(April 4, 2023)

Ducker: Here's to us the Moonlit Black Cats. Cheers, everyone.

All: Cheers.

They all hit their cups together.

Ducker: I got another. Here's to the guys who saved our lives, to U/n and Kirito!

All: To U/n!

All: To Kirito!

I was sitting next to Kirito around a table.

U/n: How did I get roped into this?

Kirito: Uh, cheers guys.

Sasamaru: Thanks.

Tetsuo: Yeah, thank you guys.

Ducker: You guys saved us back there.

Sachi: Thank you, thank you so much.

Kirito: No, it's cool.

Sachi: I can't tell you how scared I was, and it made me so happy when you came to save I...

Kirito: Oh, well...

Keita: Uh, Kirito sir. I hope I'm not out of line saying this, but I was wondering what level you guys are at?

U/n: Oh, we're level for--

Kirito puts his hand over my mouth.

Kirito: We're level twenty.

Keita: Really? You're at our level and you guys solo players? You guys are an inspiration, sir.

Kirito: Keita, I'm not your superior. And being solo means we're always hunting enemies out in the boonies. It's not very efficient.

Keita: Oh. Right. Well, in that case I hate to spring this on you here, but if you want, we'd love to have you in our guild.

Both of us were suprised by the offer.

U/n: Say what now?

Keita: Our mace-wielder, Tetsuo, is the only one we can put out front right now. And then we've got Sachi over here.

He started patting her head.

Keita: I was thinking of having her switch to the sword and shield. That way, she can fight on the front lines.

He looks back at us.

Keita: The thing is, she says she's not sure she can handle it. If you join us, maybe you two can teach her a thing or two.

Sachi: Oh come on. I'm not that useless.

Keita: Uh...

Sachi: Seriously.

She backs away from him.

Sachi: You can't just put me up front and expect me to know what to do. I'd be terrified.

Tetsuo: It's no big deal. Just hide behind your shield.

Keita: Yeah, right. Ever since I can remember, you've always been a scaredy-cat.

She puffed out her cheek in annoyance, everyone laughed, expect me and Kirito.

Keita: We always joke around like that. See, in real life, we all go to the same high school and are members of the computer club. But if you're worried about fitting in with us, don't. As far as I'm concerned, you two are already part of our group.

He turns to face his friends.

Keita: Right?

They all nodded.

Glancing at Sachi I noticed she was staring at Kirito, my attention was back to all of them.

All of them are good friends, reminds me of Gwen and Miles. I wonder what they're doing right now.

Kirito: Well, I'm really flattered. And thanks for the offer.

I look at Kirito. Looks like he might decline the offer.

He looks at them with a smile on his face.

Kirito: We'll do it.

U/n: Yeah, we're very sorry--

I blink in realization.

U/n: Wait what?

All of their faces lit up.

They all gathered around us putting their arms around shoulders.

Oh boy.

U/n: Excuse me, but I need to talk to Kirito real quick.

I grabbed Kirito and dragged him outside the tavern.

U/n: What the hell are thinking!. Why did you include me into this!.

Kirito: I'm sorry.

U/n: Kirito, I'm a Beater, sooner or later they're gonna find out and kick us both out.

I sigh.

U/n: When you said you wanted to hangout I didn't think it'll end up like this.

Kirito: Sorry.

U/n: Oh well, what's done is done.

I grab his shoulder.

U/n: Let's go inside.

He nods.

(Timeskip)

May 9, 2023 Floor 20: Sunlit Forest

We're all on Floor 20, fighting a giant praying mantis.

U/n: Where's a female praying mantis when you need one!

I ducked out of the way from one of it's attacks.

Sasamaru thrusts his spear forward hitting it.

Sachi, who is now using sword and shield, tried to get closer but was too scared.

The mantis opened its mouth, scaring Sachi even more.

Sasamaru thrusts his spear forward once more, it dodges the spear and attacks Sachi, she blocks the attack, but backs up from fear.

Kirito: Sachi!

Kirito runs towards her.

Kirito: Get back. We got this.

We both nod at each other.

U/n: Hey!

I started waving my arms gaining it's attention.

U/n: What did mantis say after cannibalizing her mate?

It swiped at me, but I quickly cut it's right arm off, as it lands behind me exploding into pixels.

U/n: Oh my god, I'm just like my mother!

It swipes at me again, I parry the attack knocking it off balance.

U/n: Tetsuo! Switch out!

Tetsuo: Got it!

Activating a sword skill, he bashes the mantis with his mace killing it.

We watch it explode into pixels.

A congratulations screen appeared in front of him, saying he leveled up.

Tetsuo throw his arms up in celebration, as Ducker and Keita go up to him congratulating him.

Ducker: Congrats, man.

Keita: You totally owned that sucker.

U/n: Well technically I owned him.

I said as I muttered it out.

(Timeskip)

Me and Keita were laying down on the grass, while Keita was reading from an newspaper. And Kirito was talking to Sachi.

Keita: The Assault team made it through to Floor 28. That's amazing.

I had my eyes closed while listening.

Keita: Hey, U/n, what the heck does the Assault Team have that we don't?

U/n: Access to information. With that, they can find out the easiest way to get exp, and they don't share that info.

He sighs.

Keita: Yeah, you're probably right. But I think what really sets them apart is willpower.

U/n: What do you mean?

He sits up.

Keita: I guess what I mean is, they have the will to stick up for their friends or any player, for that matter.

He turns to face me.

Keita: Truth is, I like to think we have that same kind of drive even though we still need their protection. That said, our first priority is looking out for each other. But someday, if we get strong enough, we'll join the elites in the assault team.

I open one of my eyes and stare at him.

U/n: I see. That's a good goal.

Ducker jumps down behind Keita who doesn't suspect a thing.

Keita: I don't know. I guess.

Ducker: Hey, leader, give me some love.

He puts Keita in a chokehold.

Keita: Hey! Come on!

The others walk behind the two.

Tetsuo: So you really think we can be as strong as the Holy Dragon Alliance or the Knights of the Blood Oath?

Keita: Yeah, what if I do? Nothing wrong with setting our sights high. But we have to be level 30 first.

Sachi: That's impossible.

I look at them with a smile on my face.

U/n:(Thoughts) Look at them, their such good friends. I wonder how Miles and Gwen are doing, probably up to mischief I bet.

I look down, sadness slowly taking over me.

U/n:(Thoughts) We used to do everything together we were inseparable.

Gwen Stacy, we both met each other at a rock concert when we were thirteen she was my first and probably only girl I befriended, if I remember correctly, her and a couple of her friends made a band called the Emm-jays. Don't know why they called themselves that.

And we have Miles Morales. We've met in kindergarten and been friends since then, we do everything together: Movies, restaurants, heck we even made a couple of beats together. But ever since we we're fourteen we've haven't been hanging out that much anymore. Wonder what's so important he has to leave out of the blue?

Snapping out of my thoughts I look back at everyone seeing them with smiles on their faces.

I couldn't help but smile as well.

(Timeskip)

Keita: I have an announcement to make.

Everyone was sitting in a room staring at Keita.

Keita: Uh... after our latest hunts in the field, we've got 200,000 col.

We all gasp in suprise.

Everyone: Whoa-ho-ho!

Tetsuo: Buying a house of our own doesn't seem like such a pipe dream anymore.

Sasamaru: I know--

Sasamaru raises his hand.

Sasamaru: We should upgrade Sachi's equipment.

Keita: Good idea.

Sachi: Mnh-mnh.

Sachi shakes her head.

Sachi: I'm fine with what I have.

Keita: Oh, come on. You know, it's not fair to make Kirito and U/n out in front forever.

Sachi: I'm sorry.

She looks at us.

Kirito: Ah, don't worry about us. We're cool with it.

U/n: Yeah, I don't mind one bit.

Keita: Thanks you two.

Keita looks at Sachi.

Keita: Sachi, I know switching jobs isn't easy, but seriously, you're almost there. You can do it. I know it.

Sachi: Mm- hmm.

Sachi just nods her head. But looks down depressed looking.

(Timeskip)

May 16, 2023 Floor 28: Wolf plains.

Me and Kirito were walking around on Floor 28.

Kirito: U/n, you okay?

I looked at him confused.

U/n: What brought that on?

Kirito: A couple of times when I see you staring at Keita and the others, you sometimes have this sad look on your face.

U/n: Oh.

I scratch the back of my head nervously.

U/n: It's just, watching them having a good time with each other. Reminds me of my friends back in the real world.

He looks at me waiting to continue.

U/n: We used to have fun like that everywhere we go. Movies, restaurants, concerts, we're all in the same class to.

Kirito: You'll see them again, one day.

He puts a hand on my shoulder, reassuring me.

U/n: But they're not my only friends.

I look at Kirito.

U/n: I have one with me right now.

He smiles.

Kirito: Let's survive, and make it back to the real world. Together.

He held out his fist.

U/n: Together.

I held out my fist, and we fist pumped each other.

At that moment we heard a snarl.

We both walked towards the sound and saw Klien and others down a hill, attacking a wolf.

Kirito: Klein.

They stopped, and surrounded the wolf. Klein swung his sword trying to hit the wolf, one of his guild members did the same, the wolf looked at one of them. While distracted, Klein used a sword skill killing it with one blow.

U/n: Looks like he's gotten better.

Kirito nods in agreement.

Sheathing his katana, Klein let's out a deep breath and notices us up on the hill.

Klein: What's up you guys.

He turns towards his guild members.

Klein: The trash mobs all yours guys.

???: Sure!

Klein runs up the hill to greet us.

Klein: Man, it's been a while since I've seen you two. What? You two doing some late night leveling or something.

U/n: No Klein, I came here to see if I can pet the wolf's out here.

He looks at me dumbfounded.

U/n: Of course we're out here for some late night leveling.

Klein: Oh. Huh? What's up with those icons?

He gasp in realization.

Klein: Did you two join a guild.

Kirito: Yeah, I guess you could say that.

???: It's all clear! We can move on!

One of Klein's guild members shouted out.

Kirito: U/n, I'll meet you back at the inn. See ya Klein.

Kirito walks away from us.

Me and Klein just stare at his retreating figure.

Klein: Oh, come on. Is it still bugging him?

U/n: Looks like it.

I sigh.

U/n: Mind if I join you guys?

Klein smiles and puts his arm around my neck.

Klein: Are you kidding?! Of course you can join us, I'll introduce you to the guys.

With that I spent most of my time out in the fields, hunting with Klein and his guild mates. Eventually we all got tired and called it quits.

(Timeskip)

I teleported back to town and a message icon popped up in front of me. I opened it and saw it was a message from Keita.

Keita:(Message) It's Keita. Sachi went off somewhere and hasn't come back yet. We're heading to the dungeon now. Please let me know if you find anything out.

U/n: Operation find Sachi is a go.

I open my menu and go to skills to activate track.

Looking around I spot a couple of footprints.

I quickly followed them to see were they lead me to.

After a few minutes of running I stop right underneath a bridge.

I quickly spot Kirito who is with Sachi sitting a couple of feet away from her. Getting closer I started hearing their conversation.

Kirito: Are you talking about suicide?

I gasp. What kind of conversation is this!

She chuckles.

Sachi: That's not such a bad idea.

Kirito gasp.

Sachi: Hmm. Sorry. No. If I had the guts to die, I wouldn't be hiding in town where it's safe, would I?

Kirito looks a bit uneasy.

Sachi: ...But really... why can't we just leave?

U/n:(Whisper) Sachi.

Sachi: Why do we have to do die when it's a stupid game? What's the point of going through this?

Kirito: Yeah, there is no point, I guess.

Sachi: I...am so afraid of dying in here.

Kirito: It's really that bad for you, huh?

Sachi: I'm so scared. I haven't been able to get any sleep lately.

Kirito: You're not going to die.

She looks at Kirito.

Sachi: Really? How can you be so sure?

Kirito: The Black Cats are strong enough as a guild. Besides, our margin of safety is well above the norm. Plus, you've got Tetsuo, U/n and me up front. So there's no reason to be on the front lines with us.

Sachi: You honestly don't think I'll die? Will I make it back to the real world?

Kirito: Yeah. You're not gonna die. You'll see. We'll clear this game and go home soon.

She looks at Kirito and smiles while tears fall down her face.

Satisfied I walk away feeling proud of Kirito.

I look up at the night sky.

U/n: One day. I'll clear this death game. And go home.

(Timeskip)

All of us we're at the teleport gate watching Keita head out.

Keita: Okay, I'm head out. Teleport-- Town of Beginnings.

With that he's gone.

Sasamaru sighs happily.

Sasamaru: Can you believe it? I never thought buying a house would be so exciting.

Ducker: Dude, you sound like an old man.

He lightly punches Sasamaru on the arm. We all laugh at Ducker joke.

Tetsuo: Hey, while Keita's off buying the house, what do you guys say we go out and raise some extra cash?

Sachi: Oh! Then we can buy furniture!

Ducker: Come on. Let's go to a dungeon on a higher floor.

U/n: Bad idea. We should stick to the usual hunting spots.

Kirito nods in agreement.

They all turned to look at me.

Sasamaru: But up there we could make more and faster.

Ducker: Yeah, and at our levels, we don't have anything to worry about.

Feeling uneasy I reluctantly agree.

U/n: Fine, but we should be on guard.

(Timeskip)

All of us we're walking on Floor 27.

Still feeling uneasy I kept my guard up.

Ducker: You see. I told you guys this was gonna be cake.

Sasamaru: We might even be able to reach the front lines sooner.

Ducker: That's what I'm talking about. Look!

Ducker runs forward and puts his hand on a wall, it opens revealing a hidden room.

Kirito:(Thoughts) No way! A hidden door?

Ducker opens the door to the room and spots a chest in the middle of the room.

Ducker: A treasure chest! Whoo-hoo!

Ducker runs in. Tetsuo and Sasamaru were about to do the same, but I stop them.

U/n: Don't go in there!

Tetsuo: Why?

Ducker runs over to the chest and was about to open it. My head started tingling indicating danger was about to happen.

I push everyone away from the room and ran towards Ducker fast as I can.

Ducker opens the chest.

An alarm goes off as the lights in the room turn red. Ducker looks around confused. I grabbed him by his collar and using all my strength I threw him out of the before the door closed. Trapping me within.

U/n: Greaaaaaaat.

Multiple doors open within the room as goblins come out.

And many golems spawned in.

U/n: And now I have company.

I was quickly surrounded.

I drew my sword and reversed the grip and the blade.

U/n: At least I have company.

Two goblins charged me and I quickly hit them with me sword killing them.

My head started tingling, I ducked from an attack from behind, using my sword skill I cut down many as I can.

My head started tingling again but I didn't have enough time to react as I was hit from behind.

Not stopping I continued to cut down the mobs.