No one's POV

Currently, Kotone, Asuna, Keiko, Rika, and Shino are at a Karaoke place practicing for the live concert that is about to start tomorrow. While Kotone, Asuna, and Keiko singing inside, Rika and Shino were having a video call with Suguha.

Rika: You want to know the truth, I think Silica blames herself for what happened?

Suguha: I didn't even know. If only I could've gone to one of those battles.

Rika: Kliens got himself hurt and ended up in the hospital. And Kazuto and Sora...

Shino:...

Rika paused for a moment and Shino could only stay quiet and Suguha could tell that something had gone wrong with the two of them.

Suguha: What happened between the two?

Rika: They... got into a fight.

Suguha looked completely shocked. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Everyone knows just how close the bond between Sora and Kazuto. They clearly know how the two of them got along so well. So the news completely shocked her.

Suguha: WHAT?! You guys must be toying with me?! There's no way those two got into a fight?!

Both Shino and Rika could only shook their heads. And Rika told everything that happened between the two, and Shino also told everyone the story between Sora and Yuna while they were in SAO, and Suguha could only sigh at disappointment.

Shino: Sora was so hurt that he even move back to his old house. Saying that he doesn't want to come home...

Suguha: Oh Big Brother, Sora...

Shino: Sora told everyone not to fight the bosses in OS, cause its so dangerous. And then he goes to fight them by himself. Me and Takamine sort of help him on the last one though...

Suguha: That idiot... When I get home, I will give those two an earful talk!!

Rika could only chuckle.

Rika: Violence bringing siblings together...

Suddenly, Keiko come outside from the singing room.

Keiko: Come on! We're singing the next song together! We're here to practice remember?! The concerts tomorrow...! Take the microphone and get in here!!

Keiko dragged Rika inside and Rika could only gave the tablet to Shino as the two of them peek through the glass door.

Shino: I don't know if this is cheering them up.

Suguha: What do you mean? It looks like Asuna and Kotone are having fun...

Shino: If you say so.

(Elsewhere)

In the city of Tokyo, multiple boss event had spawn in multiple cities, and Zora was seen dealing with the final blow as it disappeared.

Zora: HAAAAAAA!!!

Rio: Multiple bosses have appeared just like last night. But this time is the one from floor 20 to 30.

Zora: I'm gonna take all of them down tonight!

Zora then went multiple places and deal all the finishing blow and his rank has already reached rank 15. Just a few more before he reached 10 or above. And currently, Zora was fighting to what it likes a wolf. It was the 28th floor boss [Waheela the Black Wolf].

Rio: Papa. In its smokemorph state, it is practically impossible to deal damage to it.

Zora continues to dodge and parried the attacks of the boss monster. But as long as it is in its smokemorph form. Zora couldn't deal any damage. And other player was watching Zora in awe as he was the one taking all the damage. Zora then knocked over some player in the back while defending and he looked at them with somewhat furious and the players back down.

Player: Jeez, chill out. What are you getting so work up for? Is only a game!

Zora: This is not a game!!

Zora then rushed towards the boss while passing multiple players.

Zora: OUT OF MY WAY!!!!

Zora continues to attacked the boss and Yuna suddenly appeared to give them bonus points, but Zora just ignore her.

Yuna: Its time for a special stage! Do your best everyone!

Yuna gave them some bonus points and look at Zora who was fighting the boss on his own.

Yuna:...

Zora(mind): Even this boss has a weakness... At a glance, its smokemorph makes it look invincible. However, although my slashes don't work on it in this state, neither can it launch attacks of its own... It has to materialize to attack me. I have to predict that moment and strike it then!!

Suddenly, the boss launched its killer move and over a thousand spikes appeared from the ground. It hit a bunch of players there including Zora. But Zora didn't panic. He continues to stay calm and he took a deep breath to calm his mind and his HP drop to the red and Yuna look at him in awe.

Yuna: Ooh... As expected of you, Zo-kun. You realized it. The more you panic, the more your HP in gonna drop...

The boss then rushed towards Zora in its smokemorph and as it was getting nearer, it suddenly materialized and Zora saw his chance and move sideways and dodge the attack and stabbed it on its head killing it. Making his ranking reach 5.

???: Congratulation...

Zora looked to his right and saw Eiji clapping his hand.

Eiji: It looks like you finally learn how to handle yourself in this game, you traitor swordsman...

Zora: Nautilus...!!! You better not run away again...!!

Zora walked towards him and went to grabbed him, but Eiji just grabbed his hand and twist him backwards making him fall on his back. And while he was falling, Zora noticed something on his back.

Zora(mind): Huh...?!

Eiji: Hmph...

Zora weakly got up and got a message telling  him to come to Yuna's concert if he wants Kotone's and Asuna's memories back.

Eiji: Instead of Yuna rewarding you, I will...

Zora: What the?!

Zora then looked up and saw that Eiji was no longer there. And Sora looked towards his hand and the way he moves.

Rio: Papa, are you alright...?

Sora: His moves just now... As if he had predicted my thoughts in advance.

Suddenly, Sora got a call from Kazuto. After his meeting with Yuna, Sora told Kazuto, that if he wants to get Asuna's memories back, he need his ranking to be higher. And Kazuto had just finished his battle on his side.

Sora: Did you make it...?

Kazuto: Sorry dude. I didn't... I'm still 10 ranking short...

Sora: I see...

Kazuto: Its all up to you then...

Sora: Yeah...

(Timeskip)

The next day, it was time for Yuna's live concert, and Kazuto, Andrew, Asuna, Kotone, Keiko, Rika, and Shino had made their way to their seats waiting for the concert to start.

Shino: Wow... Yuna's more popular then I thought...

Keiko: Oh man... My throat is sore from Karaoke.

Rika: That's what you get from overdoing it.

Asuna: Silica, thanks you for yesterday.

Andrew: Oh man, I wish Klien and Suguha could be hear...

Kotone: Wait, where is Sora...?

Kazuto: He said he was going to stop by the restroom.

Kazuto didn't tell the real reason why Sora's not here. He didn't want them to get worried for Sora, while he's doing his best to get Asuna's and Kotone's memories back.

Kazuto(mind): Is all up to you now, Bro...

Asuna: Kirito...

Kazuto looked at Asuna who was calling him.

Kazuto: Yeah, what's up...

Asuna: Have you and Sora made up yet...?

Everyone then looked towards him curious as well and Kazuto spoke up.

Kazuto: Yeah... He gave me a second chance... But I know deep down he's still hurt. And that makes me hurt as well...

Kotone: You're so lucky that Sora is a forgiving person...

(Elsewhere)

Having left his friends at their seats by using a bathroom excuse, Sora headed to the stadium's underground parking lot to confront Eiji. Once he reached there, he saw Eiji in front of him reading a book.

Sora: Okay, I'm here like you wanted... I'll be taking Kotone's and Asuna's memories back. Even if I have to resort to brute force to do it.

Eiji: What's the rush, traitor swordsman.

Sora: You can call me a traitor all you want. Are you getting cocky, because this is not a death battle, or are you still afraid of losing your life, Nautilus...

Eiji: I'M EIJI NOW!!!

Sora:...

Eiji: Guess I can't escape my past. You who can't even save a friend, have no right to mock me!!

Sora: Yuna told me everything. About you and Professor Shigemura's plan. And she want me to put a stop to it, even if it means fighting you.

Eiji then looked at disbelief that Yuna, his girlfriend, came to Sora instead of him.

Eiji: Stop lying! There's no way she would come to you!

Sora:...

Eiji: I lost my cool there. You think your so cool. You know there's a reason I'm rank 2 in this game. Do you really think you can beat me?

Sora: Only one way to find out. Beside, is not like your number one...

Sora then took off his weightlifter on his arm and Eiji just looked at him with a smirk. And the two of them stood off with one another.

Sora and Eiji: Ordinal Scale, Activate!

Both Zora and Eiji entered their Ordinal Scale account and took their swords and the two of them clashed. Back at the stadium, Yuna's concert had started and everyone started to cheer and from the VIP room, Tetsuhiro Shigemura was watching from above as Yuna sung her song.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Tetsuhiro: I wish I could changes things. I use my position as chairman of Argus board of director to get a Yuuna a NerveGear and a copy of SAO. I was just trying to make my daughter happy. But in the end, it was my stupidity that killed her...

Back with Zora, he was still clashing with Eiji and Zora was parrying and blocking his attack, and every time he wants to attacks, he could see the way that Eiji moves, as if he was predicting the future. Zora then did a horizontal slashed and Eiji once again blocked the attack, but he wasn't able to withstand the force that Zora put in his swing and his body was sent flying.

Eiji(mind): ?!?! Why this traitor!! He's fucking adapting to my 'future prediction' and getting hit on me!! Are you telling me he's adjusting his trajectory in real time after seeing my moves? As I figured, guess I really can't lump him with the grunts...

Zora once again went for the attack, but Eiji was using his 'future predictions' to see Zora's moves and grabbed his hand.

He went for a horizontal attacked, but Zora ducked his head to avoid the attacked and Eiji once again looked surprised and he started jumping from pillar to pillar with inhuman level of speed, psuhing Zora back and Zora started to back away to get some distance.

Zora(mind): I knew it. By the way he moves, he must be using some device that can predict the future...

Eiji: Heeh... I can see why everyone believes you clear SAO. With that speed that rivals mine, impressive combat skill, unorthodox fighting style and excellent swordsmanship.

Zora was basically running as fast as Eiji is currently running now and Zora just smirked.

Zora: Wish I can say the same about you. Second rank my ass...!!

Eiji then glared at Zora and rushed him and Zora parried his attack once again and redirected into a pillar, creating a smoke screen. Separating the two and Zora was standing in one place, heightened his 6 sense to the limit to sense where Eiji was coming from.

Eiji: People only remember the players who fought on the front line. But Yuna and me, we didn't fight. So we get treated that we didn't even exist...

Zora: Hmph! Says the one who can't overcome his fear of death! If you would have start fighting like Yuna would, maybe she'd still be alive right now!!!

Eiji: SHUT UP, YOU TRAITOR!!!!!

Zora then sense Eiji coming from and he quickly redirect his sword to a imitate the sword skill 'Backlash' and blocked Eiji's attacks, but he wasn't able to withstand the force and was pushed back, and Eiji continues his onslaught attack against Zora and he saw that Eiji had tears on his eyes.

Eiji: You were with her at the end! You let her die!! You take her away from me!! And more importantly, myself for being so weak!!! For trusting you, and letting her die, while I could've save her from you!!!

Zora started to get even more furious at Eiji, thinking how he wasn't able to save her and Rumia. How he cursed his weakness, and for letting them die. But, the only different is, he continues to move forwards and didn't put the blame on anyone, other than himself. But Eiji blames him for what happened.

Zora: What are your goals?! What will happened to the rest of the people who got their memories stolen, huh?!

Eiji: Who cares!!! We're bringing her back!! We're bringing our Yuuna, who was stolen from me by you... BACK TO THE REAL WORLD!!!

Zora: !!!

And back with Tetsuhiro, he was still looking at the concert and talking to someone.

Tetsuhiro: The brain had become so damage, by the effects of the NerveGear. It was impossible to save her. But, if I could acquire the memories of her from the other SAO players, and find a way to combine them. The deep learning function, will do the rest. And it could give my daughter new life as an AI.

Back with with Zora and Eiji, the two of them were standing, staring with one another both panting.

Zora: A Digital Ghost... But, isn't that just your and Professor Shigemura's ego talking?!

Eiji:...

Zora: At the very least, when I saw her yesterday. She didn't look like she desired to return to life at the cost of bringing misery to others!!

Eiji: SHUT UP!!!!

Eiji once again rushed at Zora and he jumped around and Zora wasn't able to react on time and he was grabbed by the arm and was spun around and he saw something on the back.

Zora(mind): Isn't this...

Zora then remembered when he saw it before he was about to left the lecture, and the one from yesterday. And as Zora was thinking, Eiji threw him towards the wall, making him dropped his sword and continues his barrage of onslaught towards Zora, but Zora dodge and parried it with his arms and combat skills.

And with Tetsuhiro, he was still talking to the person and it was none other than Akihiko Kayaba's echo.

Tetsuhiro: The numbers in, the Ordinal system are absolute. Whoever's rank number one, becomes immortal. After all, that's how you design it, Kayaba.

Kayaba: Yuna is it? Its sounds like 'Una'. The Latin word for 'one'. Aincrad was controlled by a system using Cardinal numbers. Ordinal Scale is control by a system, using Ordinal numbers. A system I originally develop for SAO, but discarded early on. It seems you resurrected it doctor. And develop a new game. The man I used to be would have done the same, if I had been in your place. But now, doctor, the man I become believes in something greater. An existence, then can transcend the system itself.

Kayaba's echo then disappeared and Tetsuhiro just looked at where he once was. And back with Zora and Eiji, the two of them continues to fight, with Eiji slashing over Zora, but Zora continues to blocked and dodge the attacked.

Eiji: You have the adoration of The Treasure Hunter and the other survivors. What do you, Lionized as the Hero!! Understand about me?! Who cares if we take everyone's memories of SAO!! We're doing them a favor!!

Zora once again dodged Eiji's attacked and Zora grabbed Eiji's hair and got behind him and grabbed the glowing spot and ripped it off.

Zora: Then what about you?! How would you feel if your memories of Yuna got taken away from you by force?!

Eiji then jumped back as his neck started to spark from the spot that Zora pulled out and he started sweating nervously.

Eiji(mind): No... Yuna. We've finally come this close... we're just one step away....!!

Knowing that the plan was just one step away, he couldn't afford to lose and he looked at Zora who grabbed his sword from the ground furious.

Eiji: As someone who has never felt the pain of loss... DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO ME LIKE THAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!

Eiji then rushed towards Zora, and Zora started remembering the day that he failed to save both Rumia and Yuna and their final words and message.

(Flashback)

Rumia: I am so glad that I met you, and I could be with you even for a little while. No matter what world you're in, no matter where you go, I will always be by your side and I will always love you, little brother.

(Flashback)

Yuna: Thank you... Goodbye...

(Flashback)

Zora: In the end, all you want is to sing. That's all you ever wanted...

Yuna's eyes widened even further as tears started streaming even more and hugged Zora even tighter.

Yuna: You remember. Our promise...

(Present)

Zora then determined himself to win this fight and he saw that Eiji was doing an avalanche attacked, but Zora easily dodge the attacked and did a horizontal strike, and the two of them went passed each other, before Eiji fell to the ground living Zora victorious.

Zora: There's not a single person who hasn't lost anything or anyone is SAO... Just like how I told you I lost my sister...

Eiji's eyes widened as he remembered that Zora once told him that he lost his Big Sister in SAO. He then remembered, how Zora would constantly went to floor one, to get in touched with him. Trying to help him overcome his trauma and introduce him to Zora's friends, so he wouldn't felt like he was alone.

Zora: And not long after that, I lost Yuna. Someone who I cherish until now. All of us continues to bear the pain that never heals... While living in this moment. We've all suffered back then... But I won't lose to a guy who rejects the past, cause he thinks he suffered more.

Zora then looked at Eiji and saw that his Ordinal Scale outfit had disappeared.

Zora Are you gonna give me, Kotone's and Asuna's memories back, or do you want to keep going?!

Eiji didn't say anything and propped himself up on a pillar and started laughing.

Eiji: Its to late now. Practically every SAO survivors, is upstairs. In a few minutes, we're going to start scanning the brains of every one of them and take their memories of SAO... Their memories of that hell... And then we'll bring Yuuna back to life.

Zora then looked completely shocked.

Zora: Huh?! How exactly would you do...

Eiji: Like I said, its to late now. And you can't stop it...

Eiji started laughing and Zora took off his Augma and started running to the main hall while calling Kikuoka.

Kikuoka: Okay, so here's what I learned from Komura. The company that manufactures the Augma. The drones flying inside the stadium are eqipped with a functions that allows them to boost the power of the Augma's themselves.

Sora: What did you just... So then...!!

Kikuoka: Indeed... If the scan were to be performed inside the stadium, partial memory loss would probably be the least of our worries...

Sora: In that case...

Kikuoka: Indeed... There's a chance it could damage the brain itself, just like the NerveGear did, leading to death.

Sora: ?!?!?

Sora looked completely and utterly shocked. The damage could even causes death. As he finally made his way to the stadium hall he equipped his Augma and saw that everyone in the hall was fighting bosses from SAO.

Zora: What the...?!

Kikuoka: I'll stop the Professor. Zora, tell the audience inside the stadium to take off their Augmas!!

Zora: Gotcha!!

Zora saw that some players were trying to escape, but the door was locked. And he saw that, his friends was battling some bosses nearby while protecting Asuna and Philia who both were afraid to fight. Suddenly, a boss monster appeared in front of them and it was none other than the Gleam Eye from floor 74th.

Zora: Philia!! Asuna!!

Zora practically jumped from the top of the auditorium and brought out his sword and used his entire body weight to strike the Gleam Eye pushing it away.

Zora: Philia, Asuna, you both okay?!

Philia and Asuna: Zora...

Zora along with Agil fought against the Gleam Eye, while Kirito, Liz, and Sinon were fighting against the Centipede from floor 65. After killing the Gleam Eye, Zora then saw the boss from floor 90th, the reaper and saw that it brought its scythe and slammed it on Zora, but Zora dodge the attacked, but he wasn't able to stand properly.

Zora: Damn it, I sprained my ankle when I landed...

Zora then saw that the reaper was about to hit him with its scythe, but Yuna suddenly appeared in front of him and blocked the attack.

Zora: Yuna...!!

Yuna: Help me, Zo-kun!! If we don't stop this, everyone here is going to die!! Once the average of their emotive counter passes 10 thousand. A high output scan will activate and destroy their brains.

Zora: I'm on it!!

Zora then looked towards every player who was currently fighting and shouted from the top of his lungs.

Zora: EVERYONE!!!! TAKE OFF YOUR AUGMA NOW!!!! TAKE THEM OFF, OR THIS WILL BE THE SAME LIKE SAO!!!! YOU ALL WILL DIE!!!!

But not a single person was putting their Augma down and Zora gritted his teeth.

Zora: Damn it...

Yuna: It's no use... My dad put the bosses in the other event so everyone here would fight, thinking its part of the game.

Zora: Then what am I suppose to do?

Yuna: You yourself, have become the ruler of Ordinal Scale and put an end to this, it's our only choice!! At the place where we met yesterday... Defeat the Boss monster of the 100rd floor of Old Aincrad there, Night Sky Swordsman!!

Zora: Wha...?

Yuna: Trust me... If you do, I'm sure...

Yuna was sure that if Zora could defeat the floor 100rd boss of Old Aincrad, he could save everyone here.

Yuna: I'll unlock the FullDive Function of the Augma now, so sit down in a chair!

Zora: The Augma has a FullDive Function?!

Yuna: The Augma is just a version of the NerveGear with limited functions. Now hurry!!

Yuna said while pushing the reaper back and Zora nodded his head.

Zora: I'm ready...

Zora then felt a hand grabbed his shoulder and saw Kirito and the rest were smiling at him. Zora could tell right away that they wanted to help no matter what.

Zora: You guys...

They all nodded their head and Yuna unlock the FullDive system of the Augma and all of the took a sit.

Rio: Goodluck, Papa...

Yui: We'll be on our way soon!

Zora: Rio, Yui, I'll leave Philia and Asuna in both of your care.

Rio: Right...

Yui: Leave it to us...

Philia then sat next to Zora nervously. She was worried about her boyfriend and her friends as they were about to fight against the boss on floor 100rd.

Philia: Zora...

Zora: Don't worry. This won't take long. And I'll save everyone here too. Have faith is me, and hold on a bit, Philia...

Zora then hold Philia's hand and Philia felt something was put and as soon as Zora let go, Philia saw that it was a ring with a white crystal on it and she looked completely and utterly shocked.

Philia: Zora you...

Philia saw that Zora was smiling at her.

Zora: I love you...

Zora then close his eyes along with everyone else.

Zora and Everyone: Link Start!!