Sword Art Online: Another Reality

Chapter 30: Kizmel. The Dark Elf II.

"So, you chose to support Kizmel over here, instead of the other forest elf?"

The Campaign Quest on the Third Floor apparently starts with players encountering two Elves.

A forest elf and a dark elf fighting.

Then from there, a player can choose to either support one of the Elves to fight against the other.

And the condition for beginning the quest is the player defeating the other elf.

However, here's the thing.

"It's almost impossible for players on this level to defeat either of them."

Even Kirito and Asuna had problems facing one.

High level.

The NPCs of this floor were higher-levelled and more skilled, so it would be hard even for veterans to complete.

"There is another condition, though."

"You mean the part where a player's hit point falls into the yellow zone?"

"So, he must have told you, huh? But that's right."

He in question was of course Diabel, a former Beta Tester.

If the player supporting one of the Elf's sides—if their hit point falls between the yellow range—

It would prompt the supported elf to carry out a suicide attack to save the players.

"And you two went past that? Impressive. Or should I say, as expected of both of you?"

Sharia praised.

Even Diabel, positioned behind Sharia, would help but nod at Sharia's praise.

After all, this was something that was almost impossible from a tester's standard.

Even Kirito himself hadn't attempted to beat the Forest Elf NPC, not until Asuna encouraged him to.

And even then, it was a tough battle for them.

After all, their opponent was furthermore a beast tamer.

"Haah. I would have been in danger were it not for Kizmel's help."

Asuna said with a nervous smile.

Seems like Asuna is more impulsive than she looks.

Sharia glanced at Kirito, who looked away, scratching his cheek with his finger.

'She dragged him into it.'

Both Sharia and Diabel thought, and they were obviously right.

"But then, since both of you were able to clear it. It's pretty much possible to clear the first half."

Sharia said with both arms on his hips as he gave a sidelong glance at Diabel, who swallowed when he saw this.

Kirito, seeing the tense face of Diabel, asked. "What's wrong?"

Sharia turned back to Kirito, his relaxed expression turning serious.

"You may not need it, but I'll tell you straight. Be careful."

"There has been a report of suspicious individuals lately, around four if I count well; part of them had spread false information to Diabel over here and Kibaou."

Even though Kibaou wasn't under him, one could still say he's Sharia's agent.

—But with more free will.

"We don't know what their plan is yet, but I'm sure it's nothing good. And based on the assumption, Kirito. You'll be targeted soon."

Sharia pointed at Kirito, making Asuna swallow as her gaze alternated between Kirito and Sharia.

"I can imagine. Testers, if I'm not wrong, and if I were to guess. They're related to the Legend Brave incident."

Snap!

Sharia snapped his finger. Still pointing at him.

"You catch on quick, Blackie."

"But then, aren't you as much of a target as even me? Sharia."

Kirito too had his suspicions. 

And if he was a target, then Sharia's bound to be a target even above him as a target.

"Those fools are trying to use Diabel and the rest to get to me. However, they overestimate themselves."

Sharia said that, particularly irritated.

"Argo and her team have begun sniffing them out; she'll seek you out soon if all goes well."

Kirito couldn't help but release a wry smile.

"Asuna, what's happening?"

Kizmel could only understand that Kirito was being targeted from what she heard.

"Well. According to him, someone's spreading false information, and they're up to no good. But it seems like Sharia and his Guild have caught on to them."

"Hm... I see, then they'll likely make a move."

Kizmel muttered, and right then, as if listening, Sharia interrupted.

"Miss Kizmel is right. I've told the rest; they should play along for now."

That guy, from his description of what he heard from Diabel, Lind, and Kibaou.

An instigator.

Probably a member of the LC, but he can't give them this information yet.

They have yet to proclaim themselves. And if it's the LC—

"Their goal is probably to instigate and sow discord between Clearers, I take it. So, yeah, be on your toes."

'To have thought this far. He really is something.'

Diabel couldn't help but glaze.

Meanwhile, Sharia, on the other hand, was simply connecting the dots with the little he knew.

And if possible.

He plans on pursuing that player. But he scrapped the idea.

To draw him out, such wasn't necessary.

It will be ideal to call him out and corner him, but if he does that, it'd make things hard.

After all, the future members of the LC would be incredibly wary of him, which could lead to further unwanted and unforeseen variables.

"Thanks for the heads up, Sharia."

"Ha! Just do your part, and it'll be cool."

Sharia raised a fist at Kirito, which the Black Swordsman reciprocated.

"I'm counting on you for the completion of the Campaign Quest."

"And Asuna, miss. Kizmel, please believe Kirito and assist him well."

Asuna and Kizmel looked at each other for a moment, then turned to Sharia.

"Don't worry."

"I have sworn to protect the two; you need not worry about it."

Hearing that, Sharia looked at Kirito with an obvious smirk that said it all.

"Psst. Blackie. I'm envious of you."

Sharia whistled with a grin that couldn't be more false.

"Kuh. As if! It's not like that."

"Oh, come on, I've always known you had that harem protagonist aura, and I know damn well I ain't wrong."

"H-harem protag? What do you take me for?"

"Oh please. In no time, girls will be swarming you. Take it as a fact from me."

Kirito's face twitched the more he kept on listening to Sharia's words.

Why yes. Kirito had to admit, he might have a thing or two for Asuna.

After all, the number of beautiful female players currently in SAO can be counted on two hands.

And Kirito was dead sure Asuna was on the list!

Well, there was also that one time he told them he was thinking which one of Asuna and Kizmel he'd have as a wife.

…. So, Sharia wasn't wrong?

"Heh! Looks like you're thinking it over."

Kirito flinched, looking at Sharia, who had a devilish, teasing grin.

Sharia had guessed right again, though he'd never admit or want to admit it.

"L—like I said—"

Kirito had tried to vindicate himself, but Sharia wasn't letting up.

"Shh. Sh. Sh. Shhhh. Don't worry, your bro will help you out in exchange—"

Those words. Déjà vu hit him—Kirito—with it.

He knows where Kirito is going with those words, hence—

SHINING!

Before Sharia could finish, Kirito had begun slowly drawing his sword.

"Oi. Blackie. What are you doing? It's not that serious."

Though he said that, his words fell on Kirito's deaf ears.

"Wait. Let me tell you something."

Sharia backed away slightly, but before Kirito could fully draw his sword.

Wham!

Asuna had whacked him on the head.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"I should be asking you the same. Why are you drawing your sword against Sharia?"

Originally stunned, now watching their interaction, Sharia released a smirk.

… But anyway, now that all is said and done.

"Well, I think we're done here."

Sharia shot a glance at Diabel, who also nodded in turn as they began walking towards the nearby party in wait.

"Anyways, Blackie, enjoy your date."

"SHAR—!"

Sharia could have sworn that both shouted his name, but he didn't look back.

A man never looks back at an explosion. And you could say, both exploded in a blushing mess.

Hence, the swordsman didn't look back.

And now… it was time to tackle the other problem on hand.