Sherry Barnett fidgeted on the park bench, her eyes darting nervously around. The rustling leaves seemed louder, and the distant laughter of children playing made her jump. Then Kirito stood before her, his usually calm face now bearing a look of concern. Taking a deep breath, he sighed, "Look, I mean no harm."
With a scared look, Sherry leaned forward and whispered dramatically, "Ah, but I know your biggest secret."
"It's my fault you found out in the first place," Kirito admitted with a remorseful tone.
Sherry, still tense, stared at him, "So, you won't exterminate me?"
Kirito softened, "Exterminate is a harsh word. How about we make a deal?"
Curiosity flickered in Sherry's eyes. Kirito continued, "You keep my secret identity safe, and in return, I'll assist you with anything you need."
Sherry looked at Kirito with a hint of doubt in her eyes, searching his face for any sign of deceit. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with scepticism.
Kirito simply nodded, his expression sincere and unwavering. At his affirmation, a sense of relief washed over Sherry, and she began to feel more at ease.
Watching her, Kirito couldn't help but think about how innocent and trustworthy she appeared. Perhaps, he mused, his secret was safe with someone as genuine as Sherry.
Gaining confidence, Sherry finally spoke up, "Well, since you're offering help, maybe you can assist me with my research about some ancient documents?"
Kirito blinked, a hint of surprise evident on his face. "Ancient documents? That might be difficult," he admitted.
Sherry's shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment clouding her features.
Noticing her change in demeanour, Kirito quickly added, "But that doesn't mean I won't help. I'll do my best."
A bright smile returned to Sherry's face, and her eyes lit up with excitement. "That's wonderful to hear! I've already planned where we should start."
Kirito nodded, intrigued by Sherry's enthusiasm. It seemed their newfound alliance was off to an intriguing start.
Later on...
In front of a grand, ancient dungeon entrance, the moonlight cast eerie shadows, making the place seem even more mysterious. Sherry, clutching a tattered map, looked like a child on Christmas morning.
Kirito, on the other hand, scratched his head, looking uncertain. "Are you sure about this, Sherry?"
Sherry, practically bouncing on her toes with excitement, waved off his concerns. "Oh, Kirito! I had actually planned to hire the biggest, burliest guard in town for protection. But now that you're here," she said, flashing a radiant smile, "I feel like I've got a whole army with me!"
Kirito was indeed taken aback by the rapid shift in Sherry's demeanour. It was astonishing how quickly she had transitioned from fear to unwavering trust. He recognized that beneath her initial apprehension, Sherry possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Her intelligence was evident, yet she lacked the cunning and guile typically associated with those who tread dangerous paths.
This pure passion for uncovering the mysteries of ancient documents seemed to override any reservations or fears she initially harboured. It was clear that her enthusiasm for research and discovery was a driving force, compelling her to leap into the unknown with determination and resolve.
The dungeon's entrance creaked open, revealing a dimly lit corridor. Sherry, map in hand, immediately began analyzing the intricacies of the ancient walls, tracing her fingers over faded inscriptions.
Kirito, unsheathing a small, glowing crystal, created a soft light that illuminated the surroundings. "This should help, Sherry," he said, casting a gentle glow on the mysterious carvings.
As Sherry studied the walls, she exclaimed, "This dungeon appears to have two floors, Kirito-kun!"
Kirito nodded, "At least we won't have to deal with too many monsters on the first floor."
Sherry's eyes widened, her voice hushed, "Don't be so sure. This level is filled with predatory monsters that hunt each other, especially in the darkness of the night inside and out."
Kirito frowned, processing the information. "And the second floor?"
Sherry continued, "The creatures there are territorial and stronger. They stay on high alert, making it a more challenging environment."
Sherry squinted at the moss-covered walls, brushing off the dust from a particularly faded inscription. "From the architectural designs and the style of these inscriptions," she began, her voice dripping with scholarly authority, "I'd estimate this dungeon to be around a hundred years old."
Just as she finished her observation, her foot landed on something unexpectedly bony and smooth. With a startled yelp, she catapulted herself into Kirito's arms, her eyes wide in exaggerated terror. "Eek! Kirito-kun!" she squeaked, her voice an octave higher than usual.
Startled by her sudden movement, Kirito instinctively caught her. "Sherry, you just stepped on something," he said, trying to keep a straight face.
Before Sherry could respond, a low, menacing growl echoed from the shadows, causing the ground beneath them to tremble ever so slightly.
Sherry's eyes widened in realization, her voice quivering with fear. "Oh no, was that you stepping on something, Kirito-kun?"
Kirito replied, "No, that was definitely not me. Looks like we've got company."
As the menacing growl intensified, a horde of shadowy figures emerged from the darkness, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly hunger. Kirito swiftly positioned himself in front of Sherry, his hand reaching to his side as dark slime coalesced into the form of his Elucidator.
"I've got this, Sherry," Kirito declared, his eyes focused on the approaching monsters.
The creatures lunged forward, their movements swift and predatory. In a lightning-fast motion, Kirito unsheathed the dark slime-formed Elucidator, its blade gleaming with an ominous aura. With a deft series of slashes and thrusts, he engaged the monsters in a dazzling display of swordsmanship.
The dark slime weapon cut through the creatures with unparalleled precision, leaving a trail of defeated foes in its wake. Sherry, wide-eyed and astonished, watched as Kirito moved with a grace that seemed almost supernatural.
As the last monster fell, Kirito deactivated the dark slime Elucidator, returning it to its liquid form. He turned to Sherry, a calm yet determined expression on his face.
Sherry, still processing the spectacle, exclaimed, "Kirito, that was incredible! You didn't use your power like the Dark Swordsman, though."
Kirito nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "I need to be careful not to unleash too much power. It could destroy the surroundings and attract more trouble."
Sherry furrowed her brow in contemplation, "You know, Kirito, you really thought this through." She then directed her gaze to an oddly conspicuous brick on the wall. "How peculiar," she murmured, reaching out to touch it.
In a split second, Kirito lunged forward, "Sherry, no!" But it was too late. As soon as Sherry's fingers made contact with the brick, the floor beneath them gave way, sending them tumbling into a dark abyss below.
Rubbing his temples in exasperation, Kirito sighed dramatically, "Rule number one: never touch strange objects in the walls of a sketchy dungeon."
As the floor gave way beneath them, Kirito acted swiftly. Wrapping his arms securely around Sherry, he used his quick reflexes to position them so that he took the brunt of the fall, ensuring Sherry was safely cradled in his arms. They landed with a soft thud, shielded from the worst of the impact by Kirito's protective embrace.
Breathing heavily from the sudden drop, Sherry looked up at Kirito, her eyes wide with a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. "Thank you, Kirito," she murmured, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I should've listened."
Kirito nodded, ensuring she was unharmed before gently setting her down. "It's alright, Sherry. Let's just be more careful from now on."
After exchanging a nod, Kirito and Sherry decided to illuminate the cavernous space once more. Kirito summoned the glowing crystal, casting a gentle light that revealed the surroundings.
To their amazement, the cavern unfolded into a vast chamber adorned with ancient carvings and mysterious symbols. At the centre stood a massive mural, depicting a rich tapestry of events from a bygone era. The walls echoed with the whispers of history.
Sherry's eyes widened with excitement as she noticed a peculiar sculpture nearby. It resembled a grand clock, its intricate gears and Roman numerals suggesting a deeper significance.
Excitement bubbled within her, and Sherry couldn't resist the allure of the ancient murals. She rushed towards them, eager to unravel the secrets hidden in the intricate carvings and faded paint.
However, just as she reached out to touch the mural, Kirito's instincts kicked in. He sensed danger and swiftly moved to intercept her, a hand on her shoulder.
"Wait, Sherry," Kirito cautioned, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "I sense something... off."
Before Sherry could react, a deafening roar echoed through the cavern. A colossal monster, with multiple heads and an ominous presence, emerged from the shadows, its eyes fixated on the intruders.
Sherry gasped, realizing the danger they were in. "Kirito-kun, this must be its den!"
Kirito nodded, unsheathing his dark slime Elucidator. "I'll handle this. Sherry, stay back and explore the area. We need to be careful."
Sherry, torn between fascination and fear, hesitated. "But Kirito, the murals seem delicate. We can't let them be damaged in the fight!"
Kirito smirked, confidence in his eyes. "Leave that to me. Just focus on uncovering the mysteries of this place. I'll make sure nothing gets in your way."
As Kirito faced off against the monstrous creature, Sherry cautiously approached the murals, marvelling at the ancient scenes depicted.
Kirito's eyes focused on the monstrous creature before him. In a low murmur to himself, he thought, "In normal circumstances, this would be a piece of cake. But without using powerful moves, it complicates things."
Analyzing the situation, Kirito continued, "Creating a barrier isn't an option. The tension would shake the floor and risk damaging this historical place."
A confident smirk played on Kirito's lips as he tightened his grip on the dark slime Elucidator. "Guess it's time to rely on pure swordsmanship. Nullify the attacks and protect the surroundings," he muttered, readying himself for the intense battle ahead.
As Sherry examined the murals, her eyes widened at the depictions of various battles, each scene portraying different individuals engaged in intense conflicts. The intricacies of the carvings showcased warriors of diverse backgrounds, their stories etched into the ancient walls.
However, her attention was suddenly captivated by a peculiar mural depicting a grand portal. Numerous figures emerged from it, their features distinct from those in the previous scenes. Sherry's scholarly curiosity intensified as she studied the intricate details of this anomaly.
With a gasp of realization, Sherry couldn't contain her excitement. She hurriedly shouted to Kirito, who was engaged in the intense battle, "Kirito-kun! These murals tell a story of people being teleported from another world through a mysterious portal!"
With a swift, fluid motion, Kirito engaged the monstrous creature, his dark slime Elucidator slashing through the air with precision. The multiple heads of the beast lunged at him, but Kirito deftly dodged and countered, a dance of blades in the dimly lit cavern.
As the battle intensified, Kirito's focus remained unwavering. He skillfully nullified the creature's attacks, each head falling victim to the dark slime blade. The cavern echoed with the clash of steel and the roars of the monstrous foe.
Kirito, momentarily surprised by Sherry's revelation, parried a particularly fierce attack from the creature. "Another world?" he muttered to himself, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
As he continued battling the monster, Sherry added, "These people seemed to have a big influence in the world, shaping its history and events."
Kirito's mind raced with thoughts. The idea that many others might have experienced a similar fate intrigued him. He pondered the significance of these teleportations and their impact on the world they now found themselves in.
With a brief respite in the battle, Kirito turned to Sherry, "Do these murals describe a way for them to return to their worlds?"
Sherry studied the mural depicting the grand portal, her expression thoughtful. "It's not clear, Kirito-kun. The focus seems to be on their arrival and the consequences of their presence. Perhaps deeper into the cavern, we'll find more answers."
As Sherry continued to scrutinize the murals, her keen eyes discerned a recurring figure. In almost every scene following the teleportation event, a mysterious person appears, subtly weaving through the historical tapestry.
Frowning in concentration, Sherry muttered to herself, "Strange... this person seems to be connected to every significant event that unfolded after the teleportation."
As her gaze focused on the depictions, Sherry's eyes widened in realization. "It's a woman! In each mural, she plays a role, observing, influencing, or perhaps orchestrating events."
Turning to Kirito with urgency in her voice, Sherry exclaimed, "Kirito-kun, there's a common thread here—a woman appearing in every mural. She might hold the key to understanding these events or even be the one behind them!"
As Sherry eagerly searched for more clues, a particular mural caught her attention. The image of the mysterious woman was remarkably clear, her features distinct. But before Sherry could absorb the details, a thunderous roar echoed through the cavern, and one of the monster's heads lunged forward, shattering the image.
Sherry gasped, frustration evident in her voice, "No! That mural had a clear image of the woman. "
Midst the fierce battle, Kirito skillfully dodged a particularly fierce lunge from one of the monster's heads. While engaged in the intense combat, he managed to apologize to Sherry, "Sorry, Sherry. This one head is proving to be quite stubborn."
Undeterred, Sherry, now calmer, focused on the ancient script accompanying the mural. Running her fingers over the intricate characters, she murmured to herself, "This script is ancient but seems to describe a process. I need to decipher it."
As Kirito continued battling the monstrous creature, Sherry's eyes widened in realization. "I think I've found it! This script details a ritual to create a portal between worlds. It involves specific incantations and the use of a rare artefact."
Kirito, sensing the urgency of Sherry's discovery, redoubled his efforts to defeat the relentless monster. With a powerful slash, he finally managed to sever the last head, causing the creature to collapse in defeat.
Approaching Sherry, Kirito looked at the ancient script with curiosity. "Can you decipher it, Sherry?"
Sherry nodded, excitement bubbling within her. Clearing her throat, she began reading the ancient enchantment aloud, the words resonating in the cavernous space, "By the whispers of the ancients, through the realms entwined, let the portal unfold its cosmic design."
In the aftermath of reciting the ancient enchantment, a brief, awkward silence hung in the air. Kirito and Sherry exchanged puzzled glances, waiting for something dramatic to unfold.
Sherry, breaking the silence, asked with a perplexed expression, "Um, Kirito-kun, shouldn't something... I don't know, magical happen by now?"
Kirito, eyeing a peculiar crest in the script, shrugged nonchalantly, "Maybe it needs a little nudge?" He reached out to touch the mysterious emblem.
Before she could finish her sentence, Kirito touched the crest, and in an anticlimactic turn of events, nothing happened. The cavern remained eerily still.
Looking disappointed, Kirito scratched his head, "Well, that was underwhelming."
Sherry, on the verge of scolding him, suddenly found herself alone in a completely different place. Confused, she blinked at her surroundings and then looked around, shouting, "Kirito-kun? Where did you—"
Realization hit her, and she muttered to herself, "Oh, great. I bet that strange crest was a one-way ticket to... wherever I am now."
Sherry, realizing the shift in her surroundings, instinctively tapped into her magical abilities. Closing her eyes, she whispered an incantation, allowing her senses to extend and analyze the luxurious room she found herself in.
As the magical energies flowed through her, Sherry assessed the intricate details of the opulent furniture, the fine fabrics, and the enchanting decorations. It became clear that this was a place of significant importance in her own world.
Just as she felt a sense of relief, a voice startled her from behind. Whipping around, Sherry found herself face to face with a girl of blue hair, clad in a pristine maid uniform. The cold stare in the girl's eyes sent a shiver down Sherry's spine.
The blue-haired maid's voice cut through the silence, "An unexpected visitor in the middle of the night. How peculiar."
Sherry, feeling a bit caught off guard, stammered, "I... I didn't mean to intrude. I was just studying ancient documents, and then there was this weird crest, and now I'm here."
The maid's cold expression didn't waver.
"In the absence of guards, it seems I shall be the one to deliver the severe punishment for your intrusion," she declared with an air of authority.
Teleportation Enigma:
In his relentless quest to return to his world, Kirito delved into extensive research and utilized his formidable magical abilities to create a portal. However, he discovered a crucial missing ingredient, leaving the process incomplete. Determined to unravel the mystery of his initial teleportation, Kirito continued his exploration, seeking answers in the arcane depths of the unknown.
Unknown Guests:
Kirito discovered other beings like him, possibly teleported from different worlds. He met some but kept his own teleportation a secret, sensing a unique aspect in the way he was transported compared to others.
Win-win Pact:
So some of you might have thought how dumb Sherry was to trust Kirito so easily.
So I will explain it in nowadays terms.
Alright, imagine this: You are in a situation where you know a juicy secret about some thug, the ominous dude in your life. Now, the thug, being the mysterious guy he is, says, "Keep quiet, and I'll be your wingman with your crush." Now you are thinking, "Crush + Secrets = Deal!" It's not rocket science; it's just a win-win pact with a sprinkle of romantic hopes.
So to put it simply Sherry loves to research artefacts as much as you love dating your crush.😉