SAO:NA - Chapter V: Fugitives

Floor 51st, August 14th, 2026

Mounted mercenaries persecuting a player across the desert plains at the outskirts of the city of Sogen. Running as fast as he could, but even still, no matter how hard he forced his feet to run, he would never equal the speed of a horse. He held tight his pitch black swords on his hands, ready to fight them if necessary. However he was outnumbered. He could feel the whinnying horses and their strong and constant gallop getting closer and closer by each second, swiftly followed by the one of a blade drawn out from its scabbard and the shouting and yelling of the players, vigorously ready to catch or kill their pray, no one else than the new rebel guilds enemy of the Supreme Legion, and one of the few standing in the way of Hao to get what he wanted. Kirito, the leader of Knights of Blood.

Kirito plants his right feet firmly on the ground, stopping the rush and turns around, pointing both blades to the first horsed mercenary, whose horse made a small jump, stopping the rush as the mercenary raises his spear. Two horses pass by the side of the clash. The horse’s back feet land, while the other two legs remain in the air as does its body.

The horseman attacks him, but Kirito quickly eludes, yet not without receiving a wound on his bak, as crimson blood dripped out. Still he jumps and slashes the neck of the player killing him. The two mercenaries that passed by, get ready to get back and attack Kirito, but from a rock nearby Rekon and Lamorak get out and as the first one threw the player of his horse, the other makes a downwards slash on him, killing the player. The other player is quickly surrounded by Agil and other player, who quickly throw him of his horse and then the gnome smashes him with his battle axe. Kirito gins after seeing this and then looks to his front, as two horsemen approaching him fast. He throws Elucidator at the one on the left, impaling it on the chest and his fall also causes his horse to go down with him. The Black Swordsman quickly turns and slashes the chest of a horse man who was on the left right on the chest, he looks to his back, noticing a player getting close to his back. He changes his Long Sword from hand, and slashes upwards, slicing the chest and throat of the player. All players he had just attacked fall to the ground at the same time and shatter into polygons.

Other hidden KoB knights appear from the shadows engaging combat with the mercenaries.

Lamorak engages hand to hand combat with a player as Agil chops the legs of one of them and then smashes him with his axe. Kirito look to his sword struck on the ground and grabs it backhand, jumping the horse which getting up from the ground. He lands and begins close quarters with several horsemen. He slashed downwards but is parried by the blade of one player. He turns 360º quickly and tries to attack him with the same blade, and continues the momentum to black an attack with Elucidator holding it backhand. He then slices with it the other way around, parrying other two blades from the player but is kicked on the side and he is forced back, and receiving another slash to his back which again drips blood. He continues to fight, ignoring the pain and turns around, blocks a player attack with his left blade and then defects other, killing the second attacker by a slash directly to the throat with his Long Sword. He continues the momentum of his slash, turning all the way around and eluding the attack while his entire body beneath the blade, avoiding the mercenary’s attack and slashing his leg. The player tries to hit him with his shield, but he blocks the attack with his left sword and, placing himself at the back of the now on the ground player, Long Sword cuts his neck. Warm blood comes out of the wound. Kirito barely touches him, and the player’s body touches ground and shatters.

The KoB players kill the remaining paid swords.

Lamorak stabs several times a player with his own dagger, and throws him to the ground at his back. The mercenary get ups and tries to escape, but Lamorak turns around and kicks him to the ground, and then grabs his head with both hands and smashes it near a large stone. Once. And twice. And for a third time…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Agil: “I think he’s dead…” He says in a sarcastic way.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak looks at him and just laughs. He smashes the bloody head of the player for a fourth time, before he disappears into the light.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Lamorak! Supplies, quickly take anything of value from their remains.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 50th

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kibaou was a fool, to engage the forces of the Gnomes without support.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“When does Kibaou ever pause a moment to think? Time passes and he continues being a butcher.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The Kingdom of Aincrad will lose great territory, if his forces don’t win against the renegades. Or maybe, another Legion can appear.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And who’ll lead such force to a glorious victory? A freshly named General perhaps?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I serve the Kingdom, Valon. I’ll take arms against its enemies if I’m commanded to do so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hao and Mordread appear on the office.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“King, Leader.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Mordread: “Look at him; he already speaks of glory and victories, when he has just been named General.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I speak only of important matters.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Valon leaves the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Mordread: “But you don’t have to search them on the lower floors, do we Hao?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hao: “Not when Kirito and his mongrels continue to evade capture.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Mordread: “Ten of Stoka’s men were slaughtered outside Sogen.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hao: “I want to see him dead. As quickly as possible. The council will dispatch you to Sogen, to eradicate the player once and for all. I heard he carries with him the Holy sword Excaliber. Bring that sword to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hao leaves the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Come, we should eat…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Mordread: “You’re being dispatched soon. If I were you, I would ready my men and get ready to go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This is a small mission Mordread. Undeserving the attention of a General!.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Mordread: “If you’re commanded to do you, you will do it, General Thanos. Now, if other of Hao’s men would kill Kirito, this could embarrass you, as you have been commanded that mission. ATTEND THIS, OR NEVER RISE FURTHER WITHIN THIS GUILD.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">In the sewers of the city of Sogen, the guild KoB had settled their hideout, avoiding being discovering by soldiers and other players. Yet, paying the cost of living in a filthy place. The culvert was full of rats, insects and small animals walking and eating in their own excrement. It was horrible for all of them, but it also was their only choice if they wished to win the war.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito and his men arrive to the place with torches in hand, lighting their way. Asuna looks at his boyfriend, and is glad to see him alive, carrying a bag full of weapons.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Ten more mercenaries, out of the war!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The player at the sewers roar in enjoyment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Rekon give steel for those who are ready and are able to use it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The sylph kid nods his head and goes to the place where the new recruits trained.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito approaches Asuna, Yui, Lis and the others.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lis: “Kirito, we need food. Not more weapons.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “These ones carried Yrd and steel. Nothing more.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They hear cheers and yells coming from the secret entrance of the sewers. The new salamanders had arrived, enjoying a small fest on meat. They had been a great asset, especially after a big part of KoB was decimated on the last battles. Fortunately they had received new men, Salamanders, who scattered to the winds after the fall of General Eugene, at the hands of Hao. Some salamanders joined the Legions. Others, the lesser part, escaped. Some of outlaws joined their guild. However, the clash between races resulted in a tense atmosphere, threatening to explode in any minute.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lis: “Seems Klein’s men had better luck…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Dynamm!” he called the attention of one of Fuurinkazan former members, and one of Klein’s men. “Where is Klein?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Dynamm: “He remains outside, searching for any Intel he can find.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “You’ve all done well. Give everyone equal portion of food.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Dynamm: “FUCK!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He throws the meat he was eating to the water.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “You’ve had more than enough!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kunimittz: “Gained with blood and risk!” Kunimittz says. Another former member of Fuurinkazan. WHAT DO YOU DO, HIDING HERE LIKE RABBITS!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Divide what you have! I won’t ask you again…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The groups stared to each other, as some players at the side of Kirito were getting their hands to their weapons. Finally, Dynamm reluctantly nods his head, as the salamanders started giving food to their guild comrades.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:35.4pt;text-indent:-35.4pt"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif";mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “Fucking Salamanders…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna wets a small cloth and places it on the wounds in Kirito naked back, healing using her water magic.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yui: “Dynamm is a selfish idiot.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “Watch your mouth Yui!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yui: “But it’s true! He can’t see beyond his own wishes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “She’s got your temper Asuna. That doesn’t matter now Yui, the important thing is that no one will be hungry tonight.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “And what of tomorrow?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “We’ll bring death to more legionaries or mercenaries.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna places her arms on his shoulders and her face close to his.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “I want to win this war. But not, at the cost of your life.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She kisses his cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito grins.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “I’ve proven troublesome man to kill thousands of occasions.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The girls smile. Asuna walks round him and sits in front of him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yui: “There’s no player standing your equal.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “Yes. But for those less skilled, moving south will be a good idea. Near the labyrinth to advance to the next floor, and fewer soldiers.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “That would be wise.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “They why do we stay? What holds us here in this sewer? The sooner we’re far from Sogen…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“KIRITO!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito and Asuna distance themselves. The cloak serving as door for their small room is moved by Klein, who had recently arrived to their hideout, and was now accompanied by his men.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I heard you want to command my men.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito gets up and looks at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “No. I simply reminded them what justice here is. You’d done the same, if present.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He offers him a cup of water. Klein enters and closes the improvised curtain.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “I’ll speak to them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “They would prefer if you told them. You were in town again?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein drinks the water from his cup and nods his head after finishing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You risk discovery.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “I wasn’t seen. I’ve got Intel. There’s a player named Stoka. A mercenary for Hao, and leader of the group that has been attacking us these last days. He may know something about their future moves.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Where can we find this guy?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “His base is a small fortress, easy to enter this night, when all the mercenaries will be having fun with NPC girls.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Prepare the men, then. We part in an hour.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “I’ll speak to them now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Salamander turns around ready to leave, but a voice calls him back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Klein…” he turns around. “You think Galant will be among them?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “He’s a mercenary, but a Solo Player. He won’t be with them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “If he does, we’ll do what we must. Keep it on mind. Sooner or later, he’ll appear…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “I’m sure he didn’t kill his friends and his wife. They were his lifeblood, specially his girlfriend.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “How can you assure that?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “I know him more than you did. I was in his army, remember? I’m sure, he didn’t kill them. And besides, we aren’t of his concern. For what my men have heard, he‘s after a player named Mordread.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “Who is this?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “The one killed his friends.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito walks out of the sewers by a stair and finds Lis alone staring to the moon, as its white light shined as the sun itself, lighting the rocky landscape. The city of Sogen could be seen one or two miles away.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “You shouldn’t be outside. It’s too dangerous.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lis: “I’m tired of the odor of the sewers. I’ll never stop smelling this way.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Haven’t you always smelled this way?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lis: “Idiot.” As Kirito laughs, she looks to the moon. “I just wanted to see the moon and its light. It makes me remember when we were still trapped. And our quest together…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Yes…” he looks towards the moon. “Asuna speaks of going south, towards the Labyrinth. I also considered dispatching men to hunt, so that we can eat descent food, as you suggested. But, Klein Lamorak and I have to remain here for a mission this same night.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lis: “Let me lead the group, if you can’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Alright. Come on let’s go back to the base, it’s almost time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They go back to the sewers and quickly find Lamorak accompanied by Leafa, Agil, Sinon and Rekon.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “They are ready?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Leafa: “Yes. We have to get going.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Rekon, send a small group of players to the east, and find food. Lis will command them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Rekon: “Yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lis: “Good luck tonight to you all. I hope you don’t need it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito walks with the rest of his men following him his back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “You believe what he’s saying? He just placed a sword on a soldier’s neck and made him talk.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Klein and his men move on Stoka and his small fortress. I’ll be next to him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “So we follow the fucking salamander now!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito turns around.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “If we want a chance of succeeding here, we may sometimes have to stand for others. But I won’t force you on this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak moves his head thinking for a moment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “I’m with you.” he says reluctantly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito looks to Agil, Sinon and his sister.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sinon: “We’re together on this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Good. Avoid unnecessary risks, and provoking the Salamanders.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito continues followed by them, to find near the principal entrance Klein and his men.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “Asuna remains here taking care of the place and Lis leaves to the east to hunt.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Yes. A thing I should had done days ago. We’re ready.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “You should remain here, we’ll make thing easier.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “I gave my word. Blood and honor. It speaks of the man.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “Then let’s split the darkness of the night, with cries of mercenaries…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Music and feast on the small fortress. Most of the hundred mercenaries guarding the stronghold were drunk and distracted, having fun with NPC girls, forgetting about everything. Their responsibilities, their duty, their tasks, weren’t the matter of the moment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The social life in Aincrad had declined since Hao became the king. Now bars, love hotels, and even brothels were created on the game, with the objective of making the players forget about the GAW and base on their own carnal desires, worthy of the most bestial and horrible side of the human nature, now appearing more beast than human.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It was also used as distraction to the tired soldiers.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Much for their regret that night.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The party ends once one of the mercenaries is stabbed in the back of his neck and his blood of the wound splatter to the bodies of several other players. The sword is removed from the neck and the body falls to the ground and shatters, revealing Kirito right at the back of the player, holding Elucidator in his hand. Out of nowhere, KoB knights show themselves, hiding beneath hooded cloaks to hide their presences. Klein starts advancing searching for Stoka, while shouting his name, as Sinon covered his way shooting her arrows.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak takes a guard down with his fist and then stabs him to death with his blade, he turns around slashing he arm of the mercenary, who quickly changes to hit him with his shield on his left, but Lamorak more quickly eludes the shield, ducking under it and slashes the belly of the player in half. Agil takes down a guard with the back of his axe and quickly changes the place where he was grabbing it, and smashes the body of the player in half. Leafa draws her katana rapidly slashes the body of a player and passes to his back, slashing his back as well. She continues advancing close to Lamorak on her right.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito cuts the chest of the player, then chains a slash the other way around, slashing open the throat of other player, and continues the swing of his blade, parrying a player blade and then switching to the opposite side, to stab right on the belly another player. The blood splatters on the face of the NPC girl, screaming for what she was looking at. He kicks a player and turns around cutting the hand off of the one that had attacked him before. At last he drives the blade to the last mercenary’s crotch, who screams in pain and then head-butts him, knocking him out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein encounters a guard on his way, who attacks him but he manages to parry the blade and attack the player’s unprotected flank, and then cuts off his left leg sending him to the ground. He tries to run from the Salamander crawling, but Klein turns him around and pints his sword to his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Where is Stoka?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The player points to a small guard center office.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein doesn’t lose more time with the guard and walks to the entrance of the office. He could hear a man’s voice screaming and ordering something to a girl who seemed to refuse to follow the order. He enters the place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Stoka…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The player turns around, and looks to Klein. In the meantime, the girl crawls next to the corner of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We need to speak.” Klein continues talking, pointing his sword towards him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I would rather not…” Stoka says with a smile.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A man shouts and attacks Klein from his back, but he could block the move turning around as fast as he could. He engages combat with the player as Stoka smiled and turn around and grab his sword and kill the salamander backstabbing him. But he suddenly stopped and felt pain on his stomach. The girl had grabbed his own sword and pierced his body with it. She withdraws the blade, crawling back to the corner. Stoka barely manages to sit down with his back against a wall and his hand on the wound.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NOO!” Klein kills the guard but screams as a witness of the scene.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito arrives to the scene.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Your men?” he asks, but then notices the player on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak appears shortly afterwards

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“More guards! We need…” He notices Stoka on the ground. “STOKA YOU FUCKING CUNT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He kicks his face, but is rapidly hold back by Kirito and Klein.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This is the Mercenary shit that killed my men. Most of them would be alive if it weren’t for him!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He knows where the Legions are.” Klein says.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We’ll take him and go!” Kirito suggest, while still holding Lamorak.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He won’t last. Give me but a moment.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We’ll have it.” He looks to Lamorak. “He meets his end that’s all that matters.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak leaves reluctantly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein and Kirito get to their knees speaking face to face to Stoka.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You’re a mercenary working for Hao and his Legions. Where are they?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fuck yourself.” He says with blood dripping from his mouth. “I’m dead already.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You’re yet alive. Speak and we’ll see it ended quickly.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein drives his fingers though the wound, causing Stoka to spit blood to the ground in pain. After he ends, he begins laughing.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You‘re Kirito, aren’t you? You two are members of KoB. Well then listen fucking well. Death coming, from the bosom of the Legions, to wash you all away in rivers of blood!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Soldiers?” Klein asks.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Arriving with the sun.” the mercenary says with a bloody smile.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito keeps his calm and seriousness.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Who leads them?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 51st, August 15th, 2026

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Silica: “Legions are coming?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“WE‘RE ALL DEAD!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “Grab you fucking dick.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“WE NEVER WANTED THIS! YOU WILL SEND US ALL TO OUR DEATHS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “You little fuck!” gets up, attempting to hit the player.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Lamorak!” Kirito appears in the circle of players, settling down the violent and fearful atmosphere. “We knew this day would come. Some feared its approach. Others longed for it. And few arrived to a deeper meaning: this moment, was always fated to be so. I promised something, to all of you! When I reappeared in this world and the reunion took place. That we will see the Legion’s tremble”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We’re the ones that will be destroyed.” Sinon said arriving to the place, taking of a cloak she was wearing. “I’ve seen Thanos and his men arriving. Enough in number, to kill us all.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “Anything more?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sinon: “He announced that he would speak with the players in public to ease the waters as the sun rises. We should use this distraction, to travel to the Labyrinth.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Fear appears back again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “Many’ve been lost to us. How many more could follow? Join with me Kirito, as Thanos makes his speech.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “If we take him down now, this is over.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “What the hell are you thinking? You often told me to be cautious. Now I tell you to be.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “We’re ready!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “Look at them. They’re playing to be men. They’re not an army, as much as you wish them to be so! Sleep upon it, and tomorrow, I hope your ideas are back to their place!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Floor 51st, August 15th, 2026

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">KoB members were getting ready for journey south.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “Be ready when word is given!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Agil: “You bark as a true soldier.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “The sheeps scatter if they aren’t followed by a snapping jaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Harry One: “The barks from a pup work the same?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The players laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “Let’s compare teeth and have an answer…” he approaches Harry.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “Enough of your quarrels.” He looks to Asuna. “Where is Kirito?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “Last night he told me he was in favor your idea of caution.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein: “And in the light of day?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “…He was gone from bed when I awoke…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">In the vast streets of the city of Sogen, Kirito wearing a black hooded cloak and both of his swords sheathed to a belt his waist watches the arriving crowd to the market. The Governor of the city was speaking. Thanos hadn’t yet arrived, but soldiers were right there, waiting and controlling the crowd, not letting players get near the Governor and his men, but this couldn’t control the crowd’s fear and curses to the authorities.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“There’s no cause for your concern rising. The situation is under control!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The assault on the fortress of the Mercenaries last night! Was that fucking control!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NO!” Thanos appears before the crowd, holding his gigantic halberd with his right hand and resting on the same shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Though Kirito didn’t know him in person, he immediately noticed it was him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It was an act of salvages, committed by animals who know nothing more. All the lives of the players so far, were taken by butchers, who know nothing more rather than blood and death! AND THEY WILL SEE IT RETURNED, IN KIND…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thanos raises his right hand, pointing to his left, and his right hand men, Valon, Lyn and a clutch of his men arrive.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito could notice what he was doing. He was manipulating information. Thanos was telling their own fake truth: Kirito and KoB were the players with the sole purpose of killing them all and get the Kingship for him. Legions of Thanos were there to protect them from the monster. It was a simple idea, but a good one. Without anyone else telling KoB’s own truth, it would be difficult to find players to join his guild, and would put all Aincrad against them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Thanos continued his speech, as Kirito gets closer and closer to the soldiers.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“KIRITO IS BUT A MAN! And not all fall to his touch. Look at this! The AEsir grace us with sights that Kirito’s end is near…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Last of the men of Thanos to arrive, two soldiers appear, carrying the body of a bloodied female player, with a hundred wounds on her body and her outfit totally turned red and dripping blood. She was in chains both her hands and feet, and the entire crowd was yelling and cursing her, throwing pieces of junk and rotten food.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito looked to her when she raised her face. It was Lis. Her face was bloodied and on her forehead was carved the phrase “FVG”, short for “Fugitive”, which was the name for those standing against the kingdom of Hao. She was stood in the front of the crowd, where she could barely stand on her feet.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito watched her with tearful eyes as Thanos continued his speech.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My men came upon a clutch of KoB’s  members. Attempting harm to the mountains of the east.” He grabbed her hair and pushed her back, showing her face to the crowd. “This one, was the leader, and the only one that yet stands in the war. Before she succumbs to her wounds, I will force her to speak. And with her dying breath she will tell me where Kirito and his men hide. AND THEY WILL BE STRUCK FROM THIS WORLD, BY THE SHADOW OF DEATH, GENERAL THANOS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The crowd cheers, as Thanos approaches the player touching them and trying to calm thing a bit. He quickly finishes as the appeased crowd still cheered his name.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">It lasted few.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito removes his cloak and draws Elucidator from his left and effortlessly cuts down two soldiers in front of him. The crowd burst in screams and scatters and Kirito passed the line of soldiers and readied to kill Thanos. The General sees him coming though, ducks under the blade, which cuts the throat of other solider at the back of the general, who counters, quickly slashing him with his halberd, Claiomh Solais. The size of the weapon forces Kirito back. Soldiers appear. Kirito parries the attack of a soldier next to Thanos and changes to the opposite side, piercing a player’s chest with Vorpal Strike. Thanos advances and decides to take him alone, one against one. The gigantic weapon slashes force Kirito to the defensive quickly, just with two slashes. Thanos then spins and jumps sending he whole weight and power of his weapon down. Kirito parries the attack, but loses ground and falls to the ground, rolling backwards and regaining his stance. Thanos attacks him a gain trying to stab him, but the Black Swordsman parries and advances slashing Thanos arm, thought he received a wound in the same place. Their faces where inches from each other, and briefly stare to each other, until both head-butt each other at the same time. Both fall back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito engages combat with Thanos’ Men, as their commander got back up again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They stare to each other with Kirito ready to take them all alone.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SIEZE HIM!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“KIRITO!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looks to a balcony where Klein and Asuna looked at them, and then jumped to the market, engaging combat with the soldiers. Lamorak and Agil arrive also, to join the slaughter.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna engages combat with Lyn, starting with her signature flash rapier thrust, but the sylph manages to hold her off and parry off every single one of her thrust before kicking her back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito engages combat with a soldier about to attack Lamorak, and quickly cuts him down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“TAKE LIS AND GO!” He tells Lamorak, who as fast as he could follows command, grabbing the leprechaun girl and running out of the city.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito engages combat with Valon and another soldier next to him, and manages to hold both back just alone. Klein elbows a player then grabs a soldier’s right hand and pierces his chest with his blade. He withdraws it as another player appears and parries the blade, he wraps his right arm, and places his katana on his neck, slashing it and killing him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito kicks Valon in the chest, as two soldiers appear right from the place he was and begin fighting the Black swordsman.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein gets next to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“YOU CAN’T WIN THIS!” They engage combat again. Klein kills his opponent easily as Valon parries Kirito’s strike and then tries to counter, but he’s parried and receives a hard punch to the face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“STAY AND SEE OUR REVENGE FOREVER DENIED!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito stares Thanos, who does the same, while being surrounded by his men.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito rushes out of the market, followed by all his men, passing easily through the scared crowd.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The soldiers try to rush after the so called criminals, but the people make it impossible for to go through them and lost them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Back in the sewers…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Asuna: “You’re no better than Dynamm and the Salamanders! Only driven by what you want! Do any of us have any importance to you!?!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That’s why I went ALONE.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A sad comfort, if you had fallen to Thanos’ men.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Klein or Lamorak would have led you south.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“WE NEED A LEADER. Not some angry boy who can barely piss, without splashing everyone near him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“AND WHAT THEN?! Don’t fight and leave Lis to the whims of Thanos?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You’re still alive. That’s all that matters.” Klein said interrupting the couple’s discussion.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “Thanks to you. I owe you one…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Klein delivers a fist right to his face, sending him to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I DIDN’T GO TO AID YOU MAD FUCK! I CAME TO STOP YOU!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He gets up with help of Asuna.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You’ll place yourself between Thanos, and what he deserves!?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“AS YOU WILL PLACE US NEAR DEATH!” the discussion settles down for a moment. “What you think it would be the result, of killing a fucking General?! Hao would rage, claiming forth fire and vengeance! And he won’t send few men as they did with Thanos, HE WILL SEND THOUSENDS! A TRUE ARMY! Which we’ll never be…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak appears in the scene.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “Lis calls for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The three follow Lamorak to the center of the sewers, were Lis rested. They had cleaned the blood, but her wounds couldn’t be healed. It was a matter of time. She could barely breathe, and thought they knew it was a game, deaths were still brutal.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kirito…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I’m here…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Promise me…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Anything…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Promise, you will win this war! You won’t let others die…like me…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Her words finish after she begins moving in shock and blood start coming out of her mouth, is stronger and stronger, as her guild mates and friends watched her suffering, Specially Kirito and Asuna. She stops, with her eyes widely opened but no light of life coming from them. Her HP was gone. She was dead. Kirito closes her yes, to make her rest in peace, out of the war.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “Thanos and his men will pay in blood. GATHER SWORDS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “NO! We move south, to continue fighting.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Lamorak: “We can finish this now, KIRITO…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirito: “My decision is taken!” We must stand as one, or fall divided.” He looks to the corpse of his friend, as it shattered. “A lesson well learned. Shackle will be struck from every player on out path. We’ll see our numbers grow, and when they have become an army, we will face Thanos and his hordes again. And the Aesir will weep for their suffering…”