"We're short on time today, so how about heading to the instance arena in town? We could spar among ourselves. Yui's skills need leveling up too."
"Sounds good," Yukino replied.
"Let's go then," Hachiman said.
Kirito chimed in, "Hey, Hachiman, why don't we invite Eugene too?"
"Wanna rematch him? The arena holds up to forty, so it's fine, right?"
"Eighteen now—plenty of room."
"What about Sakuya and Alicia?"
"They're back in the capital," Yukino said, checking a window.
"Alright, let's go with this group for now."
The party left the house, heading straight for the arena. Luckily, it was free and ready for use.
"Here we go," Hachiman said.
"Wait a sec, Hachiman-kun," Soleil interjected.
"What's up, Soleil-san?"
"Look at the crowd in the gallery."
"Yeah, it's huge. So what?"
A massive group of players had trailed them at a distance. With Soleil, Mebius, Yukino, Kirito—who'd beaten Eugene—and Eugene himself joining mid-journey, they were bound to draw attention.
"Hachiman-kun, mind if I invite a few more? Is it okay if strangers join?"
"No issue, but what's your plan?"
"Just leave it to me."
Soleil turned to the crowd and shouted, "We're recruiting a few spectators for our mock battle! No recording, chatting among yourselves is fine, but don't talk to us unless we say so. Combat participation is negotiable. This is a private event, so rude players will face my personal punishment and get kicked out. We'll auction six spots—first come, first served for anyone bidding ten million Yugd. Start!"
The crowd froze for a moment before erupting into bids.
"Ten million!" a man declared. It was Kagemune.
"Hey, Kagemune! Long time no see," Kirito greeted.
"First spot secured!" Soleil announced.
"I'll bid ten million too!"
"Me too!"
"Two more spots claimed! Three left! This might be your only chance to see this lineup—especially me."
The remaining bids skyrocketed, hitting ten million in no time.
"Done!" Soleil declared.
The six spectators were chosen, and Soleil handed all the earnings to Hachiman.
"Use this for guild startup costs."
"Thanks, Soleil-san."
"Big sis Soleil, you're amazing!" Yui exclaimed.
"Impressive as always. I should take notes, big sis," Yukino added.
"Let's head in, Hachiman-kun."
"Right."
Inside the arena, Kirito stepped forward, calling out to Eugene.
"Eugene, let's rematch."
"Bring it on."
The main event kicked off immediately. Their fierce clash electrified the crowd. Kirito won, and Eugene shook his hand.
"Still can't beat you," Eugene said.
"It hasn't been that long since last time," Kirito replied.
"Still stings, though."
"You're just lacking experience. Your style's too clean."
"Hmph. I've been at this since the game started, but… compared to you guys, I guess I am short on experience."
Kirito turned to Hachiman. "Hey, Hachiman, got a sec?"
"What's up?"
"How do you think Eugene can get stronger?"
Kirito clearly wanted Eugene to improve.
"Hmm. Oi, Asuna, come here."
"What's up, Hachiman-kun?"
"You saw the fight. Wanna spar with Eugene for practice?"
"What? I thought you'd be my opponent," Eugene said.
"Sure, I'm in," Asuna agreed, ignoring Eugene's surprise.
"And this lady is…?"
"I'm Asuna, Hachiman's girlfriend. Formerly Titania—ring a bell? We fought together in that last battle. Thanks for that. It's why we made it back safely."
"Oh, you're her! Seeing the results of our fight in person… it's rewarding. Glad you're okay."
"So, Eugene," Hachiman continued, "Asuna's strong. Me, Kirito, and Asuna were called the Four Heavenly Kings in SAO. The top of the six thousand survivors."
"Whoa," Eugene gasped.
"You've never fought anyone stronger than you, right? To get better, face the best. So, take on Asuna."
"Couldn't ask for more!"
Asuna and Eugene's match began. The crowd, initially skeptical of the unknown Asuna, erupted as the fight rivaled the previous one's intensity.
"Kagemune-san, enjoying yourself?" Leafa asked.
"Leafa, Recon—good to see you. These two matches alone were worth the ten million."
"Amazing, right? Asuna's holding her own against Eugene," Leafa said.
"She's more than holding her own," Recon added.
"Her swordplay might not outshine mine, but I'd lose. She's just… battle-hardened," Leafa said.
Kagemune gave a wry smile. "Too incredible to even learn from."
"You're strong too, Kagemune-san," Leafa encouraged.
"My goal's still Eugene. Seeing there's always someone stronger is enough for now."
"Let's keep at it, Kagemune-san," Recon said.
"And me!" Recon added, eager to impress Leafa.
"You'd probably learn more from Hachiman," Leafa teased.
"Yeah, maybe. But I've never seen Hachiman fight."
"You'll see plenty from now on. Keep it up, Recon."
"Yeah!"
The match ended with Asuna's overwhelming victory. Eugene fought hard, but Asuna's relentless attacks and blistering speed overwhelmed him. She even mixed in healing magic mid-fight, leaving him no chance.
"What do you think, Mebius-senpai?" Yukino asked.
"Our healing skills might top hers, but her overall strength is on another level. We've got work to do," Mebius replied.
"Yeah. I can protect myself, but attacking's another story."
"Let's do this!"
"Right."
Asuna offered a hand to the fallen Eugene, helping him up.
"Impressive… healing magic mid-assault?" Eugene marveled.
"I'm still getting the hang of it," Asuna said modestly.
"So, Eugene, Asuna's strong, right?" Hachiman asked.
"Yeah. Next, I want you."
"You're tired. Rest up. Watch my fight instead. It's only fair since I know your style."
"Fair enough. I'll take a break."
Hachiman picked Klein, Egil, and Recon next.
"Three-on-one? Damn!" Klein groaned.
"Calm down, Klein. Let's take Hachiman down a peg," Egil said.
"Sorry, I'm all in, but picking a girl feels off," Recon muttered.
"Hachiman-san, I'm coming at you full force!" Recon declared.
"Bring it, Recon. I'll take it all."
The match began. Klein and Egil charged Hachiman, swinging their weapons. In an instant, Hachiman parried, knocking them off balance.
"What?!"
Recon, stunned, glanced at them, then back to Hachiman—who was gone.
"Huh?!"
"Here, Recon," Hachiman's voice came from behind.
Recon spun, but a jolt hit his shoulder. Before he could turn, Hachiman struck his back. "Decapitating in one hit feels excessive."
Recon, realizing Hachiman was holding back, scrambled to recover. Meanwhile, Klein and Egil regrouped, attacking again. Without looking, Hachiman deflected their weapons with a backhand, spun like a top, countered, and leaped back, landing behind Recon to strike again. All three collapsed in a heap.
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