DECEMBER 29, 2022 AINCRAD, FLOOR FOUR
Don't get too tense.
Don't treat me like a newbie!
And don't you need to get your weapon serviced, Kirito?
Of course. I took care of that yesterday.
How about you, Asuna?
Guess I should've saved my breath!
For sure. This sword is my baby, after all.
All right, it's time. Why don't we get started?
For those of you who don't know me, I'm Lind from the Dragon Knights Brigade.
I'm your raid leader for this mission.
Glad to meet you all!
GUILD DRAGON KNIGHTS BRIGADE (DKB)
Huh!
I'm Kibaou of the Aincrad Liberation Squad.
I'll be your sub-leader today. Let's do this!
GUILD AINCRAD LIBERATION SQUAD (ALS)
About the boss's attack patterns and each squad's role, it's just like I explained earlier.
We couldn't have gotten this far without all you top players!
And if you can lend those skills of yours to this leader, I'm sure that we can defeat this Floor Boss, too!
Leader, my eye! All you did was find the Boss Room a second before us.
But you know those are the rules.
Don't tell me you're feeling salty about that now?
Huh! I wouldn't say that.
Listen up! We're making it to Floor Five today!
Yeah! You said it!
Almost there, guys! Just keep going!
Right!
Your gauges just dropped!
Squad D, get ready to switch!
Squad A, get ready to charge!
What the hell? We're not done yet!
I'm your leader! Stick to the rotation!
Sounds like an excuse to grab the last attack for yourselves!
It's plain as day!
You can't be serious.
It's coming!
Asuna!
Kirito!
Argo!
Here we go!
Let's go, Asuna!
Right!
Would you get off me already, Kibaou?
How about getting your guys off me first?
SWORD ART ONLINE THE MOVIE -PROGRESSIVE- SCHERZO OF DEEP NIGHT
DECEMBER 29, 2022 AINCRAD, FLOOR FIVE, KARLUIN
All right, to celebrate reaching Floor Five...
Cheers!
...Cheers.
Hey, miss! Hit me again!
We owe you big time for helping us out in that Boss Raid, Argo.
Since I didn't get a chance to put the tip about the Boss Room possibly flooding into my strategy guide,
that was the least I could do.
To be honest, I was sure you'd turn me down.
Needless to say, you'll be getting my bill later!
Hey, go easy on me, okay?
Still, clearing Floor Four took about a week, huh?
Quicker than I thought.
Considering Floor One took a whole month to clear...
If we keep up this pace, we can reach Floor Six before the year's out, huh'?
No way, there's only two days left in the year.
I wouldn't call that doable... Huh?
Uh, Asuna?
No way it wasn't simultaneous.
Huh? What was?
That last attack bonus!
Oh, uh... well...
That last move... our sword skills both landed at the same time, and you know it!
R-Right.
And that gives you the right to the bonus because...?
Uh... well, that's because...
I guess my skill must've landed just a split second before yours. Sound about right?
Oh, no... it was simultaneous!
- But the system recognized my skill as being first. - Thank you for your patience.
Hey, here it is!
Come on, Argo, tell her!
Don't pull me into your couple's quarrel.
Huh? Coume?
Anyway, Aachan.
Pass me that roast chicken over there, will you?
S-Sure.
But you're right, we're on a blistering pace.
Huh? For what?
These raids.
Floors Two, Three, and Four.
The pace is only ramping up.
That's thanks to Kibaou's ALS and Lind's DKB blatantly trying to one-up each other.
Which has led to good results till now, but it's still such a flawed approach.
They weren't in synch during yesterday's Boss Raid, either.
Well, those guys keep getting into it every time they meet up.
The Assault Team that we have today is an offshoot of Diabel's raid party, right?
And since Diabel was killed in the Floor One Boss Raid,
Lind took over and created DKB, right?
But then Kibaou started chafing against Lind's leadership-oriented methods,
and started the more teamwork-oriented ALS.
Both guilds see themselves as being the main Assault Team.
Lind's way is to try to clear the game by giving the top players the lion's share of resources,
but Kibaou's always going on about how resources should be spread out as much as possible.
They're both vying to be Diabel's successor,
but their philosophies are the exact opposite.
But didn't DKB and ALS plan the countdown party together?
So, why not try to get along outside of raids, too?
Well, I bet even those two guilds don't want to scuffle over New Year's, either.
Huh?
Wait, what are you talking about?
Ki-boy... hold up... Don't tell me...
Nobody's invited you?
Invited me to what, exactly?
Now, now, listen to me.
Didn't you just say there were only two days left in the year?
So, what's the day after tomorrow?
Well, of course. December 31, right?
Huh, what? What's going on?
On that very night, New Year's Eve,
the two major guilds are holding a joint countdown party.
Hey... that's news to me!
By the way, would you mind telling me who told you about it, Asuna?
It was Shivata of DKB.
Oh?
Well, I did get a ton of IMs from other people, too.
Oh?
You don't have to get all sulky!
Wh-Who's sulking?
Solo players aren't the partying type, anyway!
Huh?
Oh? So, you actually think you're playing solo?
Hee, hee, hee!
Wh-What's your problem?
No, no, don't mind me!
All right, I think I'm going to bounce.
What, already? But dessert's coming...
Well, I need to gather some data on this town's quests, and the items they sell here.
See you around, Aachan, Ki-boy!
- Hey, almost forgot. Aachan? - Hmm?
That thing you asked about, I'm gonna need a little more time.
I'll text you as soon as I know more, okay?
Okay! Gotcha.
I've brought you your Blue-Blueberry tarts for dessert.
Will two servings be enough?
Uh, yes. Thanks.
Wow! They look yummy!
These tarts are limited menu items that come with a buff!
By buffs, you mean status effects, right?
They just look like your typical blueberry tarts, though.
So, what kind of effects do they have?
You'll have to dig in to find out!
Mmm... delicious!
This icon... what is it?
Take a good look at the floor around us.
Oh.
There's something over there.
What is this?
Did somebody drop it?
Nope, it's a relic.
Floor Five is based on ancient ruins.
You can find tiny relics like this one all over.
In another day or two, tons of players from the lower floors will be up here,
so there's probably going to be a town-wide relic hunt festival.
Really?
Oh!
Found another one!
Better not get sucked into relic-hunting here.
In normal games, they show you where the items are on maps,
or the items will light up on screen,
but in "SAO," they're just dropped onto the floor.
What? But I can see them shining.
Oh! So this buff is...
Yes. They're an awesome deal in the shape of dropped coins or jewels glowing faintly-
Jewels?
Y-Yeah.
How long does this buff last?
Huh?
I'd like to go relic-hunting, too.
I see what you mean now.
You're right, getting sucked into this is bad news!
Right? During the beta test, some players even became relic-hunting specialists on the spot.
They were called "relic-hoarders" with the utmost respect...
Is that supposed to be respectful?
But do you think it's okay for us to pick up this many?
You're so thoughtful.
H-Huh?
Hey... it's not like I...
You don't have to feel bad about it, Asuna.
Out of all the relics scattered across this town, what we just gathered is just a drop in the bucket.
And anyway, as far as in-game treasure hunts go, relic-hunting in town is just a bonus.
Oh? What's that supposed to mean?
Below us are some unbelievably vast catacombs.
In other words, there's a huge dungeon,
and that's where they hold the real treasure hunts.
To be honest, the relics you can pick up in town aren't worth a lot.
Huh?
You could have clued me in about that first!
Even here in the safe zone, that hook of yours is no joke.
O-Okay, then, why don't we keep hunting until the buff wears off'?
The stairway to those catacombs I mentioned is right over there.
Are there tons more down there?
Yeah.
Not just coins, but rings with magical effects, and necklaces...
Rings? Necklaces?
Yeah.
We're gonna run into a lot of Astrals, but Basement Floor Two is like a free-for-all.
Free-for all...
Astrals?
A type of monster.
You've heard of insect-types and demi-human types, right?
Astrals have no physical bodies, so they're like ghosts-
N'! Q“!
What does "nyet" mean?
It means "no" in Russian.
What are you saying no to?
Well, that's, um...
I mean "no spoilers!"
Well, I guess knowing beforehand what kind of place you're headed to
might take away some of the fun. Yeah.
Okay, then you can lead the way to the catacombs, Asuna.
I-Is that right?
Then I think I'll do just that.
Are you ready yourself?
Ready when you are.
Then come on, let's go!
Right!
Huh?
Those rocks are blocking the path.
Asuna?
What?
Wow...
Amazing!
Don't rush, or you'll fall!
I'm not going to fall!
Oh...
There might be traps near the wall, so watch your back.
And we're out of the safe zone now, so there's gonna be monsters.
Yeah. I know.
The ones called Mournful Wraiths pop out of nowhere.
Um, I think I read about wraiths in Scottish folklore...
You sure know your stuff.
That's right. The ghost-type monster I mentioned.
Ghost...
N-Need some light...
Th-Thanks, Kirito-
Huh?
Asuna! Look out!
No,no,no“.
Stop it, stop it, stop it!
Asuna!
No!
Asuna!
Huh?
You're kidding! Hey!
C-Come back here!
You're not getting away!
Another inch...
Oh!
Ouch...
I'll send a message...
THE PERSON YOU'RE TRYING TO REACH IS EITHER OUT OF RANGE, OR HASN'T YET LOGGED IN
Right, I forgot...
Kirito...
I am so gonna do this!
EARRING OF RIPPLES PRANCING BOOTS
IRON RAPIER
Sorry to keep you stored away...
Please... help me out...
I should be able to lure him out now...
Here he comes!
Not on the list, huh'?
Nope.
Nope. Nope.
Wrong again.
WAD OF PAPER
What is this?
10100 p.m. on the 29th... Basement Level 3...
And the numbers in those brackets?
Coordinates?
A rendezvous, all the way down in this dungeon?
MAPS [DUNGEON]
Someone tossed this because it got messed up. Is that what happened?
And then the monster routed it?
If anyone who looks like a couple shows up...
I'll totally be a Peeping Tom.
Hello, hello! You're early today, huh?
Sorry to keep you waiting!
Not like I've been waiting that long.
But getting here is such a pain.
And don't get me started on those handwritten meetup notes... talk about a pain in the butt!
And that pen gives me fits!
Why can't we just message each other?
That's a big no-no.
We'd be leaving a record of all our messages!
Okay, why don't we get down to business?
That thing we discussed... how did it go?
Yeah, it's a go.
The day after tomorrow, the ALS's core players are gonna ditch the joint countdown event,
and storm the labyrinth.
- Hmm, hmm, sounds like a plan! - Ditch the event and storm the labyrinth?
Is that man-
It won't be any fun unless Kibaou and Lind lock horns, am I right'?
Don't make it sound so easy.
It was a real hassle, getting them to hold a guild meeting without them catching on.
Oh, you don't have to tell me!
But didn't the head train you to be the smooth talker that you are for that very reason?
I guess so.
I do want you to fan the flames enough to make them kill each other, though.
Kill each other?
The thing is, I still can't get a read on what's going on in the head's mind.
Why would he do this the hard way?
We're still only sowing the seeds at this point.
Patience, now, or this delightful festival will be over before you know it!
I hear you. We gotta savor the process, too, right?
Did you hear that just now?
Yeah.
If someone's overheard our top-secret convo, it would suck majorly!
_ Hurry up! _ Please, Just get here right away!
Whoa! What the hell is that?
Hey! Get away from me!
Hey, keep that exit blocked for me, all right?
Whew, I guess it was his footsteps that we heard, huh'?
Those things are so freakin' annoying!
Did they show up in the beta, too?
Well, once in a while they'd route the weapons other players dropped,
so it was a sweet deal.
Would you look at that? Speak of the devil.
Hey! Are you kidding me?
That looks like a super-rare rapier!
Ugh, it's heavy!
Lemme see the specs.
Whoa! Is this for real?
This thing has insane attack power!
Just as lethal as one of the lesser two-handed weapons!
What, really?
Come on, that's your reaction?
If you don't want it, give it to me!
What? But you're a short sword wielder!
Do you even have the muscles for this?
Who wouldn't switch to fencing to use this sword?
It's called...
...the Chilvaric Rapier, huh? How cool is that?
Look closer, will you? It says "Chivalric"!
Huh?
When did you get here?
Just now. I heard you guys talking.
Well, that sucks for me.
I thought our voices were low enough to be out of earshot along the main path,
but I guess we got too excited over this rare weapon drop!
About that rare weapon...
What did you call it? The Chivalric Rapier?
You're sure about that?
Hey, good on you for remembering after hearing it only once.
Anyway, what about it?
That rapier belongs to my partner.
What are you saying?
It's your friend's weapon, so give it back?
Nah, I'm not picking a fight with you over that. But...
You could've gotten your hands on that rapier by dueling or PK-ing my partner, right?
Movie'?
Oh, I see what you're getting at.
Like I tried to do to you on one of the lower floors.
Is that it?
Kirito?
Wh-Wh-What the hell? Where did you come from?
I have to admit, that unexpected scream gave me a heart attack!
Tell us, how long have you been standing there'?
Well, well! Holding your silence, are you'?
Ambushing me from behind sliced three seconds off my life,
so you can at least tell me that, can't you?
You know what, I'm beyond annoyed right now.
I mean, we don't have time to be shooting the breeze now.
We're just gonna have to assume that they overheard everything, and deal with them!
Now, now, haste makes waste!
And you saw that rapier's specs, didn't you?
Don't give me that!
Like I would lose to a PVP amateur girl player!
Besides, how can I go back without my super rapier, which she stole thanks to that fluke of a low blow?
Damn it!
Bringing on that mob with your scream, then pinning it all on me...
I'm telling you, you're playing dirty!
Is that what's bothering you?
This doesn't look good! Let's retreat for now!
Huh! Looks like we'll have to.
Good job, hanging in there.
I'm so glad that you're safe.
I was afraid... I was really afraid...
A monster showed up... then I fell through a trap door...
I lost my way, and I even lost my rapier.
I thought that my number was up.
I was sure that it was all over for me, here in this dark cave...
And that scared me. I was so, so scared.
Really terrified.
It's all right. You're safe now.
If we ever get separated again,
I swear I'll find you, and come to your rescue.
Because, Asuna, you're my partner, all right'?
Yes.
DECEMBER 30, 2022 AINCRAD, FLOOR FIVE - SHIYAYA VILLAGE
Thanks, Aachan! For asking me to join you in such an amazing bath!
Don't mention it.
I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate all that you do, Argo.
Oh, please, please! It's nothing, really.
Anyway, I hear that after I left, you ran into some unsavory thugs?
Yeah.
Well, I'm glad that you survived, Aachan.
I've been chasing them down myself, so I'll let you know if I find anything out.
Um, Argo?
Hmm? What's up?
Aren't you putting yourself in too much danger, looking into people like that alone'?
All the information you gather is such a huge help,
not just for us Assault Team players,
but also for the mid-level players who left the Town of Beginnings after us.
If anything were to happen to you, it would stop all clearing in its tracks.
That's why... no, let me say it plain and simple.
I'm so worried that you're pushing yourself too hard all on your own.
You know, as your friend.
Thanks, Aachan.
I'm really touched that you'd worry about me.
But it's my duty to keep putting my life on the line to gather info.
You mean, as an information broker?
Nope, as a former beta tester, actually!
Even so, that still doesn't mean that you should take on such a dangerous role on your own.
Even Kirito always joins the Assault Team raids when we're fighting a Floor Boss.
Mm...
You're so worried because I don't have a fighter's build, am I right?
Wh-What? Well...
The proof is in the pudding, as they say.
Hey, Aachan, how about we give it a go?
G-Give what a go?
What else? Of course I mean a duel!
Or is that an overstatement? A swordfight, I guess?
What? A swordfight?
Let's have ourselves a mock duel!
R-Right now?
Of course!
Sh-Shouldn't we at least put on swimsuits for this?
Huh? I don't even own a swimsuit.
Then I'll make you one right now!
Um... so what are the rules?
How about whoever slams the other one good wins?
You mean a clean hit?
Yeah, that!
R-Roger that...
Okay, ready when you are!
Here goes!
She's quick!
Hey, that's my Aachan!
I was gonna win this with my first strike,
but instead of a "slam," it was a "thump!"
Okay, let's keep this swordfight going!
I win!
Hey, that was a blast!
We each got a "thump" in, so can we call this swordfight a draw?
Y-Yes, of course.
Um...
When you ran on the water surface just now, was that some kind of skill effect'?
Well, now...
Hmm, normally I ask for the information fee, but I guess it's okay.
That wasn't a skill. It was the result of all my training.
Didn't you ever try it out as a kid at the pool?
The theory that "you can run on the water if you put your left foot forward before your right foot sinks"?
I-I think I might have done that.
I figured that it might be possible in this world.
Ever since, I've practiced like crazy every day, in rivers or in the bath.
And I finally managed to run, up to four steps.
Well, I guess you could call it an Outside System Skill.
You can scout solo because of that uncommon speed that you just showed me, right?
That's what you wanted to show me in our duel.
Well, if you put it that way, it makes me sound way too arrogant.
But hey, it's true.
Part of me believes that if push came to shove, I'd always be able to use my speed to escape.
Though of course I'm always watching my step.
As a thank you for inviting me to soak in this luxurious bath,
here's one more piece of info, for free.
What? O-Okay.
You just told me that there was no need for me to take on risky investigations alone,
since even Ki-boy, another former beta tester, takes part in the Assault Team's raids. Right?
But see, I don't think Ki-boy's reasons for not being a full solo player
have anything to do with minimizing risk.
Then... why?
What other reason could there be?
It's because he has you, Aachan!
Kirito, I'm out of the bath!
Hey, where's Argo?
She said she's heading back for now.
She told me to tell you she said hi.
I see.
That was a pretty long bath you took.
What did you guys talk about?
Uh... you really shouldn't pry when it comes to girls having a talk!
Huh? Wait. Does that mean that you, of all people, and that Argo were actually deep in what they call "girl talk"?
Didn't I just tell you not to pry?
And what do you mean by "you of all people"?
M-My bad, okay? But it's just so out of left field.
I'll have you know that we didn't engage in any such "girl talk."
' Why is it? ' Huh?
Look how far we've all come, battling together...
high enough to look upon such gorgeous scenery...
So why would those two try to play the two major guilds against each other?
I mean, that's the same as thwarting us from clearing "SAO."
Not just that, but what did that Morte guy mean when he said he wanted Kibaou's guild and Lind's guild to kill each other off?
What good would that do?
Those guys... that group of PK-ers...
that's just who they are.
PK?
Player Killers.
Meaning the murderers of this world.
Asuna, don't ever forget this.
In this floating castle called Aincrad,
there are people who would blow off clearing the game so they can immerse themselves in PK-ing.
No way.
Why would they do that?
Killing another player in this world would actually kill that player for real in the real world, too!
Yeah. That's exactly why they want to PK here.
Actually, killing people might be what they want.
I'll explain it better to you another time.
First, we need to find a way to stop Kibaou's guild from bolting.
Asuna, that thing I asked you to do...
you think you can handle it?
Yes, I think so.
But why are we summoning the organizers of the countdown party from both guilds?
Because if we just ask the ALS guys, they might pull a clueless act on us.
But the organizers might not even know about the plan.
Good point.
That's why I went all in and asked him, too.
Everyone's looking forward to this party, you know.
Try not to mess it up too much!
The Party, huh?
I think it's all good to enjoy the party.
That's how far everyone's come, getting used to the raids.
Goes to show you, we can relax more now.
Back when we were on Floor One, I never thought this day would come.
But that kind of lapse is what the PK-ers...
No... what this game is about to exploit... I just can't shake that feeling.
Sorry to call you here on short notice, Shivata.
Oh, that's fine with me.
And, um...
I'm the ALS's event planner, and my name is Liten.
Thanks for coming!
Oh, oh, sure! Um...
So...
What are you doing here, Leader?
Yeah, why are you here'?
That's what I'd like to know!
That guy messaged me to come.
Well, I thought there was only a fifty-fifty chance that you'd show up.
So what's this all about?
I'm busy, too, you know.
If you want something from me, spit it out already!
I'm just going to come out with it.
You guys in the ALS are planning to skip tomorrow's countdown party,
and raid the Floor Boss alone.
Am I right?
What are you talking about?
What the hell? Where'd you get that false information?
I can't give you my source.
But it wasn't a leak from within the ALS,
and I didn't buy it off an info broker, either.
You've got to be kidding me!
This is so stupid! I'm leaving.
Leadefl
My captain told me this morning about the plan to ditch the event.
Hey,you! What are you talking about?
All my captain would tell me was that it was decided suddenly at the leaders' meeting.
But I don't want to sabotage the party that we've worked so hard on!
Not when it's the first joint event between ALS and DKB.
Licchan...
Sorry I kept you in the dark, Shiva.
Please tell me, Leader.
What made you decide to make this move?
As someone who's always doing as he pleases, I know it's not my place to say this...
but you're going too far with this move.
Go through with it, and you'll never mend the rift between ALS and DKB.
We really don't want there to be any more bad blood between the two major guilds.
Oh, screw it, I'll tell you, then.
One of my guys got hold of some really juicy intel.
Intel?
That the Floor Five boss is gonna drop a mind-blowing item!
Being a former beta tester, you'd know what it is, right?
Let me think...
The Floor Five boss, right?
Uh...
I think it might've been a spear-type weapon.
No, hold on.
Yeah, that's it!
You're right. That one's insane!
What do you mean?
It's a Guild Flag.
A Guild Flag? So, it's a flag?
What's so insane about that?
Well, as a weapon, it's just a long spear with the lowest attack power.
You take it like this, and...
When the player wielding it sticks it into the ground,
it boosts all the stats of his nearby guildmates.
Seriously?
Can the player holding that flag move?
And how long does that buff last?
Any limits on how many people?
The player can't move while it's activated,
but the effects last as long as the flag is upright.
And there are no limits, as long as you're in the same guild.
Are you serious?
Then it's really going to mess with the players' minds.
If ALS acquires that flag, it will send every ALS member's morale through the roof,
while the DKB guys will be totally demoralized.
And if that happens, DKB...
He could lose command of his own guys, and the whole guild could collapse.
So, ALS is jumping the gun to defeat the boss so they can make sure they get that item, huh?
Can't the two guilds just share it between them?
You're getting ahead of DKB because you don't want them to make off with the Guild Flag first, right?
So, why not talk to Lind and use it fair and square?
Some people had that same view. But the thing is...
The Guild Flag can't be shared.
You can only register one guild's name, and it can't be changed later.
It can only belong to ALS or DKB, just one or the other.
No...
Now that I know the score, I have to speak up.
What are you gonna do?
You know what. I'm going to report this to Lind, and stop you guys from pulling a fast one on us.
You do know that that could trigger a war between our guilds?
That may be true, but...
Hold up, Shiva!
Licchan...
Leader...
The only ones who insisted on this strategy were the ones whose fears were stoked, right?
But to prevent the guild from splintering, you had no choice but to agree to it.
I know that you, yourself, have no desire to use such a tactic.
Isn't that right?
Isn't there...
Isn't there another way to handle this?
Liten...
Let's take down that boss ourselves.
If we claim that flag ourselves, then we can prevent the power struggle between the two big guilds.
Yes... that's the only way out of this.
Shiva, I...
I know. Thank you for being honest with me, Licchan.
I'll give you a hand, too.
Me, too.
I'll do it, too!
Are you sure? It'll mean betraying your own guild.
If we're going to clear this game, we need both DKB and ALS.
We can't undermine that alliance any further.
Even if I end up betraying my own guild,
I can't betray the thousands of players on the lower floors waiting to be released.
Thanks.
Are we done here?
That's all you need from me, right?
So, I'll be heading back now.
I'm swamped, okay?
Since I gotta set off tomorrow with my A-Team at 6100 p.m.
If for some reason we're late, and someone beats us to it, there'll be hell to pay.
You do whatever you want, since you're not part of my A-Team.
Got that? We're leaving at 6100 p.m. tomorrow.
Make sure you stay out of our way.
Leader...
Thank you, Kibaou.
Uh, he didn't pay for his food.
So, Kibaou and his team will be leaving at 6100 p.m. tomorrow.
If we hurry, we can beat them to it, huh?
But we can't realistically take on a Floor Boss with just four people.
We'll need more comrades, won't we?
Comrades, huh?
Given the circumstances, I can't ask any of my guildmates.
Neither can I.
I guess the only ones who might join us are the four in Agil's party, plus Argo, maybe?
Which still only brings us to nine.
Misgivings or not, we're just going to have to try, aren't we?
IN REGARDS TO FINDING SOMEONE Hey! Hold up.
IN REGARDS TO FINDING SOMEONE
I just thought of one more person.
Long time no see.
Asuna.
What are you doing here?
An information broker told me where you were, Mito.
That you've been gathering materials in this forest.
Must be one heck of an information broker.
The Floor One Boss Raid was the last time we met.
Since then...
I never saw you in the front line raids. Was it because you were out gathering materials?
I wouldn't really call it gathering materials.
I want to open a shop for handcrafted items.
That's what I'm getting ready for now.
A shop?
I'm thinking maybe a shop for protective gear.
Rare item drops are few and far between on the lower floors,
but they can be used as enhancements.
I see.
Then instead of just practical goods,
it would be great if you could buy stylish clothes and trinkets, too.
I'd become a repeat customer, then!
- Listen, Asuna. - Huh?
An Assault Team member like you wouldn't come to see me without a reason, right?
Yeah.
Actually, I came to ask you for a favor.
Tomorrow, I'll be taking on the Floor Five boss with a small party.
It's complicated, but we have to defeat the boss before the two big guilds can get to it.
So, right now, we're looking for help from some strong players.
To help clear this game... please!
Help me out, Mito!
It sounds serious.
It is.
Enough to sway the Assault Team's...
the future of this death game, "SAO."
Asuna, I'm not going with you.
But Why?
I'd put myself before the one I promised to keep safe.
That's the kind of player I am.
Who's to say that I wouldn't run off again, abandoning my comrades?
Mito!
Sorry. I don't ever want to betray anyone again.
Asuna, I'm glad that I got to see you today.
But I can't help you out.
Goodbye.
Mito! Duel me!
I'm not a novice relying on you for protection anymore!
Please. Please!
If I win this duel, come and raid the boss with me.
WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS DUEL REQUEST? OPPONENTI ASUNA TYPEI 1 VS. 1
And you'll leave once this is over, right'?
COMPLETE LOSS MODE FIRST STRIKE MODE HALF-LOSS MODE
What's the matter, Mito?
Aren't you going to attack me?
You're way too focused on defense, Asuna.
You need to attack more.
Hey! Ms. Tozawa, is that the game you were playing at the arcade?
Yeah.
They just released the smartphone port.
All this time, I've regretted it.
I'd like to see you over there, too.
If only I hadn't said those words that day...
I never would've gotten you trapped inside this cruel world.
But I...
He)', can I play with you?
You're as strong as ever, Mito.
Look how strong you are now, too.
I was playing for keeps, you know.
That's what made me play for keeps, too.
Now that you've beaten me, I can't ask you to join the Boss Raid anymore.
But Mito, you're...
Well, see you around, then.
Asuna?
Here.
To make up for the one that I broke in our duel.
Wait, did you make this?
It's just a simple design, since my crafting skills are still low.
No, no, it's gorgeous!
It's resistant to paralyzing and damaging poisons, too.
His,huh?
I can never fight on the front lines again.
Thanks for today.
It was great seeing you.
Who's there?
My bad.
I wasn't planning to hide, okay?
Asuna was late getting back, so I came to check on her.
Then you guys started dueling. So, I couldn't really show myself.
I think I remember you.
Oh, right. I never introduced myself, did I?
I'm Kirito. Asuna's my partner.
I know. Since you're so famous.
So, you were hiding because you were worried about Asuna?
Overprotective, much?
I guess I can't deny that.
And now you're going to ask me to join your Boss Raid, too?
No, that's not what I'm here for.
Uh... the thing is...
You see it, too, don't you?
If Asuna keeps growing as a player,
she could become way, way stronger.
Stronger than anyone on the Assault Team.
What if she does?
Eventually, she'll join a major guild,
and become one of the top players leading the charge to clear this death game.
But before that happens, she needs the support of everyone she's close to.
Like you and me.
That rapier of Asuna's was made from the Wind Fleuret that you gave her.
Even though the Wind Fleuret's specs got maxed out on Floor Three,
Asuna still wouldn't think of giving it up.
So, then I suggested that she convert the Fleuret into gold, and forge a new weapon out of it.
And that's how that rapier got made.
Why would she go to all that trouble?
I guess the sword you gave her must've been that important to her.
Asuna still sees you as an irreplaceable friend, even now.
See you.
I...
I don't like you.
DECEMBER 31, 2022 AINCRAD FLOOR FIVE - LABYRINTH
SHW AT A L“ EN
WOLFGANG LOBACCA NAB AN
ARGO AGIL
What is it?
Nothing.
There's only nine of us in this Boss Raid, but our odds of winning are good,
and I have no intention of giving up a single casualty.
To prevent the collapse of the Assault Team,
and to ensure the success of the countdown party Shivata and Liten planned for us...
let's all give it all we've got!
All right! Let's do this!
- Yeah! - Yeah!
AINCRAD FLOOR FIVE - LABYRINTH IN FRONT OF THE BOSS ROOM
Huh. So there's another corridor at the top of the steps?
Or is it the boss room itself?
It was different in the beta test?
Yeah.
Before, there was a door here,
and when you opened it, you were in the boss room.
Really? What kind of Floor Boss was it, then?
According to his profile, he's a gigantic golem, the Guardian of the Ruins.
But till now, all of the Floor Bosses have been modified in some way,
even if they looked the same as they did in the beta.
Oh, right, do you know anything about this boss?
Excuse me, did you forget that I'm an information broker?
S-Sorry!
MONEY
So, long story short, looks like the boss is still a golem,
just like he was in the beta.
There's a crest on his forehead, and that's his weak point.
Kind of sounds magical, huh?
Yeah. And it's no wonder that at this milestone level, the Floor Five Boss is especially fearsome.
Well, I guess you're just gonna have to see for yourselves.
R-Right. Okay, we're gonna assume that the boss room's gonna be right there.
I'll go on ahead and check it out.
Hold up. Let me handle this.
Could be that...
these stairs are a trap, rising up from the floor to block off the entrance.
Even if that happens, I can escape before it closes all the way.
Then let's go together.
That's non-negotiable!
Huh?
Guess I can live with that.
You guys, sorry to ask you this, but could you guard the stairs?
Sure.
Kirito?
Be careful.
Don't worry. I'll be back soon.
Wait... this is the boss room, right?
There aren't any stairs leading to Floor Six.
No signs of the boss materializing, either.
Hey!
We probably have to move around a little, or it won't pop.
Argo!
Whoa!
Argo!
Stay away!
Wow, I think I had a heart attack!
Right back at you!
Let's head back for now.
N-boy'. Down there'.!
Down, down!
What the heck? He's got two of them?
I think having two arms is pretty standard!
Hey, Ki-boy!
If he has two arms, then he must also have-
Here it comes!
Don't move!
Huh?
Now look down slowly.
O-Okay.
Both your feet and my feet are close, but not touching the blue lines by a hair, right'?
Meaning that if we step on these lines, it'll bring up those target circles,
and that's where those giant arms and legs will attack?
I think that's how it works.
So, if we move without stepping on these lines...
Hey, are you all right?
Oh, I thought the boss would've shown up by now.
Evade! Evade!
Asuna!
He's nothing like the beta... not even his name!
Whoa... whoa!
Looks like this boss attacks with those arms and legs that you just saw!
If you step on the blue lines on the floor, it'll bring up target circles!
I'm going to step on one on purpose, so get your sword skills ready to attack!
Sure thing!
Roger that!
Here goes!
That crest is his weak point!
When you see your chance, go for it!
Right!
Let's go!
The third one!
You guys! Look at the walls!
Hey... definitely not a pattern we've seen before!
Is it safe to keep this Boss Raid going?
You're right, I'm getting a bad feeling about this.
Everybody! Take shelter downstairs!
Roger that!
Everybody, this way!
Ki-boy!
His face... is gone?
Shiva!
The stairway...
...just turned into his mouth!
Agil! Try to attack that crest on his forehead!
It's no good. He has no crest!
Wait!
I get it now. The boss is the room itself.
I bet he's moved that crest somewhere inside this room.
We can't save them unless we smash it!
Damn it... where did that forehead crest g0?
Even if this whole room is the golem. .. give me a break!
This is really bad. If we don't do something, Aachan's gonna...
Asuna!
What's that?
I-Is there someone else?
Mito?
Hurry!
Now's your chance!
You guys!
I want you to step on the lines to bring out the arms and legs!
His weak point, the crest's gotta be in there somewhere!
Copy that!
We'll give it a shot!
Gotcha!
Mito.
I still can't forgive myself.
But...
I won't let you die, Asuna, no matter what!
No good! It's nowhere in sight!
Just one more time!
Foundifl
You're not getting away!
Damn it! Reach it.
Put your head down, Ki-boy!
Hit that target!
Asuna!
Any damage?
No.
I'm fine.
Is that right? Thank goodness.
Then... you can still fight, right?
Of course I can!
Come on, let's bring down that boss!
Okay!
So that's it.
How is it different from the beta?
His weak point was fixed on his forehead in the beta, but now the pattern's changed,
and it looks like it's moving all over his body!
There it is!
Don't do it! It's too far away!
Whoa, a follow-up attack?
She just might make it!
You guys, on my signal, stomp on the lines.
As soon as we spot the crest, I'll pummel it!
- Right! - We're counting on you!
Over here! Takeifl
Wh-What's going on?
F-Fall back!
That thing is huge.
Yeah. But now we can use our initial strategy to fight it!
We're gonna obliterate that final bar!
Right!
Now! Charge!
Switch!
Ki-boy, looks like that crest's not moving anymore!
Gotcha!
Asuna!
Right!
The crest on his forehead!
Right!
Mito!
Asuna! Kirito!
Finish him off in style!
You got it!
Don't mind if I do!
It's all over...
...for you now!
We did it!
- We did it! - We did it!
H"Hey!
Good job, Kirito.
Yeah!
Whoever got the Guild Flag drop, let us know, okay?
Hey. Anybody?
Kirito?
It's not in my inventory, either!
Is this the flag you're talking about?
That's it!
Are you sure?
Yes. I have no use for it.
Mito.
Asuna.
Thank you for coming.
Sure.
Let's do this again sometime?
Yeah... I mean, that's really tempting and all.
But the thing is, I want to find it, too.
My way of life in this world.
Mito.
I mean, that's one of the best parts of this world, right'?
You're right about that.
I know you can do it, Mito. For sure!
Yeah.
I'm gonna work at it.
Really work at it.
So, summon me again when I do.
I'll come running to you, Asuna, no matter what.
Right! I'm really counting on you.
Okay, see you.
See you, Mito.
ALS should be showing up any minute now.
Are you sure you didn't want to head to Floor Six with the others?
It's not like I'm in any hurry.
I'm happy to keep you company.
What?
Thanks.
Huh.
In any case...
since I know for a fact that you defeated the boss,
I guess it won't kill me to say, "Good work!"
Blackie, what did you do with the Boss's drop item?
Yeah, we know he dropped that Guild Flag!
Yeah. It dropped, all right.
This is that flag.
It's called the Flag of Valor.
You probably already know its effect.
Huh! Leave it to the renowned Beater himself. You made sure you got your hands on it, huh'?
So, what are you gonna do with it? You're not even in a guild.
It's not like I have no intention of handing this over to you guys.
But only under two conditions.
Did you say conditions?
What are they? Let's hear them.
On paper it's two, but as long as one of them is cleared, I'll be satisfied.
First of all, if the same item drops again in the future,
ALS will take ownership of one, and DKB the other.
So, whichever guild doesn't have a flag at the time gets this one, no questions asked.
And the second one?
That will come into play if ALS and DKB merge, forming a new guild.
If that happens, I'll hand it over on the spot.
No way is that ever gonna happen!
Merge with those guys who act like they're better than us?
You've got to be kidding!
Go ahead and ask them!
They're just gonna tell you that you're crazy!
- And how long do we have to wait till another flag drops? - We'd just be wasting our time till it drops!
Kirito.
Sorry, but I'm not changing these terms.
Damn it!
I... I know what's really going on!
These guys never had any intention of handing over that flag!
Making us jump through impossible hoops,
when they're only gonna swipe the flag and create a guild of their own!
- That's not true! - Hey, you serious?
- We are not- - They're gonna keep it for themselves?
I always knew they'd pull something like that.
We don't have to sit here and listen to their garbage.
Kibaou! It's just the two of them!
There are plenty of ways that we can take the flag back!
You talking about brute force, Joe?
That's right!
We've got a whole force. We can take care of those two lonely fools-
You idiot!
I don't care how valuable the items are.
If we start menacing our fellow players at sword point to get them, we're no better than a bunch of criminals!
Think hard again why ALS exists in the first place!
Sorry you had to witness that crap.
Those conditions of yours... the same goes for DKB, then?
Yeah. Of course it does.
In that case, we'll leave the flag with you for now.
To be honest, I don't really see a merger in the works.
All right, we're taking off!
Hey, the Teleport Gate to the main town on Floor Six has already been activated,
so if you're heading back to Karluin, that way would be quicker.
Is that right?
Hey, thanks, "Kirito."
Jeez, so once again Blackie makes off with the prize?
Not even in a guild, and he robs us of that rare item!
How sneaky is that?
It's not like we're not putting in the work, too!
If all he cares about is himself, then he should clear the game alone!
Nice work, Asuna. We should rest a while, then...
A-Asuna?
Why...
Why?
Why do you have to go through all this?
For the Assault Team...
For everybody trapped inside this world...
you risk your life battling...
And even though you were the one who kept the guilds from collapsing,
those people keep clinging to their cliques, doing as they please...
feuding without a second thought...
That's who you've been fighting for, until you're battered and bruised...
but all they do is bad-mouth you.
This is so wrong.
It's so wrong.
I'm telling you, it's totally wrong!
Asuna...
It was always my own choice.
I'm the one who chose not to join a guild.
I'm not fighting because I want everyone to acknowledge me, or shower me with praise.
As long as I can keep myself, and the people near me safe,
nothing else matters to me.
It's all...
So I can survive in this world.
That's why...
I have no right to be acknowledged by anyone...
Or to earn anyone's praise.
You don't have to cry for me-
I'll be the one to decide who I cry for!
Then let me shower some praise on you, Kirito.
If there's anything I can do for you...
Just say the word.
It's enough to hear you say those words.
It's not like you have to do anything for me.
Okay, then, have a seat there!
Thanks.
Five, four,
three, two, one...
Zero!
- Happy New Year! - Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Kirito!
Happy New Year!
I still can't believe they got hold of fireworks.
Where were they selling them?
I hear that you can buy them at a gear shop in a corner of the Town of Beginnings.
Apparently it was Liten who found them.
Really?
Then we can use those fireworks against mon-
Sorry, but we can only use them in the safe zone.
Oh, is that right?
2023, huh?
It's still kind of hard to believe that two months have already gone by.
Yeah. When I shut myself into my room in the Town of Beginnings, every day felt so long.
But now it's like each day goes by in a flash.
You know what? After I left the Town of Beginnings,
and before I met you, I thought that I could just treat my weapons as disposable.
I'd buy the same one over and over,
and I never enhanced them, or had them serviced.
Once the blade got dull, I'd toss them onto the floor of some dungeon.
But that was who I was in the past.
But then Mito gave me the Wind Fleuret,
and thanks to you, I had it reforged into the one I'm using now.
And after all the battles I've been through,
I've started to realize something, little by little.
That I should look out for myself more.
And so I want you to look out for yourself, too, Kirito.
Okay.
Hey, I'm gonna go down and get a new bottle and something to eat.
Oh, then I'm coming with you!
Watch your step, okay?
Sure.
What is it?
Huh'? Oh, it's nothing.
Is something the matter?
Oh, no, it's nothing.
Then let's get going.
Okay.
It's... showtime!
Who are you?
Whoa, whoa, stay still, now.
Move, and my knife will slash your girl.
We're in a safe zone.
Your threats mean nothing here.
Listen to you. Get a grip, will you, Blackie?
The safe zone ends at that front lawn. This is part of the dungeon.
What-
How much damage can you do with a knife?
Ha! Aren't we feisty?
But what if I told you that I'd dipped this blade into Level 5 paralyzing and damaging poisons?
Why are you doing this?
Isn't it obvious, bro? Because it's entertaining!
Enter... taining?
Yeah. I want to have a good time.
Might as well, on this big stage, right?
I want to set it up good so it'll be a blast!
All right, I wouldn't want any intruders to butt in.
We're heading someplace else.
How do the catacombs sound to you?
Fine by me.
Asuna?
Kirito!
Gotcha!
Another time, Blackie! Fencer!
It wasn't dipped in poison.
Just as we suspected, he was lying.
What were you thinking just now?
If we were really out of the safe zone here,
he wouldn't have bothered to change locations.
He'd have stabbed us on the spot.
But what if you had it wrong?
It would've been fine.
Because I have this.
CREATED BYI MITO NEUTRALIZES LEVEL 5 DAMAGING POISON AND LEVEL 5 PARALYZING POISON (ONE CHARGE REMAINING)
Whoa!
No way.
Is this for real... Asuna?
Thanks, Mito.
Anyway, I'm so glad we both survived!
I think we should get away from here to be safe-
Kirito, that guy just now...
He must've attacked us to steal the Guild Flag, don't you think?
I heard what he said.
"Big stage," and "1 want to set it up good so it'll be a blast."
Do you think he was talking about making the two big guilds, ALS and DKB, kill each other off?
If he was, isn't it too soon?
No one knows about us but...
Making us jump through impossible hoops-
One of my guys got hold of some really juicy intel.
What did that Morte guy mean when he said that he wanted Kibaou's guild and Lind's guild to kill each other off?
No way! A PK group?
Morte's comrades?
Yes, I think that's a good bet.
They probably know everything we know.
One of these days, this world will be all about player-killing,
and clearing the game will just fall by the wayside.
True, that could really happen.
So, it's all the more crucial that we keep the flag from falling into their hands.
If we end up having to fight...
I've got some knowledge of the PK-ers' methods, and I've been in tons of duels since the beta days.
Then I'll fight, too.
What? That's not what I meant.
No, I've made up my mind.
From here on in, I'm not going to let you take on all the dangerous jobs alone.
And besides, I'm your partner, remember'?
I'm going to support you, just like you rescued me in the catacombs.
Right, you and I are partners.
I'm counting on you!
Right.
Let's go, Kirito.
Okay, Asuna.
Somehow you and I are still lying here
Like we can never get enough of gazing at the sky
When was the last time that we stood up?
Far, far away, someone is calling us
Far off in the distance
Hurry-take flight right now with the intuition from your heart
All my troubles shattering before your cheers
Farther, higher and higher Boldly looking straight up
Towards the tomorrow that no one else can see
Why do I feel it again, outside my body
This heartbeat that puts me on edge
Looks like we can still fly-see?
I tore my heart in two to make them look like wings
I believe
Hurry-listen to your imaginary heartbeat singing
Hurry-I'm devastated and feel like I'm going to disappear
Be strong and go higher Boldly flapping your wings
Towards the tomorrow that no one else can see
I used to walk this path alone
And that should've been enough for me
But now there are two sounds instead of one
Hurry-take flight right now with the intuition from your heart
Higher in the sky with you, soaring past that sun
Farther, higher and higher Boldly looking straight up
The two of us are heading beyond the clouds