Chapter 3: What We've Become and Beyond

Location: Floor 35, Mishe [February 25, 2024]

It's been a full day since the event that has happened. Kirito, Sachi, Keita, and Silica returned from Floor 47 after retrieving the rare item and defeating Titan's Hand guild. Silica was able to revive Pina and it brought tears of joy to the young brunette's face. Kirito was brought up to speed on the events before he came in and stop Rosalia from killing Sachi. He was proud of the young bluenette for growing into a strong fighter, and he was thankful that Keita was also keeping his word to protect her. But there was still that seed of doubt within the black-haired boy.

He still feels that he has lost his edge ever since that day in the Labyrinth. He wasn't as strong as he used to be and people in the Clearing guild could tell. His attacks and strikes were sloppy, he doesn't seem to pay attention to his blind spots, and he drains himself throughout the whole battle without a lack of sleep. Sure he did think of returning to Sachi and Keita, all thanks to the voicemail he got from the once frail and scared girl on Christmas Eve a year ago, but the thought of seeing them and watch them die was already killing him on the inside.

Kirito wants to let the past go, he does. But how can he do that, when he's too stubborn to forgive himself for the past sins. Sachi and Keita have already forgiven him. So, why can't he?

At for the moment, Kirito was sharing a room with Keita while Sachi had her own. Silica left, said her goodbye, and thanked the trio for helping her. Kirito may not get to know about the dagger-wielding girl, but he can tell she's alright. Kirito looks up at the ceiling while Keita was looking through his inventory. The brunette boy looks at Kirito, not saying a word. It has almost been a year since they spoke and they never had the chance to do something like that since Kirito left. He can't blame him though, the horrid memory was still fresh in both of the boys' minds and it still hurt, knowing that he and Sachi will never see Ducker, Tetsuo, and Sasamaru ever again once the game is defeated.

"So, how are you?" Keita asks.

Kirito didn't shift his gaze from the ceiling, "Oh you know, the usual; clearing floors, leveling up, being a snarky asshole to the Clearers."

Keita chuckles at Kirito's small joke, remembering the good times they had. Kirito always had something snarky to say whenever they weren't out grinding some levels. Keita smiles at the good old times, wishing they could bring those times back. But they have to move on; it's something the brunette had learned. And hopefully, something that the black-haired player also learned.

"What about you guys?" Kirito asks.

Keita looks at the Beater, thinking hard about what to say.

"We've been helping lower level players, trying to reduce the deaths as possible", Keita said, "It was Sachi's idea, though."

"I bet it is", Kirito let out a chuckle.

The two laughed a bit before returning to the silence.

"So, what now?" Keita asks, "Since you're back with the guild and all, what do you want to do?"

Kirito didn't realize the thought. He knew he swore to rejoin the Moonlit Black Cats after Sachi's message on Christmas Eve, but he never thought about what to do after that. He had to stay in the Clearers when they reach to the next Floor's boss. He wanted to bring them to frontlines, but since they already had no experience in a boss battle, or albeit the main Labyrinths', he fears to see them die.

"Well, we could do some training", he finally suggested.

If he's going to let these guys in the frontlines, he needs to get them up to his level or at least closer to the ones who were exceptional in the raid. Keita thought about it, a little training to gain some levels might be nice, but he felt that Kirito was hiding something.

"Kirito, what's your level?" he asks grimly.

Kirito's face paled when he heard that question. That same damn question that what brought the downfall of the Moonlit Black Cats in the first place. If he'd only told them his level, maybe they might have a slim chance of staying alive. He looks at his level before looking at the brunette ax wielder. He swipes he menu to reveal his stats and his current level he was in. Keita was astonished to see Kirito's current level.

Kirito LV 76: 14500/14500 HP

"Wow", Keita whistled, "You're WAY further ahead than us."

"Yeah, though I've been seeming to... get distracted at times", Kirito said removing the stats, "Guess I'm getting rusty."

'It's still getting to him', Keita thought.

The way Kirito paraphrase may confuse a few players. But not Keita or Sachi; they knew what he meant by that. Kirito is still blaming himself for the guild's death. Keita sighs, getting up from his bed and stretches his arms and legs as the sound of popping can be heard.

"Well, why don't we warm these bones up a bit? As you said, we need to train."

Kirito silently nods and got out of his bed.

"Is it okay if I check on Sachi?" he asks.

Keita gave him a smile and a thumbs up. "Of course!"

He nods him a silent thank you, making his way straight to the bluenette's room. He gently knocks on the door as he heard a shy voice on the other side.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Kirito", he said nervously.

"Come in!" she said.

The black-haired swordsman took a deep breath and open the door slowly, hoping he doesn't scare her. He looks at Sachi, wearing a light blue nightgown that stretches down to her knees, looking through her inventory with her HP fully recovered. She looks up to see Kirito looking at her, nervous even, she thought it was kind of ironic that it was usually her that was the shy one and Kirito was the one holding his emotions in. She gave him a gentle smile as she closes her inventory.

"How are you doing Kirito-kun?" she asks politely.

Kirito lightly shrugs, "Just fine. We're going to train, hope you're ready for it."

Sachi nods her head, she has always admired him to an extent that she wishes to be stronger than the Black Swordsman. When she heard that name at first, she didn't know who it was at first until she heard the word "Beater". That's was the breaking point for the feeble player. She knew it was Kirito and plans to surpass him. She had trained hard, alongside with Keita, even doing some quests and facing off some bosses as well. Of course, that wasn't her main goal.

"I've heard that you were... Uhm... helping some players since I left", Kirito said.

Sachi nods her head, "Yes, I guess you were my inspiration."

Kirito blush upon hearing it. Sachi could see this was something he wasn't used to and it made her smile even more.

"By the way, what's your level?" he asks.

Sachi had completely forgotten about her level. She was so busy with helping Silica reviving her pet dragon and almost dying, twice, from the leader of Titan's Hand. She looks at her health to see it showing her name and level.

"I'm level sixty-five", she responds.

Kirito's eyes widen in amazement. If she was this high, he could imagine Keita might be either level higher or lower than her. To see her grow this much amazed him.

"I'm impressed," he said, "You're almost ten levels behind me."

Sachi wasn't surprised, to say the least. She did see Kirito's true levels a year ago when he was still part of the Moonlit Black Cats. Despite all that, she did miss the others. She got up from her bed and change her clothes back into her armor. Equipping her sword, she looks at Kirito, giving him a confident smile.

"Let's get going!" she exclaimed.

This side of Sachi was new for Kirito. Her determination and sense of battling made him attracted to her.

'Wait, why am I thinking of this?!' Kirito questions mentally, 'Focus Kirito, remember your promise and beat this game.'

"Yeah, let's go", he said closing the door behind them and heads straight to the lobby.

Location: Floor 56, Pani [March 6, 2024]

"Where the hell is Kirito?!" Asuna roars.

No one responds to her and for good reason: she was terrified when she's mad. Almost a month has passed and no one in the Clearers has heard or seen Kirito. Many thought he probably died in a really hard quest, but they kept being told that nothing could kill the guy. Asuna had been trying to contact the Black Swordsman, but he never replied. She was getting impatient with the lack of communication and she determined to get answers.

She had become second-in-command of the Knights of the Blood Oath and the fastest player to date. No one could outmatch her in speed, not even the Beater Kirito.

"I'm sure he'll appear", Agil said.

Agil was the only one in the Clearers that was able to stand up and try to calm the raging blonde. Emphasize on trying.

"Well, he better be here!" Asuna growled "He has been getting himself distracted for a year now and is not watching his health! If he doesn't pull his sorry head out of his ass I'm going to—"

"You're going to do what?" a voice spoke.

Everyone turns around to see Kirito standing at the entrance, wearing his usual smug look, with two other people behind him. They were all in shock to see the Black Swordsman decided to show up for disappearing off the face of Aincrad. Even Klein was surprised to see his friend was alright. Though he did have doubts that he was dead, he never got any message from him since the last boss raid.

"Dude, can't believe you're still alive!" Klein said happily.

Kirito looks at his red-clad samurai friend, giving him a small, but genuine, smile.

"Sorry, I was busy getting back groove. But I think we're ready."

Klein tilts his head in confusion.

"We?"

Kirito nods his head but didn't say anything as he walks into the room with the two other players. Klein got a good look at the other two, he recognizes them from his times in the towns on the lower floors. Sachi the Blue Angel and Keita the Moon Vanguard. What on earth were these two doing hanging out with the lone wolf Kirito? He got a better look at Kirito and noticed that his appearance also change.

While he did sport his usual black attire and his midnight black cloak, he wore a black, long sleeve shirt with white and golden trims and silver leather gauntlets, a silver waist armor held by a blue rope, dark blue pants, black and white boots with gold and blue linings. He still kept his iconic sword, but the other colors were vibrant and were awe-inspiring.

Everyone notice Kirito's new change and they too were sharing the same reaction as Klein. Asuna didn't know what happened in the past month that caused Kirito to change and she certainly doesn't know why the two other players came with Kirito. But she decided to let it go and decides to make the first comment to the Black Swordsman.

"Did it take you this long for a costume change?" she jabs.

"Haha", Kirito laugh mockingly, "I'm not here for your fashion advice Asuna, I'm just needed time away to regain my strength."

Asuna mentally sigh to hear the sarcasm hadn't left him.

'Good to have you back, Kirito', she thought.

She looks at Sachi and Keita, confused about why they followed the Beater here.

"So, going to explain why they're here?" Asuna asks pointing at the two players.

Sachi kept her pose while Keita just slouches on the wall behind him. They have heard about Asuna's reputation and this was the first time they get to meet her in person. Keita was already impressed, more in her position in the Clearers. Sachi was more neutral with the honey blonde, but she didn't like how she was talking to Kirito like that.

"Didn't hurt to bring in more players to fight", Kirito stated.

Asuna once again looks at the two and then back at Kirito.

"You sure they're ready to be on the front lines?"

"Asuna, I help them get stronger", Kirito said proudly, "I may still be higher than them, but they are s force to be reckoned with."

Asuna was taken back by Kirito's sudden mood. He would never help those to get to a high level, he was a lone wolf Beater. Of course, Asuna knew that Kirito isn't the one who wouldn't put his pride away to help a weaker player outside of the Clearers.

"I can drink to that!" Keita joke.

Asuna had no idea who they were, way too busy with clearing levels and keeping her guild in line. So, she had no idea what happens outside of the guild.

"Alright, but you better not pull anything stupid", she sternly said.

Kirito just puts on his smug smile at the second-in-command.

"Whatever you say."

Asuna nods her head as she begins explaining her plans to the Clearers and on cue, Kirito objected to the idea.

"We are not using the NPCs as bait to lure in the monster!" Kirito objected, "Livestock might be fine, but not the villagers!"

Asuna gave him a cold glare, "They're not real people, Kirito. They can respond unlike us. Also, I'm in charge here."

Kirito clutches his fists, he didn't care if it was a player or an NPC, he wants no one to die. Sachi could see this and decides to step in.

"That may be true Ms. Asuna-san, but I bet there are better ways to lure in the monster without using the NPC villagers as bait."

Kirito looks at the bluenette, smiling at her determination and calm attitude that he had grown to admire and love. He mentally slaps his forehead once again.

'Seriously, again with this?!' he thought, 'I know it's been about a month, but dammit Kirito keep your pants in check!'

He looks and sees the two girls arguing about the plan and it seems that no one was stepping in. No one had the balls, except for Kirito, to argue the strongest guild's second-in-command like that. Kirito knew not to argue with Sachi; since he has never actually argued with her ever. He and Keita usually argue about how to take down a mob and it was usually Sachi the one to break it up. Now he's seeing it starting to see his stubbornness rubbing on to her.

"Sachi", Kirito said as he places his hand on her shoulder, "We have bigger fish to fry and I still stand by my statement."

"Of course you would", Asuna grumbled.

Sachi took a deep breath before smiling at her black-haired friend.

"You're right Kirito. I'm sorry", she apologized.

Kirito shook his head, "Don't apologize to me. Once we get rid of this boss, we'll be heading back to town."

Everyone had no idea what has happened and surely, they hope this was all just a dream.

They were able to kill the boss known as GeoCrawler, though Asuna's plan still was put into action and seemed to work. Though Sachi wasn't happy to see the villagers die and it even put Kirito in a shellshock state. Keita and Sachi were the first to respond, snapping him back to reality causing some confusing glares at the once black-clad Beater.

But it didn't seem matter, they killed the boss and they're ready to move into the Labyrinth to face the Floor Boss. But what nobody expected that the two new Clearers would care so much for the Beater. While their strength is amazing, with Keita's strong hits and speed and Sachi's strong durability, they can't seem grasp on why Kirito would join them.

Klein and Agil decide to get to the bottom of Kirito's sudden absence and why he decided to join the two players.

"Hey Kirito, you alright?" Klein asks.

Kirito was sitting on the ground with Klein and Sachi by his side, he just nods.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm going to get over it is all", he said.

Agil crosses his arms, looking at the black-haired teenager with skepticism. He knew Kirito is one of the most powerful players in SAO, next to Asuna and her leader Heathcliff, but despite his immeasurable power he was acting like he's in a war and saw things he can't look away. Which, in this world, it is a war. A war against the creator of this death game and beat all one-hundred floors.

But Agil knew better, he was once a bartender in the real world before entering this game. He knew when not to push it and he decides to press on another subject.

"So, since when did you decide to become a social butterfly Kirito?" he asks with a smirk.

The raven-haired swordsman looks at the dark-skinned ax-wielder, giving him a playful smirk.

"Since when are you so fascinated with my social life?" he bemused.

Klein laughs, "Come on Kirito! We're just curious about why you are hanging out with the Blue Angel and the Moon Vanguard."

"Wait, you know about us?" Keita asks in awe.

"Yeah, you guys save low-level players from monsters and PK'ers!" the red and black-clad samurai exclaimed, "You're practically their guardian angels!"

Sachi blushes at the compliment and Keita just smiled. They never cared about being popular, but their good deeds have carried out throughout Aincrad and it seems they became a legend.

"Jeez, didn't think even words get out here with the Clearers", Sachi said humbly.

"I heard about you guys when we're at the market or find some hunting grounds," Klein said, "It's great to meet you in person."

"Same here Klein", the brunette ax-wielder said shaking the redhead's hand, "I always dream of fighting in the frontlines. Sachi, not so much."

"Hey! I can fight Keita-san!" Sachi pouted.

Kirito let out a chuckle only to get hit by Sachi on the shoulders, letting out a huff. Kirito and Keita still tease Sachi, more Keita than Kirito, she even does get her chances of teasing them, but usually goes towards Keita and at times, Kirito gets his fair share though.

"I've known these guys a year ago when I used to be in their guild", Kirito said.

Klein's eyes widen and stumble back when he heard Kirito saying the "G" word. Kirito: the Black Swordsman and the Beater, joined a guild? It was something never heard of. Even Agil was surprised to hear this.

"Wait, you were part of a guild?!" Klein yells.

"It's a long story."

The revelations were something they couldn't understand, but they were able to learn that the three used to come from the Moonlit Black Cats, where Kirito saved them and was invited to become part of their guild. He agreed and they all seemed happy, but they learned about the Labyrinth and Kirito's fear. They thought about it and how Kirito's strange behavior from the previous floors and how his attacks were not overpowered like they usually were and his deep depression. And now, after a month of his absence, he's back to his normal self. And he's no longer a lone wolf.

"Well, I'll be damned", Agil admits, "Who knew you'd change for a month and we'd never noticed."

"Yeah", Klein chuckles, "I'll admit; you are full of surprises."

Kirito smiles at the two players, "I'm full of surprises, Klein."

"I bet you are", Klein chuckles, seeing the player he met on Day One was still there. Truly, it was a sight to behold on a grand scale.

"Just a quick question: what level's are you guys?" Agil asks Keita and Sachi.

The two look at the ax-wielder before answering.

"I'm at level eighty-four", Keita said.

"Mine's eighty-two", Sachi plainly said.

Agil's eyes widen in shock and Klein in disbelief. They were only around level seventy and these two were higher then they were. They expect Kirito to give them an answer, but they knew that if they reach that level, then Kirito must've trained them to get there and he's probably already higher than usual.

"Yes, I did help them and help other players when I was gone", he sighs.

The two didn't know how to react or process with the new process, Klein was the first to snap back to reality letting out a heartful laugh.

"Dammit Kirito, you could've told us that's what you were doing!" he laughs.

The black-haired teen didn't expect much less than a shock from the players, especially the ones he befriended with. He never wanted to get any attention other than who he was and wait for the hate comments bounce right off. He was able to get used to them after he left Floor One with the Kobald Boss killed their leader, who was also a Beta Tester. But no one, but Kirito, knew about that and it haunted him.

Sachi and Keita could tell their swordsman friend wasn't use to having compliments from other players, due to his reputation. With some minor exceptions. They lightly smile, seeing that after Kirito being with them for a month he has finally more open to them. He was able to crack jokes and throw snarky comments to any haters to either him or his teammates. They wouldn't be here if it weren't for the Black Swordsman.

Asuna watches from afar, seeing Kirito talking to the other players. She was still angry with him being absent for a month, but she was satisfied he's back. And to her credit, Keita and Sachi were formidable players to the Clearers. The two show their unique skills; with Sachi being the tank and was able to throw a good amount of damage, and Keita was all about speed and attacks. He wasn't as fast as she was or as strong as Kirito, but he was able to dodge several attacks from the GeoCrawler and was able to get support from Kirito.

She was fascinated by the brunette's leadership with the trio and it was even more surprising that Kirito, of all people, was listening to his orders. She could never get the black-haired Beater to even cooperate without them bickering at one another since he was a solo player. But now, he's working a small guild with only three of them together. The second-in-command wanted to know how Keita did it.

Sachi, on the other hand, she was on neutral terms. Of course, Sachi didn't like seeing the NPCs getting involved, much like Kirito, but Asuna knew they would respawn after the monster was dead. Sachi was almost similar to her in some ways, but when she's looking at the bluenette now, she's just a humble girl that doesn't say much. Asuna was impressed by her personality changing from in-battle and outside, but it was kind of creating a sort of rivalry with the Blue Angel. Kirito seems to be more comfortable with Sachi around, and she couldn't tell if she was having feelings with the Beater or something else entirely. But it sparks Asuna's determination to get Kirito to spend much time with her.

"Alright, I guess I'll have to go now", Kirito said with Keita and Sachi getting up, "I'll see you guys later."

Agil smiles and slams his hand at the teenager's back, "No problem! Come by to my shop anytime Kirito!"

"Yeah, and don't forget to message me too!" Klein said.

The three smiles and waved at the two players goodbye as they head towards the Teleport Gate.

"So, this is what it feels like to be a Clearer?" Keita said wistfully.

"Eh, it's not that bad", Kirito shrugs, "If anything, you'd get bored with it when you have to listen to Asuna's plans once in a while."

"I don't know about you, but I find her speed truly amazing!" Keita said with awe in his eyes, "I can see why everyone calls her the Flash. I have to ask her how to get that kind of speed and agility!"

"If you got rid of your ax, maybe you might reach her level", Sachi jested.

The brunette sharply glares at Sachi who just laughs at him. Something Sachi was starting to do, no thanks to Kirito.

"Never! I'm never going to get rid of my precious weapon!"

"Just saying, for a guy who's a computer geek you sure are slow."

Kirito laughs at Sachi's taunts, he would never expect the once petite girl to throw some banter and to see Keita's reaction was also hilarious in its own right.

"Why must you wound me so?" he exaggerated.

Sachi rolls her eyes, "Don't be such a pansy Keita-san. Besides, if anything it's Kirito-kun's fault for corrupting my innocence."

"Hey! Don't drag me into this!" Kirito objected.

"She's right Kirito. Stop turning Sachi into you! I can already handle one!" Keita jokes.

Kirito playfully gasps, placing his hand over his heart like he's been stab.

"I can't believe you would say such a thing!" Kirito exclaims, "You are a traitor!"

Sachi and Keita laugh at the black-haired teen's antics, followed by Kirito's laughter. Despite the cruel world they lived in, they were able to find good things from it all.

"Well, it won't be long till you guys become a thing", Keita says nonchalantly.

"Yeah, it won't—" Kirito paused before his face flushed completely red as so did Sachi's, "WHAT THE HELL KEITA!?"

Keita laughed even harder at the two's reaction. To him, it was something he'll never get tired of doing.

"Oh my god, Your faces are priceless!" he laughs.

Sachi made incoherent syllables, trying her best to say a single word while Kirito was glaring angry daggers at the brunette who was still laughing.

"We're not a couple!" The two shouts.

Keita only laughed harder than before he starts running from the now enraging bluenette. Kirito stayed behind as his brain tried to process Keita's joke. The more he thought, the more he felt closer to Sachi. He couldn't understand if this was true love or if it was just part of the game, he wasn't even sure if Sachi did return the feelings. Sure; she was becoming stronger, more durable, and becoming more livid with her teammates nearing death. But behind all of that, she was still the same petite, shy, and humble girl he met a year ago.

A faint smile was emerging from his face, though he could never forgive Keita to start pulling that tease earlier. He was going to get him for that.