"A hot spring?" Asuna asked.
"Yeah, Argo just messaged me. They found a hot spring inn on Floor 72. She says we should go as a couple," Hachiman said.
"Really? Argo giving us info for free is rare," Asuna said.
"Nah, it's payment for yesterday's dinner. Typical Argo, not wanting to owe anyone," Hachiman said.
"Oh, that makes sense. So Argo," Asuna said.
"So, tomorrow's our honeymoon hot spring trip," Hachiman said.
"Yay! Thank you, Hachiman-kun!" Asuna cheered.
"Thank Argo," Hachiman said.
"I will!" Asuna said.
Asuna sent Argo a thank-you message, and a reply came quickly. Her face flushed as she read it.
"Honestly, that Argo," Asuna muttered.
"What's up?" Hachiman asked.
"She says there's an open-air family bath for us to enjoy alone," Asuna said.
"I heard that too. Sounds fine, right?" Hachiman said.
"…Hachiman-kun, you perv," Asuna teased.
"We already bathe together," Hachiman pointed out.
"Well, true, but…" Asuna admitted.
The next morning, over breakfast, Asuna spoke up. "I want to stop by Kizmel's place."
"Oh, right. She told us about Yui-chan. Wanna thank her?" Hachiman said.
"Yeah, it won't take long. Let's go," Asuna said.
"Cool!" Hachiman agreed.
They headed to the Dark Elf castle. As expected, Kizmel was waiting.
"Hey, you two! What's up?" Kizmel asked.
"Kizmel!" Asuna rushed forward, hugging her.
Kizmel embraced her back warmly.
"Whoa, Asuna, what's got you so excited?" Hachiman asked.
"Thanks to Kizmel!" Asuna said.
"My doing?" Kizmel asked.
Asuna explained about Yui.
"So… the spirit became your daughter," Kizmel said.
"Yeah. Yui—the spirit—is sleeping here," Hachiman said, pulling the gem containing Yui's data from their shared storage to show Kizmel.
"I sense the spirit's power," Kizmel said.
"You can tell?" Asuna asked.
"Yes. She's asleep, but her power is immense," Kizmel said.
"As expected of our daughter," Hachiman said proudly.
"Totally," Asuna agreed.
"If meeting this spirit was a blessing for you two, I'm glad I helped," Kizmel said.
"Thank you so much, Kizmel!" Asuna said.
"Thanks. You gave us a new family member," Hachiman said.
"You both look so happy. I'm a bit jealous," Kizmel said.
"Kizmel?" Asuna tilted her head.
"What did I just say? Was I jealous of the spirit?" Kizmel murmured.
"You're family too, Kizmel!" Asuna said, hugging her again.
Hachiman wrapped his arms around both. "Yeah, Kizmel, you're our family too."
"Thank you both. Is this happiness? I feel enveloped in joy," Kizmel said. "I wish I could be like this spirit…"
"Like… in a gem?" Asuna asked.
Kizmel's words surprised them. "If that happened, we couldn't touch you like this anymore!" Asuna said.
"Asuna, I've been thinking. This world will be cleared eventually. If that happens, we'll part ways. But if I become part of that gem, I might meet you again someday. I just… feel it," Kizmel said.
"Your instinct?" Hachiman asked.
"Yes, call it instinct. No proof, but something inside tells me it's right," Kizmel said.
"Hachiman-kun…" Asuna said.
"Asuna, let's call Kirito," Hachiman said, sensing something in Kizmel's words.
They contacted Kirito, explaining Kizmel's idea. He arrived quickly, and they filled him in.
"Hmm. If we go back to that console in Black Iron Palace, it's probably doable," Kirito said.
"You're on board?" Hachiman asked.
"It's a conclusion from such an advanced AI. There's probably a reason," Kirito said.
"What do you think, Asuna?" Hachiman asked.
"If parting is certain otherwise, I want to bet on the possibility," Asuna said.
"Kizmel?" Hachiman asked.
"I'm ready," Kizmel said.
"Alright, let's do it. Kirito, can we count on you?" Hachiman asked.
"Leave it to me," Kirito said.
The four headed to Black Iron Palace, reaching the console where Yui's data was stored. Kizmel, of course, stayed hidden in the town.
"This place… it radiates the spirit's power," Kizmel said.
"This is where you'll become a gem. Say your goodbyes—for now," Hachiman said.
"Not goodbye. We'll be together always," Kizmel said.
"Right, my bad," Hachiman said.
They laughed, and Kizmel hugged each one in turn.
"I feel so strongly now that I'll be with you forever," Kizmel said.
"Kizmel…" Asuna whispered.
"Always together," Hachiman said.
"Thank you both. I thank the spirit gods for meeting you," Kizmel said.
Reluctantly parting, Hachiman nodded to Kirito. "Do it."
"Got it," Kirito said.
Hachiman and Asuna held Kizmel's hands tightly. Before their eyes, Kizmel dissolved into light, leaving a beautiful gem. Asuna carefully stored it in their shared storage. As they left, the three talked about Kizmel.
"Will we see her again someday?" Asuna asked.
"If Kizmel believes it, probably," Hachiman said.
"I'm so excited to find out how," Asuna said.
"Yeah," Kirito agreed.
Outside Black Iron Palace, Kirito stretched. "I'm heading out, you two."
"Thanks, Kirito," Hachiman said.
"Thank you so much, Kirito-kun!" Asuna said.
"Hope we see Kizmel again," Kirito said.
"Definitely!" Asuna said.
"See you later," Hachiman said.
Kirito waved and left. Hachiman and Asuna headed to Floor 72 as planned.
"Here it is," Hachiman said.
"It's got such a hot spring vibe. Nice inn," Asuna said.
"Feels like an old-school Japanese building," Hachiman said.
"Let's go in!" Asuna said.
"Alright," Hachiman agreed.
Inside, an NPC innkeeper greeted them. "Welcome. Staying as a couple?"
"Yes," Asuna said.
"Wow, this feels legit," Hachiman said.
"Totally," Asuna agreed.
"I'll show you to your room," the innkeeper said.
"Please," Asuna said.
They were led to a spacious Japanese-style room with, as promised, an open-air family bath. The innkeeper mentioned a large public bath too. Excited, they explored the room and view.
"This place is amazing. Didn't expect it to be this authentic," Hachiman said.
"Right? Bath first?" Asuna asked.
"Dinner's a menu selection, so maybe the public bath?" Hachiman suggested.
"Yup!" Asuna agreed.
They headed to the public baths. There were already others there, making Hachiman tense. The women's bath had guests too, but Asuna was unfazed—a difference in their personalities. In the men's bath, Hachiman was shocked and messaged Asuna.
"…Hey, Asuna, you got company too?" Hachiman asked.
"Yup," Asuna replied.
"Figured…" Hachiman said.
"Such a surprise…" Asuna said.
In the men's bath were Kirito, Klein, and Agil.
"That's why I said 'see you later,'" Kirito said.
"That's what you meant?!" Hachiman exclaimed.
"Some naked bonding's nice, right?" Klein grinned.
"Klein, Agil, don't get too close. You guys like me too much. Kirito, stop creeping over with those grabby hands!" Hachiman said.
"C'mon, let me wash your back!" Klein said.
"Avatars don't get dirty," Hachiman pointed out.
"It's about the vibe! Japanese bath culture, man!" Klein said.
"Can't argue with that…" Hachiman admitted.
In the women's bath were Lizbeth and Silica.
"Men's bath sounds lively," Lizbeth said.
"They're having fun, so it's fine," Silica said.
"Still, walking in and seeing you two was a shock," Asuna said.
"Wouldn't be a surprise if we told you," Lizbeth said.
"No Argo?" Asuna asked.
"She said pros just provide info," Lizbeth said.
"So Argo," Asuna laughed.
"Asuna, your figure's as perfect as ever," Lizbeth said.
The men's bath went silent.
"Now Hachiman's got that all to himself… Unacceptable," Lizbeth said, playfully grabbing Asuna's chest.
"Eek! Liz, no touching!" Asuna squealed.
"C'mon, it's fine!" Lizbeth teased.
"Liz!" Asuna protested.
"Hachiman, hogging this? Unforgivable," Lizbeth said.
The men's bath erupted again.
"Stop it, don't hit me!" Hachiman yelled.
"Shut up! Happiness tax!" Klein shouted.
"Hmph. If you're jealous, find your own partner," Hachiman said.
"Damn, that's too logical to argue!" Klein groaned.
"No wife could outshine Asuna, though—ow, ow, ow!" Hachiman yelped.
Laughter echoed from the women's bath.
"Sounds like the men's bath is wild," Silica said.
"Asuna, your husband's in trouble. Help him out," Lizbeth teased, playfully poking Asuna again.
"Liz, stop! This is all Hachiman-kun's!" Asuna said.
The men's bath roared louder.
"Asuna! Don't add fuel to the fire! Ow, ow! Klein, stop! Kirito, don't join in! Agil, do something!" Hachiman shouted.
"Sorry, Hachiman, your happiness tax just got raised," Klein said.
"Can't stop this one," Agil said.
"You guys are dead!" Hachiman yelled.
The hot spring night grew unexpectedly lively, filled with laughter and chaos.
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