Episode 9 "Footprints of the Creeping End"

 "Yacht!"

"Haaaaa!"

74th layer

Kirito and I both wielded our prey and killed our respective targets.

　

"How is it, Kirito?"

"Dropped. Two more...!"

“Is that so.

“I’m sorry, Fong… Please go out with me.”

"No, it was a pretty good story. Don't worry about it."

　

With that said, we resumed hunting. Why are you forming a party with Kirito... the story goes back to this morning.

　

"Would you like to go on a quest?"

A message was sent from Kirito.

I didn't have any particular plans, so I came to receive the quest together like this, but...

After all, it was a collection quest with drops, so it felt like the number had finally gathered even though we were doing it together.

　

"Okay, this is the end!"

　

Thinking about that, it seems that Kirito also dropped continuously and reached the specified number.

　

"Oh, thank you for your hard work."

"Oh, thank you, Fong. How about some food as a thank you?"

"Really? Well, isn't it bad to eat out once in a while?"

"Then let's go back to town."

　

Nodding to Kirito's words, we headed to the city and started walking while chatting.

　

“…Speaking of which, how is Asuna these days?”

“Hey!?……w-why did Asuna’s name come up!?”

“No, I didn’t mean anything in particular… Did something happen?”

"N-nothing...!"

"(No, even if someone who doesn't know the circumstances sees it, it's like saying there's something going on.)"

"Yeah? Did you just say something?"

"... nothing."

Dodging Kirito's pursuit with an innocent face, I shook my head.

　

　

　

"... the words of the proposal?"

"Oh, yeah"

From the conversation with Asuna, the conversation shifted to romance in the real world.

　

"... are you going to confess to someone?"

"Hey!? That's not right!?"

"...(...It's unexpectedly interesting to see Kirito like this)"

　

Looking at the flustered Kirito, I couldn't help but smile while covering my mouth.

　

"That said... I've never confessed to you either."

"Is that so... it's kind of surprising."

"What do you mean... well, I've been confessed before..."

"Eh, seriously!?"

　

Kirito, who was so surprised by my words, gave me a look of disgust.

　

"I don't know what you're thinking, but I don't have a girlfriend. I turned them all down.

That's why it's wrong to expect me...? ”

"... is that so? is that so..."

　

I thought I was disappointed this time, but when I saw Kirito who was a little relieved, I couldn't help but smile.

　

"In the first place, there's nothing you can do about asking people, right? Think about it yourself."

"Gunununu... I understand."

　

Apparently, Kirito sensed that it would be useless any more, so he obediently withdrew.

　

"... Even so, it's the 74th floor. It's early, isn't it?"

"... that's right"

"Two years ago, it was unthinkable from the first floor."

"... a quarter more?"

"Oh"

　

While agreeing with Kirito's words, I remembered what had happened so far.　

(Layer 74... we're running out of time, huh?)

If it's the same as the original, this game...Sword Art Online will be cleared soon.

At the boss of the 74th floor, Kirito unleashes his dual wielding skills and fights Heathcliff in one-on-one combat... From there, the story begins to progress...

　

"Hey, Kirito... you're dual wielding."

"Shhh! Be quiet!"

　

I was about to talk to Kirito about his Unique Skill.

Kirito's serious expression made me take a critical stance. Looking at Kirito's gaze ......

(Raguru Rabbit... hey, hey, it's an S-class... or rather, could this be...?)

While I was thinking about that, Kirito killed Raghu Rabbit with his throwing skill.

　

"Wow! Fon, this!?"

"... Oh, this is..."

　

When Kirito showed me the dropped item, I was surprised in two ways.

One is because I saw the rumored S-class item for the first time.

The other reason was that I knew that this would be a key item that greatly advanced the story.

　

　

　

"Hey hey hey... Kirito, Fon. Isn't this the rumored S-class item?"

"Well, I was lucky enough to meet you."

And so, after returning from the labyrinth, we came to Egil-san's shop on the 50th floor. I came to consult about what to do with this item.

　

"Did you come to sell this? Isn't it better to cook it?"

"That's right, but... I'm not cooking that much, and if I bring it to the shop, it looks like they'll be able to see my feet..."

　

Kirito answered Egil-san's words with a troubled expression.

　

"... or rather, Fon. You've improved your cooking skills, haven't you? How about you cook?"

"Thinking about it, I asked for it too..."

"... No, men don't have hobbies to make."

"Even though you said you'd split it in half... you wouldn't accept it at all."

　

I shook my head while laughing at Egil-san and Kirito's words.

I'm really sorry for Kirito, but since I know the future development, I can't listen to that request.

(... I'm very interested in ragout rabbit meat!)

As I was thinking about that... the door to the shop opened.

　

"Welcome... um, this is another rare visitor."

"Finally found it"

　

Asuna and that Kuradeel were standing behind me.

　

"Oh, Mr. Fong, you were with us."

"Well, there are various things."

　

Asuna noticed me and answered while waving her hand. Then Kirito suddenly approached Asuna,

　

"Chef, captured!"

"...Huh?"

　

He said that while grabbing Asuna's shoulders.

Naturally, Asuna, who didn't know anything, had a confused expression on her face with a strange voice.

　

"Um, what do you mean by chef?"

"Kirito... as expected, it doesn't make sense. Explain it."

"Sorry, the timing was too good. I want you to take a look at this."

　

I jumped on Asuna's words after recovering a little from my confusion, and warned Kirito.

Kirito calmed down and apologized to Asuna while visualizing the window and showing it to Asuna.

　

"Wait! This isn't the S-class rare ingredient 'ragout rabbit meat'!"

“Yeah. I went on a quest with Fon to earn experience points.

　

Oh... a reaction that's completely different from the novel... was this really the reaction?

　

"I don't think it's more than luck, but what are you going to do about it? If you're here..."

"I thought so too... but I'm not in trouble with money. On the other hand, my cooking skills aren't high... I thought I'd ask Egil to introduce me to an acquaintance, but I was wrong."

“Hmm…huh?

"... I thought so too, so if you ask me..."

"I don't have a hobby of cooking for men."

"...Hey, he won't accept it at all. So, where I was thinking..."

"I came here."

　

It seems that Asuna was also informed. Let's ignore the terrifying staring at us...it's true that I can cook, but...I know what's going to happen next (RY...

　

"Good answer. Where is your cooking skill now?"

"... Fufun, that's it... I completed it last week!"

"Wha, what!?" "Oh!?"

　

Kirito and Egil were surprised, and I let out a voice of admiration. Well, it's true that it's hard to raise your cooking skill soberly... But I wonder how you'll react, Kirito.

　

"Well, then it's too early to talk.

How about a bite of meat as a reward...? ”

　

Asuna grabbed the lapel of Kirito's coat.

　

"... ha-n-bu-n!"

"... Ah, ah..."

　

Yeah, I thought that in the original too, but you're too greedy, Kirito.

And I was a little scared of Asuna...

　

"Anyway, the contract is concluded. How about Fon?"

"No, I'm fine... it doesn't look good to get in the way of the two of you."

"Hey!?" "Meow!?"

　

Even though he was invited by Kirito, he read the atmosphere and made a joke of it, and the two of them turned bright red.

　

"Nana, what are you talking about, Fon! Oh, I'm just asking Asuna to cook for me!?"

"That's right! There's no particular meaning behind it!?"

"……I get it"

　

I said that while shrugging my shoulders and raising my hands.

As expected of a married couple (planned), they're in perfect breath... Anyway, I'm going to go home too.

　

"Oh, hey, Kirito! Can you share it with me?!"

"... I'll write you an impression within 800 characters."

"Noooooo!"

　

With Kirito and Egil-san's conversation as BGM, I also left Egil-san's shop...

While confirming that Kuradeel was glaring at Kirito with a terrible gaze……

Just like that, I parted ways with Kirito and the others, and returned to my base.

　

　

　

the next day

"Hey, Kirito. Is it the labyrinth today?"

"Wow, Fon huh... Well, actually, I was waiting for someone."

The plaza in front of the 74th floor labyrinth... I pretended to be a coincidence and called out to Kirito.

Did he come after all... I called out while thinking that.

　

"Hmm... Asuna?"

"Hey!? How did you know that..."

"It's a hunch (sorry, it's a future prediction)"

　

While answering calmly to the surprised Kirito, it was time to make fun of him.

A blue teleport light was emitted from the teleportation gate. A figure materializes in the air,

　

"Kyaaaaaaa! Yo, avoid!!"

"Uwaaaaa!?"

　

That person... Asuna flew towards Kirito, and the two of them were lying on the ground. And as it is ......

　

“No, no ────────!!?”

　

The next moment, Kirito was rolling on the ground... no, he was running on the ground.

Then it hits a pillar of an indestructible object and stops.

(Kirito, Namuzo...)

As I was mourning in my mind, a new figure appeared from the teleportation gate...that person, of course,

　

“Ah, Asuna-sama, I’m in trouble if you do something selfish…!”

　

Yes, he appeared, the self-proclaimed bodyguard of Asuna, Kuradeel.

　

"Now, Asuna-sama, let's go back to the guild headquarters!"

“No! Today is not an activity day!

"It's for protection!"

"Th-that's... isn't that the commander's order!?"

"Of course! My mission is to protect Asuna-sama! And I also monitor your home...!"

"It's not included, you idiot!!!"

　

…… Let me say it again …… This guy probably doesn’t realize he’s a stalker (it’s important, so I said it twice). I was watching the exchange between Kuradeel, who was looking too desperate, and Asuna, who was completely on the verge of quitting.

　

"Please don't say anything out of the ordinary... Now, let's go back to headquarters!"

　

Saying that, Kuradeel was about to grab Asuna's arm.

　

"I'm sorry. Your deputy leader of Toko is my charter today."

"Besides, even if you're a Knight of the Blood Oath, isn't it unforgivable to try to take a woman you don't like?"

"You guys...!"

　

Kirito grabbed Kuradeel's arm and stopped him, while I stood in front of Asuna to protect her. In contrast, Kuradeel glared at me with a terrible expression.

　

"We're responsible for Asuna's safety. We're not going to have a boss fight today. I'm sorry, but you should go back to headquarters alone."

"Fu, don't be silly!! A small fish player like you can serve as an escort for Asuna-sama!"

"...I'll be more honest than you."

"Th-this kid! If you say so much...!?"

　

Saying that, Kuradeel summoned the window, and a system message appeared in front of Kirito. It was a duel request.

　

“………………”

"It's okay... I'll report to the commander."

　

Kirito looked at Asuna. Asuna read her intentions and Kirito operated the system window.

　

"...I understand, I'll accept this duel."

　

And then, the start of the duel was approved, and a 60-second count was displayed in the air.

　

"Kirito... don't lose."

"Oh, of course."

　

Before leaving the Duel stage, I whispered a cheer to Kirito, and he replied in a confident voice.

With both of them holding their weapons, the count steadily decreased. The duel between Kirito and Kuradeel drew more and more onlookers, and a circle of people had formed in the plaza.

　

and,

"Haaaaaaa!!!"

　

The count became zero, and the letters <Duel!> scattered, and both of them jumped out at once. With the signal, Kirito started to move faster, while Kuradeel started to move a moment later.

(Ah... there was a match...)

Whether or not I had knowledge of the original work, I was convinced that Kirito would win.

　

Bakin! ! !

　

There was a sound of metal breaking, and fragments of what had been a sword flew through the air. Of course it was a broken Kuradeel greatsword. In contrast to Kuradeel's two-handed sword skill <Avalanche>, Kirito's one-handed sword skill <Sonic Leap>, which aimed at "Weapon Destruction", was splendidly decided on the hilt of a large sword that occupied most of the decorative parts.

　

"If you say you still want to change weapons, then I'll be your opponent?"

"A, I reign..."

　

Kuradeel muttered so at Kirito's words. And then, all at once, the crowd cheered.

　

"This...!?"

　

Kuradeel, holding a dagger, rushed towards Kirito.

Kirito tried to raise his sword again, but

　

“…that’s it, Kuradeel!”

“A, Asuna-sama……!?”

　

Asuna stood in her way as she flicked Kuradeel's dagger away with her slender sword.

　

“Kradil, I order you as the vice-captain of the Knights of the Blood Oath. As of today, I am dismissing you as a bodyguard.

"Th-that's... this...!"

　

While cursing Asuna's words, he tried to take action again, but he restrained himself and headed for the transfer gate and transferred to Granzam. The onlookers dispersed and we were the only ones left.

　

"I'm sorry, I got involved in something unpleasant..."

"I didn't suffer that much, so I'm fine."

"I'm fine too. More importantly, is Asuna okay?"

"... Yes. I'm responsible for the current atmosphere in the guild, thinking only about game strategies and imposing discipline on the members..."

"But it's because of Asuna's hard work that we've made it this far, haven't we?

It's true that there may have been problems with the way it was done, but as a result, you've finally come this far, right? Don't just blame yourself like that."

"Thank you, Kirito-kun."

　

Two people staring at each other with a serious expression... hey hey...

　

"Ohon!"

“Wow!?” “Nya!?”

"Ah, I'm sorry... can you do that when it's just the two of us?

………… like when I’m not here.”

"Wow, I'm sorry...!"

　

I'm annoyed that these couples (planned) are not dating. What's more, they didn't deny that they were flirting because they were too upset.

　

　

　

"Haaaaaaa!!!"

Asuna's splendid rapier 8-hit sword skill <Star Splash> decided on Lizardman and turned the enemy into a polygon...it's good, but...

(I don't really need it...)

I felt like I didn't need Kirito and Asuna's splendid combination.

No, when I think about the development after this, I have to keep up with it.

　

““…………””

　

(You're completely aware of this...it can't be helped)

Perhaps out of concern for me, Kirito and Asuna were glancing at me, and no conversation occurred at all. So I decided to take it easy.

　

“Speaking of which, how was the Raby Ragut meat?”

"Huh? Ah, ah. It was delicious, I couldn't believe it was the food of this world... I guess that's what you call high-class cuisine..."

"Yeah! It's true... simmered in stew, the meat is melty..."

“But I was able to eat that kind of food thanks to Asuna cooking it for me…it was really helpful.”

"... Uh-huh. I was able to eat with someone for the first time in a long time... and Kirito-kun was with me (bossoo)"

　

(…………That, I don’t know why……It’s frustrating……)

that's strange……? I was supposed to be considerate, so I wonder why I have to be so irritated, rear-facing...!

I realized that even if I didn't pay attention to it, it would only make me tired, so I decided to proceed silently through the labyrinth. And as you proceed to explore the labyrinth,

　

"... Boss room."

"……what will you do?"

"... ok"

　

A big gate... I arrived at the door to the boss room.

At Asuna's question, Kirito tried to open the door, but Asuna hurriedly stopped him.

　

"Hey, wait a minute! Are you serious!?"

"No, I'm just going to wait and see how things are going. If I don't see what the boss is like, I can't come up with a countermeasure, can I? ”

"I also agree with Kirito's opinion... Well, as long as you don't fight, you should be fine."

"... that's right"

"Okay, let's go."

　

Saying that, Kirito opened the door to the boss room. It's dark inside.

　

“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! ! ! 』

　

The 74th floor boss <The Gleam Eyes> was there. Just like in a novel, a beastman-type boss with a large sword and a snake tail was standing upright.

(Looking at the real thing like this, it's really impressive...)

And when I think of my misplaced impressions...

　

“Uh……” “Hii…………”

"eh?"

“Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa”

"Eh? Hey, hey!?"

　

Together, Kirito and the others scream and run away.

No, it's definitely the same as the original! Run away at that speed! ?

　

“GOOOOOOO! 』

“……Ahaha……I disturbed you!!!”

Aiming at me, I called out to the approaching boss, then I ran away like a rabbit and immediately chased after Kirito and the others. Yeah, I'm running away from this!

　

　

　

""Haa...haa...haa""

"Oh, you, ra... haa... you're running away... it's too early...!"

Finally, they caught up with Kirito and the others, and the three of them were holding their breath in a safe zone.

　

"No, no... that power..."

"I-I'm sorry... I don't think so."

"... are you old?"

　

After hearing such an excuse, I finally started talking about the boss earlier when I was breathing.

　

“Even so, that seems like a lot of work.”

"That's right. It looks like it's only armed with a large sword, but it seems like it has a special attack."

“I would like to have at least 10 tanks in the front line…and considering the status ailments, I think we need healers and people with resistance.

"Shield, huh..."

　

At my words, Asuna looked at Kirito with a meaningful gaze.

　

"Hey, Kirito-kun. Why aren't you equipped with a shield?"

"Eh? Why?"

　

No, you're probably too upset, Kirito. I couldn't help but smile wryly at that figure.

　

“Because it’s not funny. Usually, the advantage of a one-handed sword is not being able to hold a shield. Fong-kun does the insane thing of switching weapons, so that’s an exception. But... Kirito-kun, I'm wondering what's going on."

　

…… Huh, just now, I was dissed ……? Asuna's words hurt her a little, but she continued to listen to them.

　

"My battle style is a damage dealer. It's true that I don't lower my power, and my attack speed also decreases."

　

…… Well, I’m certainly not lying. Well, Kirito actually has the same reason as me. When she was thinking about such a thing, Asuna seemed to be convinced, and she stopped prying.

And then, it was time to eat for lunch, and Asuna took out the sandwiches she had brought and the onigiri-like rice balls I had brought from the storage. We exchanged each other (although Kirito only received it...) and started eating,

"This is...mayonnaise!!"

"...I'm surprised! Asuna, when did you mix it?"

"Fufufu! I had a hard time...really."

　

……This really surprised me……No, it’s really mayonnaise……!

　

"And... how about this one?"

　

Saying that, a yellow-green liquid came out. Kirito and I took it on our fingers and licked it,

　

""Soy sauce!?""

　

I'm surprised... I've certainly completed my cooking skills, but I've given up on seasonings...

Alright, definitely ask for the recipe later! (Mysterious sense of mission)

I was so impressed with Asuna's seasoning that I momentarily forgot the purpose of my visit today. Then it was time to finish lunch.

　

「Tsu……Someone is coming!」

　

Sensing the player's reaction to the enemy search skill, we were cautious. And what appeared was ...

　

"Oh, I'm tired... Huh? Ooh, Kirito, and Fon! It's been a while!"

"Long time no see, Klein" "Long time no see, Klein"

　

He was an old acquaintance of Klein and his members who lead the guild "Furinkazan".

　

"I'm glad you guys are doing well too. Come to think of it, who's behind Kirito...?"

"Ah, I think we'll meet at the boss battle, but I'll introduce you just in case...

This is Klein of the Guild <Furinkazan>. So, this is Asuna from the Knights of the Blood Oath."

　

Introduced, Asuna took a small bow, but Klein, just like in the novel, was stiffened with tension.

　

"Hey, is it a lag...?"

“……Ha!?……Th-th, nice to meet you.

"... Come on!"

　

Kirito jumped at Klein, who was so nervous that he began to say strange things.

Worried about the collapsed Klein, the people of Furinkazan wanted to take revenge on Kirito...or rather, they surrounded Asuna. And then, while the resurrected Klein stepped on Kirito's foot and counterattacked, I was alone outside the mosquito net and smiled wryly...

　

Kirito, Kirito, Klein!

　

There was a reaction to the enemy search skill, and me and Asuna urged caution. What appeared there was...

　

"Is that... the military...?"

What appeared there was the "Aincrad Liberation Army" known for its hardliners.

---

Mr. Hwon, you could say he's a person who values ​​the flow of the original work,
or maybe it's amazing to be able to get along with those two