Currently, Akiri is being driven by Alexander, heading towards a location which he had been told to go to a few days prior.

It has been about over a week since the events of GGO reached its conclusion. Since then, things have started to settle down once again for Akiri as he prepares himself for his surgery to heal his legs coming in a couple more weeks.

However, a new issue arises for the boy as he has been suddenly called by someone he hadn't seen ever since SAO.

After a while of driving later, the black luxury SUV then stopped at the side of the road, right across a small restaurant.

Alexander: Is this the place, sir?

Akiri: Yeah

Finding an empty parking spot, Alexander went and stopped the car. He got out and walked to the passenger side door to help Akiri get into his wheelchair.

(Timeskip)

Akiri went into the restaurant and searches through the other customers while traversing through the tables with his wheelchair.

It didn't take long until he found the person he is looking for, sitting at a table on her phone. It is a girl with short brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue hoodie over a green blouse.

As he approaches her, the girl noticed him and did a double take as she got a closer look at his face.

???: Akiri? Is that you?

The girl stood up from her seat and moved towards the boy, slightly in surprise at the sight of him being in a wheelchair.

Akiri: Yep, in the flesh. Good to see you too, Kotone-san

She could barely believe it, but the boy in front of her is undoubtedly the friend she knew back in SAO, the very one who had saved her life by risking his. A debt she could never repay.

Kotone: No, no, drop the honorifics. I think we know each other well enough to call each other by our first names

Akiri: Got it

Kotone: Come on. You want to order something?

They then got back to her table with Akiri sitting across from the girl known as Kotone. The boy had ordered a can of soda to drink while he explained to her why and how he ended up in a wheelchair.

Akiri: ...And that's pretty much what happened. I got stuck in this wheelchair ever since

Kotone: I see... It must be hard for you

Akiri: Yeah, it was. But I've gotten over that for while now. And I'm actually going away to get surgery done to fix my legs, so...

Kotone: That's good. I wish you all the best for your recovery

Akiri: Thanks

He took a sip of his drink for a brief moment before continuing.

Akiri: So, anyway. What is this "important business" you're talking about?

Kotone: Right, I'll get to the point then. It's this...

She then pulled out her phone and opened it to show an online article. He then took the device as he began to read the article on the screen and nodded his head as he read along.

Akiri: Uh-huh... So someone finally found the location of the Holy Sword Excalibur in ALO...

Kotone: I actually was one of the first who found the location sword a few months ago. I've been eying it for a while now

Akiri: You're not using daggers anymore? It's unusual for you to be interested in longswords

Kotone: No, no. I'm just interested in the fact that it's a legendary weapon. I mean, come on, it's the Excalibur! It's like the holy grail of lost treasures

Akiri: I see... Well, I guess that makes sense. What I don't get is why something from Arthurian legend is in a game with elements of Norse mythology...

She laughs.

Kotone: Yeah. It would make more sense if they called it "Laeventeinn" or something. But anyway, I kept the location to myself until I can try to retrieve the sword. But as you could see, someone else found the sword and leaked it online, and it was a lot earlier than I expected

Akiri just nodded his head as she continued to explain.

Kotone: So, I'm completely unprepared for this. My initial plan was to slowly work my way through the dungeon, maybe with one or two other people. But now, because of the leak, the whole server is gonna scramble to get the sword as soon as possible

Akiri: Mmhm

Kotone: ...That means I will now be competing against larger guilds with better players with much better equipment and resources. It's practically impossible for me to get the sword with the way it is now

Akiri: That's probably true

Kotone: And that's where you come in!

She points a finger at him.

Akiri: Huh?

Kotone: I'm putting together a team! That's right, I'm assembling the gang back together!

Akiri: Kotone...

Kotone: It's gonna be epic! A quest to find the legendary Excalibur!

Akiri: Um, Kotone...

Kotone: I'm thinking that we get Asuna and Kirito, and then...

Kotone doesn't seem to have heard him as she kept listing off names.

Kotone: Silica, Liz...

Akiri: Kotone

Kotone: The flying creature could only carry about six or seven people so-

Akiri: Kotone!

He raised his voice and she finally heard him as she stopped talking, looking at him with her head slightly tilted in confusion.

Kotone: Huh? What?

Akiri: Kirito and the others had teamed up already

She looked completely shocked when she heard that.

Kotone: What?!

She exclaims loudly as she slams her hand onto the table, making everyone nearby look at her confused before getting back to what they're doing.

Philia: So Kirito already had his eyes on the Excalibur... If he wants the sword for himself, he's never letting anyone else get it!

Akiri: Yeah. He just called me this morning, asking me if I would join them, but I refused. Kirito, Asuna, Leafa, Liz, Silica and Klein, they're all heading out tomorrow

Kotone: Oh, you refused? Why?

Akiri: You guys are the ones who want the thing, why should I work my ass off for it? It's freezing cold out there in Jotunheim and you need to travel through miles of snow to get there in the first place. The effort is totally not worth it for me

Kotone: O-Oh... So does this mean you're not gonna help me...?

Akiri: Yes

Kotone: Please, Akiri!

She puts her hands together in a pleading way.

Kotone: I can't be sure I can clear the dungeon in time without you!

Akiri: Kotone, even if I went with you, who else is there to join us?

Kotone looked downhearted as her gaze drops down. She knows he's right. Without the help of other players, there is no way they could clear the dungeon all by themselves, let alone get the reward in time.

Akiri: Look, I'm sorry. I get it, you really wanted that sword. But with only the two of us, there's no way we can make it-

Kotone: I know!

She suddenly shouted excitedly, getting everyone's attention again.

Kotone: We can ask them!

Akiri: "Them"?

She then started to count using her fingers and she held up five fingers once she was done.

Kotone: We're missing one more...

Akiri: If you need one more person, I think I got someone in mind...

Kotone: That's great!

Akiri: But I can't guarantee you that she'll say yes

Kotone: That's fine. I'll text you a location in ALO. We'll meet there tomorrow morning

Akiri: Wait, I didn't say I'll-

Philia: Okay, see you tomorrow!

She said in a hurry as she immediately got up and runs away before he could object her, leaving him completely dumbstruck.

Akiri: ...

(Timeskip)

Akiri: What have I gotten myself into this time...?

Akiri had just logged himself into ALO and is currently in the city of Alne walking towards a location which Kotone had sent him last night.

Akiri: This should be it

A while later, he had just arrived in front of a medium-sized house. Just as he was about to enter, he felt someone tap his shoulder.

???: Hey, Akiri

He heard a familiar voice and he turns around to see Sinon in her Cait Sith avatar.

Akiri: Sinon. Glad you can make it

Sinon: Of course. You helped me so much when I was starting out here, so I thought I would return the favour

Sometime after the events in Gun Gale Online, Akiri and his friends had invited the blue-haired sniper to play Alfheim Online together with them. She agreed and everyone had for some reason, insisted that Akiri should be the one to show her the ropes.

Thanks to his guidance, it didn't take long until she gets the hang of the game.

Simon: So, what's this all about?

Akiri: I'll explain later. Let's go inside for now

She nodded her head as she agrees and the two walked inside.

As they walked through the door, they saw someone sitting at a round table and although slightly different in appearance, Akiri recognizes her to be Philia, using a Spriggan avatar.

Sinon: (thoughts) A girl, huh...?

Was the blue-haired sniper's initial thoughts.

Philia: The others should be here soon. Let's hold introductions until then

Akiri: Right

Sinon: Works for me

They then joined Philia to sit at the table.

Akiri: So, the people you mentioned, who are they?

Just as he asked, the door opens up and they see two people enter. Akiri was completely shocked, standing up from his seat in disbelief as he recognizes them.

Akiri: Sora... Koharu...

He walked up to them, still in shock at seeing their faces. After the events of the death game, he had lost contact with them and hadn't seen the two ever since. And by the looks of it, they had just logged ALO for the first time as they are still using the default Sylph equipment.

Akiri: It's... It's you guys...

Koharu: Akiri!

The girl, Koharu ran up to him and wrapped her arms around him happily.

Koharu: Long time no see! I've missed you!

Akiri: Yeah... A long time

A smile grew on his face as his eyes started to water a bit and he hugged the girl back.

Sora then walked up to him as they broke their hug and the two boys smiled at each other as they fist-bumped before going for a bro hug.

At the side, Sinon just watched silently at their reunion, feeling slightly confused at the new faces.

Philia: They're some of Akiri's closest friends from SAO

Philia told her.

Sinon: Really?

Philia: Yeah. Akiri said they were the first people he made friends with in that game. Aside from the people he already knew of course

Sinon looked back at them and smiled. But then a small frown formed on her face immediately afterwards as she looks at Koharu.

Sinon: (thoughts) A girl again...? How many girls can one guy know?

Akiri: So you guys had just logged in?

Sora: Yeah, we've never played this game before, or any VR games since then. Until Philia suddenly called us over last night

Koharu: We don't have anything in particular to do today, so we figured it's a good time to get into VR games again

Akiri: Well, regardless, it's so good to see you two again

Akiri then noticed that Sora and Koharu are holding hands, their fingers intertwined with one another and he looked at them with a grin.

Akiri: Oh? What's this? You guys finally made it official?

Their faces immediately went red as they turned to hide their blush.

Koharu: Y-Yeah...

Sora: We've been going out for a while now...

Akiri: I always knew it

Koharu: R-Really? Since when?

Akiri: Around the time when we first met. Took you long enough

Koharu: E-Eh?! Really?!

Akiri: Yup. Isn't that right, Sora?

Sora: Y-Yeah...

Akiri: Well, congrats, you guys. I'm sure you'll make a nice couple

Koharu: S-Stop it, Akiri...

The both of them were completely red on their faces.

Akiri: Oh, Sora, Koharu. This is Sinon

He said as he gestures to Sinon and she smiled at them and gave a slight bow.

Sinon: Nice to meet you

Koharu: Nice to meet you too, Sinon-san

Sinon: Please, just call me Sinon

As they were conversing and getting to know each other some more, the door opens again, and someone else quietly steps in.

Akiri: No way...

Akiri was shocked to see another familiar face walk in. Unlike Sora and Koharu though, she seems to be in an already decent outfit and equipment. A red and black coloured dress, moderately armoured.

Meanwhile, however, the boy wasn't the only one who is in shock...

Sinon: (thoughts) Another girl?!

The blue-haired sniper mentally exclaimed in shock yet again.

Akiri: Sanya. Privyet

Sanya: Privyet

She answers back.

He then walked over to her and wrapped his arms around the girl. However, she didn't return the gesture and just stood there quietly.

Akiri: Come on, you're not gonna hug me back? We haven't seen each other for over a year now

He doesn't notice it, but the silver-haired girl was silent for a reason. Her face is now completely red up to her ears, feeling his arms firmly wrap around her waist.

Akiri: Not in the mood for hugs, huh? I see you haven't changed. Well, It's good to see you anyway

He lets go and he then flashes her a smile, causing her to blush again and she immediately looks away to hide it.

Sanya: Y-Yeah...

Akiri: I didn't know you were still here in Japan. I thought you said you were returning to Russia

Sanya: I already did. I came back here just a few weeks ago

Akiri: Oh, I see

Philia: Right! Now that the gang is all here, we can start preparing for our quest!

Philia loudly announced, getting everyone's attention on her. The three newcomers looked at each other, having confused faces.

Akiri: Philia, you haven't explained to them what we'll be doing

Philia: Oh, right. So, here's the situation...

Philia then proceeded to explain to them what they are doing and the reason why she had suddenly called all of them over.

Sora: ...So you needed us to help you clear a dungeon, so that you can get a legendary sword?

Philia: That's right!

Koharu: Sounds fun. It's been a while since we went on a quest together

Sanya: If everyone is in on it, I suppose I can lend a hand

Philia: And there's another thing you should know. We're on a clock here. We need to get there and clear it before some other group does. The reward is replaced with a lower rarity item after it is claimed

Akiri: Mainly, we're up against Kirito's group

Koharu: Kirito-kun? He's trying to clear it as well?

Philia: Yeah. Him, his sister Leafa, Asuna, Silica, Lizbeth and Klein, are all going to clear the dungeon to get the sword first

Sora: So we need to clear the dungeon before those guys could, huh?

Both Akiri and Philia nodded.

Sinon: Can we really beat them to it?

Sinon asked Akiri, expressing her doubts, to which Akiri then answered with a smile.

Akiri: Don't worry. With these guys, I'd say we're evenly matched

Sinon: Really?

Sora: Although, I doubt we can do very much since we've just started playing. Koharu and I are still at level one with only the starting gear

Sanya: I agree. You have to admit, we're not at our best at the moment

Akiri: Not a problem. Here. These items will boost your EXP. Use it now

He transferred Sora, Koharu and Sanya some items and they used them immediately and their EXP went up substantially.

Akiri: Right. Now all we need is to get you all some better gear and we'll be set

Philia: And for that, I got you guys covered!

Philia said as she places an extensive amount of weapons, armour and other pieces of equipment on the table, and the three of them looked at the pile in surprise.

Philia: These are all rare equipment I've gathered during my treasure hunting

Koharu: Woah! There are so many

Sora: These look like high-quality stuff too

Sora asked as he picked up a one-handed sword and a buckler shield from the pile of items.

Philia: You guys can have them

They all looked at Philia in shock as she said that. With the number of items currently on the table, one could argue that she was giving them more than her favour is worth.

Sora: Are you sure we can have these?

Philia: Yup! You can sell off any of the extras for some more Yuld. Consider it your reward for helping me

The three new players walked up to the round table, each looking through the mountain of items. They picked out what catches their eyes, occasionally putting back some of the things they didn't like.

A few moments later, all of them are now in their gear, holding their newly acquired weapons.

The chestnut-haired boy is wearing a dark green outfit with gold accents around the edges, with the outfit having a lightweight style to it. A few pieces of metal plates are placed around to protect some parts of the body like the chest, forearms and legs.

Koharu is wearing a similar outfit to him, but with a lighter green tone to it.

The weapons they are using are the same type as they are used to back in SAO. A single one-handed sword for Sora and dual daggers for Koharu.

Sanya is wearing the same outfit as before, choosing to sacrifice some protection in order to not lose her mobility.

Philia: Looking good guys!

Akiri: Yeah

Koharu: Really? Thank you

Philia: So, a Spriggan, a Cait Sith, two Salamanders and two Sylphs... A pretty unbalanced team I should say. I would've preferred to have at least an Undine with us

Akiri: Well, it's too late to complain now. We'll make it work

Philia: I guess you're right. Anyway, wanna try out your new gear before we head out?

Everyone agreed and they all then went out of the house.

(Timeskip)

Currently, the newly assembled team is now gathered in the middle of an open field, the three new players are each engaged in a fight with lower levelled monsters to help them refamiliarize themselves with virtual reality combat.

Sora: I think I'm starting to get the feeling of it

Koharu: Yeah, me too

Both Sora and Koharu said, as they had taken out some of the monsters.

Akiri: That's good to hear

Akiri, who was overseeing their little practice session, then looked at Sanya, who seems to be staring at her sword, looking a bit unsatisfied.

Sanya: Hmm... I'm still not sure...

Sora: What do you mean?

Sanya: These low-level monsters aren't doing it for me

She then looked over towards Akiri.

Sanya: Akiri. I want to spar with you

Akiri: Right now? Don't we need to get going?

He asked as he turns his head to look at Philia.

Philia: I guess we can spare a few more minutes

Akiri: Alright, if you say so

Sanya and Akiri then walked a few distances away in the middle of the field, and they stood facing each other.

He sent Sanya a duel request, which she accepted immediately, starting a ten-second countdown.

Sanya: You better not go easy on me

The boy smirked as he unsheathed his sword, "Dragon's Bane".

Akiri: Against you? Wasn't planning to

With that brief exchange, they both brandish their swords, and they each got into their own ready stance.

Everyone fell silent as they watched the battle about to unfold. Tension was high in the air as Akiri's and Sanya's expressions changed to a more serious one. They stare at each other with narrowed eyes, both tightening their grip on the handle of their blade.

As the counter reaches zero, the two lunge at each other and they started to engage in battle.

*Clash!*

Sparks flew, and the sound of metal hitting metal reverberates loudly throughout the field as Akiri and Sanya clashes blades, parrying and blocking each other's strikes. They swung their swords with the intent of damaging the other's HP.

Meanwhile, the others watched the battle quietly at the sides, so as to not interrupted them. Sinon in particular was somewhat surprised that Sanya is able to keep up with Akiri.

Sinon: I don't think I've seen anyone move as fast as Akiri before...

Philia: Well, I do think he's still holding back his speed a bit, but Sanya is an excellent fighter herself. The two of them used to spar together a lot back then

Sinon: I see...

Sinon and Philia, along with Sora and Koharu watches as the fight went on, the sounds of metal clashing against metal echoing through the field.

(Timeskip)

A few minutes pass, and the battle ended in Akiri's victory as he had lowered Sanya's HP to 50%. However, the girl managed to shave off a significant amount of HP from the boy, dropping it down to almost 60%.

Akiri: Looks like you still got it

He said as he sheathed his sword to the sheath strapped to his back.

Akiri: You did well considering you haven't played a VR game in so long. It was a good fight

Sanya: Spasibo. I still feel a little bit rusty, but I guess I'll readjust eventually

She replied as she sheathes her blade.

Sanya: And don't think I didn't notice that you were holding back. Despite me telling you not to

Akiri chuckled as he raised his arms.

Akiri: Guilty as charged

Sora: How was it? Is the sword good enough for you?

Sora asked as the others walked up to the two.

Sanya: It's not as good as my Finsternis, but I guess it would have to do

Philia: Oh yeah! The team is back together again! Now let's get going!

Sora: Right

Koharu: Let's do our best, everyone!

They pumped up their fists into the air in excitement while letting out a cheer.

Akiri: Alright. Let's get this show on the road

And so, after briefly checking their equipment one more time, all of them activated their wings and sets off, heading towards the direction to where they would start their quest. The cold, frigid and mysterious realm of Jotunheim.