Episode 5 "The Black Swordsman and the Phantom War Demon"

"Say!"

　He defeated the last monster with his spear, and put his self-made short trance "Maga Jeunesse" on his back.

　

(Were you able to confirm your skills?)

　

　For the time being, all the spear skills have been confirmed. Also, what I haven't confirmed is... a dagger, a curved sword, and a sword...

　

(Should I do this for today and check the rest tomorrow?)

　

　While thinking about such things, I started walking along the route to the town in order to return to it.

　The dungeon I'm in right now is the 35th floor, "Forest of Lost". This is the perfect place to raise your proficiency and check your skills due to the pop rate and number of monsters. I bought the information about this place from Mr. Argo and came to check the skills. It was at that time……

　

"Kyaa!!!"

"...! Someone is being attacked!?"

　

　I switched the enemy search skill to night vision mode, spread the skill over a wide area, and searched for the owner of the scream earlier.

　

(He was...! Are you being attacked by a Drunk Ape!?)

　

　The enemies in this area aren't that strong, but due to the dungeon's structure, you can't escape from the dungeon unless you proceed through the dungeon in the correct order. Perhaps that player came here without knowing it. While running towards the player, I set up my spear. And then, I activated my sword skill and closed the distance with Drunk Ape at once.

　

"Haaaa!"

　

　As it is, I let the Drunk Ape, which was about to attack the player, attack me with my sword skill. Drumpke became a polygon as it was and disappeared. By the time I tried to defeat the remaining two, Drumpeike had already been defeated.

　

"... Kirito?"

"Huh...!? Fon, was it you?"

　

　We were a little embarrassed when we realized that the player who defeated the other two was Kirito.

　It was the first time in a long while since the Christmas event boss fight.

　

"Ah, that..."

"I'm sorry, are you okay?"

"Yeah... but Pina!?"

"...I'm sorry, I couldn't help your friend..."

　

　she had something It looks like feathers, but...

　

"that is……?"

"Can you show me... <Pina's Heart>... well, maybe I can help your friend!"

“Oh, is that true!?”

　

　Apparently, Kirito figured out what item the girl was holding. Unfortunately, I'm completely left behind because I don't understand the story.

　

"Yeah. There's a field dungeon called 'Hill of Memories' south of the 47th floor."

"...I see, I finally saw the story. Is it an item for reviving familiars?"

"Ah... the flower that blooms there is an item for reviving familiars."

　

　When I finally understood what Kirito was saying, I remembered what Argo-san told me. That means she's the rumored Beast Tamer...

　

"Oh, is that true...? But, the 47th floor... my level..."

　

　Even if she wasn't on the front lines, it would be difficult at her current level...she looked down.

　

"But the flowers won't bloom unless the Beast Tamer himself goes, right?"

"Ah... and to revive a familiar, it seems that it must be done within three days of its death."

"That's it...!?"

　

　I asked Kirito to confirm, but it seems he doesn't have much time. The girl became even more discouraged.

　

"...Hong, do you have any good weapons or armor?"

"Kirito...?"

“I also have a spare item, how about it?”

"Well... how about this dagger and these boots?"

"... Alright, if you combine it with mine, it's enough."

　

　Saying that, Kirito opened the trade menu, and after understanding Kirito's thoughts, I took the same action and applied for an item trade with the girl.

　

"Eh, is this...?"

"If you combine this equipment with Fon's equipment, you should be able to raise your level by about 10 levels, and if I go with you, I think you can easily break through the 47th floor."

“Then I will accompany you.

"... are you okay?"

"Wouldn't it be better to have three than two?"

"Ah, that..."

　

　While Kirito and I were talking, the girl hesitantly called out to me.

　

"Why are you going this far...?"

"Why... because there are people in trouble in front of me... that's the only reason."

“Maybe I have the same reason as Fong. Besides…”

"in addition……?"

　

　Kirito remained silent, a little embarrassed.

"... you look like my sister, maybe..."

　The girl laughed at that statement.

　

　

　

"J-self-introduction was delayed. My name is Silica."

"I am Kirito."

"My name is Fong"

　As we headed back into town, we introduced ourselves.

　

"... Um, why is Mr. Fong using honorifics?"

“Ah, I ended up using honorifics to people I met for the first time and to people older than me… from now on, I’ll speak normally.”

　

　When Silica pointed it out, I returned to my usual way of speaking. This habit is completely unconscious.

　

“Come to think of it, why was Silica over there alone?”

"...Actually, I got into a dispute with my party members over item distribution...I was trying to get out of that forest by myself..."

　

　Apparently, there were other party members as well. But that forest is just a labyrinth.

　

"It's my fault. The reason Pina died was because I got carried away... I was called a dragon tamer and got soared..."

"...Certainly, your friend's death may be due to your pride."

“Uh… phone!”

　

　Kirito glared at my words, but I continued.

　

"...But you're reflecting on that. You're strong because you can honestly admit your mistakes."

“… Huh, Mr. Fong?”

"Besides, Kirito and I will definitely bring your friends back to life... Is that right, Kirito?"

"... that's right"

"Oh, thank you……!"

　

　In the meantime, I arrived at the town. As it was, we decided to aim for an inn, but……

　

"Ah, Ro, Rosalia-san...!"

"Ah, it's not Silica. How often did you get through that forest by yourself?"

　

　A red-haired female player called out to me. It seems that he is an acquaintance of Silica. But

　

“……………………”

(Kirito……?)

　

　I noticed that Kirito's eyes were hardening. Apparently, Kirito also knows about Rosaria.

　

“Oh, what happened to that lizard?

"... Pina died... but I will definitely bring her back to life!"

"Heh... that means I'm going to the 'Hill of Memories'. But can you conquer it at your level?"

　

(... Ah, this type...)

　I was annoyed by Rosalia's attitude. This is the first time I've met someone like this since Kibaou...

　

"It's okay. That dungeon isn't that difficult, and we're going to go with you."

"... Heh, they're well equipped, but I wonder if you guys were tricked by that kid too?"

　

　Kirito stood in front of Silica. Unlike before, he said to provoke his opponent. Rosaria showed interest in Kirito's and my equipment.

　

"We've formally received a request from her...I'm sorry, but if you don't have any more business, we'll let you go through there. Let's go, Kirito, Silica."

　I said that somehow without showing my irritation, called out to Kirito and the others, and headed to the inn.

　

　

　

"Why would you say such mean things..."

“Is SAO your first MMO for Silica?”

"Yes. Mr. Fong too?"

"Ah... I've met a lot of players, but I haven't seen a player like that in a long time."

"...A lot of people change their personalities in any online game. Some of them willingly play villains. Our cursor is green, right?"

　

　Silica and I nodded while looking at the cursor at Kirito's words.

　

"If it commits a criminal act, the cursor turns orange. Some of them are even murderers..."

"Uh... well, murder..."

　

　Silica was surprised by Kirito's words. Yes, because killing players in this game really means killing people. Some players may not believe it to be true. However, having read about this world, I understood that it was true.

　

"In conventional games, you could pretend to be a villain and enjoy it...Sword Art Online is different...This is a death game, not a game."

“……”

　Silica couldn't say anything to Kirito's words. I noticed that Kirito's expression was closer to what I felt earlier, so I decided to change the subject.

　

"This story ends here... Silica, how good is the cheesecake you ordered earlier?"

“Huh?

　

　Being talked about, Silica hurriedly started explaining the cake. While listening to the explanation, the cake arrived, we thoroughly enjoyed the cake, and it was dismissed.

　

　

　

　Kirito forgot to explain "Hill of Memories" to Silica, so we visited Silica's room. When I knocked, I heard Silica's panicked voice... Could it be that she was already asleep?　

　

"Oh, thank you for waiting...!"

"Are you okay? Could it be that you've already slept?"

"No, no... so what happened?"

　

　Silica replied that it was nothing to my question.

　

"Because I forgot to explain the 47th floor earlier... is it okay now?"

"here you are!"

　

　After receiving Silica's approval, we entered the room.

　Kirito then took out the Mirage Sphere and began explaining the 47 layers. Silica was fascinated by the image of Sphere. And it was when the explanation turned to "Hill of Memories".

　

"Who!?"

　

　I noticed a sign and knocked open the door. Then I saw someone running down the stairs.

　

"Right now..."

"Ah, it seems that you were asked."

"Eh? But if you don't knock, if you close the door, you can't hear the conversation inside...!"

　

　Kirito seemed to have noticed the presence as well. Silica asked the obvious question.

　

"No, if you raise your 'listening' skill, you can hear conversations even through walls and doors."

"...But, the 'listening' skill takes time to learn, and it's not a skill that should be prioritized first. Someone who improves such a skill is probably not a good guy."

　

　I supplemented Kirito's explanation. I also knew about the existence of the skill, but I didn't acquire it. As expected of Argo-san, he didn't learn that skill either.

　

"...I'm on guard outside, so Kirito asks Silica to continue the explanation."

"Do you get it"

　

　I asked Kirito after me and went out into the corridor. For the time being, I used my enemy search skill to keep an eye on the situation outside the window, but maybe because I learned from my previous mistake, the suspicious person didn't appear until the explanation was over.

　And then, after the explanation was over, Kirito came out of the room.

　

"Are you done?"

"Oh. So how was it?"

"I haven't been able to confirm his appearance since then... he probably gave up."

"Really"

　

　Hearing my words, Kirito made a difficult face. Apparently, Kirito has something on his mind.

　

"... Kirito, do you have any idea?"

“…………Hong, can you lend me your ear for a moment?”

　

　Kirito whispered to me why he was in the Lost Forest and what his purpose was.

　

"I see. Is that the reason?"

"Yeah. I ended up using Silica as a decoy..."

“…Is it true that you wanted to help Silica?

"... I've been wondering this for a while, but isn't Fong somewhat grown-up...?"

"Really? My friends often told me that I was stubborn, but..."

　

　A friend... Come to think of it, I wonder if they're fine It's been a long time since I got lost in this world...

　

"…………phone?"

"...No, it's nothing. I'll keep watch until morning, Kirito, rest now."

"But, but..."

"I'm fine. There are some things I want to think about."

"...I understand. Then please...good night."

"Oh good night"

　

　Kirito said so and went back to his room. Being alone, I returned to my thoughts.

　

(... It's been less than a year and three months since then... In the end, I couldn't return to my original world, and I fought like this as a capture group... but I still don't know anything.)

　

　I've been fighting on the front lines all this time, but I didn't know a single thing I wanted to know. The person who seems to know the most, the leader of the Knights of the Blood Oath... I wanted to talk to Heathcliff, but...

　

(……I never thought that Asuna would be in such a state.)

　

　It was time to visit the headquarters of the Knights of the Blood Oath.

　Asuna invited me to join the Knights of the Blood Oath. I refused, but after Asuna's insistent invitation, I said without thinking.

　

"Your leader is shady."

　

　Asuna flinched at those words. As a result, something like that happened...

　

"... Knowing the answer isn't all about gaining."

　

　Because of that uproar, the Knights of the Blood Oath began to look at me with terrible eyes. Thanks to that, it became even more difficult to get close to Heathcliff.

　

(Moreover…………I didn’t really understand the skill that appeared.)

　I opened the skill column and confirmed the skill.

　

(... Heathcliff... No, Akihiko Kayaba... Do you know anything?)

　I'm not here, I asked the person I wanted to hear the most about right now.

　

　

　

"Is this 'Floria'?"

"Oh, it's also called 'Flower Garden'."

"This layer is full of flowers. I was surprised when flowers bloomed in the labyrinth..."

　

　In Silica's words, Kirito and I said so while remembering the time of the capture. The labyrinth often shows the characteristics of that layer, but I think this layer is the only labyrinth that is full of flowers. While thinking about such things, we headed for the entrance of "Hill of Memories".

　

"Yes. Silica, can you take this for me?"

"This is a transition crystal...?"

"If something happens and we say we can use this, we'll go back to town with this."

"B-but..."

"... It's okay, Silica. Kirito and I are together. What Kirito is saying is to prepare for emergencies. So, don't worry."

"... Mr. Fong... I understand."

"Okay then, let's go."

　

　Silica, who agreed with my words, put the transition crystal in her pouch. And we entered the dungeon to Kirito's shout.

　

　

　

"Speaking of which, what kind of monsters appear in this dungeon?"

"That's right. It's basically a plant-type monster."

　

　Silica was asking Kirito who was going ahead about the monsters in this dungeon.

　

"Heh... it's such a quiet place."

"...Come to think of it, there are also enemies that will attack you by surprise, so be careful [Kyaaaaa!!!]...Is it too late?"

　

　It was when I tried to pay attention to Silica while remembering things around here. She was caught by her legs by her tentacles and was suspended in the air by the monster's surprise attack.

　

"Don't look at me!!!"

"No, no... I, I didn't see it! I didn't see it!"

"Kirito, if you're saying such a thing... Haa!"

　

　Kirito pretended to cover his eyes with his hand, peering through the gap. Amazed by Kirito's actions, I jumped and pulled out his sword and cut his tentacles.

　

"Silica, now!"

"Hey, this!"

　

　Released from the tentacles, Silica activated a sword skill and pierced the monster's head. The monster vanished with a single blow.

　

“……Did you see it?”

"... I-I didn't see it..."

“………… Kirito.”

"Excuse me, just for a second"

"……Uuu……!"

　When I glared at Kirito with scornful eyes, Kirito apologized to Silica as if giving up. Silica's face was bright red.

　

　

　

"... you've gotten used to fighting."

"Thanks to Fon-san and Kirito-san. Besides, the performance of Fon-san's dagger is amazing."

"That's this guy's handmade. Fon has learned various skills before he knows it."

"Really? It's true that I've improved most of my blacksmithing skills, but there are skills I haven't mastered yet, you know?　

　I don't have cooking skills, fishing skills, or even sewing skills yet..."

"... Your girl power seems to be maxed out."

"noisy"

“…Mr. Fong’s handiwork…To be able to make a dagger like this…it’s really amazing!”

"... Don't be embarrassed when you say that."

　

　Kirito's words made me feel irritated, but Silica's pure words made me feel embarrassed. She learned the blacksmithing skill because of some circumstances.

　

"Come to think of it, Kirito-san, you said you have a sister, right?"

"Eh... ah, ah"

“Come to think of it, you said that yesterday.

"... Well, I didn't talk."

　

　With Silica's words, the conversation turned to Kirito's little sister. She says she's her cousin's girl, not her real sister, according to Kirito.

　

“We’ve been together since we were born.

　

　Kirito's expression as he said that was mixed with a bit of regret.

　

“My grandfather was a strict person. He made me go to the kendo dojo when I was eight years old, but I quit after two years…At that time, I was quite angry, but my sister said that I would do my best instead. I was forgiven... after that, he practiced hard and eventually became strong enough to participate in the national tournament."

"...that's an amazing story."

　

　Kirito's story made me feel really amazing as a kendo practitioner. Kirito's little sister probably practiced and worked hard enough to die.

　

"...But I've always felt like I've been drawn to it. To be honest, I wondered if there were other things I wanted to do...I thought you were holding a grudge against me..."

　

　Saying that, to the sinking Kirito...

"Abo huh..."

　After that, insert a hand sword into the head and deny the idea.

　

“Fu, Fon……!?”

“I also do kendo, so I kind of understand, but normally, there’s no way you can devote yourself to something you don’t like…?　

　Whatever the reason, isn't your sister continuing to do kendo because she likes it? I think so."

　

　Kirito's eyes widened at my words.

　

"You're right, Mr. Fong! I'm sure you like kendo, so you were able to become strong until you went to the national tournament, right?"

“…………Yes, I guess. I hope so.”

"...Yeah, I'll do my best too."Wait a minute, Silica!"Eh! Kyaaaaaaaaaa! ? ”

　

　I tried to stop the enthusiastic Silica after noticing her reaction, but it was too late. I was restrained by a hidden sea anemone-like monster... but...

　

"Huh!"

　

　Kirito quickly pulled out his one-handed sword and cut down the monster with his sword skill.

　

"It's fine to be enthusiastic, but be careful, okay?"

"Ha, yes... ehehe"

　Silica smiled shyly after being warned by Kirito.

　

　

　

　As we proceeded through the dungeon while talking about such things...

"Oh, could it be..."

"Oh. That's the 'hill of memories' where flowers bloom."

　

　Arriving at the destination, Silica ran toward the pedestal. Then...

　

"This is what can bring Pina back to life..."

"Yeah. It's an item for reviving familiars."

　

　Silica said so while picking up the flower and confirming it. Apparently it's called "Pneuma Flower".

　

"Well, it's dangerous here, so let's go back to town and revive Pina."

"yes!"

　

　At Kirito's words, Silica nodded and put the flowers in her storage. and. We started back the way we came.

　

"Hmm, fufun♩"

　Silica walked happily. No monsters popped on the way back, and we were safely back near the entrance. However……

““………………””

　

　Kirito and I had our enemy search skills fully open so that Silica wouldn't notice us, and we were vigilant of our surroundings. It's time to start working on it. When I think about that...

　

"... Kirito."

"Oh. Silica, wait a minute."

"K-Kirito-san...?"

　

　Kirito stepped forward while restraining Silica with his hand.

　I also stood behind them to protect them.

　

"I know you're there. Don't hide, come out."

　

　They must have been hiding with concealment skills, but for me and Kirito, who have raised their enemy search skills, there was no meaning to that extent.

　The person appeared at Kirito's call.

　

"Ro, Rosalia, Mr.? Why, why are you here...!?"

"To see through my concealment skill... that's a pretty high enemy search skill, swordsmen. After all, I thought that the rarity of the equipment would be a little better..."

　

　The person who appeared... Rosalia was laughing. If it's according to Kirito's story, his purpose is...

　

“If you look like that, it looks like you got the flower. Congratulations, Silica-chan!

"What are you talking about...?"

　

　Silica had a look of disbelief at Rosaria's words. Kirito stepped in between them.

　

"I don't think so, Rosalia-san. No, should I call you the leader of the Orange Guild 'Titan's Hand'?"

"... Huh"

　

　Rosaria exclaimed in admiration at Kirito's words.

　

“B-But Rosalia-san is green…!?”

"Even though it's called the Orange Guild, it doesn't mean that everyone is orange. In order to find prey, the green members slip into the party, lead them to where their friends are... and then hunt the prey. The one who was listening to our conversation last night was also your friend, right?"

"Well, then... who was at the party with you for the last two weeks..."

　

　In my explanation, Silica understood Rosaria's actions and was appalled.

　

"That's right. I checked my strength and saved money.

　Well, our target this time is you. To be honest, I was in trouble when you left halfway through...

　No way, I heard that you're going to pick up a rare resurrection item... I can't miss such a profitable deal.

　Even so, are you stupid to go out with this girl even though you know that much? ”

"No, I was looking for you too, Rosalia-san."

　

　Rosaria frowned at Kirito's words.

　

"... what do you mean?"

"Didn't you attack a guild called 'Silver Flags' 10 days ago? Four members were killed and only the leader survived."

"... Ah, that poor guild. What happened to that?"

“The man who was the leader was crying in front of the transfer gate from morning till night, looking for those who would avenge him. Day after day, I desperately begged the players to give it to me.

　Do you guys know how he feels...? ”

"...Haa, even if you ask me such a silly thing."

"It's crap...!?"

　

　Rosaria answered Kirito's words without interest. I was almost blown away by his words and attitude.

　

"It's rubbish! What the hell, are you serious...

　This is the game world. There's no proof that you'll actually die if you kill someone here, and you won't be charged with a crime in the real world. Seriously, to believe that people really die, this is why children are..."

“……………………”

　

　I was desperate to suppress my anger after reading about this world in Rosaria's words.

　

"You really don't die, even if you kill someone, it's not a crime..."

　

　Because it was a blasphemy for those who lived in this world with all their might. Somehow I managed to suppress my murderous intent and asked Rosaria.

　

"... You don't intend to surrender meekly, do you?"

"Surrender? Ahahaha, can you say that even after seeing this number?"

　

　When Rosaria raised her right hand, players appeared from the front and back. 9 people in front, 12 people behind...

　

"K-Kirito-san, Fon-san, there are too many!　

　I have to escape from here...! ? ”

"... It's okay. Hold the crystal and watch it there until I tell you to run away."

"Kirito, I'll leave that to you... I'll take care of the guys behind you!"

"Oh. I'm begging you, Fong."

　

　Saying that, I quickly changed my weapon to a two-handed sword and approached the orange player behind me.

　

"Don't die!"

“Yahhhhh!”

　The players started attacking me with their weapons while screaming insane.

　

“F-Fon-san……!?”

　Silica seemed to be more interested in me, and was calling my name while holding the dagger.

　

“…………it’s okay (bosso)”

"eh……?"

　

　I turned to her and said softly.

　I saw the situation over there through Silica, and Kirito seems to be okay.

　

"Huh... hah...!"

"...is this what it is..."

　The players were out of breath. I was attacked quite a bit, but my HP didn't decrease by even a millimeter.

　

"Why? My HP doesn't decrease at all...!?"

"It's obvious... When I take damage, I have 《Damage Healing》 that has a chance to recover HP, 《Damage Cut》 that reduces damage from slashing, penetrating, and striking weapons, and it's more effective than 《Battle Healing》. I'm inferior to , but I've learned 《Life Healing》, which has a fast activation cycle.In addition to that, my level is 77.

　No matter how much you attack me, I will never be able to defeat you."

"Wh-what is that... is there such a thing!?"

"There is. It's not just about levels... it's precisely because this game has a wide variety of skills that you can combine them to become stronger."

"... I just remembered! That face, you... Are you sure you're a phantom war demon!?"

“Hey, you know me.

　

　Saying that, I activated my sword skill and slammed my two-handed sword into the ground.

　

"""""!?!?!?!?!?"""""

　

　The blow stunned Orange Player and he fell to the ground.

　

"What? My body...!?"

“J-the ground…is it shaking!?”

　

　Players were confused as to what had happened.

　What I fired was a composite sword skill <Crash Hole>. An anti-personnel skill that uses a two-handed sword to inflict impact damage with a high probability and a long-lasting stun effect in front. It is a hidden skill that can be learned by talking to an NPC in a place where you can master two-handed swords and martial arts and learn martial arts skills.

　It's a painful memory that it took twice as long as it took me to learn physical skills to break the rock at that time.

　

"... It looks like it's over there. Now, what are you going to do?"

　It seems that Kirito's side has also settled down. Kirito had his sword close to Rosaria's neck.

　I destroyed the orange player's weapon that hadn't recovered from stun with a single blow and asked.

　Player Orange could only nod in horror.

　

　

　

"I'm sorry, Silica, you made it look like a decoy..."

"No……"

“Fon also…helped me, it was very helpful.”

"No, I couldn't forgive those guys."

　

　Coming back to town, we were back at the inn. Kirito apologized to us for this incident, but he told me and Silica that he didn't really care either.

　

"Now, let's revive your friend as soon as possible."

"Yes! Please wait a moment!"

　Saying that, Silica placed an item on the table and started reviving it.

　

“…………Fon, I’m sorry.”

"So don't worry..."

"No, it's not that... it's about the Christmas event boss."

　

　Kirito's words surprised me.

　

“At that time, you and Klein were worried about me…I was so preoccupied with my goals…I actually had to apologize, but I just kept doing nothing. I can't say..."

"... No, it's me. I didn't even know you were suffering like that... I'm sorry."

"……phone"

"... but when I heard about this story, I was honestly happy."

"eh……?"

　

　Kirito was surprised by my words this time.

　

"When I heard that you received the request for the <Silver Flags>, I thought you were back to Kirito when we first met."

“……”

"I don't know what happened to you after that, but I think the current Kirito is better."

"…………Really"

　

　Kirito made a calm expression when he heard those words. I probably have the same expression.

　When we met again, I didn't understand the distance between us, and I was also stiff, but through this incident, I was able to reconcile with Kirito. When me and Kirito are talking about that...

　

"Thank you for waiting! Pina, these people helped us!"

"Kururu!"

“Nice to meet you, my name is Fon, this is Kirito.”

　

　Pina, the revived Featherlidra, was staring at us curiously. When I introduced myself, Pina flew away from Silica,

"husband……?"

"...Maybe you're saying thank you."

　Pina climbed onto my shoulder and bowed to both me and Kirito. Kirito and Silica smiled at that figure.

　

　

　

"Then, I'm here... what's Hwon going to do?"

"Well... I'm tired today, so I'll be staying in this layer tonight."

　While moving from the inn to the transfer gate, I checked with Kirito about our future plans.

　

"Right. I'm going back to the front line. See you next time."

"Oh. Would you like to invite me to a party from time to time?"

"... Ah. Then... Transfer!"

　

　Saying that, Kirito headed for the town on the front lines. Silica and I were left alone.

　

“Ah, Mr. Fong, if you are staying on this floor tonight, would you like to have dinner with us?”

"... fine, but what happened, all of a sudden?"

“Well, I wanted to hear more about Mr. Fong…is that okay?”

　

　I couldn't refuse Silica's teary eyes + upturned eyes.

　

"Okay. I know a good shop... is that okay?"

"yes!"

　Then we headed to the restaurant.

　Before, Argo-san asked me to go to a shop with Silica.

“The food here is always served with flowers.

"Heh... it's nice to have a calm atmosphere!"

"Pur!"

“Hahaha, Pina seems to like it too.”

　

　Apparently Pina is also satisfied. We ended up killing time by chatting until the food came.

　

"Heh~, so Pina's name was taken from the name of Silica's cat..."

"Yes! I've been scared since this game started...

　But ever since I met Pina, I've been able to gather a little more courage...it's because of Pina that I've been able to do my best."

“Kur…?”

　

　Silica stroked her chin, and Pina cried strangely. I really trust you.

　

"Didn't Mr. Fong have any pets?"

"Yeah. You're not at home. Grandfather had a dog. I hope he's still fine..."

　

　I suddenly remembered my family. I wonder if everyone is doing well...?　

"... Ms. Fong?"

“Oh!

"Ah... that's right. Wow, beautiful!"

　

　The food arrived and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Pina also asked Silica to share the bacon while she seemed to enjoy the food.

　

　

　

　That night, I parted ways with Silica and took a room at the inn.

　However, he didn't sleep and held his breath with his equipment still in combat mode.

(... you came!)

　I opened the door of the room just a little, and noticed a sign from the sound of the hallway with the non-system skill ``Listening''.

　I pull out my spear and jump out of the room at once...

　

"Let's see!"

"Hey... Guha!?"

　

　The man couldn't react to my surprise attack, and was blown away by the sword skill straight out of the window of the inn.

　I jumped out the window in pursuit and landed in front of him.

　

“You, you……!?”

"... I didn't see you in that attack. I was wondering if you had a 'listening' skill, but... did you have a 'forced unlocking' skill?"

"... c'mon!"

　

　I asked that while pointing the spear at the man who was wiretapping yesterday. As I guessed, it seems that he was trying to break into Silica's room.

『Forced Unlocking』skill……Unlike Treasure Hunter's 『Unlocking』skill, this skill's ability is to forcibly open the doors of inns and private houses. It is said that this skill can be acquired as a reward for an assassination quest that can be received only when the cursor is in the orange state after subjugating over 100 mimics in order to acquire this skill. However, regardless of success or failure, once you use the skill and try to open the lock, the cursor will turn orange, which is a terrible disadvantage.

　It's a brutal skill that makes you want to see the creator's face.

　

"Because of that brat, my head got caught! I can't be satisfied unless I send her to hell with my own hands!"

“…That’s why you tried to attack Silica!?”

　

　My words unintentionally became hot at the words of the man who intended to hold a grudge against me.

　

"I, just now...! Huh, Fon-san...!?"

"Fu, Fon!? No way, a phantom war demon!?"

"... It seems that Kirito and I are famous in the Orange Guild... I'm sorry, but I'm going to have you go to the same place as Rosaria and the others."

　

　Silica rushed out of the inn. It seems that the sound from earlier woke him up.

　The man was terribly upset by my name. I took out the Corridor Crystal and gave him my final advice.

　

"Damn...!"

"... let's escape!"

　

　I brandished the spear and activated the throwing skill. The spear hit the man directly, but no damage effect occurred, and the man was blown away by the power of the skill.

　

“Since I’m within range, my HP won’t decrease, but my cursor won’t change either.

　

　I picked up my spear and stuck it down the man's throat. The man seemed to have given up and quietly entered the open corridor crystal gate to the prison.

　

"F-Fon-san..."

"Sorry, wake me up..."

　

　I was at a loss for words when I tried to apologize to Silica's voice. because……

"S-Silica!? Clothes!!!"

“Heh…?

　Yes, Silica was wearing her sleepwear. And below... I can't say anything more.

　

　After that, it was a digression that they ended up apologizing to each other.

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The final depiction is a scene that was born from the author thinking that something like this might have been possible
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