"CONGRATULATIONS" flashed across the screen as the eighteenth-floor boss exploded, sparking cheers. The frontliners had earned the nickname "Raiders" their recent exploits nothing short of a triumphant surge. They'd been blazing through floors at a relentless pace. Six months into Sword Art Online, despite occasional sparks from the Liberation Squad's Joe—and now a Dragon Knights member stirring counter-trouble—these issues were overshadowed by the Raiders' momentum.
After the nineteenth floor's teleport gate activated, Asuna left for the lower floors, mentioning a promise with Lisbeth. Hachiman decided to explore the town with Kirito.
"Hey, Hachiman, notice anything? Not a single NPC around," Kirito said.
"Yeah, feels… comfortable," Hachiman replied.
Kirito spun around. "You've been letting your true self slip lately, huh? Less pretending."
"I've always been like this," Hachiman shrugged.
Kirito grinned. "Honestly, I'm more at ease in a place like this too."
"Knew it. Most solo-leaning players are," Hachiman said.
"Spot on," Kirito agreed.
They jotted down quest NPC locations, continuing their sweep. The town had few open shops, with most doors locked tight.
"Kinda get why ruin enthusiasts love this vibe," Hachiman said.
"You felt it too?" Kirito said. "Exploring an empty town like this is kinda thrilling."
"Wait a sec, I'm checking that inn's facilities," Hachiman said.
"Making sure it's got a bath, as usual," Kirito teased.
"Shut up, it's just part of the survey," Hachiman retorted.
"Yeah, yeah," Kirito laughed.
They stumbled upon a shady-looking tavern. "Hachiman, check this out. Screams 'backroom deals for shady types,' doesn't it?" Kirito said.
"Hell yeah, this place is great," Hachiman agreed.
"Perfect for guys like us to grab a bite and talk secrets," Kirito said.
"Definitely worth noting," Hachiman nodded.
Having covered the town's key spots, they moved to scout potential hunting grounds outside. They tested a few areas, gauging drops and experience, then agreed to meet the next morning, calling it a day.
"Alright, Kirito, tomorrow we hunt with the three of us?" Hachiman suggested.
"Sounds good. Should we call Argo to share the intel?" Kirito asked.
"Yep. See ya tomorrow," Hachiman said.
"Later," Kirito replied, waving as he left.
Hachiman checked into the bath-equipped inn he'd scouted, having already sent its details to Argo.
The next morning, Hachiman finalized his inn contract just before the meetup. The four—Hachiman, Asuna, Kirito, and Argo—gathered to swap info. With beta knowledge obsolete, rapid, accurate intel was critical for Argo's guidebook. Asuna, as usual, bought bath-equipped inn details from Argo, reserving one immediately. Argo, swamped as always, left quickly. The trio headed out via Asuna's inn, straight for the fields.
"This town's so quiet," Asuna noted.
"No NPCs at all," Hachiman said.
"Raids have been smooth lately, huh?" Asuna said.
"Yeah, it's going well," Hachiman agreed.
"Feels almost too fast," Kirito added.
"Too fast a problem, Hachiman?" Asuna asked.
"It's good, but we're rushing through floors without fully exploring. Important info might get buried," Hachiman said.
"That's true," Kirito nodded.
"Maybe we should set aside days to backtrack and dig deeper into past floors," Asuna suggested.
"Good idea," Hachiman agreed.
With few players around, the trio roamed, hunting across various spots. The fields shared the town's desolate vibe—likely the floor's theme. As night fell, they returned to town.
"This game doesn't care when you're active, but darkness makes you wanna head home," Kirito said.
"At our age, it's just habit," Hachiman said.
"Totally," Asuna laughed.
"Where you staying, Kirito?" Hachiman asked.
"Still got time on my last place's contract," Kirito said.
"I'm at the inn I reserved. What about you, Hachiman? You stayed here last night, right?" Asuna asked.
"Y-Yeah, but the room was meh. I'll find somewhere new," he said.
"Got it," Asuna said.
"Got it," Kirito echoed, smirking.
"What's that, Kirito?" Hachiman snapped.
"Nothing," Kirito grinned.
After parting, Hachiman wandered, pondering inns. Nearing the shady tavern, he spotted several player-like figures entering.
"No NPCs around, so… players," he muttered.
Sensing something off, Hachiman maxed his stealth skill and crept closer. Peeking inside, he saw three men.
That's Joe… and that's the Dragon Knights guy who's been clashing with him, Hachiman thought. The third wore a poncho, unfamiliar but chillingly suspicious. Poncho? Didn't someone like that mess with Nezha's group?
A shiver ran down his spine. A conspiracy? Should I ask Argo to investigate? No, too risky. I'll keep an eye on this myself. That poncho guy's vibe… it's bad. Can't explain it, but it's bad.
Hachiman memorized the scene and slipped away, resuming his inn search. Then, Asuna messaged him, asking him to come to her inn.
Wonder what she needs, he thought, hurrying over to avoid keeping her waiting.
"What's up?" he asked.
"Oh, just wanted to chat. Got a place for tonight yet?" Asuna asked.
"Nah, still looking," he replied.
"Okay," she said, looking faintly relieved.
Hachiman chalked it up to his imagination and pressed on. "So, what's the talk about? Need advice?"
"No, not really. This town's just… kinda lonely, right?" she said.
"Yeah," he agreed.
Their conversation meandered, but Asuna's hesitance puzzled Hachiman. A typical guy might've braced for a confession, but Hachiman didn't entertain the thought. She probably just wants to talk, he figured, starting to think about resuming his inn search.
"It's getting late. I should find a place," he said.
"W-Wait, you don't have to go yet. There's no curfew or anything," Asuna said.
"True, but it's late enough," he replied.
"Ugh…" she groaned.
"What, is there something you need to talk about? I'll keep it secret and listen," he offered.
"…scary…" she mumbled.
"What? Didn't catch that," Hachiman said, his hearing sharp despite the moment.
"I'm scared of ghosts!" Asuna blurted, her voice trembling. "This town's so empty, it feels like ghosts might pop out!"
Hachiman blinked. "Ghosts? You're fine with bugs but spooked by that?"
"I booked this inn, so it'd be a waste to leave, and it's creepy outside! I want you to stay here with me!" she rushed out.
"Uh, sorry… but, you know, a guy and a girl…" Hachiman stammered.
"We've done it before!" she countered.
"Well, yeah, but… fine, okay. Got a screen or something?" he asked.
"Yup, all set," she said.
"Of course you're prepared," he muttered.
"Sorry. I was fine until I took a bath, and it was just… too quiet," she admitted.
"Got it. Let's sleep, then. I'll take the sofa," he said.
"Really, I'm sorry for springing this on you," she said.
"No big deal. Everyone's got something that freaks them out," he reassured.
They chatted idly until Asuna fell silent, likely asleep. Hachiman closed his eyes, drifting off.