"Hey, Hachiman," a voice called.
"Shivata, long time no see," Hachiman replied.
The Dragon Knights' Shivata approached, his calm, reasonable demeanor leaving Hachiman with no negative impressions.
"How's the Dragon Knights' recruitment going?" Hachiman asked.
"Not great, honestly," Shivata admitted.
"Got it," Hachiman said.
Sensing the heavy mood, Shivata changed the topic. "By the way, the Liberation Squad's rebranding."
"Now?" Hachiman asked.
"They're merging with a lower-floor guild. Kibao's stepping down as leader," Shivata said.
"Who's taking over?" Hachiman asked.
"Someone named Thinker. The other guild focuses on supporting non-combat players," Shivata explained.
"So they're shifting to a support role?" Hachiman said.
"I thought so too, but the new name's Aincrad Liberation Force," Shivata said.
"Force? Doesn't match the vibe," Hachiman noted.
"Kibao, now deputy leader, insisted on it," Shivata said.
"Sounds like him," Hachiman said.
"I thought he'd mellowed out, but…" Shivata trailed off.
"I hoped so too. This whole mess is a shame," Hachiman said.
"We've gotta rebuild fast," Shivata said.
"Let's do our best," Hachiman agreed.
"Count on me," Shivata said.
Days passed, but the situation didn't improve. Then, Argo contacted Hachiman and Asuna with news: a mid-tier guild, the Knights of the Blood Oath, was rapidly gaining traction. They arranged to meet her for details.
"This guild, the Knights of the Blood Oath, or KoB," Argo began.
"Never heard of them," Hachiman said.
"They've got red-and-white uniforms, run like a tight ship," Argo said.
"I've seen those uniforms around," Asuna said.
"They're willing to join the Raiders, but there's a catch," Argo continued.
"What's that?" Hachiman asked.
"Their leader, Heathcliff, has a unique skill," Argo said.
"No way, a unique skill?" Hachiman exclaimed.
"What's a unique skill, Argo?" Asuna asked.
"A skill only one player can have, probably. It's an extra skill with no listed conditions. We don't know if others exist," Argo explained.
"I vaguely recall that from a guidebook," Hachiman said.
"His skill's called Holy Sword, defense-focused," Argo said.
"So what's the issue?" Hachiman asked.
"They lack a strong attacker," Argo said.
"That's the problem," Hachiman said.
"If we can find one, they'll join the boss raid," Argo added.
"Only Kirito comes to mind, but he's…" Hachiman trailed off.
Kirito, the strongest attacker Hachiman knew, was tied to his new guild. Another candidate should've occurred to him, but Hachiman didn't consider it.
"What about pulling from the Dragon Knights?" Hachiman asked.
"No way that'd work," Argo said.
Yeah, no chance, Hachiman thought, racking his brain but coming up empty.
Worst case, I'll offer myself… he concluded.
"Can we meet this Heathcliff?" Hachiman asked.
"I can set it up," Argo said.
"Do it. I need to size him up," Hachiman said.
"On it," Argo replied.
The next day, Hachiman, Argo, and—unexpectedly—Asuna headed to meet Heathcliff.
"You didn't have to come, Asuna," Hachiman said.
"I'm coming," Asuna insisted.
"It's just a talk, I'll be fine," he said.
Asuna noticed Hachiman never mentioned her as a candidate. It wasn't consideration—he wasn't even thinking of her. Or, perhaps, he was avoiding it unconsciously. She suspected he'd offer himself to Heathcliff.
He's definitely going to volunteer himself, she thought, resolved to step in if he did. Since the Liberation Squad's collapse, she'd sensed Hachiman blaming himself, carrying too much alone. If this continued, it'd destroy him—she was certain. But her decision wasn't just to save him. She'd long considered joining a guild, and something about the KoB felt right, without clear reason. I want Hachiman to stay free, but I need to forge my own path. Joining a guild is my choice.
"Greetings. I'm Heathcliff," the man said.
Meeting his gaze, Hachiman felt a jolt. His eyes… like Akihiko's. But him, in the game as a player? Impossible. Maybe… no, I can't be sure.
Shaking it off, Hachiman introduced himself. "I'm Hachiman."
"I'm Asuna," Asuna added.
"An honor to meet two renowned Raiders. What's your business?" Heathcliff asked.
"Straight to the point. Heathcliff, for the attacker your guild needs—how about me?" Hachiman said.
There it is, Asuna thought.
"You're a solid attacker, not flashy but strong. We'd welcome you, but I expected you to suggest Asuna," Heathcliff said.
"Asuna in the KoB? Never crossed my mind," Hachiman said, genuinely puzzled.
Heathcliff studied them both. "Not that it never crossed your mind—you didn't want to consider it. Asuna seems to understand."
The words hit Hachiman like a hammer. Didn't want to consider it? But… I…
As Hachiman reeled, Asuna stepped forward. "Forget Hachiman's offer. I'll join the Knights of the Blood Oath."
Hachiman froze, unable to respond.
"We'd welcome you, but are you sure?" Heathcliff asked.
"Yes, it's my decision. No issues," Asuna said.
"No way!" Hachiman shouted. "Asuna joining? That's not happening. Let's call this off and go."
"Hachiman," Asuna said softly.
"Hold on," Heathcliff interjected. "I understand not wanting to lose Asuna, but isn't that your ego talking?"
"Ego? What ego, Heathcliff?" Hachiman snapped.
"If it's not ego, what is it? You didn't even consider Asuna as an option, despite her being the best choice logically. And you're dismissing her own will," Heathcliff said.
Hachiman fell silent, and Heathcliff watched quietly. Asuna spoke first.
"Hachiman, I'm not doing this for you or out of pity. Yes, I want you to stay free, and I know you've been blaming yourself, trying to fix everything alone. But this is about me too. I've vaguely thought about joining a guild for the raids, but being with you and the others was so fun, I buried that thought. When I heard about the KoB, something clicked. I can't keep relying on you. I need to choose my own path, and that's now."
"Asuna…" Hachiman said.
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I'll still drop by the secret base," she said, smiling.
Hachiman looked at her, then turned to Heathcliff. "Heathcliff… take care of her."
"I will. I'd hoped you'd join as a strategist, but you're better off free for now. If you change your mind, you're welcome anytime," Heathcliff said.
"If I do, I'll let you know," Hachiman said.
Thus, Asuna joined the Knights of the Blood Oath as deputy leader, and the twenty-fifth floor's conquest began moving forward again.
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