The students of Midgar Spellsword Academy trembled in fear, their faces pale as the mysterious figures from Shadow Garden held them hostage in the auditorium. Murmurs of panic echoed through the room.
Amid the chaos, a student nervously approached Rose, desperation in their eyes. "President, what should we do? We can't just sit here!"
Rose, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, locked eyes with the imposing figure in menacing dark plate armour who seemed to be orchestrating the chaos. She whispered, "Stay calm. We need a plan, but don't provoke them. Let's assess the situation and look for an opportunity to act."
A hooded figure cautiously approached the man in armour, whispering, "Sir Gaunt, someone unknown is breaking through our troops and wreaking havoc."
Sir Gaunt's stern expression twisted into anger. "Fools!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the auditorium. "There is none other in this academy than dumb students. If you can't handle them, you better cut off your own heads!"
The hooded figure gulped nervously, nodding before quickly retreating from Sir Gaunt's presence. Alone, Sir Gaunt muttered to himself, "I have anticipated everything. My plan is flawless."
Somewhere else...
In the dimly lit corridors, Sherry and Cid tiptoed through the academy, avoiding the gaze of the nefarious figures. Sherry whispered, "I'm glad you're here, Cid. Kirito spoke highly of you. We need all the help we can get."
Cid, scanning the poorly dressed adversaries, shook his head disapprovingly. "Honestly, these villains have zero sense of style. I'd give them a fashion rating lower than a dungeon's loot drop."
Cid turned to Sherry with a quizzical expression. "Did you say something, or was it just the wind playing tricks on my ears?"
Sherry, a bit confused, shook her head. "Nope, nothing at all. Must be the stress messing with our senses."
She glanced at the artefact in her hand, eyes widening. "Cid, we need to hurry. This artefact has the power to banish these invaders!"
Cid, still critiquing the villains' fashion choices, raised an eyebrow. "Banishing is good, but have you considered accessorizing while doing it? A little flair goes a long way."
Sherry sighed, "Cid, focus! We can discuss fashion after saving the academy."
Cid nodded, then hesitated, "Well, you see, we should be careful until nightfall."
Sherry, puzzled, asked, "Why wait till night?"
Cid scratched his head, struggling for an answer, "Uh, you know, the shadows and all... I just feel more at ease when the moon's doing its thing. Plus, it adds drama!"
Sherry rolled her eyes, "Drama? Really?"
Cid, attempting to deflect from his questionable fashion commentary, skillfully sidestepped the topic. "Well, about that fashion critique, let's focus on the real issue here..."
He pointed dramatically towards a distant corridor. "There! Look over there! Bad guys!"
Sherry, startled, asked, "Where? I don't see anything."
Cid, trying to maintain a mysterious air, grinned, "Ah, you've got to trust my keen sense of... danger!"
Suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged, and Sherry, wide-eyed, clutched onto Cid, seeking safety. "Cid, where? I can't see anything!"
Cid couldn't help but glance at Sherry, trembling in fear, and felt a strong internal struggle. Resisting his biggest urge, he sighed deeply, thinking to himself, (I just want to be a Shadow so bad... but nighttime first, right?)
Outside the academy...
Iris, commanding the Crimson Order, sternly orders, "Find a way to break the barrier surrounding the school and ensure the safety of the students. We can't let these invaders have their way!"
A knight rushes forward, reporting, "Captain, the students are being held hostage in the auditorium. The situation is dire."
Iris, visibly worried, whispered to herself, "That's bad, but as long as Kirito is around, they should be fine."
Another knight interjected, "Captain, it seems Kirito Kuroha is not inside the academy at the moment."
Iris, shocked by this revelation, felt a pang of concern. "What do you mean? Where is he?"
Not far away from there, Gamma, perched on a rooftop, observed the chaos unfolding in the academy with a smirk. "The Cult is quite lively today," she remarked, her eyes calculating the situation.
Turning to her faction members gathered nearby, she declared, "Lord Shadow is inside the academy. We wait for his order before making our move."
As she surveyed the academy, Gamma noted, "It seems Kirito isn't present, despite our request for him to be near Sherry."
The members nodded in acknowledgement, ready to follow Lord Shadow's command in the unfolding turmoil.
Later on...
Following the separation from Cid, Sherry embarked on a determined mission, traversing a concealed passage with the objective of delivering the pendant with the magic stone she possessed to the auditorium where the students were confined. She aimed to prevent the depletion of magical energy from everyone and dismantle the barrier covering the academy.
"I've got to make sure this succeeds," Sherry whispered determinedly as she continued down the passage, now alone. There was no longer fear in her steps. After a short while, she reached her destination.
"So, this is underneath the auditorium... There are several paths here. One leads to the first floor, one leads to the middle, and one leads to the second floor," she confirmed, consulting her map in hand, then walked on.
"Ah...!" Then she found it. It was a small vent grill between the second and third floors. It was too small for a human to go through, but more than enough to throw the pendant through.
Sherry discreetly peers through the vent grill, skillfully minimizing her presence. The key, she recalls, is to release all tension from her body, as Cid had advised. With controlled breaths, she surveys the auditorium, filled with both students and teachers. Surprisingly, the number of menacing figures in black isn't overwhelming.
Convinced that removing the magical interference would provide an opportunity for escape, Sherry takes a step back from the grill. Retrieving the pendant from her belongings, she inserts the prepared magic stone into the pendant's slot. A radiant glow emanates from the pendant as it displays intricate letters.
Gripping the illuminated pendant firmly, Sherry throws it with unwavering determination through the vent grill into the auditorium below.
With Rose...
As time passes, Rose senses the magic within her slowly draining away, likely connected to the inability to use magic. Though she can endure for a while, students with less magical capacity are already struggling. In a few hours, they'll suffer from magic deficiency, losing the chance for a counterattack. Unease and impatience fill her, but the image of a certain boy helps her restrain herself.
Recalling Cid's brave sacrifice to protect her, a surge of warmth envelops Rose. She is determined not to let his sacrifice be in vain, repeating this to herself while awaiting the crucial moment. Suddenly, a brilliant white light illuminates the auditorium.
She acts without comprehending the source of the light, instinct propelling her forward before coherent thoughts form. The nature of the brilliance is irrelevant; her instinct insists this is the sole opportunity.
Amid the radiant glow, Rose charges towards the nearest black-clad figure. As her hand makes contact with his exposed neck, a realization hits her – she can wield magic!
Swiftly utilizing this newfound power, Rose severs the man's neck with a magically infused hand chop. Unconcerned about the sudden ability, she seizes the sword from the headless figure's waist, thrusting it into the air.
"Our magic is freed! Arise! The time for the counterattack is now!" she exclaims, the auditorium erupting in response.
The students, empowered by the sudden return of their magic, rallied together, each one summoning spells and unleashing their unique abilities against the mysterious figures from the Cult. The auditorium transformed into a battlefield, with flashes of light and bursts of magical energy illuminating the once-dark space.
Despite the initial shock, the students showed remarkable resilience, working in tandem to create barriers, launch offensive spells, and strategically manoeuvre around the invaders. Rose, leading by example, fought with determination, her newfound magic enhancing her combat skills.
As the skirmish unfolded, Sir Gaunt observed from a vantage point, his eyes narrowing with displeasure. Seeing the students regain control ignited a fury within him. He turned to his minions, his voice booming through the auditorium, "You imbeciles! Crush them now or face consequences worse than death!"
The minions, now facing a resurgent and organized resistance, hesitated under Sir Gaunt's threat. Fearful of their leader's wrath, they reluctantly pressed on, intensifying their assault on the students.
Suddenly, a black whirlwind envelops Rose, leaving vivid red blood suspended in the air. In the blink of an eye, all enemies surrounding her are eradicated. Her surroundings fall into an eerie silence, as if time itself has frozen.
Amidst this stillness, a figure clad in a jet-black coat emerges. "Well done, wielder of the beautiful blade," a voice resonates, seemingly echoing from the depths of the earth. The words are directed towards Rose, likely praising her final strike. However, the shock that Rose experiences surpasses the capacity of mere words.
"I am Shadow," the man introduces himself, his sword proving to be remarkably formidable.
Stammering and unable to fully recover from her astonishment, Rose manages to utter, "I-I'm Rose... Rose Oriana."
"Arise, my loyal companions!" commands Shadow, as he shoots a violet beam of light toward the sky. A sizable group of figures, dressed in black, swiftly rushes into the auditorium, illuminated by the radiant violet glow.
"The arrival of reinforcements?" Rose's initial unease proves unnecessary as the group lands gracefully, immediately engaging the black-clad adversaries in combat. The internal conflict appears different, and these newcomers don't seem to belong to the Knight Order.
Upon closer observation, Rose notices that they are all women. The realization dawns on her.
"So strong... Each one of them is incredibly powerful," Rose observes, as the men in black succumb to defeat in mere moments under the prowess of these formidable women.
Sir Gaunt smirked with a sinister satisfaction as he observed Shadow's arrival and the ensuing chaos in the auditorium. The corners of his lips curled upward, revealing a malicious grin that hinted at hidden plans and schemes.
Leaving the scene with a confident swagger, Sir Gaunt seemed unfazed by the sudden appearance of Shadow and his enigmatic reinforcements. His departure conveyed an air of assurance as if he believed the next phase of his plan was set in motion.
Shadow, amidst the ongoing battle, followed Sir Gaunt's movements with a calculating gaze. As he fought against the adversaries, he whispered to himself, "The next stage is ready now." The words were laced with a mysterious anticipation, suggesting that the unfolding events were part of a carefully orchestrated strategy.
In a swift motion, Shadow vanished from the auditorium, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty.
Outside the academy...
Iris, leading the Crimson Order, rushed towards the academy as soon as the magical barrier was dismantled. The urgency in their movements mirrored the severity of the situation. As they approached, one knight hurriedly approached Iris, reporting, "Captain, the person named Shadow has appeared inside the academy."
Iris's expression tightened with irritation upon hearing the name. She immediately responded, "We need to act fast. Shadow's presence complicates matters. Keep a close eye on his movements."
As they neared the academy, the scene became increasingly chaotic. Flames licked the outer walls, and Iris grimaced. "If Shadow has made his move, there's a higher chance that the Dark Swordsman will follow suit," she observed, recalling the ominous encounters with the enigmatic figure.
The memory of the Dark Swordsman easily overwhelming her in their last encounter flashed in Iris's mind. She clenched her fists, remembering his offer—support or oppose him. "Prepare for the worst. We can't afford to underestimate either of them," she declared, her determination evident despite the escalating turmoil around them.
The atmosphere around the academy was charged with tension as flames danced on the outer walls and chaos reigned within. Just as Iris and the Crimson Order prepared for the impending confrontation with Shadow and maybe the mysterious Dark Swordsman, a distant sound pierced the air.
A low growl echoed, steadily growing louder and more intense. Iris, instinctively sensing the approaching threat, swiftly assumed a battle stance, her eyes narrowing in anticipation. The knights around her mirrored her readiness, their weapons at the ready."
As the sound approached at breakneck speed, a streak of lightning shot through the chaos. Emerging from the haze of turmoil, a silhouette on a roaring motorcycle materialized, riding with unparalleled speed and grace.
Iris's eyes widened in surprise as the figure on the motorcycle drew nearer. The motorcycle, fueled by potent magic, left trails of ethereal energy in its wake. In a split second, the duo on the motorcycle became discernible – Kirito and Rem.
The Crimson Order, momentarily stunned by the unexpected arrival, made way as Kirito skillfully manoeuvred the magical motorcycle, swiftly passing through their ranks. Iris, caught in a mix of awe and astonishment, couldn't help but admire the audacity of the entrance.
The motorcycle roared past the knights in a blink of an eye, leaving them in a whirlwind of magical dust. Iris, maintaining her composure, watched as Kirito and Rem headed straight for the heart of the academy.
With a thunderous roar, Kirito revved the magical motorcycle to its limit, aiming for a high window inside the auditorium. In a daring leap, the motorcycle soared through the air, crashing through the glass with an explosive entrance. Debris scattered as Kirito expertly landed on the auditorium floor, motorcycle skidding to a stop.
Surveying the chaos with an unwavering gaze, Kirito thought, (This was the fastest way without revealing more power than necessary.)
The members of Shadow Garden and the Cult turned their attention to the guy who had just made a dramatic entrance. Kirito locked eyes with his adversaries.
"This ends now," Kirito stated coldly, his hand gripping the hilt of his gleaming sword. In a blink of an eye, he unleashed a flurry of precise strikes, dispatching his foes with unparalleled speed. The air crackled with the intensity of his movements.
"No more innocent casualties," Kirito proclaimed, his voice cutting through the chaos. Each enemy fell swiftly, their defeat marked by Kirito's lethal precision. The remaining members hesitated, sensing a formidable force in their midst.
Turning to Rem, Kirito ordered, "Help the wounded students. We're ending this without unnecessary bloodshed."
Rem, with a nod, swiftly moved to aid the injured, her efficiency matching Kirito's combat prowess. The once-hostile atmosphere in the auditorium shifted as Kirito took command, bringing a sense of order amidst the turmoil.
Gamma, perched on a vantage point within the academy, observed the unfolding battle with a keen eye. As Kirito made his dramatic entrance, actively engaging in combat, a puzzled expression crept onto Gamma's face. She murmured to herself, "Why is Kirito directly involved in this confrontation? What's his angle in this chaos?"
One of Gamma's faction members approached her cautiously and whispered, "Lady Gamma, it seems Kirito Kuroha has exposed the individuals spreading false rumours about Shadow Garden. He's tied them up and dumped them in front of the Royal Palace's entrance."
Gamma's eyes widened in surprise, and a sly grin curled on her lips. Chuckling softly, she remarked, "Ah, as daring as ever. So, that's why he was late to the party."
She turned her gaze back to the ongoing battle, watching Kirito's calculated moves with newfound understanding. "Well played, Kirito. Always keeping us on our toes," Gamma acknowledged with a hint of admiration in her voice.
Later on...
As the smoke and debris settled in the aftermath of the chaotic battle, Shadow found himself face to face with Lutheran Barnett, whose form had grotesquely transformed after fusing with the artefact. The once-human figure had now mutated into a monstrous entity, emanating dark energy.
Lutheran's laughter echoed through the nearly destroyed and burned surroundings, a maniacal sound that filled the air with a chilling aura. "Shadow Garden is nothing! I have reached the pinnacle of power, and you are but insects in my grand design!"
Shadow, calm and composed, began to walk slowly towards the monstrous Lutheran. His gaze remained unwavering, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "Is that so?" he uttered, his voice carrying a serene confidence that contradicted the chaos around them.
Lutheran lunges forward with a howl, and his white sword descends from overhead, aiming directly at Shadow. However, the attack, which should have struck Shadow's head, veers off course at the last moment.
"What?!" Fresh blood splatters as a jet-black blade pierces through Lutheran's left wrist. Quickly adapting, Lutheran switches to using his right hand and retreats. However, his right wrist is then pierced, leaving him unable to escape as Shadow relentlessly pursues.
"What?!" Under a barrage of stabs too swift for his eyes to follow, Lutheran can barely react as his body becomes drenched in blood.
The numerous thrusts penetrate his wrists, then his feet, followed by his arms and thighs, progressively advancing inward from the extremities. Shadow's deep voice resonates between each thrust.
"Finally, it's the heart, with a twist... is that correct?" Shadow questions calmly.
In response to his own query, Shadow's jet-black sword punctures Lutheran's chest at the precise moment he speaks. Lutheran, while spitting blood, attempts to extract the sword, desperately resisting the fatal wound."
As Lutheran struggles, his eyes meet with those of the boy. Amid Lutheran's attempt to express his anger, the jet-black blade twists.
"Gah, gah... aaa!" Lutheran's words are cut short as the pain intensifies, his resistance futile against the relentless assault.
Then, all that remains is the gaunt corpse of a middle-aged man. At that moment, a small scream pierces the air.
"Stepfather..."
Shadow turns around, his clothes dyed with Lutheran's blood, and sees Sherry by the door who had just come.
"STEPFATHER!!"
The pink-haired girl runs past Shadow, making a beeline for Lutheran's lifeless body.
"Nooo... stepfather... Why... WHY...!"
She clings to the thin corpse as tears stream down her face, but her stepfather will never move again. The girl's tears fall like rain over Lutheran's face.
Shadow looks down at the heartbroken girl, then turns around.
"There's no need for you to know."
He disappears into the depths of the crimson flames, with the heartrending wails of the girl ringing in his ears.
Not far away from there...
Kirito sprinted through the hallways of the academy, his senses heightened. As he ran, he couldn't shake the thought that if he were the Dark Swordsman, handling this situation would be more straightforward. However, he quickly reasoned that taking on that role would risk a confrontation with Shadow, putting the lives of the students in even greater peril.
Skidding to a stop, Kirito muttered to himself, "I can't afford to be the Dark Swordsman right now. It would only escalate things with Shadow, and I can't let that happen."
His determined gaze shifted as he heard Sherry's cries echoing in the distance. Without hesitation, he rushed towards the source of the anguish, weaving through the labyrinthine corridors of the academy.
As he reached the spot, he found Sherry clinging to the lifeless body of her stepfather. Kirito's heart sank at the sight of her grief. "Sherry," he called gently, approaching her with a solemn expression.
Sherry, tear-stricken and lost in sorrow, looked up at Kirito. "Why... why did this happen?" she choked out.
Kirito knelt beside Sherry, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Sherry. I should have been here sooner. I should have protected you and everyone else."
Sherry, still overcome with grief, looked at Kirito with tear-filled eyes. "It's not your fault, Kirito-kun. You did everything you could. It's just... he's gone."
Kirito's expression hardened, a sense of guilt weighing on him. "No, Sherry, I should have anticipated this. I left you alone, and I couldn't prevent this tragedy. I should have been faster."
Sherry stopped crying for a moment, her sobs replaced by a heavy silence. Kirito, sensing the weight of her grief, waited for her to speak.
After a while, Sherry looked up at Kirito, her eyes searching for answers. "Kirito-kun," she began hesitantly, "is the Dark Swordsman, I mean, you, truly as strong as the rumours say?"
Sherry took a deep breath and insisted, "Tell me, Kirito. I need to know."
After a thoughtful pause, Kirito replied, "I am strong, Sherry, but it's hard to quantify or compare strength like that. I can't reveal the full extent of it, but I'll do my best to protect everyone."
Then Sherry, gripping Kirito's hands with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine, looked at him with eyes ablaze with a newfound determination. The dark aura surrounding her gave her an almost ethereal presence.
"Kirito," she spoke, her voice now devoid of its previous vulnerability, "I need you to promise me something. Promise me that you'll kill Shadow. He took everything from me, and I won't rest until he pays for it."
Kirito, taken aback, stood before Sherry, the stage now poised for his imminent confrontation with Shadow.
Lutheran The Traitor:
Kirito, despite his gathered intel on Lutheran's alias as Sir Gaunt, remains unaware of Lutheran's true identity as the orchestrator behind the chaos.
Motorcycle Lover:
Kirito has a passion for motorcycles, and when Eta offered to grant him a wish, he asked for her help in building one. Impressed by his inventive request, Eta holds Kirito's intelligence in high regard, similar to her admiration for Cid.