The coliseum on the seventy-fifth floor buzzed with unprecedented crowds. In SAO, entertainment was scarce, making an event like this—a duel between two top players—the first true spectacle for players. The area around the coliseum was packed with player-run stalls, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
"Kirito, how you holding up?" Hachiman asked.
"Feeling normal, I guess," Kirito replied.
"Good."
Hachiman was impressed by Kirito's calm demeanor, free of any pressure.
(If he's this relaxed, he might actually win. That'd be the easiest outcome. If he does, I'll hold off on infiltrating the Knights of the Blood until Asuna's ready to return. Take it easy for a bit—the road ahead's still long.)
Hachiman's thoughts were less than noble, but Kirito didn't notice. Deep down, Hachiman didn't want to see Kirito lose, though he hadn't consciously admitted it. That contradiction was classic Hachiman.
"All I'm hoping is you spot one of his weaknesses," Hachiman said.
"Does a guy like that even have weaknesses?" Kirito asked.
"Who knows? His style's rock-solid. But this is a one-hit duel, so it's about breaking his stance or catching him off guard."
"Catching him off guard, huh…" Kirito mused.
"You could also chip away with weak attacks and aim for a half-HP win," Hachiman added.
The one-hit duel rule meant victory went to whoever landed a strong attack first. Weak attacks only shaved off minimal HP and didn't decide the match. If neither landed a decisive blow and the fight dragged on, the first to lose half their HP would lose.
"I'll do my best to find something, like you want," Kirito said.
"Sorry, but I'm counting on you."
"Leave it to me."
Hachiman left Kirito and headed to the stands, where Asuna and Argo sat, joined by Egil and Klein, who'd apparently run into each other.
"Egil, Klein," Hachiman greeted.
"Yo, Hachiman! This is one hell of a show," Klein said.
"Wonder which one's stronger," Egil mused.
"No clue. But I've got a favor to ask," Hachiman said.
"What's up?" Klein asked.
"Watch the match from a spot where you can shield me and Asuna."
Egil and Klein tilted their heads, puzzled.
"You were there, Klein, so you get it. Egil, you've heard the rumors about me and Asuna, right?"
"Oh, those rumors. They true?" Egil asked.
"Yeah, pretty much," Hachiman admitted.
"Damn, Hachiman, you're something else," Egil said.
"Anyway, that's the deal. Sorry, but can you two cover us?"
"No problem!" Klein grinned.
"Got it," Egil said.
"Sorry, and thanks, you two," Asuna added.
"Anything for Asuna-san!" Klein declared.
"By the way, why do you both call me 'Asuna-san'? Just Asuna's fine," she said.
"Uh, we'll work on it!" Klein stammered.
"Yeah, it's just a habit. If it bothers you, I'll try to fix it," Egil added.
"Okay," Asuna smiled.
With their cover secured, Hachiman discreetly turned to Argo, using the blind spot. "Any juicy info?"
"His guard's tight. Nothing suspicious so far," Argo whispered.
"Got it."
"If I had to say, Heathcliff's HP has never hit yellow. Not once," Argo said.
"No way. Now that you mention it, I've never seen it either," Hachiman replied.
"Might be a clue there," Argo suggested.
The idea that Heathcliff's HP never dipped below half sparked a memory in Hachiman.
(Something from the beta test… wait!)
"That's it," Hachiman said.
"What's up, Hachi-bou?" Argo asked.
"During the beta, I saw it. Players with Game Master privileges can't have their HP go yellow. If they take a hit that would, an 'Immortal Object' message pops up, and the damage doesn't register."
"So this match could be huge," Argo said.
"I'm going back to Kirito."
"Tell him to aim for half-HP," Argo advised.
"Yeah."
Hachiman returned to Kirito.
"What's up? Forget something?" Kirito asked.
"Listen close," Hachiman said, relaying his conversation with Argo.
"Got it…" Kirito said.
"If his HP hits yellow, he might not be Kayaba. Aim for half-HP to test it."
"Alright, I'll try."
"Sorry for raising the stakes."
"I'll manage."
The duel began.
Kirito charged from a low stance, twisting at the last second to swing his right sword at Heathcliff. The attack was blocked by Heathcliff's cross-shaped shield, but Kirito slipped his left sword inside the guard. A loud clang rang out as Heathcliff's sword parried it.
"Damn, that's some defense," Kirito said.
"It's my only redeeming quality," Heathcliff replied.
Heathcliff advanced, shield raised. Kirito, focused on the sword, noticed the shield glowing with a Sword Skill effect, surging toward him.
"Whoa!"
Kirito barely blocked it, crossing both swords.
"A Sword Skill on a shield? That's practically Dual Blades!" Kirito said.
"Just returning the favor," Heathcliff quipped, thrusting his sword at Kirito's stomach.
Kirito sensed it and leaped back.
"Alright, greetings over. Let's get serious," Heathcliff said.
"Yeah."
They traded combos, neither landing a decisive hit. Kirito's attacks were blocked, but he dodged or parried Heathcliff's. Then he noticed that landing a strong attack during Heathcliff's post-combo recovery, even if blocked, chipped away at his HP.
"Impressive reaction speed," Heathcliff said.
"Your defense is unreal. Beyond what I expected," Kirito replied.
Kirito realized multi-hit attacks were the way to go. He switched to rapid combos, slowly whittling down Heathcliff's HP. But his own attacks left longer recovery windows, and he took occasional hits, his HP dropping too. Both were nearing the yellow zone. For the first time, a flicker of panic crossed Heathcliff's face.
(Like Hachiman said, hitting yellow must be bad for him.)
Kirito steeled himself, watching for an opening.
(The moment I see a gap, I'll hit with everything, even through his shield. If I strike first, I can push his HP to yellow and end this.)
Kirito used quick, low-recovery attacks, probing for a chance. After one of Heathcliff's shield blocks, his next attack seemed to lag slightly. Sensing his moment, Kirito abandoned defense and went all-in.
"Starburst Stream!"
Kirito's movements accelerated, overwhelming Heathcliff, who could only defend. Unable to counter, Heathcliff's HP was on the verge of yellow. Certain of victory, Kirito swung his final blow—but the space around him seemed to warp. The attack missed completely, impossibly dodged. Kirito froze, locked in post-skill recovery. Heathcliff's Sword Skill slammed into him, pushing his HP into the yellow zone.
"Damn it!"
The "WINNER" display declared Heathcliff's victory, and the coliseum erupted in cheers, the crowd praising both fighters. Amid the noise, Hachiman, who'd seen Heathcliff's unnatural move, was certain: Heathcliff was Kayaba.
"System assist…" Hachiman muttered.
Heathcliff's head snapped toward him, a flash of panic in his eyes. Hachiman quickly clutched his head, feigning shock at Kirito's loss. Glancing at Heathcliff, he saw no sign of suspicion. Heathcliff, looking relieved, spoke to Kirito, who must have sensed the oddity too but played it off smoothly.
"Hachi-bou, what's 'system assist'?" Argo whispered, careful not to be overheard.
"It's the system forcibly moving a character. Heathcliff's definitely Kayaba," Hachiman replied.
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