mist swallowed the sunlight.
"And now that all the guilds have merged into one, it's natural that ideals clash. But come on... we've been fighting and surviving together this far," he finished with a faint smile, raising his fist high, as if trying to drag everyone's hope back up with it.
Only a few nodded. Others looked away.Even in a life-or-death game, humans get tired of routine. They change hobbies, goals... or people. Because repeating the same story without purpose... slowly wears down the soul.
Still, the groups began to form. Everyone knew what to do—or at least pretended to.
Among them, two figures stood out a little more.A young man with light blond hair was studying the floating map in front of him, while a taller girl with purple hair and quiet confidence watched him from the corner of her eye, smiling softly.
"Mito-san," he began, somewhat nervous. "I guess we'll make a push to the front. While the others attack, you'll stay in your usual position, right?" he asked innocently.
"Of course. After all, I have to protect you. You're too important to leave alone, Aomine~," she replied with a light smile, though her eyes softened for a brief moment.
The boy swallowed hard, trying to stay composed."Yeah... well... I guess I'll handle the instructions. The boss is a giant Hydra that spits poison. If we use full-defense shields, we might withstand it. But the attacks should be spread out to avoid being hit by the venom...," he paused, touching his chin thoughtfully. "Though with the salamander men, it'll be trickier."
Mito watched him in silence, a tiny smile curving her lips.
(He looks cute when he's this focused...) she thought, watching how Aomine gestured while imagining strategies.
Firm footsteps approached. Mito reacted immediately—spinning around and taking a defensive stance—until a friendly voice and two raised hands stopped her.
"Easy there, Mito-san!" laughed the newcomer nervously. "I didn't come to fight. I just wanted to talk to Aomine about the plan."
"Michael..." Aomine murmured, snapping out of his thoughts.
The blond man stepped closer and pointed at the map."I think I've got an idea. If we form a shield wall at the front and place the fastest players on the flanks, we can force the Hydra to attack in three directions at once. That'll open a window for a surprise strike from the center—with our best players hidden among the defenders. The lizardmen will fall into disarray."
Michael listened carefully, his expression lighting up with a grin."Yeah... that could work. You rarely get it wrong, Aomine." He nodded firmly.
Aomine smiled faintly, satisfied. But before he could move, something odd happened.
Mito, who was about to follow him, suddenly found herself lifted off the ground from behind—effortlessly, like a cat being picked up.
"Wha—!?" she yelped, flailing her arms as Aomine turned in surprise. His lips trembled slightly, cheeks puffing with a hint of irritation at the scene.
Michael, still wearing his calm smile, tilted his head toward her."Is something wrong, Mito-san? Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, tone calm but commanding.
"Because you're lifting me like this!" she protested, her voice a mix of anger and forced politeness.
"Sorry, but there's been a change of plans," Michael replied naturally. "You're a Beta player, so you'll be at the front with the midline team. We'll be following Aomine's strategy."
Mito's eyes widened in disbelief."What? But she always fights from a distance, and I—"
"—always right beside you, right?" Michael interrupted smoothly, still smiling. "Well, that's changing. We need rotation. You'll stay with Yuna-chan this time. She wants to observe the fight, and since you're high-level, you can support her, right?"
Mito narrowed her eyes."Oi, I don't agree with this, Michael! I want to stay by Aomine's side!" she shouted, her voice trembling between anger and frustration.
Michael sighed, but his tone hardened."Partners need to learn to fight apart. If you're always together, neither of you nor the team will grow stronger. So, please cooperate, Mito-san."
She tried to break free, but Michael's grip was firm—unnaturally strong. When she met his eyes, she saw something behind that serene smile: an intensity that commanded respect... and a quiet pressure that made her shiver.
He set her down gently, while Aomine watched with clenched fists, wanting to intervene but unable to find the words. His breathing quickened—the silence of the gathered players closing in—until a light tap on his back made him turn.
"Looks like we'll be together for this whole fight, Aomine-chi."The voice was soft, almost melodic.
When he turned, he saw a girl with tea-brown hair shimmering with a milky golden hue under the swamp's light. Her radiant smile contrasted beautifully with the gloomy surroundings.
"It's been a while since we talked, hasn't it?" Yuna said casually.
Aomine stared at her, still processing everything."Yeah... it's been a while, Yuna-san," he answered, his voice trembling between awkwardness and courtesy.
Yuna simply smiled, stepping a little closer.The air around them seemed to thicken.The battle hadn't even started yet...but the real conflict—the one born between glances and silences—was already underway.
Everyone had prepared themselves.The atmosphere was thick with silence, as if even the air feared what was about to unfold.
From the rear guard, Mito watched Aomine from a distance.The young man seemed different. His breathing was uneven, his hands trembled slightly, and his gaze no longer carried its usual calmness.That unsettled her. Aomine had never shown nervousness before a battle. He was always the first to step forward — the one who steadied others with his firm and analytical tone.
But this time... he looked lost.
Some teammates noticed his behavior but chose to ignore it. Maybe they thought it was fatigue. Only Mito kept staring at him a few seconds longer, a knot tightening in her chest before turning her eyes forward again.
There, Michael stood before the massive gate covered in moss and roots.His hand rested on the corroded wooden surface, fingers poised to push it open and begin the fight.The whole group held their breath.
A viscous sound echoed suddenly.From the bottom edge of the gate, a thick green liquid began to seep through.It spread slowly across the ground like a stream of poison, bubbling as it touched the players' metal boots.
Then, the gate gave way with a heavy, groaning creak.Beyond it lay a damp jungle, shrouded in green mist floating above the water.The ground was partly covered in roots, and a murky river stretched deep into the foliage.
Michael raised his hand.—"Move out!"
The group advanced steadily.The fast players split off to the sides like shadows among the trees, while the tanks and veterans formed the central line. Their armor gleamed faintly beneath cloaks and makeshift camouflage.
Further back, Yuna walked beside Aomine.The boy looked uneasy, glancing around constantly, watching everyone's movements with a mix of tension and doubt.
From the front, Michael noticed his behavior.His expression hardened for a moment.
(I'm sorry, friend… but something's wrong with you. If staying away from Mito brings back the player I once knew, then… I'll do whatever it takes. I want to see that spark in you again.)His thoughts were firm, but his face remained calm as he kept walking.
The atmosphere began to shift.A low, almost inaudible growl vibrated through the air.The sound of the river's flow grew restless, splashing tiny drops of venom that hissed upon touching the muddy ground.
Suddenly, two massive eyes opened beneath the green surface.They glowed with a sickly yellow light, reptilian and sharp, locking onto the players like blades.
"Positions!" —Michael shouted, raising his shield.
The roar came again, louder this time, shaking the ground beneath them.Alongside the main eyes, others began to appear—pairs upon pairs, lining up in a sinister formation.The water churned violently, and in an instant, the monster surfaced.
The Hydra.
Its body was coated in slick brown scales that shimmered in the misty light.Three enormous heads roared in different directions, moving in perfect synchronization.Its fangs glinted, dripping with a thick saliva that melted the grass it touched.
The creature's body was quadrupedal and massive, yet disturbingly agile.Each motion made the ground tremble, as if the earth itself resisted holding its weight.
The players readied themselves.Tanks raised their shields in the front line, while mages and archers positioned behind, prepared to unleash their barrage.
But before they could act, chaos erupted.
From both sides of the river, shadows emerged among the trees — the Salamander Men.Their muscular bodies were covered in dark green scales. Some wielded long spears, others crude swords forged from mineral shards. A few, weaponless, advanced with their bare claws, striking the ground with terrifying force.
They resembled upright crocodiles.And their roars —a fusion of beast and human fury— shook the jungle.
The ambush was immediate.Flanks collapsed under the assault, hidden players fought desperately to defend themselves, and the metallic clash of swords filled the air like a war symphony.
The battle had begun.
From her position, Mito bit her lip, her eyes scanning the chaos for one figure—Aomine.
The roars, the screams, and the whistling of blades merged into a chaotic symphony.Amid the crowd, a lone female figure stood motionless atop a rock, breathing calmly.Her deep amber eyes tracked the monster's every move with surgical precision.
Her bow rested between her hands.The taut string creaked softly.The arrow's golden tip glowed faintly with the swamp's eerie light.
Historia adjusted her stance, calculating the distance to the Hydra.She could feel her heartbeat pulsing through her fingers, yet her breath remained steady.Her lips moved faintly, whispering something only she could hear.
A dull noise shattered her focus.A Salamander lunged from the trees, spear raised to pierce her back.
Historia barely turned when a figure appeared behind the creature.A shining blade sliced clean through its throat — and a heartbeat later, the tip burst out the top of its skull.The body dissolved into thousands of orange and blue particles, scattering like embers.
Historia lowered her bow slightly, glancing at her savior."...Thanks," she whispered sincerely.
Before her, Elsa smiled, her sword dripping with digital light."I told you I'd always help you — here or in the real world." Her tone was light, teasing. "Just make sure your arrow doesn't miss this time."
Historia's lips curved into a small, knowing smile."As if I ever miss? You know me better than that."
"I don't doubt it," Elsa replied, her eyes gleaming with the battle's reflection. "That's why I like you, Historia."
Historia stifled a flustered smile, then turned back to the Hydra.Without hesitation, she released the string.
The arrow whistled through the air —a golden streak slicing through the poisonous fog—and struck directly into the Hydra's left eye.
The roar that followed was deafening.The creature thrashed violently, waves of green water splashing venom in every direction.Its Salamander guardians rushed to defend it, forming a ring around its legs.Meanwhile, players launched flanking strikes, breaking their formation.
But the Hydra wasn't done.Its three heads began to swell, gathering energy deep in their throats.A sickly glow formed inside, and a deep rumble, like thunder underground, shook the swamp.
"Cover yourselves!" a tank shouted.
The air thickened.A wave of green energy burst outward, sweeping the field like a toxic storm.Players closest to it were thrown back, paralyzed briefly, as purple smoke rose from the Hydra's breath.
The ground trembled when it slammed its forelegs down, cracking the roots beneath.The venom spread like a living fog, crawling over fallen bodies.
Only those with poison-resistant shields held their ground, forming a shaky barrier for the survivors.
The Salamanders attacked relentlessly.Their movements were almost intelligent — coordinated, strategic, guarding the Hydra's legs.They fought with purpose, forming a living wall of scales and spears.
One of them was suddenly seized by the Hydra's jaws.With a single bite, the monster devoured it whole.The Salamander's body dissolved inside, and seconds later, the creature's wounded eye regenerated completely.
From a distance, Aomine watched closely.His gaze was sharp, mind racing.
(So… if it devours its own guardians, it regenerates. But that means it's vulnerable up close — that's why it hides behind them…)(Not much strategy left here. Sometimes victory isn't about tactics… but instinct.)
The battlefield was chaos — purple smoke, magical sparks, screams, and motion everywhere.Aomine's eyes scanned everything — the three-headed Hydra, the waves of attacks, the flashes of light.
With a quick motion, he opened his menu.Scrolling through his friend list, he stopped on a name.He selected it and typed a short message.Moments later, a figure dashed through the chaos — swift, leaving trails of blue light behind every step.
"Did you call me? What do you need?" asked a firm, familiar female voice.
"Yes. You're the only one who might have a chance, Asuna-san," Aomine replied seriously.
Around them, exhaustion was visible. The Salamanders kept coming, fearless, sacrificing themselves for their leader.Health bars were dropping. The poison was taking its toll.
From afar, Mito saw Asuna approaching Aomine.Her scythe rested on her shoulder, and her eyes darkened slightly — jealousy, or perhaps unease.Gundou, holding his massive shield, pushed back against attacks, defending others.Two of the Hydra's heads were struck again by Historia's arrows.
The Hydra roared, shaking the field.Purple smoke spread again, freezing unprotected players.Those with antidotes raised shields, blocking as green sparks hissed upon contact.
Still, the monster advanced.Then, Michael stepped forward, shouting over the chaos:
"Listen up! Open a path! Even just one! If we keep this up, we'll all die! Focus your attacks on one spot — make it feel the pressure!"
Faces turned — uncertainty giving way to resolve.Then, one by one, they shouted back:
"Yes!"
The coordinated assault began.Enemy defenses fractured — the Salamanders couldn't regroup fast enough.
"Now! Open the way!" Michael roared again.
That's when several noticed something strange.On the left, Gundou was tightening a massive wire — like a makeshift slingshot.At its center stood Asuna, sword aimed forward, her hair flowing with the air pressure.
"Move aside!" Aomine ordered.
Those ahead stepped back immediately.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Moments earlier…
"What do you want me to do… WHAT?" Asuna blinked in disbelief.
"I need you to be launched at the Hydra," Aomine said quickly — nervous, but determined."I've got reinforced threads — Gundou will hold them. We'll make a slingshot. You'll strike one exact point."
"One exact point?"
"Hydras have a weakness — during regeneration. If you hit them mid-process, their body confuses itself and fails to heal that area.While Historia keeps its eyes occupied, you'll strike then. If you hit, it won't be able to regenerate — and that's our moment."
Asuna crossed her arms."Easier said than done," she said in chibi tone, a sweat drop sliding down her temple.
Aomine chuckled."Just trust in— I mean, trust the plan."
Asuna sighed, then smiled."Alright… I'll trust your words."
Nearby, Yuna, who'd been listening, raised her hand enthusiastically."We could play a motivational song in the background! It'll make the strike more epic!"
Everyone stared at her."Yuna… this isn't a concert," muttered Kirito, sweat-dropping.
"Huh? It's not?" she said, looking chibi confused.
Aomine sighed but smiled — that tiny distraction eased the tension.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Back to present.
(Historia just struck again. Now's the moment. If this Hydra regenerates like the ones in myth… we're saved. If not… I just sent Asuna to her death.)
The wire snapped with a whizz!Asuna shot forward like a silver projectile.Frontline players barely moved aside in time.
The Salamanders tried to regroup, but too late.Asuna pierced through like lightning.Her rapier gleamed, drawing a line of light that sliced clean through one of the Hydra's heads.
The monster roared — and tried to regenerate.But nothing happened.Its flesh glowed, twitched… then stopped.The creature, confused, began devouring itself.
"It's working!" Michael shouted in triumph.
Everyone attacked relentlessly.Asuna, bathed in green mist, lunged one final time, driving her blade into the Hydra's core.
A burst of light engulfed everything.The Hydra's body dissolved into glowing particles, leaving behind a sticky green fluid that rained over everyone.
Some were barely splashed…but Asuna was drenched from head to toe.
The silence afterward was surreal.Only the soft dripping of green fluid could be heard.
Asuna blinked, rapier still in hand, breathing heavily but victorious. Aomine approached her, smiling with relief.
"Asuna… you okay?"
She tilted her head, confused."Of course I am. Why do you ask?" she replied innocently.
Aomine bit his lip, trying not to laugh."It's just… you're… haha— covered in slime. You look like one of those low-level blob monsters!"
Asuna blinked."Eh? What are you talking about?"
She looked down.Then she saw it.
Her armor, hair, even part of her face — all drenched in sticky green goo.Two seconds of silence… then:
"KYAAAAA! W-what is this!? It's sticky! Gross!!"
Aomine burst out laughing, clutching his stomach.Asuna's face twitched.
"…Are you laughing at me?" she asked, voice dangerously calm.
Aomine swallowed hard."W-wait, Asuna, I—"
Too late.A loud BAM! echoed. Aomine's body flew several meters back, leaving a glowing trail before crashing headfirst into the ground.
Silence.Then Michael's voice, perfectly serious, broke it:
"Now that's how you teach someone to fly. What do you think, Mr. Kirito?"
Kirito nodded solemnly."I'd classify that as an S-Class Asuna strike. Though…" —he eyed Aomine's twitching body— "we'll confirm once the patient stops moving."
Michael grinned."Excellent commentary, my friend. Stay tuned, folks — we'll soon find out why she hit him and how he survived."
Nearby, Yuna covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.Mito sighed, resting her scythe on her shoulder.Historia muttered something about him deserving it.Elsa, cleaning her daggers, smirked."Well, at least someone finally made Aomine laugh."
The once-tense battlefield had turned almost comedic.Aomine, still lying on the ground, weakly raised a trembling hand.
"I-I think I'm gonna throw up… wait— no, that's lunch…" he groaned, collapsing again.
Asuna exhaled, smiling sweetly."Next time, I'll launch you instead of the slingshot," she said softly — a threat in disguise.
Michael raised his sword dramatically."And thus ends the battle — and today's lesson: never laugh at Asuna-san."
Everyone burst into laughter.Even Kirito smiled.The sound of laughter and dissolving light confirmed that — for now — they had survived.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
February 1st, Aincrad 2023 — Floor 5: Shiyaya Village3:30 p.m.
Amid tall trees bathed in sunlight, a dirt path wound toward a hidden village.The air smelled of fresh wood and damp leaves.A gentle breeze swayed the oaks, their shadows dancing on cobblestones below.
The houses, built from sturdy logs with steep tiled roofs, stood among blooming shrubs.It was a peaceful, almost unreal landscape — simplicity intertwined with serenity.
At the entrance, two armored guards stood by the wrought-iron gate.Their halberds gleamed under the sun, and though their faces were stern, a quiet peace lingered in their eyes.
Beyond them, the village stretched in harmony with the forest.Sunbeams pierced the leaves, painting golden patterns on the ground.A distant bell rang softly, joined by the murmur of running water.
Then — a splash broke the calm.Something had fallen into the hot spring.
"Fuaaah… isn't this relaxing, Gundou?" said a pleased voice, sighing.
"Yeah… but did you have to jump in like that?" Gundou replied wearily, though his face showed the same comfort."I'll admit though — the floating fruit decor gives it a nice touch. And the temperature's perfect."
Steam drifted above the crystal surface, veiling the area in a soft, warm haze.Flower petals floated gently with the ripples.Nearby, a small waterfall spilled from mossy rock, its soothing sound blending into the air.A wooden cabin with red-tiled roof stood behind it, its blue windows reflecting sunlight.
Wooden chairs and loungers waited in the shade, inviting relaxation.Everything about the place whispered rest and release.
Then, a furious voice cut through the tranquility:
"Hey, you two! I hope you washed properly before getting into the onsen! I don't want a single drop of monster slime contaminating this place!"
Several players who were soaping up before entering the hot spring looked up, visibly annoyed. Some rolled their eyes; others simply exchanged resigned glances.
Amid that relaxed atmosphere, two figures stood out.Both men were submerged up to their chests in the water, the steam partially veiling their faces.The silence between them was peaceful — until one decided to break it.
"It was a crazy idea… but in the end, pretty funny," said a calm, youthful voice. "Aomine-san always ends up doing things like that."
Aomine chuckled softly, though there was a certain weight in his eyes."I improvised on the spot. With how things were going… it was either that or die."
For a moment, the steam drifted with the breeze, revealing their faces more clearly. Aomine glanced sideways at him."Putting that aside… this is the fourth time we've talked alone, isn't it, Kirito-san? We met during the first floor boss fight, but we've barely spoken outside of battle… except when a plan directly involves you."
Kirito leaned back against the rock behind him, letting the warm water relax his arms."To be honest, I'm not much of a talker either. But…" —he smiled faintly— "your position as the leader of such a large guild is impressive. You maintain a balance few can achieve: financial, strategic, and moral."
Aomine tilted his head with a tired smile."Yeah, but it's also heavy. Though I shouldn't complain… I hardly fight compared to you. I think I envy you a little. You don't seem afraid to fight, even knowing you could die."
Kirito looked at him, a thoughtful glint in his eyes."Eh? Afraid… of course I'm afraid."
"Really? You don't look it," Aomine replied, genuinely curious.
Kirito lowered his gaze, letting a drop of water run down his cheek."That's the point," he said in a low but firm tone. "Showing fear would only make me hesitate. I want to survive — to return to the real world. If I cling to fear, I'll never move forward."
He looked up and met Aomine's eyes directly."You're the same with your guild. You're a beacon for new players and for the strong ones too. Many of us act impulsively… but you bring something few others have: direction. Strategy."
The silence that followed was warm, not awkward.Only the sound of water accompanied their thoughts.
Kirito smiled faintly."It's comforting to have someone like you in Aincrad. This world needs more people who think… not just fight."
Aomine watched him quietly for a few seconds, then let out a soft laugh."You're wiser than you look, Kirito-san."
"And you're calmer than you seem," Kirito replied, returning the smile.
"Heh…" murmured Aomine suddenly, looking at the reflection on the water.
"Something wrong?" asked Kirito, tilting his head curiously.
"Kirito… you're a kind guy, aren't you?" said Aomine with a natural smile — so genuine it caught the swordsman off guard.
Kirito blushed instantly."Eh? What are you saying all of a sudden…?" he stammered, turning his face away.
Aomine couldn't hold back a soft, almost childish laugh. Seeing that carefree expression, Kirito ended up laughing too, letting the sound of their laughter mix with the gentle murmur of the water and the distant song of birds.
Not far from them, two figures watched the scene from the opposite edge of the onsen. The steam partially hid their faces, but the gleam in their eyes revealed their thoughts.
"He seems calm. That's a relief, isn't it, Michael?" asked Gundou in a quiet voice.
"Yeah, honestly… that new attitude puts me at ease. The old Aomine is still there," replied Michael with a serene smile. "It's just that… he needs to wake up from the dream he forced himself into. And as his friend… I'll help him do it. After all, what if one day we're no longer together?"
"That's a bit dramatic," said Gundou, chuckling softly. "Not about helping him, but about you not being here. We're strong. Despite everything, you always keep a smile — even when the guild is in a silent war. Thanks to you, everything stays in balance."
Michael nodded with a slight smile, but his expression soon grew more serious.
"What I'm about to say… must stay between us. Can I trust you?" he asked in a low voice.
Gundou nodded firmly."Yes, you can trust me."
"Lately, murders have been increasing during boss-hunting expeditions. Our scouts are getting ambushed… and what's strange is that the enemies know exactly where we'll be. It's as if they're waiting for us," said Michael, his voice barely above a whisper. "That can only mean one thing… there's a spy among us."
Gundou's eyes widened in shock. The only sound that broke the silence was the bubbling of the water.
"That's why, on February 14th, during the next expedition, I'll send Aomine," Michael continued, his tone resolute. "He'll go with a group of strong players. It'll be hard, but it's necessary."
"Why send him? It's dangerous — and in his current state… it could get worse," Gundou said, clearly worried.
"Because I want to confirm something," Michael replied firmly. "There's someone who always disappears on those days… right after I announce a mission. If Aomine goes and nothing happens, I'll know who it is."
Gundou fell silent, understanding the weight behind his companion's words."So… you have a suspect."
"That's right. I accept the risk," Michael said, meeting his gaze with determination. "But don't worry. Two experienced players will go with him. Besides, I've got an ace up my sleeve — a special bonus that'll ensure the mission goes smoothly."
Gundou took a deep breath and nodded slowly."Alright. I just hope we won't regret it later."
Michael simply closed his eyes, letting himself float in the water as the steam surrounded him. His expression relaxed, but deep in his thoughts, the weight of that decision began to take shape.
On the other side of the bamboo wall — in the women's bath — the atmosphere was entirely different.Soft laughter mixed with the murmur of water and the gentle clatter of small wooden buckets. The girls washed themselves while joking around, enjoying that rare moment of peace. A pinkish mist veiled their silhouettes, creating a warm and almost ethereal glow.
A young woman with violet hair — Mito — rinsed her body, letting the warm water glide slowly down her skin. She took a wooden bucket, filled it, and poured it over her head with a relieved sigh.
"Fuaaa… finally…" she murmured.
"Hello, Mito."A soft, familiar voice echoed behind her.
Mito spun around instantly."Eeeh… Asuna?" she exclaimed, startled and confused.
Asuna smiled gently, covering herself with a towel as she looked at her.The steam swirled between them, and the sound of water filled that brief moment of tranquility — a fleeting calm before the next battle began.