"Well, it's past noon. What should we do today?"
"Well, it's okay to relax during the long-awaited vacation, but if that's all, it would be too boring."
"You want something exciting?"
"that's right"
Kirito said, "I'm so excited," while holding his chin in his hand and thinking for a moment, he showed a puzzled smile.
"Well, there's a good point, but"
"What? You don't look good."
"There is an exit on this level."
"What are you doing out there?"
Kirito slowly turned to face me with a confused smile.
"It's a ghost"
"ghost?"
"Yes. There seems to be a point on this floor where ghosts will appear."
Speaking of ghosts, they generally refer to ghosts and human souls, but I don’t know if there is such a thing in this world. If there is such a thing
"I want to see"
""
Kirito looked stunned. And I also know that I have bright eyes that are in stark contrast to Kirito.
"Ghost, I want to see"
"Do you want to see it? I thought you were afraid of me."
"I smiled proudly."
\"Unfortunately, I'm not afraid of that kind of thing, but just curious to see it. If you want to scare me, it might be a good idea to bring Asuna with you.\"
\"Ah, Asuna is really weak when it comes to things like this.
But if it were Asuna, at this level, she would ask for a reenactment to burn all the ghosts and monsters. At this point, Asuna would sneeze and Lilan would tilt her head.
\"Okay, assuming you don't need to do something so terrible to Asuna. Anyway, I'm curious about where those ghosts appear.
\"Oh, yes. Shino-san seems to be very brave.\"
"Don't make it weird. Well, there are words like seeing the ghost's true identity, so I guess it's not a big deal. I thought it was a ghost, but it turned out to be a monster."
Kirito crossed his arms.
"Ghosts do appear, but this is just a rumor. Powerful monsters may appear, and surprised players may mistake them for ghosts or ghosts, so take your weapons for now and go, no matter what happens, we'll be fine" . "
"I nodded." Although monsters will not appear on the 22nd floor, if the ghost in Kirito's mouth is a monster that appears due to the incident, then it will be very dangerous with bare hands. I've been thinking about giving up my weapons for a while, but I still need my weapons in case something happens.
"Yes, let's bring weapons. We won't be entering a very powerful boss monster like Roost Negra, so we may not need that much equipment."
Kirito stood up from his chair with a slightly happy expression on his face.
"Now that we have decided, let's set out immediately. If we find out the truth about the ghost, we might be able to tell the informant, 'Look at the identity of the ghost.'" I think they will be surprised. "
"I don't think it's a surprising story, but it doesn't change my mind, so let's get out there."
After opening the equipment window and equipping the weapons, we left the cabin and walked towards the place where Kirito said the ghost appeared. I don't think it's a big deal.
Close to the headquarters of the Order of the Blood in the city center
"Nie Peixiu!"
Asuna sneezed strangely, and Lilan tilted her head and sat on her shoulder.
\"What's wrong, Asuna? It seems like you're sneezing strangely.
Asuna rubbed her nose and replied.
"Suddenly, my nose felt a little itchy. I felt like someone was spreading rumors about me."
Lilan turned her attention to the headquarters of the Bloodsworn Knights.
\"Asuna's popularity has really soared as the gentle deputy leader of the Blood Knights. Perhaps one of the members is spreading rumors about Asuna. This is not uncommon.\"
"I hope so, but"
Asuna turned her attention to the portal. Just when Asuna decided to take a break and go to the 22nd floor to meet Kirito, the reconnaissance player who had mastered the information about the boss on the 57th floor hurriedly appeared in front of Heathcliff just after talking about the matter with Heathcliff.
When Heathcliff asked what happened, when he went to the 57th floor to scout the boss, the scout team was exposed to the boss's attack, and everyone went home in embarrassment.
Quarterpoint is a dangerous boss battle where you will die every time. You need to assemble elite troops to challenge every time. As Asuna, Kirito and Lilane were among them, Asuna told Heathcliff that if he captured the quarter, he would cancel the vacation and contact Kirito and Lilane, but Heathcliff refused. .
He said: "You rest, I will fight for you." But now, about an hour has passed, and there is no news. Even when I went to the headquarters, Heathcliff and the others were nowhere to be seen.
\"I wonder if the captains are okay. In dangerous areas like the Quarter Corner, Kirito-kun and I are often needed for help.\"
\"Diabel seems to be absent this time. Heathcliff is the only person I can rely on, but I don't know if he can do anything on his own. He can't even use a human dragon, let alone a familiar 〉.
Asuna knew very well that Heathcliff's ability had been proven. Heathcliff possesses a unique skill called "Holy Sword", which can completely interrupt monster attacks with absolute defense with a shield that other players can never imitate, and instantly destroy monsters with powerful sword attacks.
Perhaps because of his ability, no one saw Heathcliff's "hp bar" turning yellow anywhere in Aincrad. Asuna believes that it is because of these advantages, unique skills and achievements that Heathcliff was appointed as the leader of the Blood Knights, and is known as the Blood Knights' ultimate weapon.
\"It is said that the Commander is the strongest swordsman in Aincrad and can defeat any boss with only his sword and shield. However, Kirito-kun appears in the rerun and defeats the Bloodsworn Knights before they arrive. The commander smiled bitterly and said: "It's really shocking! "
The expression on Lilan's face was very serious.
\"In my boss fight, only Kirito and Jinlong can use my power when they join forces, and I don't always get to unleash my power in boss fights. It's so powerful even in boss fights The power of Heathcliff is so overwhelming.\"
Asuna gently raised her head and looked at the sky. It was a clear, cloudless day and the sun continued to warm.
However, Heathcliff must be as completely opposite to this sky as it is cloudy. The parts you usually see are clouds, and you can't see anything beyond the clouds. It's a complete mystery.
\"Indeed, the captain is full of mystery. Everyone knows that he is an incredibly powerful player and this kind of power can only be obtained when Kirito-kun and Lilan become a human dragon\"
\"The sky named Heathcliff is wrapped in mysterious clouds\"
At this time, Asuna suddenly looked at Liran and remembered.
Having said that, Kirito said that Lilan was also a mysterious being, and he thought so too. Lilan was supposed to be Kirito's "acquaintance", but his appearance in the field and at the shooting range were completely different. He is obviously an NPC in the world, but he seems to have a heart - no, he has a heart, he can talk, and even his master Kirito has a meter that they don't have. It is said that there is
In addition to giving Kirito such a thing, Ruiran is also a "familiar" who has completely different characteristics from the "familiar" we have seen so far, and who joins forces with us to fight. To Asuna, no, to those who knew him, Lilanne was a more mysterious existence than Heathcliff.
"Hey, Lilan, don't you know anything?"
"What is it? Is it Heathcliff?\"
\"No, it's not the commander's problem, it's your problem. I heard from Kirito-san that you seem to have lost your memory. Do you remember anything? Or, what do you remember?\"
Lilann closed his eyes and seemed to be thinking about something without speaking, but he immediately opened his eyes and made a "voice" to Asuna again.
\"I don't remember anything. The shock when Kirito hit me seemed very strong.\" But recently I understood something.
"Did you discover it?"
Lilan's face suddenly darkened.
\"I can't forgive those who mess up this world\"
\"People who disrupt this world?\"
"That's it. It's like what you call a murder guild. He disrupts the world, deceives others, uses others, kills others. It involves people who are trying to live and triggers negative emotions like sadness, anger, madness, fear, etc. I can't Allow this to happen.
Asuna's expression also became solemn and stern.
“Even I can’t forgive that.
\"Kirito said this. I am sure that people who do bad things in this world are also bad people in the real world - that's probably what it means. That's why I can't forgive such people. Those who stir up and disturb this world
Hearing this, Asuna thought of something. I don't know since when, a strange guild composed of criminals appeared in Aincrad, named "Laughing Coffin, Luffin Coffin".
Players there kill, assassinate, rob, and even rape after forcibly removing moral codes. Yes, this is a group that is sometimes said to be more threatening than monsters.
Information about the Laughing Coffin's evil deeds sometimes makes its way into the Bloodsworn Knights, and even leader Heathcliff seems very dissatisfied with the Laughing Coffin's existence. Heathcliff says that he is planning a plan to conquer the Laughing Coffin before it spreads too much.
\"Speaking of people who disrupt the world, I think they are "Laughing Coffin, Luffin, and Coffin. That guild is the worst organization, and they will do whatever it takes to commit crimes such as murder, assassination, robbery, robbery, and rape. In Aincrad, they Sometimes considered more threatening than monsters.
"Are you saying there is such a group? Stay vigilant...!!\"
"Yeah, I can't forgive you.
"Who's okay?"
"Ah, the leader of the Blood Oath Knights is obviously older than us, and his hair is the color of a cloudy sky."
Asuna's face turned pale as she turned to respond to the voice behind her.
The people there have a red background with white patterns, wearing armor and cloaks. Their faces are much older than them, and their hair is almost gray. They look like an all-powerful man - from behind - Heathick Lifu, the leader of the Bloodsworn Knights.
\"d. Captain!?\"
Heathcliff, who appeared out of nowhere, said "Hi" and called to Asuna.
Asuna made awkward movements while saluting Heathcliff.
"Oh, welcome home, you're back so early."
\"Yes. When I fought with everyone, they were not big enemies. However, I am sure that you have close to a quarter of the strength of the boss. Even so, Asuna-san.\"
"what is it?"
"I can confirm just now that there is a little lizard-like, dog-like monster sitting on your shoulder, but when did you become an "animal tamer"?"
Asuna was startled and looked around, but did not see Lilan. Although it was still on my shoulder just now, I don't know if it is hidden somewhere.
First, Heathcliff knows that the "tamer" is Kirito, but he doesn't know that the "familiar" can talk or have a heart, and that Lilane is a monster that has never been identified before. I don't even know that I know.
\"So, if Heathcliff knows, maybe he will get closer to Kirito.\" In order to prevent this from happening, he tried to hide Lilan when he saw Heathcliff, But Lilan seemed to have taken the initiative to hide before he realized it.
"Uh, uh, what's going on? I don't know."
"Is that so? I think I misunderstood. Sorry, I'm tired of boss battles too. The "tamer" is not you, but a player from elsewhere."
After Heathcliff gently put his hands on his face, he made an expression as if he had remembered something.
\"Speaking of which, Asuna-kun seems to have a close relationship with that player, but I don't know if I can give him something.\"
"What's wrong with me being able to do that?"
Heathcliff said "Ah", manipulated the window with his right hand, brought up the item window, selected the specific item, and clicked the send button. Immediately afterwards, Asuna received the news that the mail had arrived, and after clicking on it, she confirmed the existence of the mail sent by Heathcliff.
"[Nightmare Beast's Tail]? What is this? Is it an S-class material or something?"
"I don't quite understand. When I defeated the boss before, I was in the boss's room. It wasn't food or materials, so I don't know how to use your friend's trainer." Then I felt that you seemed to be very familiar with monsters. , I want you to give it to him.
Kirito is a "beast trainer" and doesn't know much about monsters. So I think giving this to Kirito will only cause trouble, but maybe Kirito can help.
"Okay, I'll go find him as soon as the vacation is over."
\"Please, Asuna-san. Also, if anything happens, please don't move.\"
With that said, Heathcliff hurried back to the headquarters. As I was thinking about what to do with such an item, Asuna was surprised to notice something was wrong with the long dress she wore for the holidays. Immediately afterwards, something came out of my long skirt and climbed onto my shoulders. Leland disappeared as soon as Heathcliff appeared.
"Li, Lilan, where have you been hiding?"
"There is no way, I have no other place to hide. By the way, Asuna, is that the leader of Heathcliff?\"
\"Yeah, that's right. He is Heathcliff, the leader of the Bloodsworn Knights and the wielder of the Holy Sword. I don't think he is a terrible person.\"
"Well. That's the owner of a medium-sized record. Heathcliff, you are not an ordinary person.
"You are not an ordinary person, but full of mystery."
Lilan looked at Asuna's face.
\"Speaking of which, Asuna, what did you just get? Your opponent seems to have difficulty using it.\"
Asuna opened the item window and selected the item Heathcliff gave her, which seemed to be part of the monster's body. Normally, details would be displayed under the item's name, but only this nightmare beast's tail showed nothing. A completely mysterious object.
"I wonder what it is. I can't think of a use for it."
At this time, a flash of inspiration flashed across Lilane's face, and she made a <voice> to Asuna.
\"Asuna, take that item and go to the wild. No matter what, I will restore myself to my original appearance.
"Uh, why are you here?"
"It's okay, I'll go to the venue for a while. You'd better bring me back!"
"Okay. Let's go run again."
Asuna followed Lilane's instructions, tilted her head, and led Lilane towards the venue. The identity of the item remains unknown.
We dashed towards the forest where the ghost appeared and there we were.
A spooky forest with thick trees and almost no sunlight. Animal marks are natural, but monster marks are not. Shino looked around, not feeling much fear. They might be looking for what I call a ghost.
\"Kirito, is this place suitable for you? It is indeed a strange forest, but you can't feel any ghosts.\"
"Well, it's just a rumor, and players may be mistaking the objects around them for ghosts instead of monsters. If you can't find them even if you use your search skills at full strength, it's probably just a rumor."
\"When I said this, Shino looked a little disappointed.\"
"What is that? So boring."
“However, it seems that some materials and items can only grow in the forest nearby.
Shino said she understood and started to follow me, but her eyes were still a little sparkling. It seemed like they were excited at the thought of ghosts.
——I’m sure she’ll be happy to enter the haunted house. This is very different from my sister who never tried to ride the ghost-related attractions even when she went to amusement parks or theme parks.
Just looking at Shino like this, I pushed further into the depths of the forest. Maybe because it wasn't taken care of well, the grass grew up and there were fallen trees everywhere. Perhaps these items were placed to create an atmosphere. I can see the happiness on the development team's faces when they made this map.
As I jumped over the fallen tree that appeared in front of me, I suddenly heard Shino's voice.
"Oh, you ghost!!"
"!?"
When I turned around involuntarily, Shino jumped onto the fallen tree trunk I jumped over, looking pale into the depths of the forest. It's like you believe there are no ghosts, but you discover a real ghost.
\"Wha, what's going on, Shino!?\"
"Anyway, come here, I'm deep in the forest!"
I nodded and jumped to Shino's side, looking where her eyes were pointing.
Deep in the forest, quiet and dark, with dense plants and no trace of animals, I saw a girl with long hair, wearing a white dress that looked like a jumpsuit. A chill.
\"Oh, are you kidding me? Are you really saying you are a ghost!?\"
Shino hadn't shown any fear until now, and she called me with a frightened look on her face.
\"Kirito, what are you going to do, attack!?\"
"Why did you attack me?
The moment Shino turned his attention to the ghost-like girl, the girl turned to look at me, but then she lost her posture and fell to the ground, which surprised me.
- There wasn't supposed to be a ghost falling, but the fact is that the girl did.
"No, no, it's not a ghost, it's not a ghost either, haha!"
With that said, I jumped down from the fallen tree and rushed towards the fallen girl while squeezing through the bushes. I had a feeling that Shino's voice sounded behind me, but now was not the time to stop.
"She fell - no, the girl who fell was not a ghost or a ghost, she was a player."
I immediately walked over to the girl and examined her body next to mine. The petite body of the girl, who looked to be about ten years old, looked so pale that she seemed to have lost all her heat, and her face looked very pale.
I don't know what's going on - thinking this, when I picked up the girl's light body, I felt an uncoordinated feeling.
Normally, when a player approaches a player, the cursor and health bar will appear above the other player's head, which is the game's norm for all players. There should be no exceptions to this, but that didn't apply to this girl.
--The cursor and hp bar do not appear.
No, even in this world, there are beings who do not conform to this norm. This is an Npc.
NPCs are perfect inhabitants of this world, with no cursor or hp bar displayed, but a harassment warning will appear if you try to force their presence by moving recklessly or touching it.
So I picked her up like this, and the harassment warning would appear immediately - but even though she picked up the girl, she never showed up.
"Oh what is this?"
As soon as I finished speaking, Shino's voice sounded behind me, and Shino immediately stood up next to me.
\"Kirito, who is this girl?\"
“very strange”
"?"
When I told Shino about the girl I had noticed, she looked as confused as I did.
"Yeah, the cursor didn't show up and the harassment warning didn't show up either."
For a moment, I wondered if this was some kind of mission activity, but I quickly realized it wasn't.
If this was a mission event, a window with mission details should appear next to us, but it doesn't appear either.
I don’t know who this girl is. She’s not a player, not an NPC, and she’s not an event character in the mission.
But since it's most likely a player, it's probably a player whose cursor disappeared due to a bug or some other reason.
"Anyway, we can't keep this girl here forever, so we should take her to our home."
Shino looked surprised.
"may I handle it in this way?"
The child is approximately ten years old and it is reasonable to assume that he will be participating in this game with his parents.
Moreover, this game is a death game, if you are hit, you will die even in real life, children should not move away from their parents, but even if you use the enemy search skill, you can find players other than signs kids. No.
"You should think there are no parents around."
“There was no sign of players nearby.
"Okay, anyway, let's take this kid to a safe place first."
I picked up the girl's body, but she showed no sign of waking up. Compared to weapons, weapons appear to be much heavier. With that, we retraced our steps and entered the house, which was a peaceful place.
Even though I rescued the girl who had fallen in the forest and put her on the bed, she showed no sign of waking up. Until night, she was in almost the same state as when I found her.
I tried shaking her body and calling her but nothing worked, the girl's eyes were still closed, luckily I knew she was breathing normally so I just looked after her. I realized I was just missing.
"Even so, how can there be such a small child in this world? Is this world a game with such a low cERo?"
It shouldn't be like this. Since this game requires full diving, the recommended age for cERo is c, that is, over 15 years old.
The girl is only about 10 years old physically and is not suitable for playing this game, so she cannot participate in this death game.
However, as I thought before, there is a world where it makes sense for children so young to dive with their parents.
"This game is suitable for people over 15 years old. This girl may have come to this world by diving with her parents, but there were no players similar to her parents at the time. Did they get separated or did something else happen? Her parents were killed."
Shino's face turned extremely sad.
"In other words, this girl has traveled the world on her own."
"I hate to think it, but I won't be able to hear the details until this girl wakes up. She'll probably wake up tomorrow morning, so I won't bother her until then."
Shino nodded slightly, but immediately turned his face to me.
"In that case, I have to make breakfast for this girl tomorrow. I don't know what she likes to eat."
"I don't know this, but it seems that the girl has not woken up yet. Now, let's think about our own part first."
Shino nodded again, stood up, and left the bedroom without saying a word. I stood up like I was chasing her and wanted to walk out of the bedroom, but I was a little worried about this girl so I turned my attention to her.
"I hope you wake up tomorrow, honey."
I muttered as I left the bedroom and went down the stairs.
10:00 p.m.
While we were worried about the girl, we decided to sleep on Kirito's bed together. I use the bed the girl sleeps on, but if I sleep in my own bed now, I might bump into the girl's body if I toss and turn.
\"That's why I decided to sleep in Kirito's bed with Kirito, but after Kirito fell asleep, I couldn't sleep at all.\"
I raised my upper body so as not to make any noise and turned my attention to the girl sleeping on my bed. It must be a coincidence that the girl fell there, but in my opinion, it was after she did what she did with Kirito, so it's like she actually gave birth and the girl showed up somewhere again, look It looks complicated.
"But I can't say such easy things in my current situation." I don't know why this girl came to this world, but maybe she has always lived alone in this world.
I couldn't rely on other players, and even when I tried to look for my parents, they were nowhere to be found. At the same time, I began to feel that this girl was in the same situation as me, having tried to live without anyone's help.
