Yukime entered the library with soft steps, her large fox ears twitching as she scanned the room. Spotting Kirito engrossed in a book, she approached quietly.
"Kirito-kun," she whispered, "the Cult has made a move again."
Kirito closed the book, his attention captured by Yukime's urgent whisper. As she settled in front of him, her fox ears perked up.
"Tell me, Yukime," Kirito said, his gaze focused, "what have they done this time?"
Yukime's eyes conveyed both concern and determination as she detailed the Cult's recent move. Kirito nodded thoughtfully.
"Abducting a girl... that's a bold move," he mused. "But it might just be the key to the answers we've been searching for. We'll need to act swiftly and cautiously to unravel their motives."
"I've prepared everything we might need," Yukime whispered, her eyes reflecting readiness.
Kirito sighed, a hint of worry in his eyes. "Yukime, I don't want you involved. It's too dangerous, and I can't risk you getting hurt. I'll handle this alone."
Yukime's fox ears drooped slightly, and she pouted, "Kirito-kun, I may look young, but I'm older than you, and I can handle myself just fine."
Kirito chuckled, reaching out to gently pat her head. "I know you're capable, Yukime. It's just that I worry about you. I believe in your strength, but I don't want to see you hurt. Let me handle the danger."
Yukime huffed, "I can handle danger, you know," but a small smile played on her lips, appreciating Kirito's concern.
Kirito grinned, "I know you can, but that doesn't mean I won't worry."
Yukime's smug grin widened as she teased Kirito, "You know, Kirito-kun, it's moments like these when you get all overprotective that I can't help but think you really like having me around."
Kirito rolled his eyes, a faint blush tinting his cheeks, "It's not about liking you; it's about keeping you safe."
She playfully nudged him, "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that, Kirito-kun."
After some time Yukime looked at Kirito with a determined gaze, her fox ears straightening as she spoke, "Kirito-kun, I've decided not to take part in this mission, but before you go, there are a few things we need to make clear."
Kirito raised an eyebrow, curious about her decision. "What is it, Yukime?"
She took a deep breath, "Shadow Garden is aware of you and your goals, but the Cult must remain unaware of your true identity. They must not know who you are, no matter what happens. It's a dangerous game, and our advantage lies in them underestimating you."
Kirito nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I get it, Yukime. Keeping my identity hidden is essential so I will create a new persona."
Yukime reached into a small bag slung over her shoulder, producing a sleek black fox mask. She held it out to Kirito, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"I've crafted this for you," she said, her voice low. "Wearing it will shroud your presence as Kirito and instead project an aura of mystery and dread. It's a symbol they won't associate with you."
Kirito examined the mask, impressed by its craftsmanship. "Shadow Garden is sharp; they might notice something off."
Yukime smirked, a confident gleam in her eyes. "That's where your rings come into play." She pointed to the five rings on Kirito's fingers.
Currently...
Alpha and the Dark Swordsman were in front of each other.
"I cannot allow you to proceed any further, Dark Swordsman," Alpha declared with unwavering resolve, her obsidian sword held ready.
The cloaked figure, revealed as Kirito in disguise, met Alpha's gaze through the black fox mask. With a fluid motion, he unsheathed his Elucidator, the blade gleaming as he got into a poised stance.
"Then, we need to dance," Kirito proclaimed, a confident smirk beneath the mask. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he infused his Elucidator with magic. "But by my tune."
Alpha's voice resonated with unwavering confidence, "Dark Swordsman, if you seek to impede our mission, prepare yourself." She smoothly transitioned into a battle stance, her obsidian sword gleaming ominously.
"Come forth, and let the shadows bear witness to our clash!" Alpha shouted, her eyes locked onto Kirito behind the black fox mask.
In an instant, Kirito appeared before her with a speed that defied comprehension. Alpha, momentarily taken aback, considered whether he had teleported. However, as the pressure in the air lingered, she realized that his incredible speed surpassed any conventional explanation.
"Fast," Alpha muttered to herself, the realization settling in. "This man isn't teleporting; he's just unbelievably fast."
With a powerful swing, Kirito brought his sword down, creating a forceful gust as it descended. Alpha, anticipating the strike, raised her obsidian sword to block. However, Kirito's move was a clever feint.
Swiftly changing his attack, Kirito manoeuvred to the side, launching a rapid series of strikes. Alpha, caught off guard by the unexpected shift, managed to block the onslaught, but the force behind Kirito's blows pushed her backwards.
The clash of their swords echoed through the chamber, a symphony of metal meeting magic. Alpha, now a few steps away, regained her composure, her eyes fixed on Kirito behind the black fox mask.
"I don't recognize your swordsmanship. I've never seen this style before," Alpha stated, her eyes narrowing as she confronted Kirito.
Kirito, behind the black fox mask, grinned confidently. "It's a style of my own creation. Crafted through experience and honed in the crucible of countless battles."
Alpha, in her mind, was surprised. The only person she had witnessed with unique swordsmanship was Cid, and this person before her exhibited a similar prowess. She wondered if Kirito was as formidable as Cid.
Collecting her thoughts, Alpha said to herself, "There isn't a single person who could be an equal to Lord Shadow."
Alpha focused her magical energy, channelling it into her obsidian sword. With a swift motion, she lunged at Kirito, the blade gleaming with a dark aura as it aimed for its target.
As the sword neared Kirito, Alpha released a surge of concentrated magic, enhancing the slash's power. The impact echoed through the chamber, and a powerful shockwave erupted, shattering the surroundings. Debris flew in all directions as the force of Alpha's attack wreaked havoc.
Standing amidst the destruction, Alpha's silhouette was obscured by the settling dust and debris. She scanned the aftermath, her eyes searching for any sign of the person behind the black fox mask.
The other girls observed the intense battle between Alpha and Kirito from a distance, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. Delta, with her claws, remarked, "This is getting interesting. Delta can't just stand here; Delta wants to join the fray."
Epsilon, with a thoughtful expression, noted, "It's rare to see Alpha deliver such a powerful blow without thoroughly assessing her opponent first."
Zeta, glancing at Epsilon, added, "Alpha isn't reckless. She's completely aware of her opponent's capabilities. Now, she's taking the measures to deal with the Dark Swordsman."
Kirito emerged from the settling dust, walking slowly with a confident stride. His black fox mask remained intact, and he began to clap, a smirk evident beneath the mask.
"Well done," Kirito said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "But it seems you've been underestimating me."
Alpha, visibly surprised, scanned Kirito. "Not a scratch?" she muttered, her obsidian sword still held at the ready.
Kirito chuckled, his tone mocking. "I told you, this dance is by my tune."
Alpha's expression hardened. "You're resilient, Dark Swordsman, but I've only just started."
In a blur of motion, Alpha and Kirito rushed at each other with incredible speed. Their blades clashed with such force that the ground beneath them shook, and the structural integrity of the roof seemed on the verge of collapse.
The resounding clash echoed through the chamber, each strike sending shockwaves that reverberated in the underground space. Debris scattered as the two formidable warriors engaged in a fierce exchange, their skills matched with precision and speed.
Meanwhile, Beta, recognizing the escalating danger, shouted to the other girls, urging them to retreat. "Get away from here! The intensity of their battle is bound to escalate further," she warned, her voice carrying a sense of urgency.
The other members of Shadow Garden quickly heeded Beta's warning, moving away from the epicentre of the clash between Alpha and Kirito. As they retreated to a safer distance, the air crackled with magical energy, and the tension in the chamber reached its peak.
Alpha, in a swift motion, channelled her magical energy into the obsidian sword, transforming its shape into a slender, needle-like blade. With unparalleled speed, she launched a barrage of rapid stabs at Kirito, each strike aimed with pinpoint precision.
Kirito, caught off guard by the sudden change in Alpha's tactics, skillfully blocked the flurry of attacks but struggled to keep up with the relentless assault. The needle-like blade danced through the air, creating a deadly symphony of thrusts that Kirito had to parry with utmost focus.
As the onslaught continued, Kirito managed to create some distance, his movements calculated and defensive. Alpha, undeterred, maintained the offensive pressure, her eyes locked onto Kirito behind the black fox mask.
Seizing the opportunity, Kirito swiftly closed the gap between them, launching another rapid assault. Alpha, now in a defensive stance, adeptly blocked each strike, her needle blade creating a defensive web that thwarted Kirito's advances.
In a surprising turn, Kirito disengaged momentarily, throwing his Elucidator toward Alpha. Confused by the unexpected move, Alpha prepared to destroy the incoming blade, but just as the obsidian sword neared her, Kirito reached the handle with a swift motion, redirecting the trajectory.
With a powerful swing, Kirito, now wielding Elucidator once more, struck at Alpha with formidable strength. She, taken aback by the sudden reversal, struggled to respond in time. The impact of the blow echoed through the chamber, and a shockwave emanated from the clash of their blades.
The force of Kirito's strike pushed Alpha back, and she found herself on the defensive once more.
Alpha, her eyes gleaming with determination, focused her magical energy, her obsidian sword held steady. In a voice barely audible, she began a chant, the words resonating with ancient power, weaving through the air like an ethereal melody.
As Alpha chanted, Kirito could feel the magical energy in the chamber intensify, the very air pulsating with unseen forces. The power within Alpha surged, and she became a beacon of radiant magic, her form enveloped in an otherworldly glow.
Kirito, though formidable, couldn't help but sense the formidable force emanating from Alpha. Her magical prowess was undeniable, and for a moment, he found himself in awe of the sheer magnitude of her power.
Alpha, her obsidian sword now infused with concentrated magic, locked eyes with Kirito behind the black fox mask. With unwavering resolve, she spoke, "You were indeed formidable, Dark Swordsman, but this is where it ends."
Alpha gracefully waved her hand, and in an instant, numerous magic swords made of light materialized above Kirito. They formed a mesmerizing display, encircling him with a radiant glow.
Kirito, realizing the imminent threat, focused his energy and imbued his Elucidator with as much magic as he could muster. The blade gleamed with an intense aura, and he adopted a defensive stance, recognizing that escaping the encircling magic swords wasn't a viable option.
Alpha gracefully waved her hand down, and in an instant, the swords descended like a torrential rain upon Kirito. His Elucidator moved with blinding speed, intercepting the majority of the magical onslaught. However, some managed to breach his defences, inflicting visible wounds.
As the relentless assault continued, Kirito, realizing the overwhelming power of Alpha's magic, made a swift decision. With a determined expression, he reached for one of the rings adorning his fingers.
In a decisive move, Kirito swiftly removed one of the rings from his fingers. The moment the ring left his hand, a powerful explosion erupted, sending shockwaves through the underground chamber. Debris scattered, and the structural integrity of the surroundings seemed to crumble.
Beta and Epsilon, quick to react, created a powerful magical barrier. The barrier enveloped the lower floors, protecting Shadow and ensuring that the destruction remained contained within the upper levels. As the explosion subsided, the chamber fell into an eerie silence.
Kirito walked forward with Elucidator in hand, a confident stride marking his approach. Alpha, still recovering from the aftermath of the explosion, looked on in shock as she sensed an even greater power emanating from him.
At that moment, Alpha hesitated, torn between the urgency of informing Shadow and the realization that burdening him with every detail might not be wise. Instead, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Gathering her magical prowess, Alpha made the scattered light swords merge together. The enchanting display formed a colossal and more potent sword, radiating an overwhelming aura of magical energy.
The colossal sword hovered above Kirito, its radiant glow casting an ethereal light in the aftermath of the explosion. Alpha, determined, raised her hand, ready to command the immense magical weapon to descend upon Kirito.
But before she could utter a single word, Kirito spoke with a calm certainty, "It's futile." With a swift motion, he swung his Elucidator, cutting through the air with unparalleled precision.
In an instant, the colossal sword shattered into countless fragments, dissipating like scattered stardust. Alpha, left in awe of Kirito's unparalleled skill, could only watch as the remnants of her powerful attack faded away.
The realization dawned on Alpha that facing Kirito was not just a battle of swords and magic. It was a confrontation with a force that transcended conventional understanding.
As Alpha grappled with the dilemma of what to do next, Kirito materialized before her with a speed that defied perception. His presence exuded a bloodlust comparable to that of a monster, and Alpha found herself overwhelmed by the intensity of his aura.
Alpha, amidst the intense clash with Kirito, was suddenly flooded with memories of her past. Images of disdainful glares, harsh words, and the weight of the curse she bore replayed in her mind. She remembered the pain of being despised, the loneliness that accompanied the curse, and the isolation she endured.
As she faced Kirito, his black fox mask evoking a sense of dread, Alpha couldn't shake the parallels between her current situation and the painful memories of her cursed past. The masked figure before her seemed to embody the fear and rejection she once experienced.
Kirito raised his Elucidator, and Alpha, overwhelmed by the flood of memories and the intensity of his aura, fell to her knees. The weight of her past and the fear emanating from the black fox mask left her momentarily paralyzed.
Beta, ready to assist Alpha, was taken aback by the shocking turn of events. Even Delta, known for her unwavering resolve, hesitated, uncertain whether she could face someone whose presence instilled doubt even in her formidable strength.
Alpha closed her eyes, a mix of emotions swirling within her. The memories of her past, the weight of the curse, and the fear of facing a force beyond her understanding bore down on her. In that moment of vulnerability, she whispered a heartfelt apology to Shadow, preparing for the worst.
As the silence lingered, Alpha heard the distinct sound of a sword being sheathed. Confused, she cautiously opened her eyes to find Kirito standing before her, his Elucidator returning to its scabbard.
"Heal," Kirito said with a calm command. Alpha felt a gentle warmth enveloping her, and to her surprise, she sensed her wounds being healed. The magical energy surged, mending the injuries inflicted during their intense battle.
A mixture of gratitude and bewilderment filled Alpha's gaze as she looked at Kirito behind the black fox mask. The ominous aura that had paralyzed her moments ago now seemed replaced by an unexpected act of mercy.
Kirito, satisfied that the immediate threat had been neutralized and sensed the girl who was abducted was safe, calmly began to walk away from the members of Shadow Garden. With each step, he spoke in a composed tone, "It seems everything is under control now. There's no need for my further involvement."
Pausing for a moment, he turned back to face them, his black fox mask hiding any expression. "Consider yourselves fortunate this time. I'll let you off the hook." His words held a subtle warning, emphasizing that his mercy was not to be taken for granted.
As Kirito prepared to disappear into the thin air, he added one final statement, his voice echoing in the chamber. "Remember, our goals may align. But don't make the mistake of standing in my way. It won't end well if you do."
With that, Kirito vanished, leaving the members of Shadow Garden to contemplate the enigmatic encounter and the lingering warning in his parting words.
What happened with Cid when Kirito and Alpha were fighting:
Amidst the lower floors of the underground chamber, Cid faced off against Olba with a playful grin. His movements were a mix of elegance and mischief as he toyed with his opponent, effortlessly dodging attacks while delivering precise counters.
As the clash between Cid and Olba unfolded, the entire chamber shook, catching Cid's attention. He paused mid-battle, an amused expression on his face.
"Well, well," Cid remarked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It seems the girls are having a bit of a showdown upstairs. Perhaps they're having a contest to see who can put on the most spectacular display of power in their acting."
He shrugged, a carefree demeanour in stark contrast to the intense battle above. "Girls and their theatrics."
Cid glanced at the falling dust and bricks with an intrigued expression. "Well, well. Looks like they've added special effects to my performance," he mused, a playful grin on his face. "Assisting me in making this fight even more cool and badass, aren't they?"
He chuckled, twirling his sword with a flair as if embracing the chaos around him. "Good job girls."
Author's Note:
Hi dear readers!!!
In this chapter, Alpha showcased a technique involving powerful light swords passed down from her legendary elf hero ancestor, Olivier, known for wielding the Holy Sword. The technique's full potential is yet to be realized by Alpha, as she's still in the early stages of mastering it. If you have any questions about this feel free to ask!
In this chapter, you got a glimpse of the capabilities of the black fox mask and Kirito's rings. These elements play a crucial role in the unfolding story, and I'll delve deeper into their significance in subsequent chapters.
See you!!!