(Rulid Village, March 30th, 378 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity, 20:01..)

Kirito wasn't exactly the 'party' type of person. Even when a Floor was cleared, a boss defeated, or even when a Quest was cleared, he he never stayed around for long, unless he was absolutely needed to, like for a strategy meeting, for example.

This being an example of the latter of the group: due to him being the one that helped Eugeo cut down the the Gigas Cedar (no matter how humble he tried to be), clearing out a Goblin camp AND making sure that Selka didn't get herself killed, kudos were on the beginning of thanks.

And so, there he was, on the balcony of the church, with a glass of a non-alcholic drink, watching the celebrations of 'that Goddess-forsakened tree'. It was but, if Kirito was honest, lacked... something.

'My friends, maybe?' he thought, but then he found himself looking at something... strange, to say the least.

Looking at him, from a distance, stood about two figures. Both in different heights, but he could make out red and white hair. And, excluding Seven, there was only one other person who has white hair.

'Could that be--?'

"Kaz?"

Kirito blinked, but the figures then vanished. Turning around, he faced Eugeo, who smiled at him. "Sorry if I startled you."

Kirito shook his head. "Nah, it's fine. Just looking at the scenery, that's all." over the time that he had spent with his friends, he became more casual in what he hears, sees, or even thinks.

Eugeo nodded, smiling at him before raising an eyebrow. "How come you're not joining in with the celebrations, Kirito?"

Kirito sipped his drink (that of orange juice) before sighing. "Well, it's not like I don't want to, but..." he trailed off, but Eugeo understood and nodded.

"Yeah, I see what you mean," Eugeo replied. "I mean, I do understand that, yes, the Gigas Cedar had finally been cut down, but even this is excessive."

Kirito nodded, and silence befell them. And, at that moment, Zuberg had yelled out, "Kirito and Eugeo, please come forth!"

The Original and the Copy looked at each other, shrugged, and made their way to him.

Zuberg smiled once he saw them. "Ah, there you two are! I was getting worried for a second there: I thought you were already making your way to Zakkaria!" he then gestured to the stage he stood upon. "Please, step forth!"

Kirito and Eugeo did so, and Zuberg turned himself to Eugeo. "Eugeo of Rulid Village, you have succeeded when others had failed. You have cut down the Devil Tree, the Gigas Cedar, and thus have completed your Sacred Task. I now ask of you: what shall be your next Calling be?"

Eugeo smiled. "My Calling.. shall be that of a Swordsman! Not only to become an Integrity Knight--" a few people gasped at that. "--But to also find my childhood friend, Alice!"

He then smiled towards Kirito, and declared, "Tonight, we rest! Tomorrow, we shall make our way to Centoria! And then, someday soon, we shall all come back!" he raised his fist to the air, and many others shouted 'Good luck!' and 'Please send us a souvenir!', too.

Eugeo turned to Kirito, his smile now sheepish. "Did I..?"

Kirito shook his head, mirroring his friend's smile. "Go overboard? Don't be ridiculous; You were amazing!"

Eugeo beamed at him, and a rogue thought entered Kirito's mind. 'These people aren't 'just artificial', Rainbow... they're as real as you and me.'

-----------------------------------

The next day, of which started with a tearful goodbye from Eugeo's family to him and, surprisingly, Selka (where Kirito swore she intentionally hugged him and quickly traced the shape of his muscles, no matter how many times she tried to deny it via the Sacred Art of Tsundere), the two began their trek. Kirito, for one, was enjoying the sunny weather, of which was a nice change from the chilly weather back before he entered this world.

"Ah, such a nice breeze~." he said in bliss, his hands behind his head. "I mean, back in Aincrad, there was barely any sunlight at all!"

Another thing that happened: Kirito extended upon his 'Vanishing Act' story, and said that he stayed in a village named 'Aincrad', named after the legendary Style of the same name (despite he being the one who named it), and had eventually returned. Despite this having a few holes in the logic, it's just like that of the Yeäger Family: not worth analysing, unless you want a very lengthy explanation.

"Hm," Eugeo nodded. "Sorry if I'm not saying much, by the way. I'm just.. processing the fact that I'm on my way to Zakkaria."

Kirito nodded. "Take your time, buddy. Just keep a cool head, 'kay?"

Eugeo looked at Kirito, his face now confused. "'Cool'? What do you mean?"

"Huh? Oh, right! Sorry, back in Aincrad it means 'thinking rationally', mostly from the old saying 'Stay Cool'."

Eugeo nodded, placing a hand underneath his chin. "Stay Cool... Stay Cool..." he repeated. "Wait, who's that?" he pointed in front of him, and Kirito was greated with a strange sight.

A girl, who was dressed in mostly red, was fighting boars. But what surprised the swordmaster was her technique in fighting.

The girl ducked underneath a boar before turning her katana in its sheath, and what looked like wild red cuts appeared on the boar, injuring it. Landing, the girl then rotated her right arm, the one holding the katana, a full three-hundred and sixty degree and sliced off one of the boars heads, before jumping backwards.

"You should know--" she began, her voice having a slight 'reverb' to it, thrusting her arm outwards to point the red and white blade at them. "--That I shan't stop until each and every one of you are dead!"

One boar charged at her, but met a swift end by its head being decapitated. The other rammed at her blind spot--

--But a certain, black-haired boy struck it, his Iron Sword in his hand.

"Sorry for intruding!" Kirito 'apologised', before he placed his sword in front of himself and, as the boar rammed at him, let gravity do the work.

The girl looked confused for a second, before her eyebrows were knitted together in annoyance. "If you were 'sorry', you wouldn't have intruded!" she shot back, adjusting her grip on the sword in her hand.

"No offence miss, but even you couldn't take on all of them," Kirito replied, his hands firmly holding his iron sword.

"...Fine, then." the girl eventually said, turquoise-colored eyes hiding her emotions. "And do yourself some good: don't call me 'miss' again."

"Then, what's your name?" Kirito replied, and the girl aimed her blade at the remaining boars.

"I am Medina, the fulfiler of the people's wishes!"

With that, the now named Medina charged what Kirito recognised as a 'Zekku: Lv. 1', and the unusually silent Eugeo looked at Medina.

"I'm sorry about my friend, by the way. But once he has his mind on something, he won't let it go."

Medina made a growling noise, but in acknowledgement or in annoyance, Kirito and Eugeo didn't know.

After a few minutes of fighting, they came down from their adrenaline rush when Kirito's eyes widened at the looming shadow over Medina. "WATCH OUT--!"

However, blue cuts, more sophisticated then the girls, surrounded the beast and beheaded it, and its killer revealed itself via falling out of a tree.

A smile that hid a past long-since forgotten. Hair, longer then even Asuna's, whiter then even the deepest snow. An eye like amethyst, and the other hidden behind an eyepatch like his ancestors before him, holding domain over a Concept of the World (or, at the very least, a faster reaction time, as science would say.)

Professor Philip Agro Isekai Tomo, better known in recent years as 'Ryuusei', casually looks at all three of them when Medina yelled at him. "What the hell were you doing?!"

Ryuusei waves at her, strangely calm about the whole situation, before turning to face Kirito, his eye's pupil widening. "Oh, hey Kirito."

"Don't you 'Oh, hey Kirito' me!" Kirito was, reasonably, both shocked (because someone other then him is in the Underworld) and annoyed (because of how casual his 'partner' is). "Where were you?!"

"Travelling with Lady Medina. Why?"

Medina sharply looked at him, letting out a sound that could be described as a shocked scoff. "You two know each other?!"

"Long story, not much time, but I'll give you the basics: Yes, we do." Ryuusei said quickly, before raising a brow and pausing upon looking at Eugeo for the first time, and bore a curious expression. "'And who might you be?"

'I'm too young for this...' Kirito thought to himself.

--------------------------------------

Kirito thought that he had seem it all. Apparently, Fate saw that as a challenge.

Not only did he meet with Ryuusei again, but as it turned out, Medina was a travel companion of his. That, an explanation of Ryuusei's case of him being another Lost Child of Vecta. (I'm basic terms, he was from the Glocken, an underground city, where he later met with Kirito).

"Still, it's nice to a familiar face," Ryuusei commented. "Never expected I'd see your's though."

Kirito rolled his eyes. "Easy for you to say; I'd've rather met with Heathcliff then you." it was funny how easy they insulted each other, but it was all in good fun.

Eugeo, meanwhile, was looking at Medina, observing her. She dressed in expensive clothes (at least, he guessed it was, given the fabric), had crimson-red hair, blue eyes with hints of green and, as he soon found out, a 'way of words', as described by Ryuusei.

"What?" she asked, looking at the boy. "You've been staring at me for the last five minutes; I know I have nothing on my face, before you attempt to use that excuse, by the by."

Eugeo looked away, before flashing an apologetic smile. "Sorry. It's just that, I'm a little interested. You look like a noble."

Medina rolled her eyes. "Oh, sure that was what you were thinking about. But, to humor you, yes; I am the Ninth-generation Head of the second-ranked House, Orthinanos."

Eugeo nodded at that, but then stopped, noticing that both Kirito and 'Ryuusei' were looking around rapidly. "Kiri--?"

The white-haired adult put a hand up. "To whoever is there: I suggest that you show yourself."

A rustling noise was heard, and out jumped a rabid wolf, its fangs bared--

--But Ryuusei, barely even flicking his hand, made the wolf have a swift end by his blade, of which looked like a katana, but had a strangely thick sheath to it. Not only that, but it was on his back, not his side.

"Well, that was boring." Ryuusei quipped, but then took pause at Medina. "What's with that look?"

"Oh, nothing," she said, but her annoyed expression didn't fade. "I was just thinking that you should take things a bit more seriously."

"That's amusing, coming from a mouth like yours--"

"There's no point in this." Kirito cut him, his expression more dry than that of Klein's humor (or there lack-of). "Besides, Ryuusei's done this sort of thing for years, and always ends up in the same standing."

"And that is what? Defeated?"

Kirito took that with an eye-roll. "His standing means that Ryuusei would have killed you by now, you moron."

"Moron!?" she roared, as their grip on the katana tightened. "I'd have you know, I've faced many a enemy, and a white-haired--"

Ryuusei gently grabbed her shoulder. "Medina?"

"What." she sneered at him.

"Stop it, please." he then made off, with the girl beside him, leaving the two other human beings behind.

"...Now, before you say anything," Kirito began, turning to face his companion. "Yes, I do know Ryuusei. However, I'll tell you later, mostly because I want to reach Zakkaira before nightfall, okay?"

Eugeo nodded, already accepting that Kirito would, and will, eventually explain everything. "And does this tie in with you being sleep-deprived?"

Kirito laughed weakly, as he made his way onwards with Eugeo in tow. "Oh, you have no idea..."

-----------------------------------

(Outside Lookout, Ocean Turtle, July 6th, 2026, 21:46..)

When the night came, Momiji found herself at ease.

After playing GGO for so long, she noticed that her eyesight had improved drastically, giving her almost perfect vision. She has Klein to thank for that, due to his stupidity when it comes to deciding on Bounty Hunts during the hour of stupid-o'-clock.

"Hey," she heard from behind her back, and looked over to see Asuna there, smiling. "Mind if I sit next to you?"

Momiji copied her smile. "By all means."

As she sat down, she let out a drawn-out sigh, looking to the ocean. "You worried about Philip-kun?"

"Of course I am, what do you think?" she replied stiffly, before stuttering. "I-I mean, that idiot got himself... oh, forget it; yes, I am. Happy now?"

"Very." the chestnut-haired girl replied, looking towards the sea. "I miss my idiot, too."

"Well, they can work together, so they aren't totally in a rock and a hard place."

Asuna nodded, leaning backwards while placing her weight onto her arms. "Philip-kun is going to have adjust to having a new sibling and another sister, huh, Takamine?"

Momiji nodded. "Yeah.. Thomas told me that Seiei was going to get revenge for her, despite appearing as if it had never happened in the first place."

"How?"

Momiji didn't reply, which led to Asuna understanding. Silence befell them again.

"Hey, if you don't mind me asking," Asuna said, carefully turning herself to face the dark-purple haired girl. "What was you and Philip like when you two were younger?"

This made Momiji sigh, but she was smiling. "Oh, where do I begin.. well, for starters, he was always the more 'lucky' out of us two: one time, he spotted me looking at a large stuffed teddy bear in a claw machine. Five minutes later, I was walking with him with that same bear that he had won on his first try.

"Though, when it came to capsule toy machines, he always got the minor characters," she then giggled. "I still remember the look of sheer disbelief on his face every time that happened, especially when the cap was sealed tightly. I felt so bad, I offered to trade mine for his, but he said 'no' even before I finished saying it and said, and I quote, 'You won it fair and square, Miya, so you can have it!'"

"Say, how come he calls you 'Miya'?"

"He said my name--that is, my first name--wrong once, and it's stuck ever since."

Asuna nodded, and the two looked out to the ocean together. In hind sight, the sea of the real world had something that the virtual worlds didn't: a sense of beauty, of which wasn't copied. Or, rather, couldn't be replicated.

---------------------

Kirito was, almost always, a calm individual. Because of this, he's able to fight much better then most people and, in addition, have many a points of value. However, despite this, coming to a truce wasn't his strongest point.

He was sitting on a log, just outside of the tents that he and his trek had set up, looking at the stars. From what Selka had told him, they represented each and every person, past and present, who had lived in the Underworld.

Three hundred years... the thought still dumbfounded him. In games, those were petty numbers, ones that a late or post-game player never even thought of; however, in years, it was more than a lifetime.

"Still up I see." a snarky yet curious voice remarked, and the red-haired Lady appeared before him. "What on Terraria could possibly possess you to be up this late?"

"Overactive mindset," shortly replied the youth, before gesturing the spot next to him. "If you want, a spot is open for you."

Medina thought for a moment, before ultimately sitting down with space between them. "So," she began, looking over towards Kirito. "You know of that white-haired idiot too, am I correct?"

Kirito nodded. "We're.. friends, so to speak. Honestly, I'm not sure what he thinks, but..." he trailed off.

Medina nodded. "I don't trust you." she said plainly.

"I didn't expect you to." Kirito replied just as plainly.

Medina was quiet for a moment, before breathing in deeply and exhaling out hard through her nose. "However, since you and Ryuusei, of who is currently partnered with me for both of our benefits, I'll at least put enough trust in you as to knowing you won't stab me in the back when I'm not looking."

Kirito nodded. "I can respect that. Now that I think about it, I haven't introduced myself yet, have I?" he waved with a smile at her. "Yo; Kirito's the name, and Swordsmanship is my game!"

Medina looked at him monotonously. "I barely even know you, but I can already not stand you."

Kirito chuckled nervously. "Yeah, I have that effect on a lot of people, actually..."

He then turned towards a nearby tree. "Even this guy was not able to. Right, Ryuusei?"

At that moment, the man in question stepped out, quietly clapping. "What gave me away?" he inquired.

"You were laughing too loudly." Kirito replied, and Ryuusei gave a stiffled laugh.

It was weird, honestly: for Kirito, he was friends with someone who committed a genocide of three-hundred people. And yet, if it weren't for him, then many of his friends would have been left hollow, and Kureha wouldn't have had her beloved idiot again. Despite all this, however, he still says he's done nothing; like an extra DLC character, or an extra Secret Event, or something of the sorts.

Kirito also knows that he's horrible with explaining his feelings, so it's not much of a stretch with saying that he's more then first meets with the eye. However, for that night, he'll rest easy, knowing that it's safe to.

As for Ryuusei, while others may sleep, he stays awake for some time, just to make sure that he and everyone else is safe from danger.

After all, when one witnesses the Ocean of Truth, they are destined to forever drift in the very same Ocean, all alone.

'It's a good thing that I never cared about myths and legends, then.' Ryuusei thought to himself.

----------------------------

(Market Street, North Centoria, Norlangarth Empire, April 3rd, Year 379 in the Time of the Realm of Humanity, 11:12..)

Since that day, many things have happened:

First, Medina and Ryuusei went their separate ways. For Medina, it was to fulfil her goal in becoming an Integrity Knight, and restoring honour to her house. For Ryuusei, it was familiarise himself with Norlangarth, starting with Lockiss Rocks. Apart from that, nothing else was known about their whereabouts until they appeared in the same Academy as Kirito and Eugeo, with the Lady of Orthinanos sporting a new haircut that really didn't suit her.

As for Kirito himself, he had been helping out in a barn with Eugeo. Not only that, but after a year, he had gone through a drastic change: his hair, originally just long enough to tickle his nape, was now to his lower-shoulders, and opted to have it in a ponytail. His height, originally just as tall as Eugeo, was now a very respectable five-foot-twelve-inches.

His combat had also improved as well: ten-fold, in fact. Muscle memory helped out extremely when he's sparing with Eugeo, as most of his moves were based off what he's seen from the Sword Skill Assist System back in SAO and ALO. Not only that, but since GGO never had that system, it helped to hone both his and Ryuusei's skills.

Ironically, Ryuusei is at his weakest when he uses a katana, of which is exactly why he uses one: to overcome said weakness. In addition to that, he had told Kirito about his BS-move during the BoB: as it was, 'Hresvelgr', the axe that he had used and had similar qualities to that of the 'Sword of the Creator' from 'Fire Emblem: Three Houses', was a Player-Made Weapon that he himself had made, just like his katana. The reason why was simple: he was at his strongest with a Two-Handed Sword.

(Another thing that they discussed was 'Berserker', of whom had perished one month prior to being transferred into the Underworld. Whatever it was, it wasn't something that will be remembered very much by the two of them.)

Later on, the two of them had won the Zakkaria Swordfighting Tournament and entered the ranks of the Garrison, and then reached their goal; that of the North Centoria Imperial Swordcraft Academy and their place in it, becoming Primary Trainee's in the process after being selected by two of the Academy's Elite Disciples.

For Eugeo, a man by the name of Golgorosso Balto, a man who, like them, enrolled via special means, took him under his wing.

For Ryuusei and Medina, they had no tutor, but they taught each other. Medina, while still not completely trustful of the oddity that is him, still ended up calling him an 'ally'. Ryuusei also learnt that she was a cat person, due to him finding her while she was tending to a cat when he started to violently sneeze.

Interesting fact: the swordsman is actually allergic to them. Horribly so, to be percise.

In addition, despite nearly two years passing, the only things that had changed with the now-titled 'Fearless Terror', of which was gained due to his strength and speed on the battlefield, was that of his voice becoming deeper and more quiet. If Kirito had to compare it to someone, that of the British YouTuber and the reason 'Philip' was chosen as his first name, Phil Tomlinson.

As for Kirito himself, a woman by the name of Sortiliena Serlut chose him. Unsurprising, considering his way with women.

Today, however, was as normal as can be. After all, when going to class, unnormality is the new normality.

"I didn't know Swordcraft Academy taught history on top of swordcraft." Eugeo said, as the two stood on the grounds near the dormitories.

"Is that really fun for you?" Kirito replied, a hand on his hip. Truth be told, he was interested in history, but only in the history of tanks, strangely. He's always liked tanks, but he just doesn't know why he does.

"I like history, and I haven't studied it in quite a while. What about you, Kirito?"

"I'm alright with the lessons, but not the tests." he sighed, a look of dissatisfaction on his face. "Heh, even here I have to study for tests!"

"'Even here'?" even now, Kirito often said things that only he and Ryuusei understood, but leaving both Eugeo and Medina in the dark.

Kirito waved him off. "It's nothing, so don't worry about it." over time, he had developed the talent of saving a conversation before it turned in a direction that he or his friends didn't like. He didn't use it very much, it it was a life saver when faced with an unexpected problem or issue.

Eugeo nodded. "Even still, this all still feels so surreal. Passing the test and getting in here with you."

"True, but it's not surprising to me. After our time in the Garrison, you've become much stronger."

"You say that, but you and Ryuusei both scored higher on the entrance exam." Eugeo noted, with Kirito smiling.

"Well, I am supposed to be the one teaching you! I can't have surpassing me just yet now, can I?"

"Ahaha! I guess you're right on that!"

Kirito let out a large sigh. "Still, I'm just glad that we all managed to become four of the Top Twelve on the entrance exam. Although, I never expected a 'Page' system!"

"No kidding. I was surprised too." the 'Page' system was simple: if a person manages to become apart of the aforementioned Top Twelve, an Elite Disciple will choose them to become their Page. In addition, students have to pass a 'level test' to move up to the second academy year.

The twelve students with the highest scores are designated as 'Elite Disciples', and considered the best of the best in terms of combat and of knowledge. A Page's job is to help with training and daily life. Pages are, like the Elites, chosen from the Top Twelve new students who enrolled in the academy.

Both Kirito and Ryuusei had tried their hardest. Not only to be allowed the privilege to flex (at least in Kirito's case), but also to get back quicker to the real world. After all, while they know that Ryuusei was placed in a month before Kirito was, their still not sure on the Fluctlight Acceleration of the Underworld.

"Still, they're pretty strict, only allowing twelve Elite Disciples each year." Eugeo commented.

"True, but hey, now that we've got our own Elite Disciples, we'll be able to hone our skills better now!" Kirito said, before changing his stance. His right hand was on his hip, and his left hand on his nape. Ryuusei had named it the 'Penis Posture'; not to be lewd, but to state the fact that his pelvis was pushed outwards.

Eugeo suddenly gasped, his eyes wide. "Ah!"

"Is something wrong, Eugeo?" Kirito asked, adjusting his hair-band.

"Kirito! Our assigned Elites asked us to meet them!" Eugeo said in a panic, before turning and running. "I'll get to Balto! You get to your Elite!"

Once again, Kirito's posture changed: this one was called 'Running-As-Fast-As-Humanly-Possible'.

While they ran, two sets of eyes, one turquoise and the other amethyst, looked on, with the latter's pair in amusement.

"You know, I'm not surprised that Kirito has a woman as his teacher," Ryuusei commented, his hair covering his elven-like ears.

"What makes you say that?" asked Medina curiously, her hair now covering her right eye. She wasn't entirely sure why she had her hair the way she does now, but she's decided to 'roll with it', as Ryuusei says.

"Not to say anything negative about the guy, but from what I've experienced with him, most of his friends are female. Then again, that could just be because he gets along with women better then men." Ryuusei shrugged, as he opened up a wrapper and began to eat something that he called a 'Vimto sweet'.

"He gets along with you and Eugeo, so what's your thoughts on that?"

"Well, I'm happy he's gotten someone who's around the same age as him; to be honest, it's nice to see someone different."

"And you?"

Ryuusei waved his hand left to right. "I'm a hermaphrodite, so I belong to a completely separate category of people."

Medina paused. "I'm sorry, a what?"

"I'm neither man nor woman; rather, I'm the line between them." Ryuusei then added, "And before you ask: no, my female reproduction organs no longer work due to an accident that happened to me whilst I was still little."

The Lady of Orthinanos finally nodded at that. "Well, what now?"

Ryuusei shrugged, carefree. "Whatever you want. I'm not picky."

-------------------------

Kirito was used to the antics of women. To him, they're enigmas, mysteries that can't be unraveled. It's next to impossible to know how their minds work, but that's just his thoughts on it.

Standing in front of the doors to the 'Training Hall' was a beautiful lady. She, like the other Elites, bore a uniform like them, but her's is purple in color. Her hair, long enough to reach her waist, is kept in a ponytail by a white piece of cloth. Her eyes are what stand out; an indigo-violet purple, or thereabouts.

She acknowledged Kirito's presence, now staring up at him, but not enough to damage her swan-like neck. "I am the Second-Seat Elite Disciple, Sortiliena Serlut." she introduced herself, and awaited her Page's introduction.

"I'm Kirito, one of the new students who ranked in the Top Twelve. For me, it was fifth place." Kirito said, bowing with with his hand on his heart. "I hope I can be of help."

Sortiliena nodded. "I see. As of this moment, Kirito, you are my Page. For a full one year, you shall assist me with both my daily life--that is, cleaning and meals, among others--and that of training. Now, if you will, please follow me inside."

She opened the doors to the Hall, and Kirito found himself pleasantly surprised.

The Battle Hall, while nothing extravagant, was big enough to allow movement without feeling uncomfortable. There were multiple seats too, most probably for other students if there's a test or a battle worth watching.

"Now, first thing's first: what Style do you use?" Sortiliena inquired, turning to face the black-haired man.

"Me? I use the Aincrad Style." Kirito said, with Sortiliena nodding.

"Is that so? It's nice to see that there's other people who don't just use the High-Norkia Style," the Elite Disciple remarked. "Like you, I also use a different Style; that of the Serlut Style, passed down through my family for generations."

Kirito nodded. Outside of Rulid, not many people know about his and Ryuusei's visit almost three centuries ago, and so it helped when explaining their unique and strange Styles.

"Well, if your ready," Sortiliena called, throwing him a wooden sword, with her holding one herself. "Come and show me your Style!"

Without delay, Kirito launched himself from his starting position, grabbing the sword and reading a Vertical. However, Sortiliena was able to avoid the attack, and went into a stance Kirito recognised with ease: that of a Cyclone, a sweeping Sword Skill that annoyed Kirito to no end in the past.

Sortiliena launched her attack, but Kirito slammed his blade into her's, with the two then entering a Bladelock.

"Such speed!" exclaimed the brown-haired woman. "I've never seen such speed before!"

"Well, get ready to see it a lot from now on!" Kirito jumped backwards, and circled the woman, observing his options.

He might not be a master of figuring out the best plan like a certain snow-haired, dark-skinned male or a purple-haired, ruby-eyed Imp, but Kirito still could tell one's mind and what their intentions will be.

Sortiliena had her hands on her sword. However, because of that, her back was defenseless. But to that extent, she probably knows that that will be where he stricks.

Although, she lacked an aspect that would help her: speed, where Kirito relishes in. It's actually the reason why he always uses a One-Handed Sword: it was basically the 'Balanced' option for him. Not too slow, but not too fast either.

Swiftly, Kirito charged again, sliding underneath Sortiliena's swing and then aimed his sword at her neck. "Checkmate! You lose, Elite Disciple Sortiliena Serlut!"

The woman appeared to be stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered from it. "Impressive! I've never seen such tactics before; what Style was that, if I might ask?"

"It was the Aincrad Style, Elite Disciple Serlut." Kirito replied, as he placed his wooden sword back into the nearby holder. "Unlike most other Styles, mine focuses more on speed and quick strikes, which I believe is a contrast to the more common one.. 'High-Norka'?"

"The High-Norkia Style, yes," the woman replied. "I'd go into more details, but..." she trailed off, her amethyst eyes now distant, before shaking her head and coming back to the present. "Well, anyway, from our short match, I can tell you have a large amount of potential; however, in order to use it, we first must channel it."

"You mean, like extracurricular lessons?"

Sortiliena nodded. "Exactly. I won't ask you to do so at this moment, so how does after your classes sound?"

Kirito nodded. "That works with me. By the way, would it be fine if I bring along two friends of mine? You know, so they can get experience as well?"

Sortiliena quirked an eyebrow. "That depends on whom."

"Primary Trainee Eugeo and Primary Trainee Ryuusei." the black-haired young adult scratched the back of his neck. "I'd also say Primary Trianee Medina Orthinanos, but--"

"--She'd rather go in alone?" Sortiliena finished. "She's known for those things, from what I guessed but, given the rumors about her, it all got warped."

"Rumors?" truth be told, Kirito, nor Kazuto, wasn't very found of learning about his friends via other sources, mostly because he'd prefer them telling him directly, and that he had to take said information with, as they say, 'a grain of salt'.

However, given that Medina is one the most, if not the most reserved person he's ever met, desperate times call for desperate measures.

"Apparently, her family House used to be a First-Ranked one. However, the Pontefix then demoted them once they failed a task given by her, claiming them to be 'defective', and it resulted in everyone turning their backs on them, even more-so thanks to the Lady of the House attending here." Sortiliena sighed, and shook her head. "I normally stay out of this, but.. isn't it strange?"

"Put it this way: when ruler declares something, you do it without question." Kirito then scowled. "But really, as soon as she said it, everyone turned their backs on them? That's not right!"

Sortiliena nodded sadly. "I agree. However, when the Pontefix says something, you listen. But, to change the subject, may I ask you something, Kirito?"

"Anything, Ma'am." Kirito was then greeted by a small giggle. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Oh, no, no!" Sortiliena waved him off. "But, please, just call me Sortiliena, or Liena. 'Ma'am' just makes me feel old."

Kirito nodded. "You got it, Elite--sorry, Sortiliena."

Sortiliena smiled slightly, before her request was said. "As of late, there has been multiple sightings of Beasts wandering around the area just outside of North Centoria; in the Cordea Plains, to be exact.

"I had originally intended to settle this myself, but I found the idea foolish without help. As such, I want to ask for help, as I wish to investigate, and you training, I believe this would help the both of us, no?"

Kirito nodded slowly. "Well, given that you need help, how can I refuse? Although, if I may, could I request the help of two of friends as well? They are Primary Trainee Eugeo and Primary Trainee Ryuusei respectively."

"The blond boy from Rulid and that curious albino, correct?" at Kirto's nod, she mirrored his action. "Very well. I suggest you ask them quickly, for I do wish for us to deal with this matter as quickly as possible."

Kirito smiled. "You got it!"

---------------------

"Eh, sure."

Kirito blinked. He expected many responses from Ryuusei perhaps a question here, a jest there, but that definitely wasn't one of them. "Wait, so--just like that? No questions or--?"

Ryuusei raised his hand. "Kirito, I'd like to believe that I know you well. That being said, I also know you like helping people (especially girls, I should notely mention), so who am I to refuse to help you?"

Eugeo, who had agreed moments prior, walked over to them and nodded. "Serlut-senpai is waiting. Are we all ready?"

"That depends; Eugeo, you got The Blue Rose Sword?"

"Yes, I do." replied the blond-haired boy.

"Ryuusei, do you have.. your sword?"

Ryuusei sighed, but nodded. "Still thinking upon a name, I'm afraid to say..."

Kirito took the moment to examine his new, pitch-black sword. Shortly after he and Eugeo befell the Gigas Cedar, the previous Cedarchopper came to them and told them about a blacksmith in Central Centoria where he could make a sword out of a branch of the tree. After six months, it was ready. What wasn't, however, was its name.

"Same here... How about, for now, we call it 'The Black One'?" Kirito suggested, with Ryuusei shrugging and Eugeo sighing. "The Black One it is, then."

"Sigh, I don't think I'll ever understand your relationship. How do you two function together?" Eugeo asked a valid question, with Ryuusei responding first.

"It's probably strange, but I first helped him in my own way; but after a while, I stopped, and for good reason as well." Ryuusei placed his hair over his elvish ears, and continued. "But, other than that, we got on by having each others backs and expressing our common interests, just like me and--" he abruptly paused, a look of confusion on his face. "And... oh, what was his name? A jacket, was a little bit short, a piece of hair that was always upwards, everyone likes him.. wasn't it something like--?"

"Something keeping you three?"

Ryuusei gave out an ungodly inhale of surprise which lead to him coughing violently, with Kirito shaking his head. "Sorry, Serlut-senpai. We got too caught up in conversation."

Sortiliena smiled. "Think nothing of it. Now, shall we be off?"

---------------------

(Nanairo Arshavin's Room, Ocean Turtle, Near the Izu Islands, July 6th, 23:01..)

A loud thudding sound came from the temporary room of one Doctor Nanairo Viktoriya Rainbow Arshavin, which happened from the young genius smacking her head against her desk.

Sighing, she rubbed her eyes and looked at her clock. 'A minute past eleven,' she thought to herself, before signing again, albeit louder. 'And here I thought I'd actually get some rest...'

She wasn't angry at Project Alicization, not at all. In her own opinion, it was a way to see if life could be created from newly-formed Fluctlights. 'Replication', Higa had said. However, there was another reason entirely for it; to find an A.L.I.C.E, or just 'Alice'.

The creation of an 'Artificial Labile Intelligent Cybernated Existence' is the ultimate goal for RATH; an Artificial Fluctlight that has enough mental willpower to bypass Code 871, and become indistinguishable from the real, True Fluctlights. Philip has the research but, as he normally does, made an impossible password from something that he was interested in about five years ago.

'Vot i vse, ya zakonchil.' Rainbow thought simply, but before she could switch her laptop off, noticed that someone was trying to talk to her.

'Konno Yuuki Da!', the username read. Sighing, Rainbow pressed 'Enter'.

The thin face of Yuuki Konno greeted her, alongside the sound of beeping, an apologetic smile on her face. "Sorry, is this a bad time?"

Nanairo shook her head. "No, it isn't. You're certainly a sight for sore eyes."

Yuuki rolled her eyes. "Wow, not even a minute into the call, huh?" she laughed, smiling. "I'm guessing you've been having a rough day?"

"Oh, let me tell you..." Nanairo said weakly, banging her head against her desk gently. She then realised something. "Actually, if I can ask: how come you called? No offence." she added on the end, but Yuuki waved her off.

"Well, I was just thinking.. apart from ALO, Origin and GGO, we haven't really hung out together, right? Also, um..." Yuuki raised her red eyes, which were beginning to regain some of its original color. "Is Kazuto...?"

"He's alright. Philip, too." Nanairo answered gently back. She'd be a fool not to worry, but with how many times they get themselves into strange situations, she began to take private bets with her sister.

Needless to say, she now owes her one-thousand, one-hundred and fifty Yen because of it. And people say that minors don't gamble.

What a load of--

"Well, anywho, you have your Amisphere, right?"

Nanairo came out of her private thoughts. "Yes, I do. How come?"

"We~el, there's an event going on, and it has some Russian origins. Also, I'm really desperate for someone to talk to."

Nanairo laughed. "You and me both," she then inquired. "What's this Event about?"

"Not telling~," Yuuki replied mischievously, causing another sigh to leave Nanairo's mouth.

"Fine, I'll join you all sometime tomorrow."

Yuuki beamed. "Great! I'll let the others know. Oh, and, by the way?"

"Aye?"

Yuuki gave a smirk. "First come first serve, girly." she then disconnected, and Nanairo shut the computer down, sighing deeply.

Yuuki may have been wheelchair-bound for some time, but dammit, she knows how to kick Arshavin while she's down, especially now that she can walk for a while now...

----------------------

(Cordea Plains, Norlangarth Empire, 12:07..)

"SHIIIIIIIT!"

"BAKABAKABAKA--!"

"SHOOOOOOT!"

Sortiliena blinked at the sight in front of her: three grown men running around with the oldest shouted something in another language from an overgrown frog. After a moment, her Disciple started shouting at the white-haired one.

"WHAT DO WE DO?!"

"OH I DUNN'OH, KI' IT, MAY'B?!"

Sortiliena sighed. 'And here I was hoping for some peace...'

"Oh, to hell with it all!" Ryuusei yelled, sliding to a halt and running towards the frog and slicing it clean in two. Grunting, he sheathed his sword.

"Huff.. next time, do something quicker, damnit!" Eugeo panted out, coming to a stop just near Sortiliena.

"Oh, sorry about that, I was busy running!" Kirito shot back before glaring at Ryuusei. "And you! What the hell was your allergic-ass doing?!"

Ryuusei sighed, getting up and brushing himself off. "First off, a bit rich coming from a pygophile like you--"  he ignored the spluttering from the ravenette. "And secondly, I was, also, busy with not getting killed."

A few meters away, Sortiliena placed a hand to her face and groaned into it, but couldn't help laughing.

Somehow, she knew that this was going to be a fun year.