Akiri: Take a left turn here

Currently, Akiri is in the passenger seat of his Rolls Royce, giving Alexander directions towards Shino's apartment building.

Akiri: Here. This is it

Alexander stopped the car and went to the trunk to grab Akiri's wheelchair and pushed it to the passenger side door for Akiri.

Akiri then climbed onto his wheelchair and looked back at Alexander.

Akiri: I'm just gonna go check on her. I want you to call Kikuoka and tell him to send police here just in case

Alexander only nodded as he went back inside the car.

Akiri then started to search for Shino's room. He remembers her saying that she's on the second floor, so he immediately went to go up the stairs

As he just got to the second floor, he suddenly heard screaming coming from one of the doors and Akiri knew that it was Shino.

Akiri: (thoughts) Sinon...!

He immediately went towards where the shouting and screaming coming from.

Akiri: (thoughts) Please be okay...

As he reaches the door he quickly opens it as it wasn't locked and entered the room to see a girl with short black hair, wearing a pair of glasses, pinned on the floor by a boy with brown hair, wearing a green jacket.

Without a second thought, Akiri pushes the controls to the forwards position and got close to them.

He then grabbed the boy's arm, and pulled him back, freeing Shino from his grasp.

Boy: What the?!

The boy have been caught off guard as he started to struggle himself out of Akiri's hands, however, Akiri held on tight using all his strength.

Akiri: Shino, run! Get help!

Shino: Akiri...?

Shino looked completely shocked to see Akiri in front of her.

Boy: Let go!

As the boy struggles out of Akiri's grasp, Akiri was pulled out of his wheelchair and they fell to the ground, still not letting go as his wheelchair was kicked away.

Boy: What the hell are you doing?!

As they struggled against each other, the boy managed to overpower him and he pinned Akiri down and got on top of him as he started to repeatedly bash his face.

Boy: Stay away! Stay away from my Shino!

Akiri could only put his arms up defended himself from the blows as best he can.

The boy reels his fist back for another hit, but Akiri quickly catches his punch. The boy went to use his other fist, but Akiri grabbed it as well.

Boy: What?!

With one motion, Akiri pulled the boy over and headbutts him, putting him in a daze. Akiri used this moment of vulnerability to push the boy down to the floor, pinning him down as he presses the boy's face against the floor.

Shino: Akiri! The syringe is in his pocket!

Akiri: Got it!

He reaches into the boy's jacket pocket and grabs the syringe and threw it to the wall, smashing it as its contents spilled out.

Boy: Why you!

They then heard police sirens echoing in the distance.

Akiri: It's over! The police are on their way

The boy's eyes widened in fear as the sirens are getting louder.

Boy: Get off!!!

With a shout, the boy overpowers him as he pushes Akiri off of him and he got up and quickly went to the window.

Boy: You've ruined everything! You'll pay!

He said before opening it and jumping out, disappearing from sight.

Shino: Akiri!

Shino immediately tended to his side as he was catching his breath.

Akiri: Shino... Are you okay?

Shino: You idiot!

She grabbed him by his jacked at started to shake him aggressively.

Shino: I'm the one who should be asking you!

Akiri: I-I'm fine. Stop shaking me

She stopped and she looked at how injured he is. There are bruises on his face, his lips are bloody.

Akiri then reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder as he looked at her.

Akiri: Are you hurt?

Shino just shook her head and he felt a sense of relief, thankful that he made it before anything worse happens. As he lets out a sigh, he noticed that she had started to tear up and cry, her body shaking.

He then pulled her into an embrace and she slowly hugged him back as she continued to sob into his chest.

(A few days later)

School had just ended for Shino and she was making her way out the front gates when she saw some sort of commotion outside.

A crowd of students are looking at a black Rolls Royce SUV, which is also blasting some loud music for some reason, which got her confused.

Her questions were soon answered as she sees the window slide open and she saw a familiar face inside, waving at her from the back seats.

Akiri: Hey, Shino!

Her cheeks immediately went red as she quickly approaches the car.

Shino: You're doing this on purpose aren't you?!

Akiri: What do you mean? This is completely normal

A couple of girls then walks over to Shino.

Girl #1: Asada-san! Who's that?

Girl #2: Is that your boyfriend?

Shino didn't say anything as she just glared at him.

With her face still red, she immediately went inside and took the passenger seat next to him and closes the door with a thud.

Shino: When I told you we can meet, I didn't mean right in front of my school!

Akiri: Eh, why? It's more convenient like this isn't it?

She just sent him a threatening glare.

Akiri: Fine, fine. Al, turn off the music

Alexander just nodded and turns off the music as he started to drive off.

As they are sitting quietly in the car, Shino's gaze eventually falls down to his legs.

She recalls that night just a few days ago. When the boy in front of her had come to her rescue. The boy kept trying his best to fight, regardless of the state he is in, unable to even move his legs. But he kept on trying, doing everything he could for her.

Shino: (thoughts) Akiri... Even like this, you still...

Akiri: Hey, my eyes are up here

She immediately looked up to see him looking at her with a smug grin on his face.

Akiri: Like the view?

Shino: Sh-shut up...

Her cheeks went red as she looks away to hide her blush and he just let out a chuckle. A few moments later, Shino decided to break the silence to ask him a question.

Shino: ...What happened to your legs?

Akiri: I took an arrow in the knee

Shino: Really?

Akiri: No, I fell down a building

Shino: How?

Akiri: It's a long story...

(Timeskip)

Akiri and Shino are now at a restaurant. They are called to meet up with Kikuoka in order to discuss about the recent events.

After what happened, Shinkawa Shouichi also known as Death Gun, was arrested. However, his brother Shinkawa Kyouji wasn't found since he had escaped from Shino's house that night.

Shouichi's testimony made the distance of another conspirator clear. Both Shinkawa Kyouji and the third Death Gun, Kanamoto Atsushi are still on the run, but Kikuoka assured that it's only a matter of time until they are caught.

The persona of Death Gun began when Shouichi purchased a cloak that could make you invisible, in a real-money trade. Using that came and binoculars, Shouichi began to collect other players' information. Meanwhile, his brother, Kyouji, was having trouble levelling his in-game character.

Spiegel was an AGI type and he detests Zexceed for previously saying that AGI was the most important stat, while he shifted to a STR/VIT-based build. When Shouichi heard this, he told Kyouji Zexceed's real name and address, and the two of them started to plot how best to kill him.

After careful discussion of their schemes, they settled on stealing a dangerous drug and a master electronic key, used for opening doors in emergencies, from their father's hospital. They carefully researched their targets, focusing on people who lived alone, in places with weak security.

Shouichi used the master key to enter the house of Zexceed, AKA Shigemura. They settled on a time to kill Shigemura's character. Kyouji logged in, using his brother's account, "Sterben". He called himself "Death Gun" and attacked Zexceed with a gun.

The second victim, Lightly Salted Tarako, was killed in a similar manner. But GGO players didn't get scared of Death Gun. They treated it as a joke. The perpetrators became infuriated and decided to kill three different players in the upcoming BoB tournament.

Their targets were players who met the same conditions as the other victims. Pale Rider, Garrett, and Sinon.

Akiri: ...However, there was a problem with killing multiple people

Akiri finished explaining as he took a sip of his tea.

Kikuoka: A partner needed to be at the target's house when the killing takes place

Akiri nodded.

Akiri: And that is when a third partner, Kanamoto, was brought in

Kikuoka: You could say Kanamoto was an old friend of Shouichi's. In SAO, they were members of the same guild. His character name was Johnny Black. Do you remember him?

Akiri nodded again.

Akiri: He's a poison knife user who often paired with XaXa

He recalls the list of Laughing Coffin members.

Kikuoka: Kanamoto's house was near Pale Rider's and Garrett's, so he took them, while Kyouji took Sinon. Until now, Shouichi has been doing the killings, but this time, Kyouji insisted

Akiri: So that's how it is, huh...?

They proceeded to talk for a while longer, until Kikuoka had decided that it is time for him to go.

Kikuoka: I'm sorry, but I have to go now

Akiri just nodded.

Shino: Um, thank you very much

Kikuoka: No, it was my fault that you two were in danger. I need to do at least this much

Akiri: You got that right

Shino frowned and hits his side with her elbow.

Akiri: Ow

Kikuoka: Oh, right. Akiri-kun...

He said as he reaches inside his suit and pulled out an envelope.

Kikuoka: Death Gun... No, Red-eyed XaXa, or Shinkawa Shouichi, gave me a message for you. Of course, you have no responsibility to hear it. What will you do?

Akiro thought about it for a moment before looking at him.

Akiri: Give it to me

Kikuoka handed him the letter. Akiri opened the envelope and started to read it as Kikuoka and Shino looked at him curiously.

"This isn't the end. I am coming for you. When you let your guard down, I'll be there. When you least expect it, I'll be there. You will pay for what you did, Blood Reaper."

After reading it, Akiri placed it back in the envelope and puts it inside his jacket.

Shino: What does it say?

Akiri: ...It's nothing

(Timeskip)

After leaving from the restaurant, Akiri had taken Shino to Andrew's bar, "Dicey Cafe".

Shino: This is where you wanted to take me?

She asked as she helped him into his wheelchair.

Akiri: Yeah. There are some people I want you to meet

As the two of them entered, Rika, Asuna and Kazuto were all sitting at the bar, waiting for them while Andrew is standing behind the bar like always.

Liz: You're late. While I was waiting, I ate two pieces of apple pie. If I get fat, it's your fault

Akiri: I missed the part where that's my problem

They then went over to them.

Asuna: Introduce us, Akiri

Akiri: Right. Everyone, this is the third champion of Gun Gale Online, Sinon, AKA Shino Asada

Shino: S-stop it

Asuna and Lizbeth both glared at him for making Shino embarrassed.

Akiri: And these are my friends from SAO. Lizbeth, AKA Rika Shinozaki, she also goes by the rip off blacksmith

Rika then looked at Akiri annoyed.

Rika: What did you say?!

Akiri: And that's the berserk healer, Asuna, AKA, Asuna Yuuki

Asuna: Th-that's mean, Akiri...

Asuna pouted as he then pointed towards Andrew.

Akiri: That is Agil, AKA Andrew Mills. The chocolate axe

Andrew: Hey, now... Where did that nickname even come from...?

Akiri: And this the Black Swordsman and our very own emo teen, Kirito, AKA Kazuto Kirigaya

Kirito: H-hey! I'm not an emo!

Akiri: Really? You literally wear nothing but black. The only thing you're missing is mascara and a My Chemical Romance t-shirt

Kazuto looked at him annoyed and Akiri just chuckled as he then looked over at Shino.

Akiri: Please, take a seat

Everyone then sat down and gathered at a table and Andrew gave them all drinks and they started to talk about Death Gun's name.

Shino: Sterben... It wasn't "Steven", was it? A word used by hospitals for "Death". I wonder what he was thinking when he named himself that

Asuna: It's better not to look for more meaning than there is a name. You'll lose sight of more than you notice

Rika: Ooh, pretty smart. Coming from one of the people in this room who uses their real name for their avatar, it sounds persuasive...

Both Asuna and Akiri looked at Rika annoyed and Asuna hits her side with her elbow.

Asuna: Jeez! Don't say that!

Rika: Sorry, sorry!

Shino smiled as they messed around and everyone smiled at her.

Rika: Anyway, I'm happy to meet another female VRMMO player in real life

Asuna: Yeah. Please be our friend, Asada-san

Shino didn't say anything and looked down. Akiri then looked at the others and they nodded.

Asuna: Listen, Asada-san, Sinon-san... There's a reason we asked you here today

Shino: A reason?

Akiri: Shino, I need to apologize to you first. I told them what happened to you long ago. I needed their help for this...

Shino's eyes widened as she looked at Akiri completely shocked and she looked back at everyone else.

Asuna: Sinon-san, we actually went to the town where you used to live

Shino then looked at Akiri, genuinely hurt that he told them.

Shino: Why did you...?

She then got up from her seat, about to walk away when Akiri quickly grabbed her arm to stop her.

Akiri: Shino, wait... I told them because if you hadn't met the person you needed to meet, or heard the words you needed to hear, you won't ever move on. I know it's going to hurt, and I'm sorry, but it's for your own good

Shino: The person I needed to meet...? The words I needed to hear...?

Akiri then looked over at Rika nodded at her. She then walked over to the back door and opened it. A woman and little girl walked out of the door and sat down at the table.

Shino: Um, who are you?

???: Hello. You're Shino Asada, right? My name is Oosawa Sachie. And this is Mizue. She's four

She said, introducing herself and the little girl next to her as Shino was still confused.

Sachie: Before she was born, I worked at the post office

Shino then looked at Sachie completely shocked as she thought back to that moment and her eyes started to water.

Sachie: I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Shino-san... I should have come to see you earlier. I never apologized. Or thanked you

The woman started to tear up as well.

Sachie: When it happened, I was pregnant with her. So, Shino-san, you not only saved my life, but hers, as well. Thank you... Thank you so much

They politely bowed their heads as Shino continued to look at them in complete shock with tears in her eyes.

Shino: Saved your life...?

Akiri: Shino... You've always blamed yourself. You've tried to punish yourself. I won't say that's wrong. But at the same time, you have a right to think about the lives you've saved. You have the right to think about them and forgive yourself...

The little girl then walked up to Shino and pulled something out of her bag. Shino saw that it was a picture that she had drawn for her.

Mizue: Shino-oneesan, thanks for saving Mommy and me!

Shino then started to tear up and cry, looking at the picture and Mizue walked up and held her hand, smiling at her and Shino smiled back.

Everyone kept silent, watching with smiles on their faces.

Akiri: (thoughts) You deserve this, Shino... You've suffered enough...

At the sides, Akiri had a smile on his face the whole time, watching Shino finally getting the closure that she needed. She is finally letting go of the past, and taking a step forward, towards a better future.

Akiri's hand then went to touch the letter from Death Gun that is still kept on his jacket and he looked down at it.

Akiri: ...

Whereas Shino finally gets to move on, it seems that Akiri would have to carry the burden for much longer.

Asuna: Akiri? Is everything okay?

Akiri: Hm? Yeah, of course it is. Everything's good

He replied with a smile, however Asuna already knew that something is wrong.

(A few days later)

Akiri: ...After that, I went on to hunt down every red player I can find. And I killed them. Each and every one of them. No matter how hard they begged for mercy...

Currently, Akiri is seeing his therapist again. He had just finished telling the man everything he had kept secret. His dark past. Everything he had done during his time trapped in SAO and the therapist listens closely.

Akiri: And that, is everything I did...

Therapist: I see...

The man finished writing something on his notepad and closed it. He then gave the boy a smile.

Therapist: I'm very delighted that you've finally decided to share this with me

Akiri: That's it? You're not gonna call the cops on me?

Therapist: Now why would I do that?

Akiri: Because I killed people. I'm a criminal

Therapist: Not in my eyes, you are not

He looked at the therapist in surprise and disbelief. He fully expected the man to call the police, or at least tell him to turn himself in. However, he's getting the opposite of what he expected.

Akiri: Why...?

Therapist: I have a daughter

He said as he puts down his pen and notepad on the table.

Therapist: She owes her life to the Crimson Swordsman

Akiri's eyes widened in shock.

Akiri: Then... Your daughter is a...

Therapist: Yes. She was an SAO survivor just like you. Anyway, I wanted to thank you. Because of you, I get to see my little girl again

Akiri: I...

Therapist: And I'm sure that there are countless others that owes their life to you. Whether you realize it or not

Akiri: I know that... I know that I have the right to think about the ones I saved... But that doesn't make me feel better about what I did...

Therapist: It's good that you're still thinking about the people you've killed. It means that you're taking responsibility. By admitting what you did, you're making amends

He said, and Akiri could only stay silent. A moment later, the therapist continued.

Therapist: I'm sure no one blames you for anything. So now, you just need to forgive yourself. Let go of that burden and move on

There was a moment of silence before Akiri let out a sigh.

Akiri: I'm sorry, doc... But I don't think I can move on just yet...

Therapist: And why is that?

Akiri then reached into his jacket and pulled out the letter from a week ago and looked down at it.

Akiri: There are still things left unfinished. I can't move on yet... Not until it's over...

He then looked back up to the therapist.

Akiri: So until then, I will have to carry this burden for a while longer

The therapist looked at him to see the determination in his eyes and just nodded.

Therapist: Very well. If you truly think so, I have no right to stop you. If you ever need me again, you have my number

Akiri nodded.

Akiri: Thank you, Dr. Kashiwazaka

The man now known as Kashiwazaka nodded.

Kashiwazaka: You're very welcome

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(A/N: Alright! Finally got done with this arc!

Next up, is the Caliber arc, which I am extremely excited for. Why, you may ask? Let's just say, I've got something different planned for it. It'll be fun. So look forward to it.

As of writing this, this book had just reached over 50k reads! So I wanted to take a moment to thank you all once again. I never really expected the book to have this much reads, so I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

I hope you enjoyed reading so far. Remember to vote and follow my account if you haven't already. It helps me a lot, more than you think. And as always, thanks for reading.)

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Akiri exited the therapist's office and went outside the building to see Alexander already waiting for him in the black SUV.

Alexander helped Akiri get into the passenger seat before storing his wheelchair in the trunk. After everything is set, they drove off.

Alexander: How was today's therapy, sir?

Akiri: It was good

He replied and Alexander just nodded.

A while later, Akiri's phone then started to ring and he pulled out his phone to see that it is a number he didn't recognize.

Although with slight hesitation, he answered it and puts the phone up to his ear.

Akiri: Hello. This is Akiri Shiranobu speaking

???: Hey, hey! Guess who?

His eyes widened, recognizing that cheery, female voice.

"Philia?"

To be continued...