The Maverick(Sword Art Online X Male Reader)

Ch.85 Last Day of Peace

The soldiers of the Human Empire were in the middle of training with some of the Integrity Knights overlooking them. Eldrie saw his dragon Takiguri was staring at the sky. He looked in the direction of Takiguri and saw the familiar shape of Amayori approaching. From there he saw the golden visage of Alice's Integrity Knight armor. The dragon landed as Eldrie jogged over with a smile on his face.

Eldrie: Mentor!

Eldrie smile faded as he stopped and saw Alice accompanied by Eugeo and Kirito with Mav's still unconscious body on the back of Kirito.

Alice: Eldrie, I just took a look at the Eastern Gate and it's on it's last legs. It looks it'll be destroyed within the next day or so.

Eldrie: We roughly estimated the soldiers to be around 50,000 troops strong. Unfortunately, we only have 3,000 troops. We've been giving them the best training we can. And to make matters worst we only have about thirteen Integrity Knights in commission.

Alice: That's preposterous! They're thirty-one Integrity Knights including me!

Eldrie: Well, I'm sure you're aware of Chudelkin using a returning art on knights who showed memory issues. Ten of those knights haven't recovered yet. We have twenty-one knights ready for active duty. We have four guarding the capital and cathedral and another four patrolling the End Mountains. So, as you can guess, we're pretty short handed. Now I'm gonna be straight with you three, you can't be serious about bringing a comatose person to a battlefield.

Eugeo: We are. We're not leaving Mav in the hands of anyone we can't trust.

Eldrie: Are you kidding me?!

Bercouli: Don't fret, Eldrie.

The trio turned to see Bercouli.

Bercouli: Yo little one. You're looking better than I last saw you. Have your cheeks filled in a little?

Alice: Uncle!

Eugeo: So, do you always wear a bath robe wherever you go?

Bercouli: Heh, seems your friend rubbed some of his retorts off on you.

Alice: It's good to see you again.

Bercouli: Same to you. Hm....

Bercouli looked towards Mav and approached him.

Bercouli: Hold still a moment kid.

Kirito: Sure.

Bercouli placed his hand on Mav's shoulder and it flashed green for a moment as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Bercouli: Hm.......

Alice:?

Bercouli: I performed a sacred art to see how the boy was fairing. Our minds resonated with each others. It seems that the body has hasn't recovered but his mind is strong. He'll likely wake soon. Also.....

Eugeo: What?

Bercouli: I heard his thoughts.

Kirito: What?

Bercouli: That's right. He's heard every word you've all said to him.

Eugeo: Really?! How can you prove it?

Kirito felt his shirt tighten ever so slightly as he noticed Mav's hand trying to clench a fist.

Kirito: Mav.....

Bercouli: Now Eldrie, I know your all strung up about this but I'm certain that we can protect one young man. So lighten up.

Eldrie: Tch!