04/09: Express Your Vision
- Location
- The Sea of Souls
[X] Accept her offer. Gain 2500 yen!
[X] 1/144 Virtual Grade MD-0031 Dilanza Sol
[X] 1/144 Virtual Grade MD-0031 Dilanza Sol
SEVENTH STAR - October 19th, 2024
14:20 AINCRAD STANDARD TIME
10 COR! 10 COR! GET YOUR FIRE-BREATHING POPCORN RIGHT HERE!
50 COR! FRESHLY CRAFTED DAGGERFRUIT JUICE!
You idly munch on the popcorn, trying to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Cheers and hawkers line the streets of «Collinia», a fantasy facsimile of Rome, Aincrad feeling alive for the first time in ages. You've had burnt food but burning food was a novelty even you couldn't ignore. In times like this, when a floor got unlocked, practically all the green players gathered in an impromptu festival to celebrate.
Once, long ago, every floor clear was a quiet and somber affair. But by the end of the year, when everyone had adapted, the lack of entertainment spontaneously led to these floor-clear festivals springing up. It was a way for all the non-clearer players to get a glimpse at the higher floors and a rare opportunity to actually see the top guild Clearers - the closest thing this game had to celebrities - in person.
There was a sequence to this. First, the Clearers would unlock the town gate. Then the info brokers would swarm in and scout the surrounding areas, followed by crafters who would chain raid the new NPC merchants in search of new ingredients. Whether out of a festive spirit or a desire to one-up each other the few food crafters still around would often compete in selling stuff made of new NPC mats, even if the resulting products were less than advertised.
Like eating popcorn that literally sets your mouth on fire. The pain absorber turned it to a mild tingling sensation, but the popping heat and acrid smoke gave it a certain... acquired taste. Well so long as you were stuck in hell you could at least try some of the torture they sold as food.
You eye the Daggerfruit Juice (Tastes like swallowing a hundred daggers!) and decide to fight against your curiosity. Did some poor bastard in ARGUS really have to program all these ingredients? They started running out of real-world fruits and vegetables by the 30th floor.
Crappy food aside this festival was special. The details escape you, no more information gathering. By some miracle Laughing Coffin was rounded up and suddenly you were... free. One way or the other the Coffins were captured and you managed to escape justice. So here you were, in your new life. A traitor hiding from her past life, wandering into a festival just to distract yourself.
As you sneak through the crowd to find an empty seat in the huge coliseum it wasn't hard to see what the buzz was about. From the concession stands to the bets being shouted out it was clear there was going to be a duel. Not just any duel, some kind of special grudge match against top players. Heathcliff «The Man of Legend» and leader of the most prestigious clearer guild of the game in one corner.
Kirito «The Black Swordsman», sole holder of the unique «Dual Blades» skill in the other.
The crowds were enormous, practically half of the remaining players had all crowded into the coliseum, hungry for entertainment that didn't come with a slice of fatal consequences. It was a movie, a show... a sport. Bets were drawn, food was prepared, and the hype was unavoidable.
The sources of these rare skills were a matter of constant rumor even among the Coffins. PoH once spent almost a month on a near-perpetual circuit of NPC villages in the lower floors, slaughtering them solo then moving on to the next before circling back once the first one respawned. He was convinced there was some hidden skill to be gained from it, not that his efforts bore fruit.
A lot of Coffins thought that once you killed 100 other players something would unlock, but even JB, by far the most prolific killer, had no more than 30 kills by the time the clearers rounded up the Coffins. PKing in a world where everyone was paranoid and extremely careful wasn't exactly easy.
..small blessings you suppose, as you hear the opening gong. A special anti-player skill apparently was too much even for this cruel death game.
A flash of steel against steel. The Black Swordsman swings like a wild berserker but the Holy Shield of Heathcliff intercepts every blow as if he knows where each hit will land. They weren't even fighting with Sword Skills yet, every swing and parry the result of pure reflexes and agility, no player yet resorting to the system assist.
Two swords. Strange you've never seen any other player attempting the same. You've had to track this Kirito before, PoH had some special interest in him, but it wasn't easy for an infiltration and spy build like you to do anything in the upper floors. You could probably go into a 70+ labyrinth but the moment any monster with some exotic sense exposed your «Hide» skill you'd fall flat in one or two hits, so what little info you could gather about the Black Swordsman was shrouded in rumor and came from unreliable witnesses.
This was the first public unveiling of «Dual Blades», a skill freshly revealed during the 74th boss clear. From what you hear he practically solo'd the boss with that.
What was the secret? Nothing was stopping even you from picking up two swords and giving it a go, but the system wouldn't activate sword skills and the encumbrance penalty was prohibitively crippling.
Heathcliff calmly blocks another blow, even taking the time to glance out at the crowd and smile. This whole duel is nothing but a fun diversion to him, a way to advertise his guild and his own prowess.
Kirito, on the other hand, is smeared with sweat and dirt from being knocked to the ground. Heathcliff was barely even using his sword, preferring to bash Kirito to the ground with his shield. More embarrassing than damaging.
You recognize it for what it is - a dressing down of an upstart. The king displays his glory to the crowd of his peasants.
...you can't help but root for Kirito.
He's back in it again. Faster, wilder, the movements hard to follow even to your trained eyes. Even if you had the proper skills you doubt you could ever keep up with the tempest before you.
A feint to the left and a backhand swing out of a dodge. A grunt and Heathcliff is forced to use his sword to parry, only to hideously mistime his swing and eat a glancing blow to his cheek. Kirito finally draws first blood as the crowd erupts into cheers, your voice joining the rising tide.
Another exchange of swords and Heathcliff has gathered his wits, pushing back Kirito. The Black Swordsman's HP flashes dangerously close to the yellow zone.
This... is a top Clearer. Once, so long ago, you were a scared insect bowing and begging for your life before the Coffins. What would the Black Swordsman have done in your place? He would've fought, he would never let murderers get away much less join them. He would resist, he would administer justice, and he would prevail.
The odds were against him. Heathcliff hadn't even worked up a sweat. The flash of system assistance fills the stadium as Sword Skills fly from the blades of the Black Swordsman, only to be deflected time and time again.
Why didn't he give up?
Why did you give up?
...because life wasn't that convenient. These shining stars so far above what you could possibly achieve, fighting at the peak of possible performance this shit game would allow. That was a Clearer.
And yet they still died. Piece by piece, one by one, they were bleeding out. Heroes turned to words carved into a monument. Your work with the Coffins added no shortage of names to that monument. It didn't matter how strong you were. If even these people couldn't beat the game yet, what hope was there for you?
And so the duel ends. A final desperate strike from Kirito is blocked by a parry so rapid Heathcliff's avatar almost seems to glitch in place. And the Black Swordsman is defeated, no amount of struggling would help him scale that peak.
The stadium bellows with the force of thousands of cheers mixed with the cries of those poor souls who bet on Kirito and lost. A bunch of players all chug their Popcorn in sequence and create an impromptu fireshow in the stands. The duel had ended but the party would go on long into the night.
...
What should you do now? You have freedom.
«Laughing Coffin» were all locked up, sans PoH the guild leader still at large. Whether due to honor amongst thieves or the simple fact that you had a green cursor none of the captured Coffins actually outed you. You lied, denied, and betrayed your way to freedom.
You could go farming. Take your mishmash of a build, remove all the Hiding, Disguise, Search and low level crafting skills for something more akin to a frontline fighter. Risk your life for a higher purpose rather than simply surviving like a cockroach.
...but could you? You couldn't cut it as a Clearer a year ago so why would you cut it now? You saw them fight - even without system assist or stats the pure experience differential between you who barely fought and a frontline Clearer who only fought was nakedly obvious.
Guilt, sadness, blame... you've ruminated on your decisions often.
But a new one hit you today.
Regret.
You've been here for over a year now. What did you have to show for it?
You learned nothing.
You gained nothing.
You were not part of anything greater.
You just persisted.
You believe this world will never be cleared. The odds were stacked against everyone. This shit game would probably end in some world-destroying final boss or battle royale scenario; whatever amused Kayaba Akihiko the most.
«Laughing Coffin» had... the right idea, you belatedly realize. This world was going to be your tomb. Everyone's coffin. You were just corpses dragging out a digital death march. Laugh because it's the only thing you can do.
You make your way back to the teleport crystal. The frontlines were not the place for a washed-up spy like you. But you spare a final thought to the duel you just witnessed.
If someone did clear the game, it was probably someone like that Black Swordsman. Who never gave up, who never took the easy way out.
In another world, in another life, maybe you would've been one of those heroes.
Regret. Regret that you weren't strong enough. If you had another chance, another shot at this hell... would you do better? Or would you make the same mistakes?
If only you could be smarter.
Braver.
Stronger.
It could've been you as the Black Swordsman instead.
Stop, stop, stop! Today is my turn and I'm not spending it dying of hypothermia!
Holy shit it was cold!
Aren't you supposed to be meditating? How was that meditating? And just before school!?
It was so hot outside and you woke up drenched in sweat so it seemed like a good idea... you heard on the internet cold water helped you collect your thoughts! Besides today was the day that your Shadow...
We had a deal. Now shove off!
>You recall painful memories of SAO! GRIT Increases! ♪♪♪
WEDNESDAY - April 9th, 2025
After School
You know what sucks?
School.
Crowd a bunch of rowdy kids in the prime of their lives into a small building where they outnumber the adults 20 to 1 and what happens? They just sit in a room and study.
I mean, you've been to school before. Went through all of junior high as a teacher's pet! What the hell were you thinking?
Why couldn't you go to SAO Survivor School? They got an on-site cafeteria, dormitories and a guaranteed recommendation into university no matter how crap your performance! But NOOO the ball and chain insisted on this middle of the bell curve no-name high school. At least it was still in Tokyo! Biggest city in the world with no spending money. Maybe you could dip into the food fund? Eh, you'll never hear the end of it...
Money. You really needed more of it. Sheesh, what was so bad about advertising yourself as an SAO Survivor? Some of them got book deals and went on talk shows!
<u doing k'? Need help unpacking?>
<plz let me know>
Wow, like a dozen unanswered messages from mom. Do you have to do everything?
You text out a quick reply before that gravy train derails. She holds the keys to your allowance, would it kill her to be nice to your only source of income? You finally have a chance to have some fun but have no money to actually do anything with it. Ugh, and you couldn't make any commitments or take on new jobs like this when most of your time was out of your control. You can't make things too complicated for her since eventually even you'll have to deal with the consequences but this whole timeshare thing was already annoying you.
Should've pushed for 50:50. Why'd you fold at the last minute...
"Wait... are you a firstie? Seriously, ditching already?" calls a voice from behind you.
Ah, the target has arrived!
"What, gonna tattle? Besides it's just the last period. Motosu sensei just spends all period reading verbatim from the textbook. I'll bet she won't even notice."
You shoot a lazy wave at Endou, the bully you noticed yesterday, who returns the greeting with open wariness. "I have to admit it takes guts firstie, but you should watch out. Get labelled the wrong way and your life will suck."
"Oh, really senpai? Got some tips for a fellow ditcher?"
"Don't do it too often, and have an excuse. I got a teacher who looks the other way for me, but if I were you firstie I'd pretend to be sick or something."
You look up at the sky and smile, "Well I guess I could always say I caught a cold! I was spending all morning taking a cold shower after all."
"Real wise of you," Endou says, rolling her eyes. "Say you look kinda familiar. We met before?"
"You noticed me senpai!" you say, remembering the incident from the day before. "With Shino, remember? I'm dying to know what you were talking about!"
As you bring up your neighbor Endou's eyes suddenly light up in interest. "Shino? Why so interested in her?"
"Huh!? Nothing!" you lie, with false embarrassment on your face. "Just curious, you know? She lives nearby and just started talking to me out of the blue - she seems so emotionless right?"
"Yeah, sounds like it. Be careful around her firstie, if she sees you out ditching like this you'll bet she'll tattle on you. What, you neighbors?"
Oh? Trying to sound me out for living alone? No sense hiding it, that wasn't exactly something you could hide since Endou already knew where Shino lives, and you sense a chance for some give and take...
"You got it. Just moved here not too long ago. Used to live in this place in the middle of nowhere. Only 10000 people in the whole town, practically another world."
"Oh? No family in the area and you live alone? That's pretty cool I guess. Wish I could say the same," Endou mutters. It's clear you have her attention now.
"Hey, couldn't help but overhear yesterday. Sounded intense! Like quite the lover's spat."
"What!?" Endou shrieks as though you've insulted her mother. "No, we're not, ugh, she's just a stupid bitch who'll betray you at the drop of a hat! We used to be friends until she called the police on me!"
"Ooh, that bad huh? What a tragic tale of scorned love, a jilted lover kicked out by the authorities after a night of passion..."
"Fuck off! Your imagination is something extra, firstie." Endou snorts. "I was just hanging out at her place, that's all!"
"That's why you were mad? She mentioned you were just using her room to hold parties."
"Well, it wasn't like that! Just a few friends needed a place to rest their feet!" Endou shakes her head. "Anyways, my advice is to stay away from the likes of Shino. She's dangerous."
Dangerous? This is the second time Endou has alluded to it already. Danger meant something more exciting!
"Dangerous? But Senpai I live near her! Don't leave me hanging like this, I won't be able to sleep tonight!"
Endou stares at you silently for a moment before sighing. "Fine, whatever. She's just an emotionless nerd, nothing more. If you can't see that then you're completely blind. She's not worth worrying about."
"Thank god!" you say happily. "I was a bit worried about her. She's always so dazed and distracted, spends all days inside too." You slide closer to Endou as you lean in conspiratorially. "But you're holding out on me senpai! C'mon, if she's so boring why you so interested?"
"You her guardian angel now firstie? Buzz off."
"Haha, well I do enjoy being a fly on the wall! Just consider me someone who wants to know what's up! I hear VRMMO players can be so violent - like those SAO players who killed people in game? Crazy huh? Is Shino like one of them?"
"You will not let up," Endou grunts. "You really that worried about her?"
"Of course! See where I used to live I was surrounded by these crazy geeks who were totally disconnected from reality. They would gather into gangs at night and go around trying to poison and stab people! One of them even wore a paper bag over his head!"
"Whoa, really? I've heard some crazy shit about the boonies. Really like that out of Tokyo?"
You nod sagely. "Yeah, it was a weird place. No real police and the closest thing to law enforcement was a bunch of LARPers calling themselves an army. Didn't have a proper prison, they just threw suspicious people into a dark castle and threw away the key. I'll tell you this, I'm glad to be in the city for a change."
"Where did you say you were from again?"
"I'm telling you, middle of nowhere. They bulldozed the whole village a few months ago and it's not even on maps anymore, so I studied my ass off to pass an entrance exam in Tokyo. Anything to get out of there with all my crazy neighbors."
Endou nods appreciatively. "Well, Tokyo is where all the fun is. So if you're here what happened to all those losers? Like the one wearing the paper bag?"
A good question. What did crazed lunatics like XaXa and JB do when they awoke to the real world and found themselves charged with no crimes and free to go? "Eh, probably something boring. Heard he works in a convenience store or something, makes good money."
"Seriously?"
You nod. "I mean, probably? Gotta make a living somehow. I just don't want a repeat of my last life senpai, so c'mon, spill the goods!"
"Shino again? Fine, fine, firstie, you win. But you owe me for this! Me and my friends need a place to hang out after school, put our stuff there..."
"But senpai crowds are so stuffy! And too many people will smell, and what will I tell my poor ailing mom when she comes to visit? She'll think I've become a delinquent!"
"...you're ditching class on the first week of school. You're already a delinquent."
"So cruel senpai! Your heart, eternally frozen by the scorn of Shino, now turns on a poor defenseless maiden who lives in the big city all alone!" you dramatically swoon as crocodile tears fill your vision.
"Stop that, don't make a scene! You want a teacher to notice us?"
"No, but your crushing demands have overwhelmed me with sadness. If only Endou-senpai could be convinced to keep her smelly friends away from my humble apartment."
"Fine firstie! You let me keep my stuff at your apartment and crash there when I need to and I'll tell you what you want to know. No extras."
"Really?!" You shout, throwing your arms around Endou's shoulders who recoils in surprise. "How sweet of you, Endou-senpai!"
"Gah! Back off. Now listen close 'cause I'm not gonna say this again - actually better yet let me just send you a link."
Your phones are out and connected to each other in seconds. A file downloads into your phone. It's a news article.
Hmm... a robbery with a smuggled pistol. Some drug-addled psycho in some far-off mountain town. A rather dry crime report, the guy was apparently shot on scene. "Why you showing me this? I mean, besides the sheer idiocy of robbing a post office? What was this guy Shino's dad or something?"
Endou grins evilly. "That's just the public report. You know the government edits the details to 'protect the youth' and that nonsense. I was looking into Shino's old school and I heard the most amazing rumor."
Now she's dragging things out for dramatic tension. You nod vigorously - by this point Endou's dying to show off.
"They said Shino shot the guy! Killed him in cold blood! I didn't believe it of course, who would? But yesterday... that reaction. I knew I hit the jackpot." She leans back against the bench, the grin plastered on her face growing wider and wider.
"Whoa. You figured that out just by looking into her school?"
"It's simple really. Everywhere has its own little insular network, a social media group, some kind of app. Just make up a generic-sounding name and start cold texting. The thing about rumors is that they love to spread and people love spreading them. Just gotta keep your ear to the ground."
"That's some amazing research skills. What were you planning to do with that? Me, I'd just want to stay away after hearing that."
"Firstie, you should know, I can't stand Shino. So I figure I can use this to hurt her, get a little spending money from her. Especially since she narc'd on me, so it's only fair. And don't get clever and steal my idea!"
"No way, I have no intention of doing anything shady. I plan on being the model honor student!"
She rolls her eyes, but humors you regardless. "Yeah, yeah, ditcher. Good luck not getting caught in the future. Just be more careful about it, alright? You tattle on me being out here and it'll be mutually assured destruction, firstie."
"Of course senpai! Besides I'd rather stay on your good side, I got my own secrets to keep!"
"Well, best not give me an excuse to go digging." Endou grins. "You're not what I expected. Gotta run but let's hang out sometime firstie."
"Sure, later then." You stand up and stretch. Guess you've accomplished your mission. But Endou stops you before you walk away.
"Hey, what's your name?"
"I'm sure you can find out yourself senpai! It's a dumb, long and boring one. But you can just call me Lux!"
It's the last box.
Seriously were you gonna stay in control for this part too?
I mean you want to leave it to the other you, but like... it's been 3 days.
You knocked on Shino's door today but there wasn't a response. Probably in a FullDive or something - not like you walked home with her today and she's got her own shit to do.
You expended a lot of effort finding out some interesting gossip but you can't but be disappointed. So Shino killed a robber in self-defense. Big whoop, people did it all the time in SAO.
The last box had most of your plushie collection in it. It wasn't even that heavy, just big and misshapen. Unpacking it was going to be more annoying than pushing it up the stairs.
That was what you thought 5 minutes ago.
HNNNNNNGGGGGGG....!
GGGAAAAAHHHH....!
Almost... hot damn you needed to exercise. Maybe eat something with more protein in it than a pear tart.
Did you weigh down the stuffed animals with dumbbells? What the hell is this?
AAAAAHHHHHH!
With one final push you clear the last step and the box sits comfortably, mercifully, at its final destination.
Never again. No more goddamn boxes. Why didn't she just complain to the moving company when she had a chance? Or guilt trip the taxi driver when he dropped her off?
...at least it was a bit easier today than it was when you started. Guess you're building back to your pre-SAO strength! Quite soon you could be the proud owner of a body that met the fitness standards of a junior high school girl.
...
You've got a few hours left. Might as well unpack all this junk... and there's a package for you too. Thankfully just parcel-sized, probably something you forgot to pack that mom sent your way.
Hmm... you don't recognize the return address, and it feels bulky. How curious...
>Your muscles burn with exertion! FITNESS Greatly Increases! ♪♪♪♪
>Your FITNESS has ranked up! [Fresh Outta Rehab] has progressed into [Noodle Arms]!
>Looking over your fully unpacked room fills your heart with DETERMINATION! +10 D.
WEDNESDAY - April 9th, 2025
Evening
You wake up groggy and tired. The memories from your Shadow are hazy and foggy, but the outing managed to get her to shut up for once.
Hey, she actually unpacked your luggage! Your bed is covered with plushies and your model kit supplies are neatly packed away in a drawer. Your PC is fully hooked up. I mean, you were obsessed with neatness, so it would figure she would be too...
...
What's that?
It's sitting there innocently on the shelf. You don't remember packing it... did you? Did mom pack it? She wouldn't have, right?
I mean... considering what it did to you.
You should've thrown it away.
You should've let the government confiscate it.
But it's here. Buried underneath a mountain of plushies and stuffed animals in the final box.
You had your mom smuggle it out of the hospital at the first opportunity. Turns out you weren't the only one, many SAO survivors had a grim fascination with the machine. You wanted to keep it close as a reminder of your weakness, as a trophy to say that for better or worse you survived. You decided to leave it behind when you moved to Tokyo.
First generation VR FullDive Headset. Proudly manufactured in Japan by ARGUS.
The NerveGear.
Your NerveGear.
There's a package on the table, the paper wrapper hastily ripped off by your Shadow in a fit of curiosity.
Two items have spilled onto the table next to it. A threatening letter, and a plastic package. The letter... was something you had hoped you would never receive, but one that ultimately doesn't surprise you. As you read it you crumple in your hands. You wish you could do the same to the game disc that came with the letter.
ARC I
[ ] The LAW of Oberon
LUX,
I've finally found you.
Don't think you can get away just by avoiding the Survivor School.
I remember what you did.
Your victims demand justice. Justice the government won't grant.
But I have an offer for you. A chance at paying a modicum of the debt you owe your fellow survivors.
As much as I hate to admit it I need your help.
Meet me tomorrow afternoon, in Okachimachi. Look for Dicey Cafe.
Don't even consider refusing.
Because If you want to continue to live the peaceful life you do not deserve, you won't ignore this. If I don't see you tomorrow I will give your name and address to the families of every single player killed by Laughing Coffin.
And bring that copy of Alfheim Online with you.
-Argo
I've finally found you.
Don't think you can get away just by avoiding the Survivor School.
I remember what you did.
Your victims demand justice. Justice the government won't grant.
But I have an offer for you. A chance at paying a modicum of the debt you owe your fellow survivors.
As much as I hate to admit it I need your help.
Meet me tomorrow afternoon, in Okachimachi. Look for Dicey Cafe.
Don't even consider refusing.
Because If you want to continue to live the peaceful life you do not deserve, you won't ignore this. If I don't see you tomorrow I will give your name and address to the families of every single player killed by Laughing Coffin.
And bring that copy of Alfheim Online with you.
-Argo
[ ] CHAOS within a Black Star
LUX,
I couldn't believe it was you! Thought you'd just be laying low!
Can't believe I'd just find you walking about.
But man, small world we live in huh? We're even in the same neighborhood! You even look the same as you did in SAO. Honestly, should've worn a mask or something, but eh, too little too late, am I right?
So, I figured this is a good chance to get the gang back together again. Why not enjoy ourselves for one last hunt? Don't you miss it? I sure do.
I've got this wicked idea that I'm dying to show off. What do you say Lux? For old times sake? Could use your talents again. Sides' we all covered for your ass when they rounded us up.
Man, it's so weird talking to you like this. Babbling in the waking world is such a hassle, so I bought you a gift!
Tomorrow afternoon, let's talk face-to-face in the new world. In Gun Gale Online.
Oh, and if you don't show? Why me and my pals might have to come to you. C'mon, don't make us do that, I assure you it won't be fun for any of us. Least of all you.
Your old friend,
-Red-Eyed XaXa
I couldn't believe it was you! Thought you'd just be laying low!
Can't believe I'd just find you walking about.
But man, small world we live in huh? We're even in the same neighborhood! You even look the same as you did in SAO. Honestly, should've worn a mask or something, but eh, too little too late, am I right?
So, I figured this is a good chance to get the gang back together again. Why not enjoy ourselves for one last hunt? Don't you miss it? I sure do.
I've got this wicked idea that I'm dying to show off. What do you say Lux? For old times sake? Could use your talents again. Sides' we all covered for your ass when they rounded us up.
Man, it's so weird talking to you like this. Babbling in the waking world is such a hassle, so I bought you a gift!
Tomorrow afternoon, let's talk face-to-face in the new world. In Gun Gale Online.
Oh, and if you don't show? Why me and my pals might have to come to you. C'mon, don't make us do that, I assure you it won't be fun for any of us. Least of all you.
Your old friend,
-Red-Eyed XaXa
AN: Very important choice. Essentially will drive the plot for the foreseeable future.
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