[March 20, Year 378, Human Era Calendar]
The next morning, In one of the rooms in the church standing on the small hill overlooking the Rulid village, Yami and Kirito were currently sleeping in shared room as they doesn't notice that Selka is in the room, trying to wake them up while two children peeked through the door.

Kirito: Ten more minutes... No, five would be fine.

Yami: more rest...about to slam to the ground

Selka: No. Wake up.

Both of the popped their head out from under the blankets and looked to his right. Through parted eyelids, Yami thought that he saw Yui who always wake him in the morning with an angel smile.

Yami: Yui?

Frustrated, Selka yanking the covers off the bed and both males can clearly saw that the one in front of them wasn't Yami's adopted daughter, Yui but none other than Selka who was already in her nun's habit. The apprentice sister looked at them in exasperation.

Selka: Snap out of it. It's already 5:30. You may be a guest, a wandering swordsman and a lost child of Vecta, but you're still expected to get up on time, okay?

Yami: Okay, we got it.

Selka: Good.

Kirito: She reminds me of Aoi...Scary...T-T...

——

Time Skip

After he ate the breakfast, Yami and Kirito joined Eugeo at the Gigas Cedar and currently, Eugeo is swinging the Dragonbone Ax, until the sun he called Solus reached the sky directly overhead.

Eugeo: Forty... five!

As Eugeo doing his Calling, Yami and Kirito was watching him at a safe distance while sitting on the ground as he already finishes his part of swinging the five-hundredth swing into the Gigas Cedar.

The truth is, early this morning when Yami and Kirito met with Eugeo, he offered himself to help Eugeo as he got nothing to do.

Kirito: There's still a lot about this world I don't understand, so to get to the central city, I'm definitely going to need Eugeo's help. But... To release Eugeo from his Calling... I guess we're going to have to chop this tree down first?

Eugeo: What was that?

Both snapped out of their own thought when Eugeo called for him as Eugeo already finished the five-hundredth swing. Yami then looked at the blond-haired boy who was walking towards him with a smile.

Yami: Oh, nothing.

Eugeo: That's it for this morning, so let's have lunch.

As thanks for accompanying and helping him, Eugeo offered Kirito half of his lunch while Yami decline and currently, the three sitting up properly and leaning back against the Gigas Cedar.

Kirito: Bon appetite!

Yami, Kirito, and Eugeo then started to eat their lunch which is the same bread rolls as yesterday and while the two eating their lunch, Eugeo began to strike up a conversation with the two

Eugeo: You know, you two got good fundamentals. I think you've both really come a long way in just two days. I really surprised when you two already finish half an hour earlier than me.

Kirito: Thanks. Well, I got the best instructor teaching me.

Eugeo looked at Kirito with a smile and was slightly embarrassed being praised. Then, for several minutes the two silently chewed away at their first rolls of bread and shared an awkward smile when they finished together.

Eugeo then took a mouthful of siral water and gazed into the distance.

Eugeo: I wish you could have eaten one of Alice's pies, Yami, Kirito The crust was crispy, and the insides were packed with juicy bits... With a cup of fresh milk, you couldn't imagine anything better...

Hearing that, Kirito slightly drooling while imagining the food in his mind. He bit down on the second roll to hide his surprise, then asked Eugeo.

Kirito: Say Eugeo... This Alice girl studied sacred arts at the church, right? To take over Sister Azalia's position one day.

Eugeo: That's right. She was said to be the first true genius since the founding of the village. From the age of ten, she could use all kinds of arts.

He answered Kirito's question proudly which makes Kirito slightly impressed at this Alice girl.

Kirito: Really? Then... what about Selka, the girl living in the church now?

Eugeo: Ah... After the Integrity Knight took Alice away, Sister Azalia was very depressed. She said she'd never take another apprentice, but Elder Gasfut convinced her that the teaching must go on, and so two years ago, she finally took in Selka as her new apprentice. She's Alice's little sister.

Yami: Her sister, huh...

He had to suppress his laughter while thinking about what Eugeo said.

Yami: Selka seemed like the bossy-older sister type. If she was that girl's sister, then Alice must've been quite the busybody getting into everyone's business.

——

Meanwhile, somewhere in Capital City, a certain 17 years old blond-haired girl who wore golden armor, a blue cape, white leather boots, and a white skirt suddenly sneezed as she walking with her friend or her big sister figure.

???: Achoo!!!

The blond-haired girl then had to stop as the ash brown-haired girl beside her looked at her with a raised eyebrows.

??? #2: Are you alright, Alice?

The blond-haired girl known as Alice looked at the ash brown-haired girl who wears the same armor as her but different colors, a gray cape, white leather boots, and a black skirt with a reassuring smile.

Alice: Hai. I'm fine. Thanks for worrying about me... Eydis-sama.

The ash brown-haired girl known as Eydis smiled, glad that Alice or her little sister figure is alright.

Eydis: Ne, Alice. Want to take bath with me?

Alice: ...No, thank you. I don't have a change of clothes.

Eydis: Oh, true. Well, let's come here again sometime.

Alice: Hai... Oh, I mean, no thanks! I could never...

Before Alice can finish her sentence, Eydis suddenly launched herself at Alice and clung to her with a happy smile.

Eydis: Oh, don't worry about it! We're both girls.

Alice: Don't cling so much!

Eydis: It's fine! It's fine!

——

Back with Yami, Kirito and Eugeo, Yami glanced over at Eugeo and saw that he was pensive.

Eugeo: ...We're five years apart, so in fact, I haven't spent much time with Selka. On the occasions when I would visit Alice's home, Selka was usually hiding shyly behind her mother or grandmother... Her father, Gasfut; the other adults; and even Sister Azalia are all hoping that as Alice's sister, Selka will display the same talent for the sacred arts... but...

Yami: But Selka isn't quite the genius her sister was?

Eugeo grimaced a bit and shook his head.

Eugeo: I wouldn't say that. Everyone is poor at their Calling right after they receive it. It took me over three years to learn how to swing the ax properly. No matter what Calling you have, if you treat it seriously, you can master it eventually, as the adults do. But in Selka's case. I think she's trying a little too hard for someone just twelve years old.

Kirito: Trying too hard? What do you mean?

Eugeo: When Alice started studying the sacred arts, she wasn't actually living in the church. She studied in the mornings, brought me my lunch at noon, and helped around the house in the afternoon. But Selka left home, saying it wouldn't give her enough time to study. On the other hand, that was around the time that Jana and Arug came to the church, too, which was a little more than Sister Azalia could handle.

Kirito: I see what you mean... And now they've got a "lost child of Vecta" to add to the mix. I'd better be careful not to make extra trouble for Selka.

Yami: she's pushing herself too much.

He thought, making a mental note to get up at five-thirty on the dot tomorrow.

Yami: Oh, and did you say that all the kids aside from Selka living at the church lost their parents? Both parents? How are there six orphans in such a peaceful village?

Eugeo then glanced down at the moss at his feet, distress palpable in his features

Eugeo: Three years ago... there was a plague in the village. It hadn't swept through for over a century, they said, and it ultimately took the lives of over twenty villagers—adults and children. No matter how hard Sister Azalia and Miss Ivenda the herbs master tried, there was no help for those whose fever got bad enough. The children at the church lost their parents to the disease.

A stunned expression appeared on Kirito face.

Kirito: An epidemic? But this is a virtual world. There can't be actual germs or viruses here. This means those who died of disease were meant to do so by the person or system in charge of managing this world. But why? Perhaps it was an intentional strain placed upon the village in the form of a natural disaster, but what was it meant to simulate?

While Kirito is deep in thought, Eugeo continues to talk as Yami listened to it.

Eugeo: It's not just the plague. Several strange things have happened recently. Villagers attacked by wandering long-clawed bears and packs of black wolves, crops that refuse to bloom... Some months, the regular caravan from Zakkaria never shows up. They say it's because bands of goblins are attacking the road far to the south of us.

Yami: Goblins, you say?

Eugeo: But I think they're just rumors. After all, an Integrity Knight would've made light work of them right away. They have to. All Alice did was touch the ground in the land of Darkness, and those Goblins are much, much worse.

Kirito: But wait... Didn't you say earlier about goblins that the knights guard the border?

Eugeo: Of course. If the descendants of darkness approach the End Mountains, an Integrity Knight will defeat them at once. They have to—they're much, much worse than Alice, who merely brushed the ground of that place.

Yami: Eugeo...

He looked at Eugeo surprised to hear a note of angry chagrin in Eugeo's normally placid voice, but a warm smile replaced it at once.

Eugeo: Which is why I think it's all just rumor. Still, there's indeed been a rush of new graves out behind the church in the last few years. Grandpa says times like this come around.

Kirito: Say, Eugeo... Are there sacred arts that can, you know... bring people back to life?

Eugeo merely bit his lip and bobbed his head vaguely.

Eugeo: I don't know... but Alice did mention a sacred art that was a little bit like that. It's a high-level art that can stop life from decreasing.

Kirito: Stop life from... decreasing?

Eugeo: Yeah. She was surprised to see a passage about that spell in one of the church's ancient books. Apparently, only the highest priests in the Axiom Church can use it.

Kirito: Axiom Church?

Yami:....

Eugeo: The big shots in the central city that wrote the Taboo Index.

Kirito: In other words, it's not like anyone can use the sacred art that stops life from decreasing.

Eugeo: Of course not. The arts get their strength from the sacred power that Solus and Terraria and the like pour into the air and earth. The bigger the art, the more sacred power necessary. Manipulating human life is a tremendous art, so it might require more power than can be gathered from this entire forest. You won't find a single person able to wield so much power in all of Zakkaria, I bet.

Eugeo paused there, then continued in a quieter voice.

Eugeo: Plus... if Sister Azalia could do such a thing, she would never have allowed those parents and children to lose their loved ones to the disease.

Yami: Good point...

Finished his second piece of bread and lifted Eugeo's canteen to his mouth, both of them then looked up at the impossibly massive trunk overhead.

Yami: If only there was a Sacred art that would finally let us chop down this monstrous tree.

Eugeo: Hahaha! Well, that would make my life easier.

For his part, Eugeo was getting to his feet, patting his trousers clean.

Eugeo: Well, let's get started on the afternoon work. I'll go first this time. Can you Kirito hand me the ax?

Kirito: Sure.

Kirito then leaning and grabbing the middle of the ax handle next to him so he could put it into his outstretched hand. He squeezed the ax handle tight and pulled, ensuring it did not slip away again.

Kirito: Eugeo said it himself that a normal ax would easily chip on the tree, which was why they'd spent such an extravagant amount shipping this ax from the big city. So what if we used an even stronger ax? One with a higher strength requirement, with even greater attack and durability?

Yami: Hey, Eugeo. Are there any stronger axes than this in the village? Or if not here, then in Zakkaria... ? It's been three centuries since you got this ax, right?

Eugeo merely shook his head.

Eugeo: Of course not. Dragon bones are the greatest possible material for a weapon. It's even harder than Damascus steel from the south and Tamahagane steel from the east. To get something stronger than this, you'd need an Integrity Knight's... divine weapon...

His voice slowed and trailed off as both of them looked at him with equal parts of patience and curiosity.

Eugeo: Well, it's no substitute for an ax, but... There's something I want to show you.

Eugeo then handed Kirito back the ax and walked away from the place, going to get something that he wants to show to them

After a few minutes, Kirito finished a full set of fifty swings and at the same time, Eugeo came back with his forehead was glistening with sweat and behind him, there is something wrapped in cloth on his back.

Yami: H-hey, are you alright?

Eugeo nod weakly and toss what he carried over his shoulder onto the ground. It landed with a loud, heavy thud and sank deep into the carpet of moss. Eugeo sat down, panting heavily, and Yami rushed to give him the siral water before he turned to look at what he'd brought.

Kirito: I'd seen that thing on the storage shed's floor when Eugeo put away the ax yesterday.

Yami: the sword that he used...

Kirito: Can I open it up?

Eugeo: Y-yeah... Just... be careful. If you drop it on your foot... you'll get worse than a scrape.

The moment Kirito grabbed the sword, his eyes widen in shock at how heavy the thing is.

Yami: from Kirito's reaction it's heavy... Well, it's not heavier than Suguha at least...

Using half of his strength, Kirito lifts the object with his right hand as Eugeo's eyes widen in surprise, seeing how easily Kirito lift the object.

Eugeo: W-What?!

Ignoring Eugeo's surprised face, Kirito rotated the object ninety degrees to bring the part tied with string to the top, then set the bottom end onto the ground. With his left hand desperately holding it upright, Kirito unwound the string with his right and tugged down the leather wrapping and it revealed a breathtakingly beautiful longsword.

Yami:...

He grabs it with no problems shocking both Eugeo and Kirito.

Kirito: he just did like that!?

Eugeo: how strong is he?

Yami pulls the sword out from it's scabbard. The blade reflected the light as both boys looked at Yami as he's some sort of a legendary hero or a god.

Yami:...

He swings horizontally, swings downwards, rapidly swings around and finally did a Stinger.

Yami: the sword is good but I don't need it.

Eugeo: really? You did good with the sword.

Yami: yeah but the sword belongs to you, Eugeo.

Kirito: him, why?

Yami: I sense the sword feels better being with Eugeo.

He puts the sword back in it's scabbard and puts it on the tree.

Yami: it looks better on you, Eugeo. A blue rose looks lovely on you.

Eugeo: o-oh um thanks.

Yami: well even if we use the sword it would be weak since it will only be 1.

Kirito: really? I thought using a sword would be more stronger.

Yami: Well... if you gave us one week... No, three days, we will able to master it. What about you, Eugeo? You look pretty strong. You should try to give it a swing.

Eugeo: I already told you, I can't swing it well, either.

Kirito: we'll gives you some swordsman tips if you want.

Eugeo looked at the Blue Rose Sword, then back at Yami, give in, and admit he'd try it just once.

Eugeo: Well, I'II give it a go, then.

He grabbed the handle of the Blue Rose Sword and tried wrenching it loose from the tree. When it finally came free, Eugeo's upper half swayed and the end of the sword dropped until its point hit the ground.

Eugeo: Wh-whoa! It really is too heavy. I can't do this, you two!!

Kirito: Don't give up. The concept is the same as with the ax. Just make more use of your weight and capitalize on the momentum of your whole body, not just your arms.

Eugeo nodded and did what Kirito said as his naive face tensed with determination, and he crouched down to lift the sword.

Eugeo: Fuh...

He drew it back, paused, then hissed a quick breath and began a ferociously quick swing. The way his toe slid forward in a perfect line took even Kirito by surprise.

Kirito: What was that...? He did it perfectly on his first try...

A vision of blue light hung in the air as the tip of the sword plunged straight for the cut in the tree but at the very last instant, Eugeo's left foot was unable to bear all the weight and the end of the sword struck the upper side of the V-shaped cut, thudding dully.

Eugeo was then thrown behind with his back slammed against a thick root.

Eugeo: Urrgh...

Kirito: Hey! Are you okay?

Eugeo: I don't think this will work, Yami, Kirito. We're going to start losing life before we ever hit it right on the sweet spot.

Yami: It seemed like such a good idea...

After Eugeo gives up on Yami idea of using the Blue Rose Sword to cut down the tree, he resumed chopping the tree as Kirito sat down near the Blue Rose Sword that was sunken into the ground after it deflected off the top of the cut in the trunk.

Kirito: The existence of the sword meant that there must be some person in this world capable of wielding it. Eugeo and I simply hadn't reached the requirements yet. So what were those requirements? Class? Level? Stats? How could we find out...?

Suddenly, an idea popped up in his mind.

Kirito: I couldn't believe how dense I was. I just had to look at its status window. The same way Eugeo checked the window of the bread yesterday... and the way I popped up the lamp's window in the church. Why hadn't I thought of that earlier?

Immediately, Kirito reached out with his left hand, made the symbol, then, after a brief moment of consideration tapped the back of his right hand and a purple rectangle chimed into existence above it.

Kirito: So this durability is what Eugeo refers to as "Life"?

He looked at the second line said Object Control Authority: 38. Below that, it said System Control Authority: 1.

Kirito: Hmm... "Object Control Authority, 38." A parameter for the right to control objects? Like the sword?

A thought occurred to Kirito, and he went to examine the Blue Rose Sword that was laying on the Gigas Cedar. Kirito then made the S sign and tapped it as the same purple rectangle chimed into existence above it.

Kirito: It's more higher than my authority. My authority is 38, and Blue Rose Sword's authority is 45.

Released a sigh, Kirito closed both of the Stacia windows and lay down on the spot. Through the branches of the Gigas Cedar, he could see little tiny patches of blue sky.

Kirito: The reason why I couldn't use the Blue Rose Sword is probably that my authority level is lower than the sword. If I could raise my authority level to forty-five, that problem was solved, but I didn't know how to go about doing that. I gotta figure that out.

——

Time Skip

It was now nighttime in Rulid Village and in the church where Yami and Kirito temporarily resided, Kirito currently taking a bath in the hot water.

Kirito: Ahh... Now, this is paradise...

The bathroom in Rulid's church had a large copper tub installed next to a ceramic tile floor, with an oven on the outside of the building that burned logs to heat the water.

Kirito: I didn't think medieval Europe had baths like this, but whether it was installed by the world creators' design or was the evolutionary result of three centuries of simulation, it was nothing short of a blessing to me.

After dinner, Sister Azalia took Selka and the two other girls into the bath first. After that, the four boys, Yami and Kirito got their turn, and the rowdy kids had just gotten out after satisfying their natural desire to cavort.

Kirito scooped up a handful of the clear liquid splashed it on his face, and let out another relaxed, satisfied moan.

Kirito: Thirty-three hours had passed since I had been abandoned in this world. Even if the time in this world is accelerated, everyone in the Real World will probably worry if I don't return. Is there really no way for me to quickly get to the central city? It's not like Eugeo would ever think of shirking his Calling.

Kirito: The ultimate law that no dares to break... the Taboo Index, Huh?

Kirito: Just what is the Axiom Church that wrote the Taboo Index in the first place? If they're trying to simulated civilization with Artificial Fluctlights, then any constraints on the AIs would just be counterproductive... Wait, hold on. If I remember correctly, that girl named Alice violated the Taboo Index by entering the land of Darkness. And of her own volition, too. An AI that's deflected the system... Alice, who are you?

Then, a voice beyond the changing room door brought Kirito to his senses.

???: Huh? Is someone still in there?

Kirito sat upright when he recognized it was Selka's voice.

Kirito: Y-yeah, it's me—Kirito. Sorry, I'll be right out.

Selka: Oh... n-no, you can take your time. Just make sure you unplug the tub and put out the lamp when you're done. Anyway, I'm heading back to my room now... Good night.

Kirito heard Selka start to scurry away, and an idea occurred to him. But Yami used telepathy.

Yami: Kirito I got just continue with your bath.

Kirito: Ahhh!! You could've waited!!

Yami: sorry!!

Kirito: Selka! There's something Yami want to ask you.

The footsteps stopped, replaced by a hesitant silence. Eventually, she responded, just loud enough for Kirito to hear.

Selka: I have... a bit of time. But the kids are already sleeping in my chamber, so I'll wait for him in your room.

She then trotted off without waiting for a reply. Yami waited for Selka. Arrived at his room, Yami open the door and find Selka looked up from the bed, dangling her feet. Even though Yami hate to admit but Selka is... very cute.

Selka: So, you wanted to ask me something?

Yami: Yeah.

Closing the door, Yami take a seat next to Selka and he began to ask her.

Yami: Well... It's about your older sister.

When Yami mentioned that, Selka's delicate shoulders twitched under her white gown.

Yami: I mean... Eugeo told me about how you had an older sister named Alice.

Selka: Eugeo? Did he talk to you about Alice-neesama?

Yami: Yeah, like how Alice was studying the Sacred arts at this church... and how she was taken away to the central by an Integrity Knight 6 years ago... He seems really concerned about her.

Selka: So Eugeo didn't forget... about Alice-neesama...

Yami: Huh...?

Selka: The people of the village—Father, Mother, Sister Azalia—none of them will ever talk about her. Her room was tidied up and emptied years ago... like she was never there, to begin with. So I thought everyone had just forgotten all about her... even Eugeo...

Yami: As a matter of fact, not only does he remember her, he still seems to be quite concerned for her. So much that if he didn't have his Calling to keep him busy, he would rush down to that city to find her.

Selka was quiet for a few moments before she eventually mumbled.

Selka: I see... So the reason Eugeo doesn't smile anymore... is because of Alice-neesama.

Yami: Eugeo... doesn't smile?

Selka: Yes. He always looks gloomy, and doesn't have much to say, does he?

Yami: Right.

Selka: But when my sister was here, he always had a smile on his face. It was actually harder to catch him when he wasn't smiling. But now, on his days of rest, whether he stays inside or heads to the forest, he's always alone...

Yami: ...Selka, you like Eugeo, don't you?

Selka looked at Yami with a reddening cheek as she waved her hands in front of her, denying that she likes Eugeo.

Selka: You've got the wrong idea! Jeez!

Yami: Tsundere. Remind me of a certain Neko sniper.

He chuckled at Selka's reaction as he thinks it was cute. Selka looked down for a while, and when she spoke again, her voice was suddenly tense.

Selka: Nobody said it out loud, but they're always sighing. It was like seeing me reminded them of my sister. And I can't stand it... Eugeo's been avoiding me all this time. Even when we do see each other, he always has this tortured look on his face. It's not my fault that my sister isn't here anymore!

Realizing a tear rolled down on her cheek, Selka immediately rubbed the moisture out of her eyes.

Selka: I'm sorry for losing my composure.

Selka then blushed and flustered when Yami did something she never expected. Yami got close to Selka and hugged her as her head resting on his left shoulder.

Selka: What do you think you're doing, idiot?!

Yami: Don't say anything. When you want to cry, it's better to let it out rather than keeping it inside. Letting tears flow does not mean that you have stopped being strong. It is a way to cope so that you can carry on being strong.

For the first time in her life, Selka then breaks down in tears while Yami just patted her on the back of her head without saying anything.

Yami: seeing this from anime for real. Her tears that something an AI can't do well Yui also cried too, I hope she's doing okay.

After a few minutes, Selka finally stopped crying which make Yami broke the hug and looked at her with a smile as she smiles back at him.

Selka: ...Yeah, you're right. For some reason, I feel a little bit better now. It's been such a long time since I cried in front of somebody.

Yami: Is that so? That's brave of you, Selka. Even at my age, I'm always crying a lot in front of people.

He said, thinking of this scene and that, involving Sachi, Asuna, Rika, Keiko, Suguha, Yuuna, Shino, Yuuki, Raikou, Kirito and Yui.

Selka: Yami... did you regained your memory back?

Yami: N-No, it's not like that! A-Anyway, you're your own person. You can't be someone else. Just do whatever you can and that should be fine.

Selka thought it over and took it to heart.

Selka: You're right... Maybe I've just been averting my eyes from myself...and my sister...

Just then, a pleasing melody came down from the bell tower above.

Selka: Oh... it's already nine. I need to get back now. Oh... what was it you wanted to ask, again?

Yami: It's alright. I'd already figured out enough.

Selka: Well, in that case, I'm going back to my room.

She hopped down to the floor and took a few steps to the door, then turned back.

Selka: Hey... did you hear the reason why the Integrity Knight took my sister away?

Yami: Um, yeah... Why?

Selka: I don't know it. My parents won't say anything... and I asked Eugeo once, years ago, but he wouldn't tell me. Why was she taken?

Yami: Well... because she went through the End Mountains and entered the land of Darkness.

Selka: I see. The End Mountains...

She mumbled something quietly as Yami looked at her suspiciously but soon, Selka looked over at Yami with a smile.

Selka: Tomorrow's a day of rest, but prayer is at the usual hour, so make sure you get up. I won't be coming to rouse you this time.

Yami: I'll do my best.

Selka grinned briefly, opened the door, and disappeared through it. As her tiny footsteps pattered into the distance, Yami flopped down on the bed and waited for Kirito. A few minutes passed and Kirito came back as they both feel asleep.

The next morning. Yami and Kirito were currently outside of the Rulid's church, about to wash up. They transferred a few cups of water from the bucket to the basin, splashed some on their face, and heard someone coming up behind him at last. Both straightened, shaking the water from their hands, expecting to see Selka.

Yami: Oh... Good morning, Sister.

It was Sister Azalia, wearing her pristine nun's habit. Both bowed hastily, and she returned the gesture.

Sister Azalia: Good morning. I apologized for disturbing you, Yami, Kirito, but would you happen to know where Selka is? I cannot find her anywhere.

Yami: No, I haven't.

Sister Azalia: I see... I haven't seen her all morning. She didn't come to morning service, and she's not in her room, either... This has never happened before?

Kirito: Is that right?

Sister Azalia: If you do happen to see Selka, will you bitb let me know?

Yami: Of course.

Morning prayer passed with this concern gripping Kirito's chest, and at the end of breakfast, where the children all wondered where Selka was, she still had not returned. Yami helped clean up the dishes and went out the front door of the church.

Immediately, Yami and Kiriyo went to search for Selka, and as they was searching for the girl, he saw a familiar flaxen hair coming from the northern path at the eight o'clock bell.

Eugeo: Good morning, Yami, Kirito.

Kirito: Morning, Eugeo. Have you seen Selka?

Eugeo: Huh? No, I haven't.

Yami: Sister Azalia's been looking for her. She hasn't seen her all morning.

Eugeo: Really?

Yamk: Can you think of anywhere Selka might've gone?

Eugeo: I haven't spoken to her lately, so... What about you? Do you know anything?

Yami then thought for a second before he remembers last night talked with Selka.

Yami: Last night I talked with Selka about Alice for a little bit. So I was wondering if she might be someplace that reminds her of Alice...

Finally realizing why he was suspicious of Selka's behavior before she left his room, Yami facepalmed at his mistake.

Yami: Ah...

Eugeo: What is it, Yami?

Yami: No way... Say, Eugeo. When Selka asked you why the Integrity Knight took Alice away years ago, I hear you didn't tell her the reason. Why not?

Eugeo blinked rapidly and, after a few moments, bobbed his head.

Eugeo: That's right... she did ask that. So... why didn't I tell her? I didn't have a very solid reason... Perhaps I was just uneasy about the possibility that Selka would try to go after Alice...

Yami: That's it! I told Selka last night. I told her how Alice touched the ground of the land of darkness... She must have gone to the End Mountains.

Eugeo: What?!

Kirito: she went to the what!?

He said with a paled expression.

Eugeo: That's bad! We have to track her down and bring her back before the villagers realize! When did she leave?

Yami: I don't know. She was gone by the time I woke at five-thirty...

Eugeo: In this season, the sky starts to lighten up around five. She couldn't walk through the forest before that point. Which means she left three hours ago.

He said, looking up at the sky.

Eugeo: When Alice and I went to the cave, it only took us about five hours to get there, and we were kids. Selka's got to be over half the way there by now. I don't know that we can overtake her in time...

Yami: Let's hurry. We'll go right now.

Eugeo nodded, agreed as he, Kirito and Yami immediately make their way to the End Mountains without being noticed by Rulid villagers.

——

Time Skip

After about two and half hours had passed since Yami, Kirito and Eugeo make their way towards the End Mountains, they finally arrived at the entrance of the Northern Cave in search of the Selka.

Eugeo: This is it, you guys.

Kirito: These are... the End Mountains? And just on the other side is the land of darkness...?

He muttered in disbelief as Eugeo nodded.

Eugeo: I was surprised the first time I came here, too. That the end of the world...

Yami: was so close.

Eugeo: Let's hurry. We must've closed the gap with Selka to thirty minutes by now. If we drag her back as soon as we find her, we can still be back in the village during daylight.

Yami: Yeah... You're right.

After Eugeo took out a stalk of grass that he had picked up along the way when they tried to trace Selka, he then started chanting in English.

Eugeo: System Call.

Kirito: What? System Call?!

Eugeo: Generate Luminous Element. Adhere.

The tip of the stalk of grass in Eugeo's hand started to glow. It had enough pale bluish light to illuminate a few yards ahead.

Kirito: Eu-Eugeo! What was that?

Eugeo: A sacred art. A really simple one, though. I had to practice it a whole lot two years ago when I decided to come and get the Blue Rose Sword.

Kirito: So you know the meaning of things like "system"?

Eugeo: Meaning? There is no meaning. It's just a command. It's a phrase you use to call on the Gods to bestow a miracle.

Kirito: So they think they're just spells? Still, that was a very practical spell. Whoever designed this world was clearly quite pragmatic.

Eugeo: Come on, let's go.

With Eugeo in the lead, Kirito and Yami followed behind him as the two made their way into the cave. The further they got in, the colder the area around them.

Yami: Hey, are you sure Selka came down here?

Eugeo then pointed the glowing cattail toward the ground at their feet.

Yami: Oh...

Within the ring of the impromptu lantern's glow was a shallow, frozen puddle. It had been stepped on in the middle, and cracks were extending in all directions from that spot.

Eugeo: That footprint in the ice looks very recent!

Kirito: You're right. It has to be Selka's. I don't know if she's reckless or fearless... maybe both of them.

Eugeo: There's nothing to be afraid of. No white dragon in this cave anymore—not even a mouse or a bat to contend with.

Kirito: That's right.

The two then continued to walk further inside the cave and suddenly, Yami decides to ask something in his mind for a while.

Yami: Hey, Eugeo...

Eugeo: What?

Yami: If Selka were to enter the land of darkness, would she be taken by an Integrity Knight then and there?

Eugeo: No, the Integrity Knight would probably fly to the village the next morning. That's what happened six years ago.

Kirito: Then even in the worst-case scenario, we still have a chance to save Selka.

Eugeo: ...What are you thinking Kirito?

Kirito: It's simple. Even if Selka's violated the Taboo Index, if we get her away from the village before tonight, we might be able to escape the Integrity Knight.

Eugeo:...

He faced forward again, mulled it over, then muttered.

Eugeo: There's no way we could do that. I have a Calling, for one thing.

Yami: I didn't say you had to come with us. I'll take Selka and go on the run. This was my fault for running my mouth, anyway. It's my responsibility.

Eugeo: Yami...

Kirito: *grin* Maybe, the two of us can get married after finding a new place to stay.

Eugeo just laughed as Yami play a joke on him.

Eugeo: Hahaha! You're reckless, Yami, Kirito. But... if the two really married, I bet Selka will nag you every time you did something that cost your life.

A smile plastered on Yami's face when seeing Eugeo smiling but then, Eugeo's expression turned sour as he slowly shook his head side to side.

Eugeo: You can't... You just can't, Yami, Kirito. Selka has her own Calling. Even if the knight comes to take her away, she won't agree to go with you. And I don't think it will come to that in the first place. Selka would never violate the serious taboo of setting foot in the land of darkness.

Yami: But Alice did.

Eugeo winced and bit his lip but argued more forcefully this time.

Eugeo: Alice... Alice was special. She wasn't like anyone in the village. Not like me... and not like Selka.

He picked up speed, walking ahead and leaving Yami and Kirito behind him.

Kirito: Alice... who are you? A girl who is able to break a heavy taboo... What sort of being she is? Is she a beta tester using an STL like me?

Then suddenly, Selka's screaming can be heard a few meters in front of them.

Selka: NOOO!!!!

Yami, Kirito and Eugeo: Selka!

Immediately, both of them leaped into action, their feet sliding a bit on the frozen rock. The farther they went, the stronger the odor of burning wood and animal stink. Mixed in with the screeching voices was the constant shuffling of metal.

Kirito: I didn't know what awaited us ahead, but it was hard to imagine it being friendly.

Eventually, Yami, Kirito and Eugeo arrived where they heard Selka's voice are. It was a circular dome that had to be nearly a hundred and fifty feet across. The floor was covered with thick ice, but there was a stretch toward the middle that was cracked open, exposing water nearly dark enough to be black.

Kirito: Hide.

Hiding behind some ice, Yami peeked over it and saw about thirty humanoid green skin creatures. It has yellow-orange eyes, pointed ears and was taller than an average human. Each one of them holding bloody weapons in their hands. 

Yami: Goblin Slayer would like to know of the location.

In the back, Yami finally spotted what he, Kirito and Eugeo sought. It was Selka lying on a crude cart. She was tied down with rough ropes and her eyes were shut, but from the color of her face, she was only unconscious, not dead.

Yami: thank god she's okay but we have to save her but I have to keep the events the same somewhat.

Eugeo: Selka!

Yami: that brat!!

Thanks to Eugeo's shouting, the group of goblins noticed the presence of Yami, Kirito and Eugeo. One after another, the goblins got to their feet, brandishing machetes and looking at the two hungrily.

Goblin#1: Hey, look! What's going on today? It's another three fresh little White Ium younglings!

Goblin #2: What now? Want to capture them, too?

From the back came a ferocious roar, and all the goblins stopped laughing. They spread apart in two directions to clear a path for a much larger individual, one who seemed to be some level of leader.

This one wore metal scale armor and a headpiece around its forehead sporting bright feathers. Under that, its reddened eyes were full of an overwhelmingly evil and icy intelligence.

Goblin Leader: Ugh! You can't sell the male Iums for beans. Just kill them for their meat.

All the Goblins then ready their weapons while grinning, preparing to killed Yami, Kirito and Eugeo.

Kirito: Eugeo.

Eugeo:...

Received no answer from Eugeo, Yami and Kirito looked at his left and saw Eugeo's frozen body twitched. His legs are shaking as the goblins slowly got closer to them.

Yami: Eugeo?

Eugeo:...

Yami: Eugeo!

Eugeo:...

Yami: Answer when I'm calling your name, Eugeo!

Having encountered a group of goblins at the Mountain Range at the Edge in their search for Selka on the 21st Day of the 3rd Month, Eugeo had become frozen in terror. As the monsters continued approaching them, Yami pulled Kirito and Eugeo and hid behind a pillar of ice. As Eugeo was about to scream, Yami immediately covered his mouth.

Yami: Eugeo, get a hold of yourself!

Seeing Yami's and Kirito's serious's face, Eugeo started to calm down, his breathing went back to normal and Yami took his hand from his mouth and started to tell him his plan on saving Selka.

Yami: When I count to three, we'll rush the front four with a body slam. We're bigger than them, so we can win as long as we don't falter. Then I'll knock the left fire into the pond, and you do the right.

Eugeo: Y-Yeah.

Kirito: Don't lose your glowing grass.

He said, pointing at the glowing grass of Eugeo's left hand and the blond-haired boy nodded in the affirmative. While Yami explained his plan to Eugeo and Kirito, he keeping his gaze forward at the incoming goblins.

Yami: When the fires are out, pick up a sword and guard my back. You don't have to beat them if you don't need to. I'll work on taking out the big guy.

Eugeo: I... I've never swung a sword.

Kirito: And I never fight goblins...

Yami: At least not in another VRMMORPG or real life. The only time we've had ever fight goblins is when we play a fantasy MMORPG game or reading a light novel... or watching some anime called Goblin Slayer, goblins must die. Where do you need Goblin Slayer when you need him hell even DoomGuy!!

Yami: Don't worry, you'll do fine. It's just like an ax. Here goes... one, two, three!

Immediately, Yami and Kirito ran out of their hiding place, followed by Eugeo who screamed and rushed at the goblins. The four goblins stopped, their yellow eyes bulging in surprise when they saw Yami, Kirito and Eugeo rushing at them.

When Kirito got near the goblins, he sank, lowered his right shoulder, and charged like a football tackler for the gap between the leftmost goblin and the one next to him, knocked both onto their backs, where they slid across the ice, arms wheeling.

Yami grabbed two goblin's faces and slammed them to the ground very hard as they were knocked out.

Following Yami and Kirito's actions, Eugeo then tackled the other two goblins, sending them spinning like turtles in their shells.

The goblin leader and the rest goblins were frozen in shock as they stared at Yami, Kirito and Eugeo but the leader then realized their plan.

Goblin Leader: Hey! Don't let them get close to the fire!

However, he was too late as Yami, Kirito, and Eugeo leaped onto the fire braziers, kicking them over toward the water. The flames plunged into the black water, shooting up a cloud of sparks and emitting white steam where they fell.

Goblin #1: The fire!

Goblin #2: Those brats throw it into the pond!?

The crowd of goblins all around erupted into shrieks when the cattail in Eugeo's left hand shined brightly. Some covered their faces, while others turned away and cowered. Even the goblin leader was leaning back, holding out his hand to shield his eyes.

Eugeo: Yami, Kiriyo... What is this...?

Yami: Looks like my cringe gamer instinct was right. They're weak to that light. Now's our chance!

Eugeo was about to ask Yami and Kirito what 'cringe gamer instinct' means but the white-haired boy just ignored him and focused on his task. From the piles strewn around the pond, Kirito picked up a crude longsword as well as a scimitar with a heavy tip and pressed the latter of the two into Eugeo's free hand.

Yami takes out not Rebellion but Tessaiga, Steel Crushing Fang.

Yami: That weapon should work the same way as an ax. Use the light to push them back, and swing that sword at any that venture too close.

Eugeo: Wh-what about you?

Yami: I've got that big green guy.

Immediately, he plunged forward at the goblin captain, who glared furiously through the slits of the fingers he held out to block the light. Yami then tested the sword in his hands with a quick swing back and forth.

Goblin Leader: Grurah! Filthy Ium brats... Do you think to challenge the great Ugachi the Lizard Killer?!

He roared, watching Yami close the distance toward him with one baleful eye. Ugachi then drew an enormous machete from his waist with his other hand. The blackened blade was covered in menacing stains of blood and rust.

Ugachi: so hotshot you're gonna fight me, Ugachi?!

Yami: fight you? No I'm going to kill you.

He spoke, closed the last stretch of the distance between him and Ugachi. Yami then swung the sword diagonally at his left shoulder and Ugachi ignored his strike and swiped sideways with the machete, which Yami just barely evaded by hunching down.

Yami: crap I have to suppress my powers so they can't see it and not be taken to her.

He stayed low and spun around Ugachi, swinging horizontally at his exposed side, broke five or six metal scales free without even piercing the crude armor. Ugachi then glared at Yami while the white-haired boy just smirked seeing the goblin leader's furious gaze at him.

The fight between human and goblin then continues as each time Ugachi swung his machete, Yami evaded the attack before counter his attack with a slash.

As Yami continue swinging his sword, suddenly his sword took on a very faint red light and his body darted at a speed beyond the physical laws of the world.

Yami: Sword skill... Sharp Nail!!

Firstly, Yami slash rose from the lower right, clipping Ugachi's left leg and arresting his movement. Then, Yami swings his sword from left to right, dug it into Ugachi's breastplate, and lightly gouged his flesh.

Finally, Yami swings his sword from the upper right and hits Ugachi's left arm, and loudly severed it just below the elbow.

Ugachi's severed limb spun through the air and landed in the pond on the left, splashing loudly. Yami then had to block the incoming swing attack from Ugachi who stared at him with gleaming yellow eyes swam with pure hatred.

Yami: This sensation... It feels so real. I feel more excited to rip him apart!!

Ugachi: You little White lum brat! How dare you slice off my arm! I won't forgive you! I won't forgive you for this!

Yami broke the weapons lock and landed few meters from Ugachi. As Yami stared at Eugeo who seems to do a good job in keeping the goblins at bay with the scimitar in one hand and the lit cattail in the other, Ugachi put the machete in his mouth and squeezed the stump of his left arm with his remaining hand and stopped the flow of blood with sheer pressure.

Kirito: Eugeo, are you alright?

Eugeo: Y-Yeah! I'm doing fine!

They nodded and focused back on his enemy. Through tear-blotted eyes, Ugachi turned to Yami, moved the machete from his teeth to his remaining hand, and swung it loudly.

Ugachi: Even tearing you to pieces and devouring your flesh will not remove this humiliation but that doesn't mean I won't do it!

Yami: cry me like a fucking rivier!! Kirito, switch!!

Immediately, Kirito and Ugachi rushed at each other intending to kill each other. While Kirito was fighting Ugachi, Eugeo looked at the group of goblins in front of him with a frightened expression as the memory of Alice being taken play on his memory.

Eugeo: I'm scared... But... But I've got to do this! Or else it'll be just the same as with Alice...

Determined to save Selka, Eugeo closed his eyes for a few seconds before opening it back and his eyes changed into a resolve one. Immediately, Eugeo rushed forward at the group of goblins with a sword in his right hand and cattail in the other hand as the group of goblins also rushed at him. However, the goblins do not expect Eugeo to easily defeat them.

Seeing their friends got defeat, another group of goblins rushed at Eugeo in an attempt to avenge their comrade but the blond-haired boy used the cattail in his left hand, caused the goblins to back away in fear. Taking the chance, Eugeo swing his sword at them and took them out.

Back with Kirito and Yami, they saw Eugeo use his brain to defeat the group of goblins and was proud of their new friend. While he fought with Ugachi, Kirito saw a series of white flashes that blinded his vision, and vague shadows floated onto that blank screen.

Beneath a vivid red sunset, walking down a road through barley fields. Holding Kirito's right hand was a young boy with flaxen hair. Holding his left, a girl with golden braids.

Kirito: Is that... my memories? That black-haired boy looks like me when I was a child...

He shook his head and focused back on his match when he saw Ugachi's machete was in the process of coming down on him. Immediately, both boys swiped sideways and knocked it away.

Ugachi: GUAHH!!

Seeing that they took no damage while his right hand was cut made the goblin leader roared in fury and impatience.

Ugachi: White Ium and Black Ium.. Learn your place!!

He roared, rushing at Yami and Kirito with the machete as they did the same and rushing at Ugachi with a sword in his hand.

Yami: No! My name is not 'Ium'! I am... Yami the Devil Hunter!!

Kirito: I'm Kirito!!

Ugachi: You think I care!?

Immediately, Ugachi swung a machete at both of them who in return lunged forward to avoid the diagonal swipe, somersaulting, and landed few meters from the goblin leader.

Yami: Kirito, switch and deal with the other goblins!!

Kirito: okay!!

At this point on, Ugachi blankly rushed at Yami who just stood still and spread wide his leg, got in a running stance with his sword behind him.

Yami: He might also be an Artificial Fluctlight. But fight is over for you!!

Yami's left foot plunged forward, and he swung the sword diagonally at his left shoulder. At the same time, Ugachi swung his machete at him and the two got into a blade lock, staring at each other's eyes with killing intent.

Yami: how about you witness bit of my power!!

He broke the blade lock, jumped back a few meters from Ugachi and Tessaiga began to emitting wind from it.

Yami: WIND SCAR!!

He lunged forward and swings his wind blade downward, as the sharp winds cuts the rest of Ugachi limbs, and knock Ugachi over six feet backward to slam onto the ice.

Ugachi, missing both arms and both legs now, looked at Yami with yellow-eyed rage and even more, shock as he faltered. Black liquid gushed from the fresh wound, landing in the water and sending up steam.

Ugachi: ...No... No Ium whelp could...

Yami: I told you before that my name wasn't lum. I am Yami the Observer... a former Hero.

Kirito: Observer?

He vertically swung his sword from top to bottom, the sound of air ripping through the cave making everyone stopped on their track when they saw Ugachi's massive head floated high into the air before it fell into Yami left hand.

Yami: Woah... It's so disgusting...

He clutched the feathered headdress like a rooster comb and held up the bleeding trophy to the remaining goblins who looked at him with a terrified expression on their face while Eugeo smiled at his friend who easily defeated the goblin leader.

Yami: I have taken your leader's head! If any of you still wish to fight, come now, or flee to your home of darkness!

He said with a glare as the goblins looked at one another, screeching nervously. Eventually, one stepped forward, a club bobbing on his shoulder.

Goblin #1: Ge-heh! If that's the case, then if Aburi kills you, he can be the next—

He was cut off as Yami ripped his throat as blood came to his face. He starts to beat him down so badly his face was not even the same.

Goblin #2: h-he didn't even let Gary finished!!

Yami: who's next on the list!?

The remaining goblins let out high-pitched wails and breathlessly raced for the dome's exit on the far side from where Yami, Kirito and Eugeo came in. They kicked and shoved one another in the hurry to escape through the tunnel and were soon gone from sight.

Yami let out a relieved sigh before he, Kirito and Eugeo looked at each other with a smile. Realizing he still holding Ugachi's head, Yami throw the head to the side and walked towards Eugeo.

Kirito: Good job, Eugeo. Didn't I tell you before that you'll do fine?

Eugeo: Yeah. Thanks for trusting me... Say, Kirito. When I fought the goblins, I finally realize it.

Kirito: Hmm? What do you mean?

He said, raising his eyebrow in confusion at what Eugeo's means.

Eugeo: When we were kids, we made a promise. You, I, and Alice would be born on the same day and die on the same day. Thanks to your supporting words and resolution, I am still alive.

A memory of Kirito, Eugeo, and Alice when they were still a child playing around then play into Kirito's mind. Even though he is aware that he is still FullDiving and in VR, Kirito can't help but let out a smile as he remembered his other self's memory.

Kirito: Yes... We believed the world would never change. We believed the three of us would always be together. And we failed to protect her. We were helpless.

Eugeo looked down with a sad frown when he remembered the day he and Kirito lost Alice.

Eugeo: It's not your fault, Kirito... I was the one at fault! If I help you back then... If I brave enough to help you... Alice will be here with us...

Kirito brought Eugeo in a comforting hug when he saw his lost childhood friend started to crying and patted him on his back.

Kirito: No, Eugeo. It wasn't your or anyone's fault... It was our fault. You shouldn't burden yourself with that responsibility. Let me help you. I promised to bring Alice back with us.

Yami: no matter what, we'll fight back and bring her back. We'll be together no matter the situation, we're not having anything hold us down!!

Hearing his lost childhood friend's and new friend's comforting words, Eugeo broke down in tears while Kirito and Yani just stood there and let him cry on his shoulder despite the awkward situation if Selka suddenly woke up and saw the two of them in this position.

Yami: I'm glad Selka is still unconscious despite all shouting. If she saw me, Kirito and Eugeo in this position, she might misunderstand our relationship and that's the last thing I want to know. Although I'm dating Kirito.

After a minute, Eugeo broke the hug and smiled at the two boys in appreciation while wiped the tear on his eyes.

Eugeo: Thanks and sorry for lending your shoulder.

Kirito: It's alright. Let's go wake up the sleeping princess.

Eugeo chuckled and nodded his head in the affirmative. The two then head to the cart placed to the side of the dome where Selka was located. When the two arrived there, Yami told Eugeo to grabbed a knife out of one of the boxes and handed it to him.

Eugeo: Here.

He said, handed Yami a knife that he found inside a variety of weapons. Yami nodded and quickly cut the ropes. He then lifted Selka's light body and set her down on the floor for a quick examination.

Yami: No noticeable wounds of any kind. Her breathing is stable, thank god. Probably, she faint out of fear when she saw those goblins. I can't blame her, those creatures are fucked up.

He then put his hands on Selka's shoulders and shook her as firmly as he can.

Yami: Princess... Princess. Open your eyes, your prince is here.

Eugeo just looked at Yami from the right with a sweatdrop look at the white-haired boy's carefree attitude while Kirito chuckles as he gulps. He just shook his head when he saw Selka slowly opened her eyes, reveal wide brown eyes.

Eugeo: Selka... Selka! Are you alright?

He said with a worried tone when he saw Selka waved her arms, trying to push Yami off her, not able to recognize Yami, Kirito and Eugeo from the weak light of the cattail over at Eugeo's side.

Eugeo: Selka... Selka! Are you alright?

He said with a worried tone when he saw Selka waved her arms, trying to push Yami off her, not able to recognize Yami, Kirito and Eugeo from the weak light of the cattail over at Eugeo's side.

Selka: N-no, no, no!!

Yami: Selka, it's me!! It's me!! Yami!! It's all right; the goblins are gone. Calm down

Eugeo: That's right, Selka. It's alright, it's just Yami

Selka stopped struggling as soon as she heard Yami, Kirito and Eugeo's voices. Her hands reached out, trembling, to trace the boys' cheek.

Selka: Yami... Kirito.... Eugeo... Is that you...?

Yami: Yeah, we came to save you.

Eugeo: Are you all right? Are you hurt?

Selka: Y-Yes. I... I'm fine...

Yami, Kirito and Eugeo shared a smile when they heard Selka said that she was fine.

Selka: B-but how you two found me and how you guys defeat the goblins?

Yami: By killing their leader of course. Eugeo took care of the weaker one while both me and Kirito go to beat the boss. I gotta say, the leader was not that bad. He was pretty strong but bored me since he keeps calling himself the Lizard Killer.

Selka, Kirito and Eugeo just smiled at Yamj who telling the story of him fighting Ugachi like a child telling his mother when he got an A in an exam. After finished telling his story, Yami looked at Kirito, Eugeo and Selka with a smile and said.

Yami: Let's go. We don't want to make everyone worry about us, don't we?

Selka and Eugeo nodded in affirmative but when Selka was about to stand up, she found she can't stand up for some reason.

Eugeo: What's wrong, Selka? Did Yami's joke make you can't stand up?

Yami: Oi! That's rude!

Selka: No, I don't think so... I think. It must be because I'm slipped on ice when I encounter those goblins for the first time.

Suddenly, Yami abruptly lifted her into his arms and start to carry her in bridal style, much to the light brown-haired girl's embarrassment as her cheeks turned red.

Selka: W-What are you doing, idiot!?

Yami: What else? I'm carrying you back to the village. Oh~, don't tell me that you want Eugeo or Kirito to carry you and not me?

Selka: S-shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

Eugeo and Kirito just giggled watching the interaction between the two from the side. Both were happy when they saw Yami make the grumpy and strict Selka broke into a smile. For Eugeo, Selka is like his own little sister.

Back with Selka and Yami, the two continue to argue like a newlywed. After Selka gave Yami a long lecture, she had a big smile on her face when she saw Yami smiling face as her stomach fluttered and her heartbeat going faster.

Selka: What is this...? My heartbeat is going faster for this guy... I thought I liked Eugeo... Why my heartbeat moves faster when I saw Yami smile... I want him to smile at me more... I hope this moment stays longer.

Yami: oh fuck the FBI is gonna kick my ass!!

She thought as she smiling from ear to ear while looked down on the ground with a happy expression.

After everything was over, Yami, Kirito, Eugeo, and Selka made their way back to the Rulid Village using the same route where they came from. While walking through the cave, Kirito suddenly felt a pair of hands touched his shoulders.

When the hands touched his shoulders, Kirito felt his insides began to melt before they could freeze entirely, giving him a warming aura. Then, Kirito felt a soft breath on his left ear and heard a voice so familiar and nostalgic that it made him want to cry.  

???: Yami, Kirito, Eugeo... I'll be waiting for you always... I am waiting for you at the top of Central Cathedral...

After the mysterious voice said that, Kirito felt the hands slowly released their grip from his left shoulder. Taking the chance, Kirito turned his head and when he saw a phantom of a girl no less than 11 years old flew above him. The girl has a long golden hair color that reaches above her knees.

???: I'll be waiting for you both...

Kirito: wait who are...

He didn't manage to finish his sentence as the phantom of the golden-haired girl disappeared in a blink of an eye.

Kirito: who was she? Why do I feel nostalgic?

Eugeo: Kirito, are you alright?

Kirito snapped out of his thought when Eugeo calling for him. He looked in front of him at Eugeo, Yami and Selka who were still in his arms and saw they looked at him with a worried expression.

Kirito: Yeah, I'm fine. Come on, come on, let's go! Who arrives at the village later will explain the situation to the village chief!

He said before start running as Selka tightened her grip on his neck, tried not to fall. Selka looked at Yami's face and saw him smiling like a kid given a new toy and that caused a smile to appeared on her face. She then looked over at the stunned Eugeo and Kirito and yelled.

Selka: Eugeo, Kirito catch us if you can!

Eugeo: H-hey! That's not fair! And not you too, Selka!

Kirito: oh you're on!!

Both then increased their pace and followed after Yami who already reach the entrance of the cave. The three continue their race towards the Rulid Village with a smile plastered on their face, enjoying their free time not knowing that they will be lectured when they arrive at the village.

(Timeskip)[March 22, Year 378, Human Era Calendar]

Currently, Eugeo finished his fifty ax strikes and wiped the sweat from his brow, and Yami tossed him the flask of siral water.

Yami: Good job, as usual, Eugeo.

Eugeo: Thanks.

He then drank the siral water before look at Kirito who seems to be thinking about something. Kirito currently thinking about the words of the phantom of the golden-haired girl he encountered before.

Kirito: What did she mean by she waiting for me, Yami and Eugeo at the top of Central Cathedral? Was it a stretch to suggest that it was Alice, the girl taken from the village six years earlier? But...

His thought got interrupted when Eugeo called for him and he looked at the flaxen-haired boy.

Eugeo: Say, Kirito... Maybe it's my imagination, but I feel like the Dragonbone Ax is way lighter now.

Kirito: I don't think it's your imagination. Forty-two of those fifty swings were right on the mark.

Eugeo: Really? Then I guess I'll win today's bet.

Yami: We'll see about that.

He laughed, took the Dragonbone Ax, and gave it a one-handed swing.

Yami: Since dealing with those goblins it made them easy to use weapons at their levelZ

It's been two days since the fight in the cave. When Yami, Kirito, Eugeo, and Selka arrived at the village, they found out that the adults were gathered in the square, debating whether to form a search party. The adults were glad that the three were fine but they had to deal with a thunderous scolding from Elder Gasfut and Sister Azalia.

Eugeo who lost in the race, and Selka who was the victim of the incident, had to explain their situation, and after they finish telling their situation, the elders wanted to laugh it off as the overactive imagination of children, however, they keep quiet when Yami throw Ugachi's head that Eugeo carries.

The discussion turned to the defense of the village, and Yami, Kirito, Eugeo, and Selka were released to drag their weary feet back home.

Yami looked at the ax in his hand while he sat down a short distance away.

Yami: ...Eugeo, on our way back to the village, did you hear someone's voice?

Eugeo: Nope, I didn't hear anything other than you and Selka flirting with each other.

Yami: We are not flirting with each other!

Eugeo: Whatever you say, my friend. Anyway, did you hear something, Yami?

Yami: No... just my imagination. Forget it. Well, I've got to get to work. Today, I'm going to broke your record for sure.

Eugeo took a seat on the grass and rest while Yami faced the Gigas Cedar, and started chopping the tree. The ax followed the precise trajectory Yami envisioned, striking the exact middle of the crescent-shaped cut in the tree.

After thirty minutes, Yami, Kirito and Eugeo quota of a thousand swings for the morning session ended early than usual, and currently, the two sit down on Gigas Cedar's root, taking their early lunch. Eugeo pulled two of the same old rolls out of the cloth and tossed them to the boys

Kirito: If only the bread had softened up, the way the ax is lighter now.

Eugeo just laughed, taking a big bite and shrugging.

Eugeo: Sadly, it seems to be the same as before. Anyway, I wonder why the ax seems so light all of a sudden.

Kirito had a good idea of Eugeo's questions. He noticed an increase in his Object Control Authority, System Control Authority, and maximum life after the fight against the goblins when he checked on his window last night.

Kirito: By driving off that goblin brigade—in other words, completing a difficult quest—I had undergone what a normal VRMMO would call a "level-up." Finishing like a side quest.

He rushed to finish his two rolls of bread and got to his feet. Eugeo looked at Yami and Kirito with raise eyebrows while chewing the roll of bread and wondering what they're planning to do. Yami pulled out the Blue Rose Sword from where they'd left it the other day and easily drew the blade from its scabbard.

Eugeo looked at the scene with an awestruck look as the bread stuck in his mouth. Yami grinned and swung the sword back and forth to show him.

Eugeo: W-wait, Yami... You can lift that sword now?

Yami: The bread isn't any softer, but it looks like this sword is lighter, at least. Watch this.

He faced the Gigas Cedar and crouched, drawing back his right leg to face sideways and pulling the sword straight back at level height to maximize rotation.

Yami: Because of that battle with the Goblins, my Object Control Authority has exceeded this sword's number. But then again I've already surpass that number.

The sword began glowing a faint blue and immediately, Yami shot forward and used the one-handed Sword skill <<Horizontal>>. The Blue Rose Sword flashed like sideways lightning, striking the target with pinpoint accuracy and tremendous impact. The Gigas Cedar's massive bulk rattled, and the birds gathered in the branches nearby all flew away.

Yami looked at Eugeo and Kirito and saw their eyes and mouth bulged open. The half-eaten piece of bread fell from their hands and landed on the moss.

Eugeo: ...Yami... was that...a sword art?

This questioned Kirito's head.

Kirito: Sword art? What was that? Shouldn't it be called "Sword Skills"? But if Eugeo knew about this sword art, that means the concept of sword techniques did exist here.

Yami put the sword back into its sheath and chose Kirito words carefully.

Kirito: Yeah... I think so.

Eugeo: That means, before the god of darkness spirited you away, your Calling must have been a man-at-arms... or even a sentinel at a larger town! I mean, they only teach official sword arts to garrison sentinels!

He said, chattering much faster than usual for him and both boys can sure that he saw Eugeo's green eyes sparkled in excitement.

Yami: I see what's going on... Eugeo must want to be a swordsman. His admiration for the sword and thirst to control it at will were etched into the deepest parts of his heart.

Eugeo approached Yami on stumbling feet and looked him in the eyes and his voice trembled.

Eugeo: Yami... what style of swordsmanship do you use? Have you forgotten the name...?

Yami thought it over briefly, then shook his head.

Yami: No, I remember. My sword is the Aincrad Style.

Yami: Well, all I show is my skills which I watched many animes mostly Bleach and Inuyasha. Games that's where I got it from, Devil May Cry, SAO Gameverse, Yakuza, and the Megaten games

Eugeo: Ain... crad... Style...

He repeated, then nodded.

Eugeo: It's a strange name. I've never heard of it, but I suppose it might be the name of your teacher or the town where you lived... Yami, will...

Yami: Hmm?

He looked at Eugeo confused as the blond-haired boy looked down and mumbled something. A few seconds later, Eugeo rose his head again but there was powerful intent in his eyes.

Eugeo: Will you teach me your Aincrad Style sword fighting? Of course, I'm not a soldier or even a village guard. So it might be breaking some rule somewhere...

Kirito: Is there a verse in the Taboo Index or the Basic Imperial Laws that forbid a non-soldier from training with a sword?

Eugeo bit his lip and muttered.

Eugeo: There's no verse like that... but holding multiple Callings at once is forbidden. It's only people with man-at-arms or sentinel Callings who train with swords. So if I start training, it might be seen as neglecting my Calling...

Yami looked at Eugeo and saw his shoulders fell, but his hands were balled into fists that trembled with the tension in his arms.

Yami: Eugeo...

Kirito: I see... All these people living in the Underworld, these artificial fluctlights mass-produced somehow by Rath, all shared one trait that the people of the real world did not have. They couldn't disobey the Axiom Church's Taboo Index and because of that, Eugeo had to subdue for six long years his raging desire to rush to save his friend Alice.

He watched Eugeo tremble in silence and the blond-haired boy suddenly looked up as his pristine green eyes pierced Yami's blue eyes and Kirito's grey eyes, shining with intent.

Eugeo: But... but I... want to be... strong. I want to bring Alice back! Because of me, Alice and her family have suffered for years... For the past 6 years, I've never, ever stopped regretting it. Wondering why I couldn't do anything to save Alice? I want to become strong! So that I never make the same mistake again. To get back what I've lost. Yami, Kirito... teach me how to use a sword!!!

He said with a voice full of determination. Yami and Kirito looked at Eugeo and saw his drive, a means to gain power in the pursuit of his ultimate goal: saving Alice from captivity. For some reason, watching Eugeo reminding Yami and Kirito of their past selves

Kirito: Alright, I'll teach you everything I know. But the training will be harsh.

Yami: but we'll help you get through it.

They said with a smile and held out a hand. Eugeo's mouth softened at last, and he clasped it.

Eugeo: That's just what I'm hoping for. In fact, it really is what I've wanted forever and ever.

His head dipped again, and a few clear drops fell, catching the sunlight. He stepped forward before Yami could even register surprise and thudded his forehead against his shoulder.

Eugeo: I just figured it out. I've been waiting for you, Yami, Kirito. Waiting here in the forest for six long years for you to come...

Kirito: ...Yeah... I'm pretty sure that I woke in this forest to meet you, Eugeo.

Yami: heh, well we should get some rest.

——

Time Skip

Happy with his partner's resolution, Kirito began training Eugeo in Aincrad's Sword Style, using the Gigas Cedar as a target for their practice. While Yami trained Eugeo with hand to hand combat if his sword is out he can his fist for combat.

With each demonstration of Horizontal and Eugeo's subsequent practice attempts, the slice in the tree's trunk grew visibly deeper. Currently, it's the fifth day of their training, Kirito opened the Gigas Cedar's Stacia Window and check its life.

Kirito: Alright. That's about 80 percent of the way through the tree. One more, Horizontal Swing, and the tree will collapse for good.

He closed the window and turned at Eugeo who currently holding the Blue Rose Sword in his right hand.

Kirito: All right. Go for it, Eugeo.

Eugeo nodded then faced the Gigas Cedar and crouched, drawing back his right leg to face sideways and pulling the sword straight back at level height to maximize rotation.

Eugeo: Aincrad's Sword Style... Horizontal!

The sword began glowing a faint blue and immediately, Eugeo shot forward and hit the trunk with a perfectly executed horizontal slice, and it let out an eerie creaking the likes of which it had never made before.

Yami, Kirito and Eugeo looked at each other in shock, glanced up at the branches of the Gigas Cedar far overhead, and froze in place. It was falling, very slowly, toward them.

Yami: RUN!!

They then split in different directions. Ever so slowly, the black mass split the orange of the late afternoon sky and finally crashed to earth. Back in the village, when the villagers heard the eerie creaking sound from Gigas Cedar's direction, they turned at the demon tree and were completely shocked to see it finally collapsed.

Back with Yami, Kirito and Eugeo, the three looked at the two and a half feet of the Gigas Cedar's trunk still connected with awe.

Eugeo: This wasn't a dream right, Kirito?

Kirito: Yeah... Of course not. Want me to kick you? Yami?

Yami: Is Ligma, Ligma Kappa real?

——

Time Skip

Location: Rulid Village

After Eugeo had cut down the Gigas Cedar, a celebration for the tree being cut down was held. Red fires ringed the center square of Rulid, illuminating the faces of the people gathered within it.

Beside the fountain, an impromptu troupe of musicians played a jolly waltz with hide drums, very long flutes, and an instrument that looked like a set of bagpipes. The stomping and clapping of the people dancing along swirled up into the open sky.

While everyone enjoyed the celebration, Y/N just quietly stood at the side, eating the meat skewer dripping with juices from a nearby plate with a happy face as this is his first time eating real meat since coming to this world.

All he'd eaten in this world before was that dreadful hard bread and the weak vegetable soup at the church so to the white-haired boy, this was a blessing and worth cutting down the Gigas Cedar for this taste alone.

After finished the first skewer, Yami took on a second skewer and started eating it but suddenly, his eating time was interrupted when he heard Selka's voice.

Selka: Oh? You're alone?

Yami finished off the meat and vegetables on the skewer and turned at Selka's voice. She was wearing a red vest and green skirt instead of her usual braids and black sister's habit. She also had her hair tucked behind a headband.

Yami: Of, if you're after Eugeo, he was summoned by the village chief and went off somewhere.

Selka: Oh, okay... It's amazing how you guys cut down the demon tree.

Yami: It was all thanks to Eugeo's hard work.

Selka nodded with a happy expression but then she noticed Yami staring at the couple dancing in the center of town with a sad frown.

Yami: I miss Sachi, Asuna, Rika, Keiko, Sugu, Yuna, Shino, and Yuuki... If we go to this kind of party, they probably gonna invite me to dance with them. Not just them, I also miss my daughter, Yui, and my friends, The Moonlit Black Cats, Klein, and Agil...

Suddenly, Yami felt someone grabbed his hand and found it was Selka. Her cheeks were cherry red in embarrassment at what she was about to do.

Selka: I-If you want, you can have a dance with me!

Seeing her embarrass face, Yami chuckled and intertwined his fingers with Selka. The two then walked to the middle of the square and started to dance as a cheer erupted from the crowd. Since it was a simple dance, the two simply move their body to the simplistic rhythm and started having fun.

After a while, the music sped finally ended and Yami placed his right hand on his heart while his left hand behind him as he bowed in appreciation at Selka. Selka returned the gesture by bends her knees while bowing her head at Yami too as everyone clapped their hand.

Suddenly, everyone's attention was focused on the old man with a royale beard who currently stood on the stage next to the musicians. The man was none other than Gasfut Zuberg, the elder of Rulid and Selka's father.

Gasfut: My fellows! Please forgive the interruption, but you must hear me!

The villagers raised their mugs of ale and apple liquor in a cheer, quenched their dance-induced thirst, then fell silent. The elder looked out over the crowd.

Gasfut: The deepest desire of our founding ancestors has been fulfilled at last! The devil tree that stole the blessings of Terraria and Solus in the fertile land to the south has been felled! We will have fresh new barley and bean fields and grazing pastures for our cattle and sheep!

Rulid's Villagers: Woah!!!

Gasfut: I call forth the one who achieved this feat—Eugeo, son of Orick!

On queue, Eugeo walked and rose next to the elder and turned to the crowd. The crowd erupted in cheer before fell silent as Gasfut continue to talk.

Gasfut: By our rules, for completing his Calling, Eugeo is granted the right to choose his next Calling! All right, my boy. Go ahead and choose whatever path you wish.

Eugeo's hand reached down to grip the hilt of the Blue Rose Sword at his waist. He looked up, first at the elder, then at the rest of the village, and lastly at Yami and Kirito before spoken clearly and loudly.

Eugeo: I'm going... to be a swordsman! I will join the garrison at Zakkaria, train my skills, and one day reaches Centoria.

Everyone fell into silence at Eugeo's words, surprised at his choice of Calling. After a few moments of silence, little waves of murmuring broke out. The adults were craning their necks toward one another, muttering darkly.

Gasfut: Eugeo, surely you don't...

He looked at Eugeo's eyes and saw it filled with determination and resolved.

Gasfut: No... I will not ask why. It is your church-given right to choose your next Calling. Very well—as the elder of Rulid, I recognize that the new Calling for Eugeo, son of Orick, is a swordsman. If you wish, you may leave the village and train in the sword.

The villagers seemed to have accepted their elder's decision, and they began a hesitant round of applause. But before it could swell any louder, a sharp bellow cut across the night sky.

???: Not so fast!!

Yami: I swear!!!

End of Volume