Episode 3 "Beater"

 

"I'm sorry!"

I dodged the kobold's attack and countered it with a one-handed single-shot sword skill <Horizontal>. With that blow, the kobold's HP became zero, and the kobold became a polygon and disappeared.

　

"Phew... Oops, I dived too much into the dungeon... Kirito might be worried if I don't go home early."

　

I checked the time and realized that I had been in the dungeon for several hours.

There was something I wanted to practice for a while, so it seems that I forgot the time when I tried it against a monster opponent.

　

(...It's been two months since then...if it's just like the novel, it's almost time for the first floor boss battle.)

　

On my way home, I was summarizing what I had learned so far.

First of all, this world must be the world of the novel "Sword Art Online" that I read, the story unfolds in the same way as the novel... and then I return to my original world. I don't know how at all.

　

(……This <Phone> is also a character name that I used in a game a long time ago.)

　

That's what I was thinking while looking at my character name on the HP bar. It's been two months since I came to this world... I finally calmed myself down and was able to confirm the situation, but I had no clues at all.

　

(Originally, Kayaba, who is the GM, should be able to contact Heathcliff, but I don't know where he is, and I don't know why I should meet him...)

　

In the first place... I don't know why I came to this world. If this is what is commonly called reincarnation or reincarnation, there are still some points that make sense...

　

(Suddenly getting lost in the game world...)

　

The fact that I was in this world was accepted as a reality, but the next question that came to my mind was what happened to my body.

　

(The fact that I'm in SAO means that my body is also in the real world? But if that's not the case...)

　

The worst thought suddenly came to my mind, but I shook my head to shake it off.

　

(No... there are too many things I don't know right now. I'll keep this idea in the back of my head until the situation becomes clearer.)

　

While collecting my thoughts, I arrived at the town when I was following the way home.

　

(I wonder if Kirito has already returned...)

When I open the door of the rented house...

　

"Yo! You're in the way!"

“…………………………”

"Argo-san! And... what happened to Kirito?"

　

I saw Argo sitting on a chair and Kirito unconscious on the floor. Besides, there seems to be someone in the bathroom.

　

"Ah, I don't care... it's because of Kibo."

"...Is that so? Why did you come here, Argo-san?"

"Ah, I had something to do with Ki-bo, but it's over, but Ki-bo is in this state. I thought it would be better to stay until Fon-bo comes back."

“I see…thank you very much.”

"What the hell, I don't even have to say thank you... That's right, I talked to Kiribo too... Tomorrow, the first floor boss strategy meeting will be held."

"really……?"

"Oh. Well, Kibo had another story..."

　

I couldn't catch the last part, but it seemed to be about Kirito, so I decided not to worry about it. Even so, maybe tomorrow... when I was thinking about that,

　

“Bath, please…………Who!?”

"Huh? Ki, you are...!?"

"Oh! Ah-chan, it seems you're wearing clothes this time!"

"Oh, of course! Besides, who is that person!?"

　

The woman who came out of the bath and Mr. Argo had a friendly talk, but when I saw her face, I was surprised.

I saw that true face on the cover of the novel...

　

"... Oh, I'm Fon. Kirito's partner, I guess...? What about you?"

"... Asuna."

"I-I see... Nice to meet you, Asuna-san."

“…………………………”

　

It's an unexpected development. To meet Kirito's wife here...or rather, why am I being stared at...

　

"Ugh... Huh, me...?"

When Kirito finally woke up and asked me what had happened, I was stunned by Kirito's Lucky Lewdness.

　

　

　

Kirito and I were a little tired the next day, probably because we slept on the floor. I wonder if I'll stay at another inn tonight...

(Rather than that... it's the first time the story is different from the novel...)

Kirito and Asuna should have met during this strategy meeting.

It couldn't have been this early. That's what I was thinking as I watched the two of them walk ahead. I mean……

(Both of you, say something!?)

There is no conversation between the two to the extent that they are really going to get married after this. I feel like I caught a glimpse of Kirito's communication disorder... And then, we came to the place where the strategy meeting was held. and,

　

"Yes! Well, it's a little late, but let's get started!

　

My name is Diavel! Occupation... I'm going to do a night out emotionally! ”

… This place is like a novel. Diavel started talking in the middle of the square.

From there, information about the boss was released. The name of the boss is "Ilfang the Kobold Lord". His weapons are an ax and a buckler, and when his HP is low, he switches to a Talwar, and his attack pattern changes.

(However, that was during the beta test... it's actually a sword-type weapon...)

As I read the novel, I knew the difference between the beta version and the official version. However, confusion arose there.

(Thinking about Asuna, the knowledge I know doesn't necessarily match...Isn't it better not to interfere here...?)

About the encounter with Asuna, I was hesitant about what to say, so I refrained from speaking.

While I was thinking about it, Diabel's story was over, and it was time to form a raid party.

　

"Wait a minute, Knight-han!"

　

A man popped out... yes, there was this event too.

　

"I'm a kid. There must be 5 or 10 people in here who don't want to be wabi!"

　

The man who shouted... Kibaou started to denounce the beta tester.

Even when I called him in the novel, I felt somewhat disgusted by his one-sided remarks. But right now, my disgust had gone beyond Kibaou's remarks, and I was boiling with anger.

It was because he knew Kirito, who had been working with him until now, and Argo-san, who had kindly given him information.

　

"That's why! Beta testers will kneel down on the dead guys right now and say, 'Wait a minute!' ”

　

Exceeding the limit of my patience, I interrupted Kibaou's words and spoke.

　

"You've been criticizing the beta testers for a while now, but among the 2,000 people who died so far, there were beta testers too...!

Also, not all beta testers are as snobbish as you said! At least the beta testers I know don't do that! ”

"Well, then...!?"

“Besides…the members here are risking their lives to conquer this game!

“Th-this kid… let me tell you!?”

　

It seems that the other side is completely mad at my words. It was a time when I was in a touch-and-go mood.

　

"Can I do it too?"

　

The voice of a wild man resounded on the spot. Yes, I knew this guy would speak up, so he was bullish.

　

"My name is Egil. I agree with that boy.

Regardless of the money, there should have been information.”

"Wh-what is it...?"

"Look at this... This guidebook is distributed free of charge. Here is detailed information about the first layer. And...Please create and distribute this guidebook. The one who arranged it was a former beta tester."

"Wha...!?"

　

Kibaou was at a loss for words at Egil-san's words.

　

"You know... if you try to get it, you got the information. If you neglected it and died, it's that person's responsibility. Whether it's a newbie or a beta tester..."

　

Kibaou couldn't say anything back to Egil-san's words.

　

"... Kibaou-san, I may not agree with you, but could you spare me and put your spear in here? Right now, capturing the first layer is the top priority."

"...I understand. Now, I'll pull you out...hey, you kid over there!"

"……what is it?"

"What's your name...?"

"... Von, it's Newby."

"... I will never forget that name...!"

　

He said that with bloodshot eyes and a voice full of hatred, but I didn't care at all and went back to my seat.

　

"F, Fon, that..."

"Don't say anything... I did it on my own."

　

Kirito called out to me worriedly, but I told him not to worry about it. Even Asuna next to me had her eyes wide open. After that, we decided to form a party to defeat the boss, and I ended up forming a party of three (although it was a rogue group) with Kirito and Asuna.

And then, the strategy meeting was dissolved.

　

　

　

"So... why did you call me?"

In the middle of the night, I was called by someone. By the way, I stayed at a different inn than Kirito today. As expected, I don't have enough courage to sleep near those two.

　

“Nyahaha, Fon-bo… It seems like you went on a rampage today!”

“…So, what is the main subject?”

“At times like this, Fon-bo doesn’t get the joke… the story is about that guy called Kibaou.”

　

I was a little surprised by the unexpected name, but from Argo-san's serious expression, it doesn't sound like a good story.

　

"It's not me, but... apparently, he tried to get information about Fon-bo from another informant."

“…I see.

“Not at all… well, don’t worry.

"... for a fee, right?"

"Nhahaha. That's right, I'd like to say that... but be careful, Fon-bo."

"Thank you, Argo-san."

"... Then, do your best in tomorrow's boss battle... Oyasumi!"

　

Saying that, Argo left. I had a strange fate... Well, after the boss battle, I wouldn't have anything to do with him... Thinking that, I returned to the inn.

　

　

　

the next day

The same number of players as yesterday gathered in the square of Tolvana.

Of course, Egil-san and that Kibaou were also there. Or rather, Kibaou was glaring at me and Kirito with terrifying eyes.

(Why are you even glaring at Kirito? Did you learn about Kirito while gathering information about me...?)

That's what I was guessing, but Diabel's yell made me move to the boss room, so I stopped thinking about it.

While paying attention to the pops of monsters, our capture party advanced through the labyrinth.

Kirito was teaching Asuna how to work with switches and such. Just before we got to the boss room, I asked Kirito what he was wondering about.

　

"Kirito, there's something I want to ask you."

"Yeah...? What is it, Fon?"

"Kirito, what kind of enemy weapons did you see during the beta test?"

"Y-yeah... the boss we're about to fight, an ax, a curved sword, and a bow... and even though it's not the boss, there's also a sword... what's wrong with that?"

"... No, it's my first boss fight, so... I'm nervous."

"... That's right, Fon's first boss fight."

　

Kirito seems to have believed my false excuse. I felt a little guilty, but...

I just wanted to make sure of this. And then the party arrived in front of the boss room.

Diavel was doing the final check. Apparently, we are going to deal with the "Ruinkobolt Sentinel" who is an entourage. Kirito and Asuna confirmed each other's movements, and we prepared.

　

"... Alright, everyone seems to be ready! From now on, we will conquer the first floor boss! Lastly, there is only one thing I can say... let's win!"

　

Everyone in the party nodded at Diabel's words.

And then the door opened...

　

"Battle, start!"

"Guruaaaa! ! ! 』

　

In response to Diabel's shout, the boss "Ilfang the Kobold Lord" also let out a roar. And, although it was a follower, multiple "Ruinkobolt Sentinel" popped around it. And then, the boss battle was cut off and dropped.

　

　

　

"switch!"

At Kirito's shout, Asuna activated her sword skill and pierced through the gaps in the kobold's armor with <Linear->. As it was, the kobold became a polygon and disappeared.

(As expected of a flash... I can't lose!)

While I was interested in Asuna's movements, I flipped the other kobold's weapon and delivered a blow.

　

"Kirito, Switch!"

"king!"

　

Just like that, Kirito threw <Vertical> into the kobold who attacked me. And then another kobold disappeared.

　

"You did it!"

"Ah... That's a good move, too."

"Uh... Ah, thank you."

　

Apparently, he was praised by Kirito and seemed to be embarrassed. It was when Asuna thanked her like that.

　

“Gura la la laaaaa!!!”

"!!! Apparently, the boss's physical strength bar has become one more."

"If it's according to the information, you're going to change your weapon, right?"

　

Hearing the boss's screams, Kirito and Asuna focused on his movements. But I was the only one who saw something different.

　

"... Kirito, the weapon on the boss's waist... Was the curved sword that long?"

“Eh?… Now that you mention it, it shouldn’t have looked like that during the beta test…?”

"Huh!?"

　

Hearing those words, I instinctively started running. I could hear Kirito's voice behind me, but I didn't have the luxury of worrying about such things.

Diabel was already trying to mount an attack on the boss by himself. Then the boss threw away his ax and buckler and changed his weapon...and Kirito seemed to notice the weapon the boss had.

　

"Uh! No way...!? Fly back with all your might ──────!!!"

　

But the cry was already too late. The boss used a new weapon……a sword skill.

It must have been a ranged attack, the surrounding players were also blown away by the afterglow of the attack.

Just like that, the boss set his sights on Diabel, and then pursued Diabel with his sword skill. Diavel received the blow and was launched into the air.

And then, as if to call it quits, the boss jumped up to hit Diavel with a sword skill. But...

　

“Let’s do it ────ー!!!”

　

I held up my one-handed sword, made a run-up all at once, and jumped. If you jump normally, you can't reach the height where the boss is. So, I activated my sword skill to make up for the lack of height.

　

"Delivery!!!"

　

Activated the single-handed sword skill <Sonic Leap>. According to Kirito, each of his sword skills has a set motion, similar to the sensation of his body moving on its own. I gained even more height with <Sonic Leap>, which rounded up from the bottom. And then, while the boss was trying to finish off Diabel, he used a sword skill into his empty abdomen.

　

“Gurulaa!?”

“Kuh……Diabel!?”

　

The boss lost his balance with my blow and fell to the ground. I also covered Diavel and fell to the ground with my back. Due to the impact of the fall, I unintentionally let go of my weapon.

　

“Graaaaaaa!!”

"Tsu... it's bad!"

　

Apparently, the previous blow turned the target on me. The boss, who had prepared his posture, rushed at me. The weapon flew away, and there was no time to escape with the dying Diavel. At that time……

　

"phone!"

　

Kirito jumped out and clashed with the boss with sword skills. And then, Asuna jumped out from behind them and launched a follow-up attack.

　

"switch!"

　

At Kirito's shout, Asuna activated her sword skill to follow up. Her boss' blow cuts through Asuna's hood, revealing her true face, but she doesn't mind that and Asuna hits the boss with her sword skill. The boss flinched at the blow. Just like that, the two of them inflicted damage on the boss with a harmonious combination.

　

"……amazing……"

　

I muttered unintentionally at that move. Is this the power of Kirito and Asuna...

It was when I was interested in the strength of the two.

　

"Guh!?"

"... Kirito!?"

　

Kirito failed to offset the boss' sword skill and was blown away. Asuna, who was behind him, couldn't stop Kirito from being blown away, and was blown away with him. The boss tried to pursue the two who had lost their HP.

　

"Hey, take it!"

"Wow……!?"

　

Someone came running and threw my weapon at me. That person is...

　

"Oh, raaaa!!!"

　

It was Egil. That's right... Even in the novel, it was Egil-san who saved Kirito and the others from a pinch. Mr. Egil joined the boss's attack as it was, and the other players also joined.

However, the boss counterattacked as well by firing once more the range attack sword skill that he had previously released, blowing away the attacking members. And, once again, he was trying to hit the sword skill from the air.

　

"Tsu... Diavel, please!"

　

I asked a nearby player for a fainted Diabel, drank a potion, readied my sword, and started running. The boss was once again knocked down from the air to the ground by Kirito's blow when he returned.

　

"Kirito!"

“Fon, Asuna, match me!”

"yes!"

　

At my shout, Kirito and Asuna moved at once. Kirito and I dodged the boss's attack, and Asuna used a sword skill. I activated the sword skill again to finish off the boss who was completely out of balance.

　

"Ikeeeeeee!!!" "Woooooo!!!"

　

My and Kirito's Sword Skill <Vertical Arc> sliced ​​through the boss, and our blows reduced the boss's HP gauge to zero, and then...

　

"Congratulations"

The letters floated in the air. I saw it...

　

“Was it a win…?”

　

The letters gave me strength, and I sat down on the ground. Then, the result screen started up, and the experience points and drop items were confirmed... and another column was displayed... Is this the 'LA Bonus'?

Then, Kirito, Asuna, and Egil-san called out to me.

　

"Good work, Fong."

"...Good work, Kirito, Asuna... Thank you for your help earlier."

"Well done. Especially you... Did you say Fon?

I didn't die...it's a congratulation."

"...Thank you, Egil-san."

　

Embarrassed by Egil-san's words, I replied while scratching my head.

Anyway, it seems to have worked out. It's a different development than the novel, but I think it went well. When I think about that...

　

"Wait a minute!"

　

That voice broke our victory mood. Of course, the owner of that voice is...

　

"Why...! Especially... that boy! How did you notice the boss's movements!?"

“Wh-what are you talking about! Fon is trying to save Diavel…!?”

"You can't do that! You knew what the boss attack was! Why didn't you tell Wai and the others about it! If you had known, Diavel wouldn't have been in such a dangerous situation. Let's go!?"

　

At Kibaou's words, the place turned a suspicious look at me and Kirito. Asuna and Egil were protecting us, but we were completely in a state of water.

　

"Ahaha... ahahahahahaha!"

"Kirito...?"

　

I was surprised by Kirito's sudden change, who had remained silent.

　

"Why did this guy notice the boss's movements...? That's because I was the only one who taught him the boss's movements! Unlike you guys, this guy has a pretty good sense of newbie-because! Use it as a decoy. I was qualified for the job!”

　

……Asuna and Egil-san were surprised by Kirito’s sudden change……While all the players were surprised and wide-eyed, I was the only one who understood Kirito’s true feelings.

(...Are you going down the thorny path after all?)

　

"Listen, remember! SAO's closed beta tester was a lottery with an outrageous odds. I think there were a few real MMO gamers out of the 1,000 people who passed. Most of them were beginners who didn't even know how to level. I was stupid!

You guys are much better now... I'm different from them! During the beta test, I climbed a layer that no one else could reach. I knew the sword skill of the katana used by the boss because at that time I had a terrible fight with a monster with a katana. I know a lot of other things, even information that rats don't know! ”

"Wha, what is that... tho, isn't that cheating...!?"

"That's right... it's a cheetah... beta tester cheetah...!"

　

Kirito's words caused Kibaou and other players to criticize and slander Kirito. And the word "beater" began to echo in those words.

　

"... 'Beater' huh? That's a good way to call it."

　

After saying that, Kirito opened the menu and installed the item. It was a coat I had never seen before. Could it be the LA bonus... if I remember correctly it was "Court of Midnight"?

　

“Yes.

　

Just like that, Kirito headed for the stairs leading to the second floor. In order to chase after Kirito, I tried to follow him...

　

"Wait a second...!"

"... what?"

　

Called by Kibaou, I responded with a cold voice. To be honest, I myself was surprised that I could speak so coldly.

　

“Didn’t you get the LA bonus too…!?

“……”

　

I felt my head getting colder due to too selfish words. I knew what I was going to say.

　

"... I refuse... Even if I give it to a weak player like you, there's no way I can master it."

"Wh-what the...!?"

"I'm fighting to clear this game... I'm not fighting for you guys...! I have powers that you guys don't have. I don't want you to be with a bad player."

“This kid…!?”

"... Or should I try to take it by force? As long as I can win..."

"Kuh...!"

　

The players fell silent at my words.

(With this... I'm going through the thorns too.)

I equipped the item "Court of Deep Blue" that I got with the LA bonus. It was a deep blue coat like the deep sea. It's an aside that I thought it was pretty cool.

Just like that, I also started walking towards the stairs to the second floor.

　

"I'm sorry. Can I ask you about that idiot?"

"... Yes. Please do the rest."

　

When Egil-san asked me about Kirito, I replied with a small nod.

When I was climbing the stairs, I passed Asuna coming down. Apparently, he was chasing her Kirito and talking to her.

　

"Leave Kirito alone."

"…………Do you get it"

　

I said that to Asuna and started running to catch up with that idiot. Kirito was in front of the door on the second floor.

　

"... you're an idiot too. Saying that..."

"I don't want you to be the only one who bears all the hatred of the beta testers alone."

　

I was called an idiot by Kirito, but it was definitely a word I didn't want to say to this guy right now.

　

"Shall we go……"

"Oh……"

　

At Kirito's question, I nodded and opened the door to the second layer.

There are 74 floors left until SAO is cleared... Will I be able to return to my original world...?