No one's POV

Both Zora and Kirito was still running passing all the monster in the cave to the exit and jumped off the ledge and then activated their wings and Leafa looked at them annoyed.

Leafa: Are you trying to kill me...?!

Zora: Come on it was fun...

Kirito: And it saves us some times...

Leafa: You and your shortcuts...

Zora, Kirito, and Leafa looked in front of them and they're able to see the Yggdrasil clearly and Zora spoke up.

Zora: Wait a sec, do you even know where the meeting is happening?

Leafa: Yeah, I'll check...

Leafa then pull down her map.

Leafa: Northwest, inside that mountain...

Leafa then pointed her hand over to the mountain in front of them.

Kirito: How much time do we got...?

Leafa: 20 minutes...

Zora: Then we're not going fast enough!

The three of them started to fly at full speed.

Zora: I wish we could go faster, cause if this rate we're not gonna make it before the Salamanders.

Leafa: I know. Even if we can warn them, it doesn't mean we can get the Leader to get out on time. We just might end up dying with them.

Yui: I've got player readings! 68 of them flying in formation. From what I can tell it could be the Salamanders attack squad.

Everyone then looked down and saw the Salamanders flying below them.

Rio: There are 14 other players on the plateau. Most likely they're the diplomats for the Sylph and the Cat Sith.the two parties will make contact in 50 seconds.

Leafa then looked down saddened.

Leafa: We didn't make it after all. Thanks for trying, Zora, Kirito. But this is far enough. I'm going to try and save Sakuya. Get out of here and head for the Yggdrasil! The three of us didn't get to hang out for to long, but it was fun. Hope the three of us meet again someday!

Zora: Sorry, but running away from a fight is not really my style. Me and Kirito aren't just gonna give up. Rio how much time do we have left?

Rio: 20 seconds.

Zora: Okay...

Leafa: Zora, what are yo-

Before Leafa could finished her sentence Zora sped off even faster and left the two of them behind and Leafa looked shocked.

Leafa: What is he doing?

Kirito: Just leave this to my brother.

Zora then came crashing down in front of the Sylph and the Cat Sith. The Salamanders  who were getting ready to attacked them stopped when they saw Zora and Zora spoke up.

Zora: I'll say this once! SALAMANDERS STAND DOWN!

The Salamanders looked at Zora shocked along with the Sylph and the Cat Sith and Leafa and Kirito landed next to them.

Leafa: Sakuya!

Sakuya: Leafa?! What are you doing here?! And who is he?

Leafa: It's to complicated to get into now. But do you see that guy out there, believe it or not the fate of our entire races depend on his next move.

Leafa said looking towards Zora.

Sakuya: You have got to be kidding?!

Zora: I wanted to talk to your commander!

Suddenly, a man with red hair with a teo handed sword on his back appeared and Zora hovered up yo him.

Leader: What the hell are two Spriggans doing here? I'm gonna kill you all no matter what your answer. But since your brave enough to face me, I might as well hear you out.

Zora: My name is Zora. I'm an ambassador for the Spriggan and Undine alliance. Since you're on the offensive today, I'm assuming you want to wage a full on war between all of our races?

Back with the others, Sakuya, Alicia the leader of the Sylph and the Cat Sith looked at each other confused and they looked at Leafa and she just waved her hand confused as well while Kirito just smirked.

Leader: The undine is allied with the Spriggan? And your supposed to be their ambassador who lack even have a proper guard?

Zora: Yeah, that's right. The two of us were sent here to negotiate trade terms between the Sylph and the Cat Sith. But if you interrupt our talks you're gonna feels a serious hurt! All of our races are gonna team up, and we'll bring up the fight straight to the Salamanders.

Leader: You're kidding me, right? You've got crappy gears, so there is no way you could be anyones ambassadors.

The man drew his sword and pointed it at Zora:

Leader: If you can survive my attack for 30 seconds. Then I'll believe you are what you say you are.

Zora the drew his sword and flew up to him.

Zora: Only 30 seconds. How generous of you.

Back with the others, they were watching Zora getting ready to face of with the Leader of the Salamanders.

Sakuya: This is bad.

Leafa: Why?

Kirito: What do you mean bad?

Sakuya: Do you see that Salamanders sword?! It's the Demon Sword Gram. You need a two handed Sword Skill of 950, to equip it.

Leafa: 950?

Kirito: Wow, that's a lot...

Sakuya: Yes. And there is only one person I know who can use it. General Eugene, have you heard of him?

Lefa: Yeah, just the name.

Sakuya: He's the younger brother of the Salamanders Leader Mortimer. They're brothers in Real Life too. Mortimer is a brilliant strategist, but in term of sheer power, they say Eugene is the strongest player.

Kirito: Strongest player, huh?

Leafa: Oh no. The strongest player in the game... I hope Zora gonna be alright...

Back with Zora, he was still standing of in front of Eugene. And as the sun started to shine, Eugene used his sword to reflect some of the light into Zora's eyes making him flinch and Eugen used that opportunity to attacked Zora. Zora saw this and went to block Eugene's attack, but his sword phase through Zora's sword and he looked completely shocked and Eugene hit Zora into the side of the mountain.

Leafa: What was that?

Kirito: Did his sword just past through Zora's sword?

Alicia: The "Ethereal Shift". It is the sword bonus skill. Whenever someone tries to block it with a Shield or a Sword, the Demonic Sword Gram can phase right through it.

Leafa: Really? No way...!

Kirito: That's a bit overpowered!

Zora then flew up from the mountain and locked blades with Eugene.

Eugene: Can believe you're not that?

Zora: What kind of attack was that?!

Zora broke the clash, and Zora and Eugene started to trade swords. Eugene went to thrust his sword and went to block it, but Eugene's sword went through him again and Zora flew back.

Zora: Hey big red, I think your 30 second are up by now?

Eugene: I changed my mind. I decided to kill you anyway. Now you have to survive until I do!

Zora: Of course, that figures... But I won't go down that easy!

Zora and Eugene again started to trade swords and the others continued to watch.

Sakuya: This won't end well. They both seemed equally skilled, but Eugene's weapon are far superiors.

Leafa: He can do it...

Kirito: Don't worry...

Everyone looked towards Kirito who didn't looked worried what so ever and continued to smile.

Kirito: Zora can handle it. He won't lose to someone like him.

Leafa looked at Kirito and saw how sure he looked as Kirito continued to watch and Leafa looked back towards the fight and Zora continued to clash with Eugene. Zora went for an overhead attacked, but Eugene managed to blocked it and slashed him multiple times and Zora tried to block it, but again it just went through his sword, but as Eugene was getting ready to hit him again, Zora actually managed to blocked and Zora looked surprised.

Zora(mind): I managed to block the last attack. Then that means that ability cannot be used in rapid succession...

Zora then looked towards the other.

Zora(mind): And I know just what to do to take him down.

Zora then pushed Eugene back and flew away and Eugene flew after him and Zora casted a massive smoke screen to blind him along with everyone else and through the smoke screen, Zora flew down to the others and grabbed something from Leafa and Kirito.

Zora: I need to borrow this for a sec.

Kirito: Go ahead...

Leafa: Z-Zora?

Leafa looked over and around and saw that her sword was missing and Eugene blew away the smoke.

Eugene: A few seconds, that's all you bought!

Eugene then looked around and saw that Zora was nowhere to be seen and everyone except Kirito looked around as well.

Alicia: Hey where did he go?

Cat Sith player: Do you think he ran away?

Leafa: Of course he didn't!

Leafa then looked towards Kirito and saw that Kirito was smirking and looking at the sky and Leafa looked up along with everyone else and saw Zora flying straight down at Eugene and Leafa started tearing up.

Leafa: Zora!

Zora: HHAAAAAH!

Eugene then rushed up to Zora and went to attacked him, and Zora went to block it, but it phased through his sword again and Eugene just smirked, but Zora then blocked it again and Eugene looked at him shocked to see him now dual wielding with Leafa's sword.

Zora: Let's finish this!

Zora then put Leafa's sword on his mouth and grabbed Kirito's sword from behind and started triple wielding shocking everyone even more that he could use three sword at the same time and Kirito just smirked. Zora then rushed towards and started rapidly slash Eugene with all three swords and Eugene yelled in anger and put up some barrier, but Zora slammed both his and Kirito's sword into it, shattering it.

Eugene: Die!

Eugene went to slash Zora, but he dodged it and stabbed his and Kirito's sword into Eugene and Eugene grabbed  his face to try and pushed Zora off, but Zora continued to slashed him.

Zora: Your done!

Zora then slashed Eugene in half, killing him and causing a fiery explosion and everyone looked completely shocked and Sakuya brought her fan and smiled.

Sakuya: Splendid! Marvelous!

Alicia: That was the most amazing fight ever!

Sakuya: Nicely done Spriggan!

All the other Sylphs and the Cat Sith all started cheer and even some of the Salamanders were praised by Zora's fighting.

Salamander player 1: That was good!

Salamander player 2: Seriously, that's amazing!

Kirito: See? I told you that Zora's gonna be alright! My brother is the strongest person I know.

Leafa then looked at Kirito and saw Zora holding all three sword and Leafa just smiled at him.

(Timeskip)

After the fight, Sakuya used a revival spell and revived Eugene and he stood up and looked at Zora.

Eugene: You're an excellent fighter. In fact you're the most powerful i have ever seen. Well done.

Zora: Thanks for the compliment and you're not so bad yourself.

Eugene: I didn't know the Spriggan had someone like you in their rank. This world is a bigger place than I thought.

Zora: Are we cool then? Will you withdraw?

Eugene then gave him a look and then a Salamander walked up to him.

Salamander: Eugene, may I have a word?

Eugene: Kagemune? What is it?

Leafa: Him again. The guy from before.

Kagemune: You might find this interesting. You know how my party was wiped out yesterday, right?

Eugene: So?

Kagemune: Well this two Spriggan, their the same guys who took everyone out. And they were traveling with an Undine.

Eugene: Interesting. Then I guess I have to believe you. But just for the record, the lasting our leader and I want is to go to war with the Spriggans and Undine. We'll withdraw for now, but I'm gonna be looking forward to fighting you again.

Zora: Than that makes two of us.

Zora and Eugene then fist bumped and he and the rest of the Salamanders flew away.

Kirito: I guess some Salamanders can be cool after all!

Leafa: Zora, you really are insane and a daredevil, you know that? I mean this is the first time I ever saw someone who could wield three swords at once.

Zora: I get that a lot. You're not the first.

Sakuya: Excuse me, but could either of you explained what's going on?

(Timeskip)

After explaining everything to Sakuya and Alicia about Sigurd, Sakuya just sighed.

Sakuya: I see. I could tell there was something off about Sigurd's attitude. He seemed so irritated.

Leafa: Irritated? About what?

Sakuya: Mu guess, he was dissatisfied about the state of things! That in term of power, he couldn't accept that we've fallen behind the Salamanders. Power is very important to a man like Sigurd, and not just for his abilities and character status, but also as a player. He craves power.

Zora: After meeting him once, I'm not surprise...

Leafa: Yeah but even so, why would he turn spies for the Salamanders?

Sakuya: It must've something to do with the 5.0 update that's going to be realest soon? I heard a rumor that they'll be putting a reincarnation system.

Leafa then looked shocked.

Leafa: No way!

Sakuya: I'm sure that Mortimer made him an offer. "Bring me the head of your leader and I'll reincarnate you as a Salamander".

Kirito: That makes perfect sense on why he betrayed his own race.

Leafa: So now what? What will you do Sakuya?

Sakuya then looked at Alicia.

Sakuya: Rue, have you raised your dark magic skill yet?

Alicia: Mhm...

Sakuya: Open a Moonlight Mirror to Sigurd.

Alicia then made a Moonlight Mirror for Sakuya to talk to Sigurd and when she did, Sigurd looked completely shocked.

Sigurd: S-Sakuya?

Sakuya: Nice to see you too. Unfortunately, I'm still alive.

Sigurd: How- I-I mean, what happen to the meeting?

Sakuya: It went very well, there still the matter of signing the treaty though. By the way, we had an unexpected guest.

Sigurd: What guest?

Sakuya: His name is General Eugene, and he sends his regards.

Sigurd then looked completely shocked and he looked behind her and saw Leafa, Kirito, and Zora.

Sigurd: Leafa... So that's it! Those incompetent lizards. Well? Is your move now Sakuya, are gonna fine me? Or maybe you wanna take away my command? Id so, remember without me running your military your rule wont last very long!

Sakuya; Actually, I was thinking of granting the request you made them, since you can't stand being a Sylph, you're free to go!

Sigurd: W-What?

Sakuya then pulled out her menu and sent something to Sigurd and he looked completely and utterly shocked.

Sigurd: Hold on! Are you crazy?! Me? Your banishing me?!

Sakuya: I'm letting you live to wonder the neutral territory as a renegade. With any luck you'll find something there that will occupy your precious time.

Sigurd looked at Sakuya furiously.

Sigurd: YOU BITC-

Before Sigurd could finished his sentence, he was then teleported out of the Sylph territory and Sakuya just sighed.

Leafa: Sakuya?

Sakuya: Thank you for saving us Leafa. You have no idea how grateful I am having you around.

Leafa: Oh well, I didn't really do anything. If you want to thank someone, thank Zora.

Sakuya: She's right! Whoever you are you have my thanks?

Alicia: Hey handsome, about the Spriggan Undine ambassador business. You aren't, are you?

Zora just smirked at them

Zora: Nah, it was just a big fat lie. I was bluffing, cunning, you know negotiating.

Sakuya and Alicia just sighed and shook their head.

Sakuya: Oh God you must be insane. You have to be to make that up in the last second.

Zora: But it work didn't it? Whenever I have a bad hand, I always raise my pot.

Zora continued to smile and Alicia walked up to him.

Alicia: You know for a big fat Liar your pretty freaking strong, handsome. You're like the MVP of Spriggan. Are you their secret weapon?

Zora: Nah of course not. All I am is your friendly neighborhood mercenary.

Alicia started laughing and out of nowhere she hugged Zora's arm.

Alicia: I like the wondering type. Have you ever thought about being a mercenary for the Cat Sith? You get three meals a day plus next and a nap.

Zora: Uuhh...

Sakuya Then grabbed Zora's other arm.

Sakuya: So Zora? I was thinking, how about we get to know each other a little better? I know a cute little pub in Swilvane, my treat?

Leafa: Wait a minute...

Alicia: Come on Sakuya! That's not fair! Your totally seducing him with those big breast!

Sakuya: I'm seducing him? If your any closer to him, he'd be waring you.

Zora just sighed and suddenly Leafa grabbed Zora's shirt and pulled him away from Sakuya and Alicia and the two of them looked at an angry Leafa who was blushing.

Leafa: That's it! Cut it out! It's embarrassing!

Kirito: Sorry ladies, but my brother here already has a girlfriend!

Alicia: Aww, I miss my chance...

Zora: Looked I appreciate the offer. But the thing is, I'm in the middle of helping my friend get to the Yggdrasil and she's helping us.

Sakuya: Really? Oh well, that is a shame. Are you going there for a little sightseeing, Leafa? Or what...?

Leafa: I'm leaving the Sylph, or planning on it anyway. But I want to return to Swilvane at some point. I just don't know when that's gonna be.

Sakuya: Not a problem I understand. Just make sure you come back okay? And bring these two friends.

Alicia: On the way back, stop by my place. We'll throw you a party.

Zora and Kirito smile at them.

Kirito: Of course we'll come visit.

Zora: I'll be looking forward to it.

Sakuya and Alicia and the rest of the Sylph and the Cat Sith bowed their head towards Zora, Kirito and Leafa.

Sakuya: Thank you so much for coming today, Leafa, Zora, and Kirito. If you hadn't been here to stop them, the Salamanders would become even more powerful than ever. I like to pay you back somehow.

Kirito: It's cool.

Zora: Nah, it was nothing. I'm just glad I was able to help.

Leafa: Hey Sakuya... Alicia. Wasn't the point of you guys getting together to make a try for the Yggdrasil?

Sakuya: Ultimately, yes that was our goal.

Leafa: If you're okay with it, and if it's not a problem. We like to go with you. We're kinda in a hurry to get there though.

Sakuya and Alicia looked at each other for a moment and smiled at the three of them.

Sakuya: Well, I can why not. In fact the truth is we'd be grateful to have you along. But why are you in such a hurry to get there?

Zora: Because that's the reason me and my friend are her. We're the one who wants to get to the top of the Yggdrasil.

Kirito: We believes that someone we know is up there. Waiting for us. That's why we're here?

Sakuya: is it the Fairy King Oberon?

Kirito: No... It's not him. It's someone I can reach in real life. But in here I might be able to.

Alicia: We want to help, but storming the Yggdrasil is gonna take some time to set up. We gotta gear up the rating party. And that will take us more than a few days.

Kirito then looked down saddened.

Kirito: I see... Never mind then. I don't want to raid the Yggdrasil like you, I just want to get to the base of it as soon a possible. So it's cool we can figure it out.

Zora: Also, by the way.

Zora then opened his menu and pulled out a bag.

Zora: Maybe this will help you get some new gear for your raid.

Zora then hand Alicia the bag and she almost fell from how heavy it was and she opened and looked completely shocked.

Alicia: Woah! Sakuya look! Check it out!

Sakuya looked at the bag and she was completely shocked as well.

Sakuya: A-A 100.000 thousand piece of mithril Yrd! You don't want it?! You could build a castle on prime land with this.

Zora: Nah it's your. I don't need it.

Alicia: You are so awesome. With these bag of loot we got just about enough for new gear.

Sakuya: We'll get ready as fast as we can. When we're set to go, we'll message you, okay?

Kirito: Yeah, you got it...

Zora: Thanks a lot...

Alicia and Sakuya then left and leave the three of them alone and Rio popped out of Zora's pocket looking angry.

Rio: Honestly... I told I told you no more flirting, Papa!

Zora: NOW HOLD ON! SINCE WHEN THAT I EVER FLIRT WITH SOMEONE! If it was Kirito than I agree!

Kirito: WHAT'S THAT MEAN?! Oh I'm so telling Philia about this?

Zora and Kirito looked at each other annoyed.

Zora: When we're done here, you are so dead in the real world.

Rio: Anyway, when those girls were clinging to you. I notice your heartbeat increases.

Yui: Yeah, I can sense it as well.

Zora: I'm a guy. That's what happen when girls get to close!

Rio: Seriously?

Leafa: What about me? I'm a girl? Isn't that a problem?

Rio and Yui: No you seems pretty save to us Leafa.

Leafa: What do you mean save?

Kirito: I think what she means is most of the time you don't really seamed like a girl!

Zora just facepalm and Leafa looked at Kirito offended and grabbed the hilt of her sword.

Leafa: Okay, whoa! Say that again I dare you?!

Kirito: No, like you're easy to get along with... I meant it in a good way... Yeah.

Kirito looked back and saw that Zora was already flying and he activated his wings and flew up as well.

Zora: Come on! We still got a ways to go before we get to Arun! The suns starting to go down!

Leafa: Okay, I'm coming! Wait up!

Leafa then flew up and smiled at them and the three of them started to head to Arun, the base of the Yggdrasil.

(Timeskip)

After flying for a few more hours, the three of them finally reached Arun.

Zora: Is amazing...

Kirito: So this is the Yggdrasil...

Leafa: I know isn't it. Welcome to Arun! Is the center of Alfheim Online, is also the biggest city in this world.

Kirito: Yeah...

Zora: We finally made it...

Rio: This is so beautiful.

Yui: How exciting. I never been to a city this big before.

Leafa: Me neither. The ore light is so beautiful like a bunch of twinkling stars...

Suddenly, a massive alarm started to sound and everyone could heard the system announcement.

System Announcement: Attention players. The server will be down today, January 22nd, from 4am to 3pm for scheduled maintenance. We ask that all players, please log out 10 minutes in advance.

Leafa: I guess that's all for today. Let's go find an inn and log out.

Kirito: Yeah, sure...

Zora then put his hand on Kirito's shoulder.

Zora: We're almost there. We will get to her no matter what.

Kirito: Right...

The three of them entered Arun and headed for the closest Inn and log out.