(Art created by y2n4zee in Instagram)

Year 2024, February 23rd. Koharu, Level 101...

Today is the day when Koharu's birthday had just started and Kirito is the only one who can help her celebrate her birthday since Koharu's been by his side all the time. He brought her to feast, hanging out in multiple towns in Aincrad for some breathtaking view and he eventually gave her a present which is a new dagger-type weapon, Kukri knife after visiting the Blacksmith shop.

Aincrad Standard Time, 17:00. Floor 35, Mishe Town.

Kirito: So how was your birthday?

Koharu: Yeah! Thanks for celebrating it with me, Kirito!

Kirito: Nah.. Don't sweat it. Lai should be the one to do the occasion. I bet he'll be happy..

Koharu: Oh.. Yeah, it'll be perfect...

Her face turns sad after hearing the name of her long lost partner.

Kirito: Koharu...

She asks Kirito...

Koharu: I was wondering... Why he doesn't wanna come back to us? What's holding him up from meeting me?

Kirito: Maybe he tries not to get you hurt or involved..

Koharu: But still.. I really missed him.. So much.. Even though I know he's still alive out there.

Kirito: Yeah, it's been a year since the incident in Floor 20. I wonder how Asuna's been doing right now. Don't you worry about her as well?

Koharu: Yeah.. Of course I do.. But she's in a guild so I'm sure she's doing pretty fine.

Kirito: But I missed her cooking tho. A lot..

She grins at him..

Koharu: You do?

Kirito: Yeah! Her roasted crabs is the best to be honest! Too bad I can't taste that anymore.

Koharu: Hehe.. Hope she hears it tho..

Kirito: No! You can't! She's probably been busy enough with her guild stuff! Plus, we missed the other players as well.

She laughs happily..

Koharu: Haha! Yeah! Lai, Asuna, Klein, Agil, Sachi and Keita... They're out there, fighting and able to manage themselves. Hope everyone's doing okay on their own. And we both should keep up with them!

Kirito: Yeah! I'm glad you smiled..

Koharu: I feel really happy when just thinking about them.

Kirito: Yeah, you're right. Shall we get some materials for refinements on your new weapon?

Koharu: Sure! Let's head outside from this town!

They both set off to the Forest Of Wandering..

Timeskip... Aincrad Standard Time, 20:00. Forest Of Wandering...

They both grind the refining materials from the Drunken Ape, one of the strongest mobs in the field dungeon. Kirito still had the expensive map in his inventory that used to lead them navigate through the forest so they don't lose their way back town. During their grinds, Koharu hears a scream, shouting someone's name.

Koharu: Huh?

Kirito: What's wrong?

Koharu: Someone's in danger! We have to help them!

Kirito unsheathes his sword and Koharu draws out her dagger. Ready to save the player.

Kirito: Let's go!

Koharu: Okay!

They rush to the area where the player got attacked by a group of Drunken Apes. Despite being one of the strongest mob in the field dungeon. Their levels still outranked them all. Kirito cuts the mobs one by one while Koharu ambushes them from the sides. Finishing them all in once.

Kirito: Done!

Koharu: Are you okay? Is everything alright?

The player is still crying, the item laying in front of her is a glowing feather. She murmurs as she turns around to them..

???: Pina...

Then, Koharu recognizes her immediately..

Koharu: Silica!

Her eyes widen as she had heard the name before..

Silica: Koharu...?

The player hugs her in crying..

Silica: Pina...! *Sob!* Don't leave me alone..!

Koharu: Silica...

Kirito: Do you know her?

Koharu: Wait! This is not the time! Let me calm her down first..

Kirito: Oh..

He turns to notice the feather..

Kirito: What's with that feather?

Silica: It's Pina... *Sob* My best... Friend!

Kirito: So you're one of those Beast Tamers, aren't you? I'm sorry.. If we got here sooner, we could have save your friend..

Koharu: Yeah.. Sorry we didn't arrive earlier..

Silica: No..! It's all my fault! I was stupid to think I can make it through the forest on my own! Thank you for saving me.. You did what you could.

Kirito inspects the feather a bit closer.

Kirito: That feather... Check and see if it has an item name attached to it..

Koharu: Oh yeah! Maybe it's still there!

Silica: Really?

Kirito gently picks up the feather in both hands. Then hands it to Silica. She taps on the item and reveals its name called, Pina's heart. Her cries burst up.

Kirito: Hey, don't cry.. That means Pina's heart is still here. There's a chance you can revive it.

She looks up to Kirito..

Silica: No way..! Really?

They both nod..

Koharu: Trust him.. We can help you with that.. Right, Kirito?

Kirito: Yeah..! On the south side of the Floor 47, there's a field dungeon called the "Hill Of Memories". I heard somewhere of the flower growing at the top can revive familiars.

She got depressed as she soon hears the higher floor which obviously gonna be tough for her with her current level.

Silica: Floor 47, huh?

Kirito: I'm offered to go get it for you. All you have to do is to pay for the trip.

Koharu: Kirito!!

Kirito: What? I have to work on my finances.

Koharu: We'll deal with that later!

Kirito: Okay, you got me... Anyway, the thing is, the flower won't bloom unless a familiar's master there.

Silica: Thank you so much for telling me about it! If I work hard to raise my level then someday I could-!

Kirito: Sure but the time limits 3 days to revive it.

She gasps as Kirito cuts her off..

Silica: No way... It's all my fault.. I'm so sorry, Pina..

Koharu: It's okay.. You have three days. That means you still have time to save Pina. And we can be of your help.

Kirito: Yeah.

He toggles his menu and starts a trade with Silica. Putting a set of armors and weapons.

Kirito: Take this equipment, it should boost you five or six levels and if we tag along. I'm sure everything will work out.

Silica: Why would you do all this for me? I mean I know Lai and Koharu always helping me in Floor 8 but why? Anyway, I don't see him tag along with you anymore..

Koharu: Uhm... Well.. He's...

Kirito cuts in to avoid bringing the sensitive subject..

Kirito: I'll tell you but only if you promise not to laugh, okay?

Silica: I promise I won't..

He faces away with his hand covered his face to avoid embarrassment.

Kirito: All right, it's because you look like my little sister..

Koharu: Really?

Kirito: Don't make me say it again..

Silica: Hehe..

They laugh happily as they couldn't hold their laugh.. Kirito looks away..

Silica: I'm sorry..

She accepts the trade and toggle the amount of her Col.

Silica: Uhm... I know this isn't enough Col to pay you back but-!

Kirito: No, it's cool.. Besides, it works with why I'm here. We'll be helping each other out.

Silica: Huh? Alright! My name's Silica!

Kirito: My name's Kirito. And you probably knew Koharu and Lai already.

Silica: Yeah! They helped me a lot. Too bad is, Lai isn't with us anymore.

Koharu: Don't worry, Silica.. I know he's still out there alive. Just with this makes me getting my hopes up.

Silica: Of course! I hope we'll meet him someday!

Kirito: Uhm.. I guess we'll be working together for a little while. Let's get out of here first.

Silica: Can you?

Koharu: He got the map so don't worry about getting lost. Plus, we both are much stronger than before.

Silica: Okay!

With the help of Kirito's map, they all escape from the forest and eventually head back to Mishe Town.

Aincrad Standard Time, 20:30. Floor 35, Mishe Town...

The three of them just returned back to the town.. Kirito just mentioned about Koharu's birthday.

Silica: Really!? Happy birthday, Koharu! Sorry that I can't give anything worth as a present for you.

Koharu: It's fine, Silica.. I'm glad you had joined us! So thanks for the company!

Silica: You're welcome!

Then, some two players came up to them. Precisely, they just want to see Silica.

???: Hey look, it's Silica!

Silica: Huh?

???: They took you a long time to get back! We were getting worried!

Silica: Uhm...!

Koharu: Wait-! Miyurin? Ulrik? You two are here?

She recognizes them, it was Miyurin and Ulrik who joined the ALS forces, but they both had left from the guild and managed to survive on their own.

Miyurin: Oh hey, It's the top tier player, Koharu! But.. You're not with Lai anymore?

She asks back as she ignores the last question..

Koharu: Uhm... What are you two doing here?

Miyurin: Well, we were...

Ulrik: We were waiting for Silica for a whole day so we can team up with her. Anyway, mind if you let her join up with us?

Miyurin: We'll take you wherever you want to go!

Koharu: Uhm.. But she's now with us.. Sorry about that.. And we got something really important to do.

Silica: Yeah, that's really nice of you to offer but..

She peeks at Kirito as she tries to find an excuse so she holds onto his arm.

Silica: Well, I sorta already agreed to be in a party with them! Especially with him so-!

They both glare at Kirito and Koharu..

Koharu: Uhm... ^^"

Kirito: *Sweatdropped*

To avoid the conflict, Silica turns them down immediately.. She pulls him away and Koharu follows to them.

Silica: 'Kay later, bye!

Koharu: Yeah! We'll meet again someday!

Miyurin: So frustrating! *glare*

Ulrik: Lucky bastard...! *glare*

They both still glaring at them as they leave.

Silica: I didn't mean to put you two on the spot like that!

Kirito: I didn't know you had fans, you must be popular.

Koharu: No Kirito.. Because of that, players kept harassing her when she's the first one who became the dragon tamer when we're in Floor 8. We almost made it out alive from the MPKers.

Silica: She's right. And now, they don't take me seriously.. They want me to be their mascot.. Maybe they're right, they call me dragon tamer and I guess, it went to my head.

Koharu rest assured her as she knew Silica is easily to feel sad with her current age as just 12..

Koharu: Don't worry about it. We'll make it in time, we promise.

She smiles sweetly..

Silica: Okay..!

Kirito: So.. How did you two met?

Koharu: Well, while Lai and I were just arrived Floor 8, we met her fighting off the monsters. But her levels was too low so we helped her in her training. Then, as she was the first one who found the familiar and became the dragon tamer. People keep pestering her because she had a familiar.

Silica: And Lai almost went overboard just to protect Pina from getting hurt by them..

Kirito: I see.. You and Lai sure met a lot of interesting people.

Koharu: It was fun helping the others! Especially during the Elf War Campaign with Kizmel! But they all had moved on and so do I. And Lai as well..

Kirito: Koharu.. There's no need to mention him again..

Koharu: Oh! Sorry.. I just missed him so much.. Sorry about that, Kirito.

Kirito: Nah it's fine..

Silica: It's really okay to talk about someone you cared about. And if I remember him correctly, I'm sure he'll miss you too. Maybe he even remember your birthday and celebrate with you.

Koharu: Yeah.. I would be happy that I could burst if I get the chance to see him.

Silica: Hehe.. That's romantic to imagine when you meet him..

Kirito: And if you DO meet him. I guess you two will be living happily ever after.

Koharu: Geez.. Don't sound it like it's a fairy tale! *blush*

They giggle about their friendly conversation.. With their smile, it's like lifting a boulder from Koharu's heart. Then, she just realizes that she haven't make her wish during her birthday..

Koharu: Guys? Do you mind giving me a moment?

Kirito: Sure.

Silica: Okay!

She looks up and raises her hand with the Xmas Ring Accessory wore on her finger up towards the sky where her partner is still up there.. Wishing that she could reaches his.

Koharu: (I wish you would come back to me.. Just once..)

The other two noticed that she is wishing something else.. They both quiet as they respect her wish.

Koharu: Okay, I had done my birthday wish.

Silica: Oh yeah so do you both live around here?

Kirito: We're both are front lines so we're on Floor 50 actually. It's kinda far so I was thinking of getting a room tonight.

Silica: If you stay, I'll take you out for some cheesecake! It's really good here! But it's kinda small as a birthday cake, Koharu.. Sorry about that.

Koharu: I don't mind at all! As long as you're there celebrating with me, I'm satisfied with it.

Then, someone broke their conversation and the atmosphere..

???: Wow, if it isn't Silica!

Koharu: Huh?

Silica: ...

The dragon tamer went silent immediately as she recognizes the voice. Kirito and Koharu look at a female Player with crimson red hair, a spear user with black armor. She sounds very sarcastic.

???: Wow..! You made it out of the forest alive. Good for you, girl.

Koharu: !!

The three of them look at them hostilely..

Kirito whispers to Silica..

Kirito: Something wrong?

Silica: Oh no, nothing..

???: Hang on, what happened to your little friend the lizard? Did it run away?

Silica: Pina died saving me.. But..! I'm gonna get Pina back!

???: Really? I guess you'll be heading for the Hill Of Memories then. I wonder if you'll be able to clear it at your level.

Silica: ...

Then, Kirito and Koharu both cut in..

Kirito: Of course she will. It's not that difficult to level.

Koharu: Yeah. It won't be a problem.

She sighs...

???: Oh God, this girl seduced another players, no it's not difficult but you don't look that strong~ Except for that girl.

She looks at Koharu who is very aware of her.

Koharu: Just what do you want?

Rosalia: Oh I apologize my rudeness, I should show some respect for the top tier player, Koharu. My name's Rosalia. I would love to have you in our guild. But too bad you already have one.

Koharu: What are you talking about?

She kept on talking until she brings the sensitive subject.

Rosalia: I heard a rumor that your boyfriend had ditched you and cleared all 30 floors by himself. So I guess you're gonna have your sweet revenge on him perhaps?

Koharu: What did you say!? He didn't abandoned me! At all!

Her pure anger flares up, but Kirito stops her as her hand is about to draw out her weapon.

Kirito: No..! This is not the time. Come on..

Koharu: ...

She suppresses it all and go on along with them..

Rosalia: Hmph...!

From a far, their conversation was overheard by the Oathkeeper. He clenches his fist so hard that he crushes his Teleport Crystal in his hand into million pieces.. He walks away as he murmurs in anger..

Oathkeeper: Enjoy your last night...

Timeskip... Restaurant..

The three of them are in the restaurant, Silica orders the cheesecake and they all still in silent. Especially for Koharu who is still furious about what Rosalia said.

Silica: Why does she have to be so mean?

Koharu: Yeah.. It's so frustrated how she insulted about Lai. I can't seem to control my emotions.

Silica: It's okay, she's just saying tho. It won't come true..

Koharu: But still.

Kirito: Just take a deep breath and think about Lai. He wouldn't want you to be mad, right?

Koharu: *nod* Of course.

She takes a deep breath and gently exhales the air out, calming herself down.

Koharu: Okay.. I think I feel better now.

Kirito looks worried as he never seen her being overruled by negative emotions.

Kirito: Cool. I actually never seen you being angry before.

She sighs..

Koharu: Because Lai always the one who takes out my sadness and frustrations. Like he absorbs my negative emotions away.

Silica: I'm glad you able to let it out. But anyway, why do people acted so mean?

Kirito: Well, is Sword Art Online in your first MMO?

She nods..

Silica: Mhm...

Kirito: A lot of people's personalities changed when they play games online. And some actually like playing the game as the bad guy.

He points at the cursor above Silica.

Kirito: You see how our cursors are green? Well if you committed a crime against another player. Your cursor's gonna turn orange, then they become what's called a red player, the worst.. Also known as Player Killers. They're all about murder..

Silica: *Gasp!* They kill other players?

Koharu: ..Yeah... It happens to me and Lai, not just only once... But twice.. That's the reason why we got separated... Because of them...

Silica: Oh God..! Sorry that I brought this subject up!

Koharu: ...I just don't wanna talk about this...

Kirito: Yeah.. It's better not to talk about now..

Then, the NPC waiter shows up in front of them, serving them with Cheesecake just what Silica had ordered for.

Koharu: The cakes's here. But I feel I don't have any appetite..

She encourages her..

Silica: That's why you should try it. Especially the time when you feel sad and depressed.

Koharu: ...

Kirito: Come on, today's your birthday, remember?

She stares at the cake.. Then, she got no choice but to eat it heartily since today's her birthday. She smiles serenely..

Koharu: I guess I have no choice then.

She picks the fork and takes a small piece of it. As it goes into her mouth.. The sweetness and the fragrance of it flood inside her mouth. Making her heart feels the warmth from the inside and filling it with joyful bliss. She enjoys the sweetness in every each bite of it with a brighter smile.

Koharu: Mhm~! This tastes really good! Thanks, Silica! This is probably the best birthday cake I ever have!

They both smile back..

Silica: Oh! Glad you happy with it!

Kirito: It's really nice to see you back, Koharu.

Koharu: Yeah! Thanks for all of this. Really...

Silica: No problem!

Kirito: Yeah, but it isn't really good actually if it compares to the ring Lai gave you. Its stats really made a lot easier for you in combat.

Koharu: Yeah it is, but you guys really done so much for me. So there's nothing to be compared. As long as you guys have the sincerity, I'll accept it all.

Kirito: That's why Lai always has a fond of you. You're pure as always..

She got blushed by his compliment..

Koharu: Ehh!? Why's that suddenly?

Kirito: Come on, you knew him a lot. So I guess you feel the same way as well.

She scratches her head as she looks away, blushing..

Koharu: Yeah.. It might be.. True I guess.. But you can continue what you're discussing about..

Kirito: Oh.. Yeah! About that.. In a normal game, the role-play as the bad guy have some laughs so it's cool. But Sword Art Online isn't normal. It's definitely not a game.

Silica: Kirito..

He looks away, apologizing to her after saying horrible stuff to an innocent girl like her.

Kirito: I'm sorry..

She grabs his hand to put her trust on him..

Silica: Well, I think you're good so..! I mean..! You saved me after all!

Koharu: He's a good guy, obviously so you can count on him.

Kirito: That's what you should say after all we've been through?

Koharu: No, it's just I don't wanna let you be seen as the bad guy. ^^"

Kirito: Haha.. Very funny... You knew I won't do that..

Silica: That's true. I can put my trust on you.

He grins at her with warm smile..

Kirito: Looks like you cheered me up instead. Thank you, Silica.

Her face turns red as the temperature rises a bit.. Silica got nervous and panic while cooling herself off the heat with both of her hands.

Silica: Well..! Where the heck is our cheesecake already? Excuse me, our desserts hasn't shown up yet!

Koharu: But it's already here.

Silica: Oh yeah! Let's dig in!

Koharu: She sure acts strange. ^^"

Kirito: Hehe.. Yeah..

Timeskip... Town's inn..

They all got themselves two rooms. One for Kirito and another for the girls, Silica and Koharu.. Silica lays on the bed with just her inner wears on and Koharu is just sitting there beside with her pajamas dresses on.

Silica: Phew...

Koharu: Do you usually sleep like this? ^^"

Silica: Huh? Well, it's kinda hot in here, don't you think? And it just two of us girls in here.

Koharu: I think I'm cool with that both.

Silica: Great! I hope you have a nice sleep.

Koharu: Hey..

Silica: Hm?

Koharu: How you feel about Kirito?

Silica: Well... I wonder if he laughed if I told him that I wanna talk some more.

Koharu: He won't. He respects you as a player. Not only just a dragon tamer but as a person in real life.

Silica: Yeah! I trust him.

Then, Kirito knocks on the door and speaks to them through the door as he respects their privacy.

Kirito: Silica. Koharu. You two still awake?

Koharu: Yeah!

Silica: K-Kirito!?

Kirito: I forgot to tell you some stuff about Floor 47, but I guess it can wait till tomorrow.

Silica rushes to the door to open for Kirito..

Silica: No, now's fine! Actually, I was just thinking I should ask you about..!

Koharu stops her..

Koharu: Wait! You haven't put your clothes on.

Silica: Ehh!?

Timeskip...

Kirito joins up in their room, moving a table and a chair in with Koharu's help for the discussion. Silica is just sitting there, face glows red. Like she's in a fever.

Silica: (That was so close...)

He looks at her as he puts down a Mirage Sphere.

Kirito: Are you having a fever, Silica? Your face turns red.

Silica: No! Nothing! ^^" What's that thing do, Kirito?

Kirito: It's a Mirage Sphere.

He taps onto the button, the device shows a 3D hologram of the map of Floor 47. He points at the town area which located in the center.

Kirito: This is the town area of Floor 47.

Then, he points at the South side of the Town area.

Koharu: And that's the Hill Of Memories.

Kirito: Right. I was thinking if we take this route we can-!

Koharu: Wait!

They sense something wrong with their detection skills.

Kirito: !?

Silica: What's wron-?

He puts a finger on his lips. Telling her to stay quiet.

Kirito: Shh!

He bursts through the door. Koharu follows up to check who eavesdropping them.

Kirito: Who's there!?

He hears a loud footsteps as the eavesdropper escaped from him. Silica just come out with them.

Silica: Uhm.. Who was it?

Kirito: An eavesdropper...

Koharu: Yeah I pretty sure about it.

Silica: But they can't, I mean you can't hear through a door unless you knocked first.

Then, they all went inside..

Kirito: But if your listening skill is high enough, you can. It takes practice, not that many players have it.

Silica: Why would they want to listen to us?

Kirito: ...

Koharu: We don't actually know their motives unfortunately.. But they won't stop us on finding the flower!

Kirito: Yeah.

She feels worried about them..

Silica: Okay...

Meanwhile..

The eavesdropper barely escaped from their detection skills. He just got outside of the Town's Inn..

Eavesdropper: (Huff... I barely made it out.)

As he turns right and head to the alleyway.. Someone grabs his throat and lifts him up. Choking him up, but they're in safe zone so his HP won't drop down no matter what.

Eavesdropper: Ugh...!

Oathkeeper: Surprise, Mtfk..

Then, his night vision turns on automatically. He notices a player in a Black Coat.

Eavesdropper: Wha..!? How didn't I notice him!?

Oathkeeper: What did you hear?

Eavesdropper: Screw you! You won't get away with this!

He tightens his choking..

Oathkeeper: You asked for it..

He casually walks all the way with that position to the outside of safe zone until he can damage him. Despite his HP drops to Red Zone and stops at there. The eavesdropper still didn't get terrified.

Eavesdropper: Ha! You think you can kill me with just this!?

Oathkeeper: I'm not planning on that...

*Loud footsteps*

Eavesdropper: !?

The eavesdropper is starting to afraid when a few of Drunken Apes came out behind him. Slowly approaching them.

Eavesdropper: Alright! I'll tell you! They're heading to the South Side of Floor 47 in tomorrow! Just let me go already!

Oathkeeper: Good dog..

He throws him towards in front of a group of Drunken Apes. The mobs start mincing him to death with their blunt weapon.

Eavesdropper: Ah-! Ahh!!!! AHHHH!!!! *Burst!*

Back to Town's Inn..

After discussing the path they're heading to, Koharu suddenly remembered someone else as she recalls that they talked about the cursors of the players in the restaurant.. She calls out to him on the other side of their separated beds.

Koharu: Hey, Kirito...

Kirito: Hm?

She mentioned about the player she heard about..

Koharu: Why didn't we tell Silica about this Oathkeeper who has been saving green players lately? She'll rest assure with that fact.

Kirito: But the bad guys always exist in this world, even though their numbers had been decreasing. Or else, we won't encounter that woman with red hair back in the town.

Koharu: Yeah, he must be very busy dealing with those players.. I hope he's fine..

He asks curiously..

Kirito: Why you worrying about him? We both haven't met him yet..

Koharu: Life's at stake everyday.. If it means saving more people than killing. I think he's doing a good job. I suppose...

Kirito: Koharu..

Koharu: Sorry, I shouldn't think in that way. For somehow, I feel he just wanna makes the world a better place with peace. Just like the news from Argo.

Kirito: It's okay. It's true, that's what makes him a legend.

Koharu: Yeah..

Kirito: I suggest you to get some sleep for tomorrow. Good night then..

Koharu: You too, Kirito..

They both sleep..

Timeskip...

Year 2024, February 24th. Aincrad Standard Time, 09:00. Floor 47, Floria.

The three of them had teleported to Floria. The center town area of Floor 47. Silica seems to be excited as she sees a lot of flowers around them.

Silica: Wow! This place is like a dream!

Kirito: I know, the whole floor is covered in flowers. That's what they called it the flower garden.

Silica walks up and squats down as she takes a smell of the flowers. She enjoys watching the ladybug flying from the flower until it leads her to a lot of Couples. She gasps at the sight of it

Silica: *Gasp..* Couples...

On the other side, Koharu just realizes that she feels a bit "lonely" as she watches the couples hanging around like true lovers. Only Kirito who is acting normally..

Koharu: *Sigh*

Kirito: You okay?

Koharu: Yeah, I'm fine. But Silica sure looks really excited.

He chuckles...

Kirito: She's just like you when we reached Floor 47 for the very first time. Then, you start hanging around here more often by yourself.

Koharu: Yeah.. I kinda love all these flowers blooming around.

Kirito: I should have brought you here instead of other places.

Koharu: Nah, it's okay. I appreciate you brought to other places you loved to. I always happy to see a new sight of view.

Kirito: Okay.. I should tell Silica we should move on.

Koharu: Sure!

They walk towards Silica and ask.

Kirito: Silica?

She got startled by them..

Silica: Wha-! Nothing! Uhm! Sorry to keep you waiting!

Kirito: What's wrong?

Silica: No, nothing! Nothing at all!

Koharu: You sure acts really weird..

Kirito: Come on.. We got things to do.

Koharu: Yeah! No time to waste!

They both proceed to the South Side..

Silica: Okay...

She grins as she follows up with them..

Timeskip... Outside of Flower Garden..

Kirito hands her hand a Teleport Crystal..

Silica: What's that for?

Kirito: If anything's bad happens while we're in here, I'm gonna tell you to warp out, okay? When I do, use this Crystal. You can jump to any town with it.

Silica: But..

Kirito: No buts, use it.

Koharu: Yeah, safety first, Silica. Especially when you're still low level.

Silica: ...I understand..

Kirito: Let's get going.. If we take this path, it'll lead us right to the Hill Of Memories.

Koharu: Right! That's where we're heading to!

Silica: ...

They move on to the Hill Of Memories.. Silent atmosphere surrounds them until Silica tries to talk with Kirito.

Silica: Uhm... Kirito..

Two vines just wraps Silica's leg and lifts her up..

Silica: Wahh!!!

Koharu: Huh?

A Piranha plant shows up from its flower bed and raises her upside down. Because of that, she covers her lower with her skirt to avoid being viewed.

Koharu: Silica!

Silica: Don't look!

It opens its mouth as it is about to devour her.

Silica: !!

She got panicked that she swings her dagger around her.

Kirito: Calm down! That thing's not that strong!

Silica: Help! Kirito, save me! But don't look while saving me!

Kirito: *Sweatdropped* That would be... Difficult..

Koharu: Just save her already!

She takes out a blade and it multiplies to 4, forming a huge Shuriken. Then, she throws out and cuts the monsters in half, it returns back to her like a boomerang. Releasing Silica and defeats it in one hit. She lands back and she nervously turns around to Kirito.

Silica: Did you see anything?

Kirito: Uhm.. Not really..

Silica: ...

Koharu: Come on, let's keep going.

Silica: Okay.

Timeskip...

Due to their high levels, Koharu and Kirito defeat them left and right, sometimes even let Silica to gain some Exp by her own.. During their way, Silica asks him.. And their conversation starts up.

Silica: I hope you don't mind me asking but.. What's your sister like?

Koharu: Yeah, I was about to ask that. What she looked like?

He got curious..

Kirito: Why you wanna know?

Silica: You said I looked like her. I know it's not polite to ask about your real life but.. What she like?

Kirito: I called her my little sister, but she's really my cousin. We were raised like Brother and sister since we're babies so I doubt she even knows. But I know. And I guess that's the reason why I avoided her. Our grandfather's really strict when I was 8, he made us take classes at the local kendo dojo, but after a couple years, I stopped going. Grandpa beat the hell out of me for that.

Silica: That's awful..

Koharu: Forcing someone is really terrible..

Kirito: Anyway, then my sister stood up for me and told him to stop. She said she'd train hard for both of us, she did, she trained hard. She even made it to the nationals.

Silica: She did? How awesome! Huh?

She notices his blank expression..

Koharu: But she must be suffered a lot.. Being forced to do what she doesn't like at all.

Kirito: Yeah, I've always felt guilty for putting her through that. I wouldn't doubt if she hates me. God knows she could have been doing something else. Maybe that's why I wanted to help you. In a weird way it makes me feel like I'm paying her back.. There it is..

Silica: If you don't mind me saying.. You're wrong, I don't think she hates you at all. She wouldn't work hard for you if she didn't like you. I promise, I bet she even loves Kendo.

Koharu: Yeah! That'll make sense why she did all that for you, Kirito.

Kirito: There you go again.. Making me feel better. Maybe you're right, man.. I hope so.

She blushes as she gets the compliment from him, again.

Silica: Okay then! I'm gonna do my best too!

She accidentally steps onto a monster trap. Wrapping all over her and lick her.

Silica: Help!

Koharu: Again!?

*Cut!*

Kirito slashes through the monster in one dash. Silica lands on the ground and giggles with silly.

Silica: Ahaha! ^^"

She realizes her lower being revealed.. She covers it again.

Silica: ><"

Koharu: Hope it doesn't happen anymore. It's kinda gross.

Silica: Yeah..

Timeskip...

They proceed far in the field dungeon.. Silica wonders if there's any reviving flowers.

Silica: Is that reviving flowers around here?

Kirito: Yeah! Over there!

He points at a shiny white stone just ahead of them. Silica rushes there first. She witnesses a seed that just got bloomed into a flower.

Koharu: So that's the reviving flowers! Go ahead, pick it up!

She gently plucks it and obtain the Pneuma Flower.

Silica: You sure it'll bring Pina back to life?

Kirito: Uh-huh.

Silica: I'm so glad!

Kirito: There's a bunch of strong monsters lurking around here. Let's revive it once we get back to Town. I'm sure Pina would want it that way.

Silica: Okay!

Timeskip...

They all heading back to the Town.

Koharu: Just one more step then we can finally revive Pina!

Kirito: Yeah.

Koharu: I was wondering.. That you said Silica looked like your sister was just an excuse to avoid her asking about him, right?

Kirito: Yeah.. For the first time.. But then, she really is looked like. Anyway, you're feeling any better?

Koharu: Yeah! Thanks for cooling me last night. I just hope I don't wanna see her again.

Kirito: ...Well, there might be more like her.. But we'll deal with them together.

Koharu: Yeah, at least I'm not alone. That's for sure! Huh?

Suddenly, a lot of plant-type monsters had spawned around them. They got surprised by their numbers.

Koharu: What the-!? I don't remember we've been fighting this many while we're on our way!

Kirito: Well, nothing's predictable.

They were surrounded by the mobs.. Separating Koharu from Kirito and Silica away. Worse is, she is in no position to run away.

Silica: Koharu!

Kirito: We'll get you out of here!

Koharu: No! Don't worry about me!

She already made up her decision.

Koharu: Kirito! You should go with Silica to somewhere safer!

Kirito: But what about you?

Koharu: Just go! I can handle them all by myself!

Silica: What should we do?

Kirito: Ugh...

He clenches his fist..

Kirito: We can trust her, she'll join back with us! Let's go!

Silica: Be safe, Koharu!

Koharu: Right!

They both leave the area and Koharu. On the other side, one of the Rosalia's member is a Monster Player Killers, short as MPKers. He just informed to his leader. She taunts..

Rosalia: Hope you enjoyed yourselves, Koharu~

They all move up to the outside of the Town to wait for their prey.

Back to Koharu..

*Cut!* *Monster roar* * Slash!* *Whip!*

She gathers her speed to avoid the vine attacks. She cuts their limbs off and tries to take her advantage while they're vulnerable. But with the fact of the mobs recovering speed was incredible, they can regrow their limbs back so it's difficult for her to put them in disadvantage. But her will still keeping up as she remembers the incident back in Floor 20.

Koharu: I won't make the same mistakes again!

She throws her Demon Wind Shuriken and cuts through multiple enemies. She tanks a vine hit from behind and dodges away to counter attack them. She dodges away from them until the other vines grab her body and raise her up. Her dagger falls from her hand and she's unarmed and  harmless to them.

Koharu: Oh no! My dagger!

The vines start tighten up.. She tries to break out from it.

Koharu: Ugh! Let me go!

Fear and horror starts haunting her as it reminds her what happened in Floor 20.

*Whack!*

Lai: Ugh!!

Koharu: Lai!!

He stands up on his feet.. Calmly soothes Koharu with his words.

Lai: I'm fine... Koharu...

Orange Player B: Good. That's what I like to see. I like it when someone can take a good hit. Now get up. Tell me something: You one for fighting games too?

Lai: ...

Orange Player B: Nothing to say? 'Cause if you are, I'm sure you'll agree that the best part of them is always when you land a big, meaty attack. I love fancy ones especially, the kind that are hard to hit on moving targets... Which is why I'm glad I've got a nice practice dummy! But enough talk! Let's get to work on that practice!

*Punch!*

Lai: Argh!!!!

*Tush!*

Lai: Urgh!!!!!

*Splack!*

Lai: AHHH!!!

Despite the pain he got, he still standing up, feel powerless.

Koharu: Stop! Please, no more! How can you be so cruel!?

Sanya: You're a coward! Haven't you any shame!?

Orange Player B: Me? A coward? You've got it all wrong. Nobody's being forced to do anything here. That's literally nothing stopping this guy from dodging my attacks and bringing me down. But that's not what's happening. Lai is clearly happy to play along as a favor to me, seeing as we're both big gamers and all. Isn't that right, Gamer?

The man hits him one more time..

*Tush!*

Lai: Aaaagh!!!

She cries..

Koharu: That's enough! No more! Please, Lai! Forget about me! Don't let him push you around! I know you're better than him! Please!! Stand up for yourself and fight already!! I don't want you to die because of me! I... I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you...

Orange Player B: Aww, isn't that touching? It almost makes me want to cry. Sadly, it's game over for you now!

The Orange Player summoned two of his knives and spins them once more, clearly intending to end things in earnest. Light enveloped the grisly knife as he closed in on Lai. But before he could deliver the final blow...

Orange Player B: Sayonara... Player..

She screams at top of her lungs.

Koharu: No!!!!!

*Slash!* *Cut!* *Hack!* *Burst!*

A huge horizontal square unleashed, wiping all the mobs around Koharu. She falls down and a player with a Black Coat catches her in time in bridal style. The Oathkeeper looks at her who is still had a bit conscious remains, a stream of tears forms from her eyes through her cheeks.. She let out 4 words before she faints away..

Koharu: Lai... *Sob* Don't... Leave.. Me...

Oathkeeper: ...

His tear drips from his eyes and falls down onto Koharu's cheek, joining and combining with hers. He gently puts her down, wiping the tears out and puts something else in her inventory before he carries her up again to where Kirito and Silica at..

Oathkeeper: Time's running out...

He walks along the red bricked path while carrying her.

Timeskip...

Kirito and Silica are almost reach the Town's Safe Zone. Silica still worrying about Koharu's safety..

Silica: Do you think Koharu's gonna make it out?

Kirito: I trust her.. She's strong. Maybe she'll catch up with us.. Wait...

He suddenly stops Silica from moving on..

Silica: What's wrong?

Kirito: Whoever's hiding out there, come out! Now!

Silica: Huh?

Then, just as Kirito expected, a player reveals from the cover. It turns out it's Rosalia who is hiding behind the tree.

Silica: Rosalia!?

Rosalia: If you can saw through my hiding skill so easy, your detection skill must be really high, Swordsman.

She notices the flower she targeted on from them.

Rosalia: Oh~ It looks like you were successful getting your hands on the Pneuma Flower, congratulations. Now..

Her face changes into serious..

Rosalia: Hand it over before you get hurt!

Silica protests..

Silica: What are talking about!?

Kirito: No one's handing anything over, Rosalia. Not to you, or the Orange Guild. Or should I say.. Titan's hand. You're their leader, right?

She compliments..

Rosalia: Nice~

Silica: But Rosalia's cursor is green!

Kirito: It's an easy trick. The Green Members find their victims. Then, they lure them straight to the Orange Players for the ambush. That was one of your pals last night, eavesdropping on us, wasn't it?

Rosalia: But he didn't come back at all.. It doesn't matter. At least I get the message before he's gone.

Kirito: What?

Then, Silica now gets the point..

Silica: Then, the reason you were in that party with me and the others was to-!

She smirks..

Rosalia: How perceptive. I was observing their strength and watching them earn all that beautiful money.

She licks her lips. A sound that sends a chill down on Silica's spine.

Silica: !!

Rosalia: You're who I was excited about and I was so sad when you left the party, but then you told me you were getting a rare item! But I want to know is if you knew about us, why did you bring her here? Are you dumb? Or does she have you wrapped around her finger?

It triggers Silica a lot.. But she suppresses it all..

Kirito: Nope, you're wrong both times. See, I've been looking all over for you, Rosalia.

Rosalia: What are you talking about?

He starts explaining.

Kirito: Remember ten days ago? You attacked a guild called the "Silver Flags". The leader survived, 4 didn't.

Rosalia: Oh, the losers with no money.

Kirito: The leader went back and forth from the war point to the front lines, morning till night and with tears in his eyes. He begged everyone he met to avenge his dead friends but he didn't want you killed.. No.. He wanted you to go to prison. Do you have any idea how he felt?

Rosalia casually twisted her hair, not taking anything seriously.

Rosalia: Can't say I do. Only idiots take this seriously. So what if we kill someone here? There's no proof dying here means you're dead IRL. Talk about that, we've taken care of your top tier friend, it was such a waste of killing her.

Kirito: What!? You did what!?

Silica: How!? She's strong! There's no way that she died!

Rosalia: You forgot there's a thing called MPKers. They use Monsters as a weapon to kill their victims dummy..

Kirito: (No way.. I can't believe this.. Koharu.. Lai!)

Rosalia: Anyway, it's time you started worrying about yourselves.

She snaps her finger, calling all her 7 members out.

Silica: Kirito! There's too many of them! We should get out of here!

Kirito: ...You bastards..!

He walks towards, unsheathes his weapon.

Silica: Kirito!

Sword User 1: Kirito!?

The other Sword User observes his appearance.

Sword User 2: Dressed in black.. One-handed, no Shield. Holy cow, it's the Black Swordsman!

He explains to his leader..

Sword user 2: Rosalia, that guy! He's the solo player who fights on the front lines! He's with the Assault Team!

Silica: No way! He is?

Rosalia didn't believe that..

Rosalia: Why would someone from the Assault Team be all the way down here!? Go on, take him out! And take everything he owns!

As all of her members are about to unleash their Sword Skills. They notice someone even more worse. But they didn't know they're actually messing with.

Mace User: What the-?

The Black Swordsman stops his steps and looks behind.. His eyes widened as he recognizes the avatar.

Kirito: Is that!?

Silica: Huh?

Behind Kirito and Silica is a player with a Black Coat, carrying Koharu who is unconscious all the way back to the Town safely. Silica notices Koharu still alive. The Black Swordsman rushes to her.

Silica: Koharu!

Kirito: You okay, Koharu!?

He inspects at the player who saved her..

Kirito: (That guy! It can't be-!)

Oathkeeper: ...

He keeps on walking until he stops in between them and the Orange Guild. His back facing the Orange Players as he sets her down on the ground gently.. Looking at her..

Rosalia: Is that a joke?

One of her members is getting impatient and trying to interrupt him.

Dual-wielding Axe User: Hey! Who the hell are yo-!?

*Tush!* *Burst!*

The Oathkeeper swings his right fist behind, slapping the player away very hard that drops his entire HP down. They all saw that death in front of them.

Sword User 1: One-hit kill!?

The other player started to panic..

Sword User 2: It's just an illusion! No players can do that damage unless-! Holy crap..!

He stood up, turns around as he unsheathes his Dark General's Sword.

Sword User 2: That Sword! That strength! Rosalia! You can't mess with that guy at all! We have to retreat!

Rosalia: Are you idiots? He's just scaring you off! I bet he's just wanna steal someone's girlfriend just to prove he's better than you all. Now get him!

One of them charge towards him, he stabs through one of his eyeballs and his hand pins his head onto the ground. He whispers to his opponent.

Oathkeeper: Know your place...

A sound of skull crushing echoes up the scene.

*Klack!* *Burst!*

All: !!

Silica: *Gasp!*

Rosalia: !!

The leader got startled..

Kirito: Wait, Oathkeeper! Don't kill them all!!

He throws the Crystal bought with all the Leader's fortune to him. He catches it flawlessly.

Kirito: Use the Teleport Crystal to send them all to Prison! Let me be your help!

The Oathkeeper stops him with his other hand.

Oathkeeper: Go.. Take care of her..

Silica: He's right! We should go now! Or else Koharu won't be holding on anymore!

Kirito: Oh.. Be sure to catch them, okay?

Oathkeeper: ...

The three of them teleport away.. Leaving only him dealing with the Orange Guild. As they were gone, he clenches his fist, crushing the Teleport Crystal in his hand into million pieces.

Oathkeeper: Looks like I had changed my mind..

Rosalia: Just who are you!?

As the other members are about to escape, he throws out a potion and it splashes on the ground, they just realized what is the liquid.

Sword User 1: It's the paralyzing potion!

Sword User 2: No! I don't wanna die!! I don't wanna die at all!!!

He throws one of the members in the lake, he got eaten by the Piranhas. He cuts off the rest of their all body parts off, feeding or in other words, "fertilizing" the Cannibal plants. And the last, only left is the leader.. He slowly approaches her as her body shakes violently after witnessing the deaths.

Rosalia: What are you gonna do to me!?

Rosalia, who is unable to move. Both of his thumbs pressed on her eyeballs. He taunts at her verbally before the torturing begins.

Rosalia: No.. No!!!

Oathkeeper: I'm the Oathkeeper... And.. I'll be your Oblivion!!!

His thumbs starts pressing very hard and in results of crushing her eyeballs, she screams at top of her lungs in pain while losing her sights.

Rosalia: AAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the end, Rosalia suffered the enormous pain with Permanent Blind Status Ailment... But this is just a beginning of the torturing for him..

Timeskip... Aincrad Standard Time, 19:00. Floor 35, Town's Inn..

Koharu just wakes up from her faint.. She found herself in a Town's Inn.

Koharu: Huh?

She notices Silica was sleeping beside her with her knees on the ground and face resting on the bed beside her dragon, Pina. She just woke up as well and sees her friends had awake.

Silica: Koharu! You awake! Kirito!

He just woke up from his sleep from sitting on the table.

Kirito: Huh? Koharu! I'm glad you awake..!

Koharu: What just happened? How did I end up here?

Kirito: You got saved by the Oathkeeper. The one who dressed in Black Coat, remember?

Koharu: Yeah.. What about Pina? Did we revived it?

He nodded..

Kirito: Uh-huh! We did!

Silica: Say hello to her, Pina. She's the one who saved you!

Pina: Pina!!

It flies onto Koharu's shoulder. Snuggling her face with its.

Koharu: It's great to have you back, Pina!

It sounds cheerful.

Pina: Pina!!!

Koharu: Anyway, thanks to his rescue.. I was able to survive that.

Kirito: You can't push yourself too hard if you can't beat that many..

Koharu: Yeah.. I guess I still have to be stronger.. Sorry about for making you two worried.

Silica: I'm glad you're fine!

Kirito: Did he said anything?

Koharu: No.. He didn't say any before I faint.. Then, I can't remember what happened next..

Kirito: Oh.. I hope he brought them to the prison.

Koharu: Huh? What do you mean?

Kirito: Uhm... Nothing! I was just hoping that he would catch more Orange Players and Red Players in order to make the world a better place and peaceful!

She smiles brightly..

Koharu: Yeah. I hope so..

He asks her as she still haven't fully recovered yet.

Kirito: Do you still need some rest?

Koharu: Yeah, you guys can go on without me. I'll be staying here until you two come back.

Silica: Okay! Let's go, Pina!

Pina: Piina!!

They all leave the room, except Koharu.. She toggles her main menu, press the storage icon and checks her items. Fortunate is, she got her dagger back and her Shuriken. As she views further, she saw a letter lay resting in her inventory at the last slot. She takes it out and inspects the letter. She doesn't remember of having it stored inside her inventory.

Koharu: I wonder what this is..

She opens the letter and start reading it..

To Koharu,

If you're reading this, I would be still on higher floors. Sorry for not taking you along with me. I broke my promises that I supposed to protect it. Leaving you alone and push everything to under Kirito's care and Asuna's warmth was my biggest mistake I've ever made, but I lacked what I needed in order to protect you. To protect our future promises and.. To protect our connection.. So.. I'm sorry, Koharu.. But we'll meet again someday and..

"Happy Birthday, Koharu.❤️"

From Lai..

She gasps as she couldn't believe at all that her partner had sent a letter to her. Item that attached inside of it is a Birthday Card with a 3D hologram showing up when opened. She opens it and it shows a lot of pictures and memories of their adventures and journeys through Aincrad, she smiles serenely as she feels so happy that her heart is almost going to burst with eternal happiness. At the end, a present just drop from the card and it opens itself, revealing a pair of Red Crystal Rose Earrings that can be equipped as the Head Accessory, with the stats of All stats up +10. She hugs the letter and the present he gave her as to feel his love for her.

Koharu: Lai.. Thank you for celebrating with me...

End Of Chapter...