—"I'm curious..."
Said Kirito, leaning forward.
"How is it possible for a being born virtually to have the ability to provide android bodies in the outside world?"
—"..."
—"..."
—"..."
The three women looked at him.
It was not a look of disdain, but one of surprise and incomprehension. As if he had just asked something that any child in this world would know the answer to.
Shiratsuki was the first to speak, a hint of doubt in her voice.
—"It's... It's strange that you don't know, Kirito."
—"Why do you say that?"
Kirito asked without changing his expression.
—"Because it's common sense. It's something recognized worldwide — her red eyes narrowed —. It seems like you've been completely disconnected from the world. Both the virtual and the outside."
—"..."
Kirito didn't respond immediately. The three watched him with a curiosity that was no longer professional, but personal. They wanted to know. But they also knew he wouldn't tell them.
**Tck—shhhh**
Crossing his arms, he put on a face that communicated it was complicated to say, but he opened his mouth and said:
—"I have some reasons... or circumstances... that blocked me from knowing what happens outside... It's like you said, Shiratsuki."
He looked at her with intensity and seriousness before continuing:
—"So yes... yes, I was disconnected from the virtual world and the outside for a time... And let's say that's all I can say for now..."
It was enough for them to understand he wasn't going to add more, with a small smile expressing that.
Shiratsuki stared at him and couldn't see a lie in either his eyes or his tone. Certainly, she wanted to know more about him.
—"..."
She opened her mouth as if to insist, but immediately shook her head and simply said.
—"I see..."
Kirito smiled a bit more as he said:
—"Thank you for understanding, Shiratsuki..."
Shiratsuki just turned her gaze aside in a show of protest, but he left her alone.
Marina, seeing this, just nodded slowly and resumed speaking.
—"Well, getting back to the topic to summarize, it's simple." She placed her hands on the desk —. "As you see, racism exists between flesh-and-blood beings — humans — and us, the beings of these virtual worlds. They call us Fluctlights."
—"Yes."
Kirito nodded.
—"We don't trust each other much, to put it mildly. So we need to do business in the outside world. And the best way to do that is with other beings who are like us."
Kirito moved his right hand and asked:
—"So, what better than you yourselves to create your own bodies? Right?…"
—"Exactly. Of course, certain laws had to be approved in the past for us to have independence. That's why now we can move freely in the outside... within certain limits. And at the same time, we sell these bodies."
Marina paused.
—"Although they aren't very popular with some people. There are those who consider going to the outside a waste of time. But to maintain a certain... friendship, it's necessary to do so."
Kirito nodded.
—"I understand now..."
Just two words. But inside, his second line of thought was already working, filling in the gaps that Marina hadn't mentioned.
{—"In other words: racism doesn't just exist in here. It exists outside too. Humans distrust Fluctlights. Fluctlights distrust humans. So they created their own bodies to not depend on humans in the outside. It's a matter of autonomy... and survival."}
(—"And Marina is one of the providers. That means she has contacts, resources, power. More than she appears to.")
{—"Exactly. And if I can get a body through her, I won't just gain mobility in the outside. I'll gain an ally with influence in both worlds."}
...
Kirito let the silence stretch for a moment. Then he looked up at Marina.
—"And you also sell to humans who need it... despite the existing racism?"
Marina nodded.
—"Of course."
**Tsss—fzzz**
She paused and brought a finger to her temple, as if the topic caused her chronic annoyance.
—"Although, to be honest, in my personal case I've tried to dispel a bit of this annoying struggle..."
She extended her hands with palms up in a gesture of openness.
—"But sadly, very few humans trust us."
She raised a finger, stopping any objection before it could be made.
—"And don't get me wrong: while racism exists, not all of us have it. Just as not all humans have it. But it's complicated... on both sides."
Kirito saw the pause. And he took it.
—"So love can exist, right?"
He raised his hand to clarify.
—"I mean, can they get married? And have children? Even if it's in the virtual world. Or am I wrong?"
Marina stood still for a moment. Then, a different smile appeared on her lips. It was a mischievous, almost playful smile as she brought a finger to her lower lip.
—"Of course. Love transcends even the biggest problems. From one world... or both."
—"..."
**Tck—shhhh**
Kirito nodded. But something brushed his attention.
A minimal movement. Just a change in posture at the edge of his field of vision.
Coral, standing in her corner, had tensed her face in a complicated expression, difficult to decipher. And her aquamarine eyes shifted for a moment — just a moment — towards Shiratsuki.
Kirito caught it.
{—"Coral just looked at Shiratsuki. It wasn't a casual glance. It was a look of verification. As if the topic of love between species had made her think of her."}
(—"And why would she think of Shiratsuki...?")
His eyes turned towards the woman seated beside him.
Shiratsuki hadn't moved. She remained on the couch, back straight and gaze forward. But her expression had changed.
It was a small smile. A smile that was two things at once: happy and sad. Like someone remembering something beautiful that is no longer there. Like someone who knows that certain questions have answers that hurt.
**Krrrk**
Her hands, resting on her thighs, pressed against each other with a force meant to be unseen.
The faint sound of her gloves tightening was barely audible. But Kirito heard it.
Shiratsuki felt his gaze. She turned, saw him watching her, and her red eyes widened for a moment in surprise. She immediately turned her face to the side, averting her face as if she wanted to hide a story she wasn't ready to tell.
{—"Shiratsuki has reacted. And it's not a casual reaction. It's personal. Very personal."}
(—"I know...")
Kirito said nothing. But his mind was already working.
{—"I asked that question out of curiosity. But I just found a possible answer. Inter-species love exists. And if it exists, there are children. Half-breeds. Half human, half Fluctlights."}
(—"Like her. Half-elf. Human dominant blood. Human mother, perhaps. Or father. And if so...")
{—"That would mean her parents suffered the consequences of that love. And so did she. She's not just a level 150 warrior. She's the living proof that both worlds can unite. And that, in a world of racism, is a heavy burden to carry."}
(—"It's not just a supposition...")
{—"No. It's a reasonable certainty. I don't need to see it to know. The way she tightens her hands... the way she turned her face away... There's a story there. And that story has to do with what you just asked."}
Kirito turned his gaze away from Shiratsuki to not make her uncomfortable and returned it to Marina, who had silently observed the exchange with a difficult-to-decipher expression.
—"That answers another of my doubts" —said Kirito, resuming the conversation as if nothing had happened.
**Fzzz—shhhh**
—"I'm glad." Marina leaned back in her throne —. "But I think you didn't come all this way to talk about that. Let's continue with what interests you."
—"That's true" —Kirito conceded, returning to the topic—. "I'd like to know what body models you have."
—"As I just told you, with the money you can earn from selling the skill — and that I can give you — you can buy at least the most basic model."
Kirito noticed the subtle emphasis on "and that I can give you." Marina didn't miss an opportunity to remind him why it was beneficial for her to sell to him.
—"And then?"
—"Then there's the Standard. Then the Modern. Then the Professional. And then the Expert." She paused—. "Although there's another much higher category. But we'll talk about that later, if necessary."
**Tck—hummm**
Kirito leaned forward.
—"And what are their differences?"
**Plin—shhhh**
Marina raised one finger.
—"The Basic is the simplest. It allows you to walk, move, jog... but barely run. Its joints are stiff, the battery drains quickly if you push too hard, and the senses are very limited. You can hear, see, and touch, but everything feels muted, as if you were wrapped in a layer of cotton. You can't taste anything, you can hardly smell. Essentially, it's transportation. A vehicle in human form. It takes you from point A to point B and little more. Its price is one million yen: one hundred Gold, or a single Platinum Neuron, however you want to see it."
**Plin—shhhh**
She raised a second finger.
—"The Standard is a bit more complete. It allows the same, but in better condition. The joints are more flexible, the battery lasts longer, and the sensitivity improves quite a bit. You could say it's closer to a normal human body in terms of touch, vision, and hearing. But it can't eat. It doesn't have a simulated digestive system, so introducing food would be useless and even dangerous for its circuits. It also can't really sleep: it only has a rest mode to save energy. It costs five million yen: five hundred Gold, or five Platinum. For someone who just needs to move and doesn't care about the pleasures of life, it's enough."
**Plin—shhhh**
She raised a third finger.
—"The Modern goes up to another category. With this, you can really eat. It has a simulated digestive system that processes food and converts it into energy, so technically you can also nourish yourself like a human. Doing your business is also possible. Agility is much more capable and flexible than in the previous ones. You can run without problems, jump, turn. It's a more complete life. Although it still doesn't have access to the network without an external device. But you can sleep. Its price is twelve million yen: one thousand two hundred Gold, or twelve Platinum."
**Plin—shhhh**
She raised a fourth finger.
—"The Professional goes further. You can sleep. For real. Close your eyes and rest, because its simulated nervous system is complex enough to need sleep cycles. But unlike the previous model, time inside sleep is accelerated: you sleep fewer hours with a much deeper and more pleasant rest. It also allows you to connect to the internet without needing an external device. Processing speed is superior. And the battery autonomy is much greater. It costs thirty million yen: three thousand Gold, or thirty Platinum. It's a body designed for someone who wants to live, not just exist."
**Plin—shhhh**
She raised a fifth finger, and her smile widened.
—"The Expert transcends much further. It gives you practically human superiority. Besides all the basic needs — eating, sleeping, feeling — flexibility and speed exceed the others by a lot. It has enhanced reflexes, improved endurance, and you can request authorization for self-defense with internal weapons integrated into the forearms or palms. They're not weapons of war, but they're deterrent enough to protect you. It also includes night vision, optical zoom, and other categories that benefit the user. Its price is eighty million yen: eight thousand Gold, or eighty Platinum. It's the most expensive of all civilian models. A luxury that very few can afford."
Kirito nodded slowly.
—"I see..."
But his mind was already working at full speed.
{—"Five civilian models. From Basic to Expert. The cheapest costs a Platinum. The most expensive, eighty. And then there's the Military, whose price surely approaches Crystal."}
(—"A Basic would be enough to move. But I couldn't eat. Nor feel. Nor sleep."
{—"I'd be a ghost in a shell. If I'm going to return to the outside world, I need more than just transportation."}
(—"I understand...")
Kirito looked up at Marina.
—"They're interesting. But, out of simple curiosity... what's the other category? The one you haven't named."
—"..."
Marina was silent for a moment. Her sea-like eyes sparkled with a different glint.
—"That... is another story."
—"I'd like to hear it."
—"They are the Military Armament Bodies."
Her voice dropped, as if she were speaking of something she shouldn't.
—"I don't have official reports, just unconfirmed data. But we're talking about bodies used for war, espionage, and movements that transcend the superhuman. Brutal strength. Absolute stealth. Electronic concealment. Practically, it's a body made to kill and for war. Besides all the previous benefits."
**Fzzz—tck**
He paused and leaned forward.
—"And unlike other civilian models, this one can't be noticed at a glance. The others are required by law to have a visible mark on their ear, a small metallic circle, so anyone knows they're talking to an android and not a human. It's a measure of transparency. But the military... they don't have that mark. They are completely indistinguishable. No one knows if you are human or not. And that makes them perfect for what they were designed for."
Kirito lowered his head and reflected in silence.
{—"A military body. No mark. Undetectable. Superhuman strength. Absolute stealth. That would give us an absolute tactical advantage outside. But the cost must be astronomical. And acquiring one must require contacts we don't have. It's not just money: it's access."}
(—"But I believe I don't need it...")
Kirito looked up.
—"I understand. Thank you for this information, Marina."
—"You're welcome." Marina smiled elegantly—. "Now tell me, which one are you interested in?"
Kirito let out a brief laugh.
—"Well, if we're talking about interest... I would like the Military model."
—"Ha, ha..."
A small laugh escaped Marina's lips. Shiratsuki also smiled. Even Coral, from her corner, let out a amused snort. It was the laugh of someone who understands the joke.
—"But I know that's impossible..." —Kirito continued, looking down at his hands—. "And as for the other models... I can't afford that luxury either. At most, the Basic..."
Marina interrupted him before he finished.
—"Even though I offered which one you prefer, don't take it lightly. Don't think it's unattainable." Her sea-blue eyes fixed on him—. "I am willing to invest in you. If you have the potential I believe you have, and can create skills like this... then I could give you credit. And at the very least, I could give you the Professional."
Kirito smiled. It was a genuine smile of gratitude, but there was something more in it.
—"I appreciate that, Marina. Truly."
**Krrr—tsss**
He lowered his head for a moment. His hand clenched into a fist on his thigh.
—"But I don't like to be in debt to anyone. I don't know what will become of me in this world... and the last thing I want is to owe others."
He raised his head and looked at them. His expression was firm.
—"I will simply do it my way..."
—"!..."
—"!..."
—"!..."
The three women fell silent, shocked by the rejection of such an opportunity.
Shiratsuki watched him from her chair. That smile Kirito had just shown... looked joyful.
But she, who could recognize wounds because she had them too, noticed something else. A loneliness. A sadness that wasn't entirely hidden.
As if those words were not just a beginning, but the echo of someone who had already carried debts in the past and didn't want to do so again.
**Plin—hummm**
Marina clasped her hands on the desk and nodded slowly, with a small sigh from her.
—"I understand. So you want the Basic."
—"Yes..."
—"Alright. We will do it your way."
—"Thank you." Kirito looked at her—. "But don't think I don't consider you someone to trust. I just want to prove to you that I am someone to trust. Not just with words... or simply because you feel that way." He paused—. "I believe actions speak louder than words."
Marina smiled. Shiratsuki did too. Coral nodded in silence.
**Fuumm—tck**
—"Very well," —said Marina, leaning back in her throne.
**Thump**
Shiratsuki patted Kirito on the shoulder. It wasn't rough. It was almost friendly.
—"Then there's just one thing left."
Kirito turned towards her.
Shiratsuki's red eyes sparkled with a glimmer of anticipation.
—"Who do you wish to sell it to?"
**Shhhh—plin**
—"That's true," —said Kirito, scratching his cheek—. "They've made it very difficult for me. But I have a certain idea..."
His gaze flickered between Marina and Shiratsuki.
—"That said, don't get angry with me, okay? You know I can't choose both; however, I promise it will be worth it for the one I don't choose."
Marina and Shiratsuki exchanged a glance. Coral, from her corner, also raised her eyebrows in curiosity. The more she got to know this Human, the more mysterious he became.
—"Alright..." —Marina said—. "We promise we won't get angry."
Shiratsuki nodded.
—"I promise too..."
—"Haaah..."
**Zzzap**
Kirito took a breath. Then he raised his hand and pointed.
—"I choose you. Shiratsuki."
—"Me...?"
—"Yes. And I will do it because you helped me get here. I wouldn't be in front of Marina if it weren't for your help."
Then he turned his head towards Coral.
—"And don't feel bad, Coral. Remember that I've forgiven you. Sometimes things happen in a way one least expects. And perhaps your way of acting... made her notice me and act in my favor. So in a way, I owe this to you too."
—"!..."
**Tink—shhhh**
Coral's eyes widened and she put a hand over her chest, not knowing what to say.
Finally, Kirito turned to Marina.
—"Marina. Although you said you wouldn't get angry... I know it's not easy."
Marina forced a smile.
—"I understand. But... are you sure you want to choose her?"
—"Yes. I choose her."
He said without hesitation.
—"Haaaaah..."
**Fzzz—tsss**
Marina put a finger to her temple and sighed.
—"Alright. I promised I wouldn't get angry. But... Haaah" She leaned back in her throne—. "I will accept. I expect a pleasant surprise, as you promised."
—"I will do that." Kirito nodded—. "So how do we proceed?"
—"Place the card in front of the seller. That is, in front of her."
**Zing—shhhh**
Marina threw him the golden card. She did so with some resistance, as if it still hurt her to part with it. But Kirito caught it in mid-air with two fingers, effortlessly.
—"Alright. So I just point it at her."
—"Exactly. The rest will be quite easy."
—"It would be better for you to stand up," —said Shiratsuki, getting to her feet—. "Let's do it right."
**Tsss—hummm**
Both stood up and placed themselves facing each other. Kirito held the golden card high.
[—"Do you wish to sell the skill 'Lip Reading' to the user Shiratsuki?"]
—"Yes."
**Fzzzap—plin**
Immediately, a field appeared before him to enter the amount.
Kirito raised his hand to type.
—"One hundred forty..."
—"One hundred fifty."
Kirito stopped and looked at her.
—"One hundred fifty?"
—"Yes. I know it's worth more. I want you to have an extra."
Kirito's eyes widened a little more, but he didn't argue. A grateful smile appeared on his lips.
—"Thank you..."
He typed the amount: 150₦ of Gold. Confirmed the sale.
**Tssss**
In front of Shiratsuki appeared a new panel.
[—"Do you wish to buy the skill 'Lip Reading' for 150₦ of Gold from the user Kirito?"]
—"Yes."
**Fzzzz—click**
[—"Transferring 150 Gold Coins to the account of Kirigaya Kazuto. Current balance: 150₦ of Gold and 18₦ of Copper."]
The golden card began to shine in Kirito's hand, ready to transfer.
But then...
**Krunk**
**Krrrn—flash**
A blink. A black heartbeat.
**Fzzz—tsss**
The golden light flickered. For a fraction of a second, the card turned completely black before the eyes of the three women.
**Zing—shhhhh**
And then, the golden glow leaped from the card to Shiratsuki, coursing through her hand, her arm, her shoulder, until it crashed into her brain.
**Zzzap—hummm**
Her red eyes shone with overwhelming intensity, much more than when she tested it. A flush rose to her cheeks.
Perfect knowledge flowing within her, as if it had always been there.
—"I have it..." —she whispered.
But Marina wasn't looking at her.
Neither was Coral.
Both had their eyes fixed on the card. Or what was left of it.
—"Black..." —Marina murmured, her mouth agape—. "Why is it...?"
—"EX..." —Coral completed, her hands over her lips.
**Krrrn—tsss**
The card was no longer golden. It was black.
Fuumm—zzzap
Black as the void between stars.
**Shhhh—krrrk**
From its surface escaped beams of intense blue, like lightning trapped in liquid crystal.
**Zzzap—hummm**
It wasn't light that illuminated. It was light that devoured.
Shiratsuki looked down at the card and paled.
—"What...?!"
**Fzzzz—BOOM**
The card exploded in an expansion of black and blue light that filled the room for a moment.
**Zing—flash**
And then, as if rewinding, all that energy returned to Kirito.
**Fuumm—krrrk**
The knowledge returned to him. But not as before. Not as a sold skill. It was more intense. Deeper. As if the sale had purified it and returned it multiplied.
**Tremmm—shhhhh**
The light coursed through his entire body. His veins marked under his skin. His sapphire eyes shone with an intensity that covered even the whites, as if he were in a trance.
**Plin—hummm**
And then, the system's voice resonated in his ears.
[—"You have leveled up."]
[—"You have leveled up."]
[—"You have leveled up."]
[—"You have leveled up."]
**Doom. Doom. Doom.**
[—"Level 20 reached. Congratulations for being the first human to have sold a perfect golden skill."]
[—"You are awarded the title: 'The First of Many'. It will now be much easier for you to receive rewards and experience beyond your race. For being the origin and the first of all."]
The three women heard it. The system had spoken loudly, as if it wanted them to be witnesses.
Kirito blinked. His eyes returned to normal. His body relaxed.
—"Haaaah..."
And Shiratsuki, with her voice still trembling, said what they all thought:
—"No... It shouldn't have been black..."
**Pumn**
Kirito clenched both fists.
**Fwoosssssh**
A dense air blew around him, as if his body had just released a wave of pressure. He was still far from the strength he had in Underworld. Very far. But he could feel it. It was an echo. A whisper. But it was there.
—"..."
**Tck—tck—shhhh**
The system was showing him notifications in his field of vision: skill points, attributes, new capabilities.
Apparently, each level allowed him to raise ten points.
But when he passed every ten levels, he received twenty.
It was a bonus for milestones.
{—"Level 20. Base attributes increased. Skills unlocked. But the most important thing is the title: 'The First of Many'. That will change the rules."}
(—"More points mean more capacity to improve. I will be able to match others above my..." )
But then he stopped. Something clicked in his mind.
(—Leveling up is not just a matter of combat experience. Knowledge also counts. And more than counting... it is rewarded.)
{—"Exactly. This is a world where knowledge can be absorbed easily. It's no surprise the system rewards those who take risks and sell high-value skills."}
(—"Like the one I just sold. A Perfect skill, sold by a level one Human...")
But before he could focus more on his state, a voice brought him back to the present.
—"Kirito..."
Marina had risen from her throne and was walking towards him. Her sea-like eyes were wider than ever.
—"My eyes do not lie... Or am I mistaken?"
Kirito looked at her and nodded.
—"No. They don't lie. It was black."
{—"It was inevitable that they would know. The transformation was visible to all. The EX is no longer a secret."}
(—"It doesn't matter. They know. And if they are going to be my allies, they deserve to know.")
—"EX..." —murmured Coral, shaking her head in disbelief, still with her hands over her mouth—. "It's one level above Perfect..."
Marina stopped in front of Kirito.
—"Check your status. Check the skill... Please..."
—"Sure..."
Kirito complied. He opened his panel and read.
[—"Lip Reading. Rarity: EX (Black). Mastery: Perfect (200%). Status: Unique. Additional effect: Intent Perception (Light). Allows detection, through observation of the eyes and micro-facial gestures, if a person is lying, hiding something, or acting with ulterior motives. Only provides a general impression of the emotional state and sincerity of the interlocutor."]
[—"Note: As it is EX, this skill can never be sold. If you wish to share your knowledge, you must wait a whole year. It can only be sold in Perfect state. The EX state is non-transferable."]
Kirito read the additional effect and his eyes widened a bit more.
{—"Intent Perception. This is new. It wasn't in the Perfect version."}
(—"No. It's an evolution. The skill not only reads lips now. It also reads eyes. Microgestures. Intentions.")
{—"It's not mind reading. But it's a huge tactical advantage. We'll be able to detect lies, traps, ambushes. I'll know if someone is negotiating in good faith or hiding something..."}
(—"And combined with my new analytical ability...")
{—"Along with what I intuit. It will be hard for someone to deceive me."}
Kirito lowered the panel and explained aloud.
—"It says it will never be able to be resold. It's unique. Even after the three-month block... I will never be able to sell it to another person. I can only sell it if it were in Perfect state. But the EX is non-transferable."
—"It seems that the sale made the skill transcend a bit more." He paused.
The three women looked at him.
—"So..." —Shiratsuki said slowly— "...the skill is in its highest state. And besides, you don't have the limitations of other users. When someone sells a skill, it weakens. But you..."
—"No. Not me." Kirito shook his head—. "I have it intact. As if I had never sold it."
**Tsss—fzzz**
Marina put a hand to her forehead and leaned on the desk.
—"We wanted to surprise you with the level up. We thought you would reach level ten at most. But it seems we are the ones who have been surprised..."
But Kirito raised his hand to stop her and said seriously.
—"I'm not done yet..."
—"Is there more?"
Shiratsuki couldn't help but say.
He nodded.
—"Yes... I've gained something new."
**Krrrk—tck**
Marina leaned forward.
—"What is it?"
—"Now I can also read intentions. Lightly. Through the eyes and gestures. It's not mind reading. But I can know if someone is lying... or hiding something."
—"!..."
—"!..."
—"!..."
The three women fell silent.
Shiratsuki was the first to react.
—"You can read... intentions?"
—"Just a little..."
**Tremmm—shhhh**
—"You're really a surprise, Kirito..." —added Shiratsuki, clenching her hands.
—"He just says it's a little?"
Marina, still in shock, turned her head towards Shiratsuki.
—"And you, what did you gain from the skill? Do you feel anything strange?"
**Plin—tck**
Shiratsuki looked at her hands. She opened and closed them.
—"The perfect skill... was instantaneous. As we thought. I didn't have to spend hours or a whole day learning it. It was as if it had always been mine."
**Fzzz—shhhh**
She rubbed her head, still incredulous.
**Krrrn—hummm**
Marina bit a nail.
—"It should have been me... But well. What's done is done." She shook her head and visibly regained her professional posture—. "Well. Back to the topic."
She turned to Kirito.
—"You promised me that the one who didn't get the skill would receive another surprise. And before that: congratulations on reaching level twenty. I thought you would reach level ten. But because of your extraordinary ability, you achieved double."
—"Thank you... I understand." Kirito nodded—. "But for that... you're going to have to promise me something."
His expression became serious as he sat in the armchair. The three women watched him. The air in the room changed.
—"What is it?" —Marina asked.
Kirito looked at each of them.
—"..."
—"Is there a kind of contract that prevents something that is spoken from being kept secret? Something that cannot be disclosed."
—"..."
—"..."
—"..."
The three women stared at him. The question had been direct and loaded with a seriousness that allowed no jokes. Whatever Kirito was going to say next, he didn't want anyone else to know. For even the slightest reason.
Marina lowered her gaze to the desk. Then she nodded slowly.
—"Yes. There is one. It's a contract that, according to those involved, can be used to prevent high secrets from leaking. And you can involve as many people as you want."
**Zzzap—flash**
Without waiting another second, she waved her hand with a thought and a faint light burst from her inventory.
**Tink—shhhhh**
A crystal-clear, translucent paper appeared on the desk, like a sheet of thin ice.
It was completely blank.
—"This is one. It's expensive, but... seeing everything you've shown me, if you think it's something important, I'm willing to sacrifice it to keep the secret."
She raised a finger before Kirito could thank her.
—"But I'm going to put a security condition."
A sly smile formed on her lips.
—"If the secret is not important enough, a clause will be written that will automatically abolish it and will not affect those involved. Does that sound good to you?"
Kirito nodded.
—"Yes. That seems fair..."
—"Very well." Marina paused and looked at him intently—. "Oh, and before I forget: this contract has a cost. But you will only have to pay it if it's abolished. If the secret is as important as you believe and the contract holds, it won't cost you anything. Do you understand?"
Kirito didn't blink.
—"I understand."
—"Don't you want to know the price? Just in case..."
—"I don't need to know. Because I don't think it will be abolished."
Marina raised an eyebrow and smiled approvingly, putting a finger to her lower lip.
—"Wow... You have a lot of confidence in what you're going to show."
Kirito smiled with a certain mystery before saying:
—"You can see it that way..."
—"..."
—"..."
Both Shiratsuki and Coral found it increasingly difficult to understand this human and where he had come from.
—"Well. Then let's continue."
Shiratsuki stepped forward.
—"I'll stay. And I'll form the contract with him. From what I've seen... it wouldn't make sense to leave now. It would be very stupid of me."
Marina nodded.
—"That's what I thought..."
Then both turned to Coral.
—"!..."
Coral, still standing in her corner, jumped at feeling observed. Her ear fins trembled. Her face was tinged with contained sadness and she nodded in resignation.
—"Well... I'll leave."
**Tck—tck—tck**
She started walking towards the door. Her steps were silent, as if she didn't want to disturb.
But then she heard the voice.
—"Wait..."
Coral's fins perked up. She turned.
—"Do you want anything else...?"
Kirito smiled at her.
—"Stay. I want to involve you in this as well."
Coral's eyes widened. Marina and Shiratsuki were also surprised.
—"And why would you do this...?" —asked Coral, incredulous.
—"Because I need someone like you. You've seen many things in here. You know the rhythm of this place. And besides..." Kirito paused—. "...I would like you to be the one who attends to me while I return from my adventures. That way, you will be the intermediary between me and Marina."
He turned to Coral's boss.
—"Marina. What do you think would happen if I constantly went directly to you? Wouldn't it be suspicious?"
**Plin—tsss**
Marina put a hand to her chin.
—"It's inevitable that people will notice the preferential treatment. But the fewer suspicions there are, the better. It will prevent the secret from coming to light too soon."
—"Exactly."
Marina contemplated for a moment and then nodded.
—"Alright. I accept." She turned to Coral—. "Coral, stay. Get involved in this matter."
Coral felt her heart leap. Even though she was technically being forced, she couldn't help the joy rising in her chest.
—"Yes!" —she said, without stuttering, with a sincere smile—. "Without a doubt."
She approached the desk. The four were now gathered around the table.
Kirito nodded and turned to Marina and the crystal contract.
—"Alright. Let's begin."
Marina activated the contract.
—"Say what you want to be written. The contract will register it."
Kirito took a breath.
—"I only ask that everything that has been seen before, or after, and that will be seen later among the four of us, does not leave here. That it remains a secret. That each one is free even if the secret is discovered by a third party. And that this is strengthened the more trust we have in each other."
Marina smiled. It was an atypical contract. Instead of forcing compliance, Kirito proposed that the bond be strengthened with mutual trust. The more they trusted, the stronger the seal would be.
—"I also add" —Kirito continued—, "that Marina will give me a low rarity skill to be able to show the secret. And if I do not fulfill my promise to benefit us all, then this contract will be abolished. I have nothing more to add."
—"Very well."
Marina gestured with her hand and all of Kirito's words were written on the crystal paper by themselves, with an elegant handwriting glowing in blue tones.
—"Then it's my turn..." —said Marina—. "I'll add the clause: if what you show us is not surprising enough, that is, if it doesn't leave us impacted, this contract will be instantly abolished and you will have to pay for the losses of such valuable material —she raised an eyebrow—. Does that sound good?"
—"Yes. Go ahead..."
He said without hesitation.
**Plin—hummm**
Marina nodded at his firmness and confidence. The contract shone.
**Fzzzz—flash**
A pure white light split it into four equal fragments. Each fragment contained the names of those involved, written with a faint glow.
**Zing—shhhhh**
The fragments floated towards each of them and entered their bodies, right at chest height.
—"Done. It's done."
**Plap**
Marina clapped softly and returned to her throne elegantly. Coral returned to her place with a small smile. Shiratsuki also sat, touching her chest where the contract had entered.
Kirito smiled.
{—"Well. The alliances are sealed. The skill is included in the deal. Now we can proceed."}
—"So, Marina —Kirito said, leaning back in the armchair—. Do you have any skill you can choose?"
He immediately raised his hand and added:
—"Don't worry. I promise I don't need any skill that is expensive. A Standard is fine with me."
—"And which one would that be? —Marina asked, curiously tilting her head.
Kirito turned to Shiratsuki. His eyes scanned the daggers hanging from her hip —the white and the red— and then rose to her technological corset, assessing the materials, textures, and finish.
Shiratsuki noticed the gaze. A slight flush rose to her cheeks.
—"What do you see?"
—"Don't get me wrong." Kirito raised his hand again—. "I'm just looking at your armor and weapons."
—"Ah..."
—"They were made with high-quality materials, right?"
Shiratsuki relaxed a bit, although she still felt slightly uncomfortable. She adjusted her corset and looked away.
—"Yes. That's right."
Kirito, noticing her discomfort, turned back to Marina to avoid pressuring her further.
—"There is a skill that allows me to utilize materials and craft my own weapons and armor. Do you have it?"
Marina smiled.
—"Yes. It exists. It's called Material Forging."
—"Material Forging?"
—"Exactly. But you would still need the necessary tools. There are two types: manual and more technological."
—"What are the differences?"
—"Manual tools are more economical. You have to do everything by hand: mold, hammer, polish. It's better for beginners because it forces you to understand each step of the process. As for the technological ones..." Marina paused—. "You also use your hands a bit, but mostly, if you have great skill with quick thinking, you can reconstruct the entire armor and weapons with great materials. They work in conjunction with the skill. It's a very interesting synergy. They come together."
Kirito raised his eyebrows.
—"Wow. So it all depends on your skill level."
—"Exactly. But I must warn you about something." Marina raised a finger—. "Very few take this skill. Because after all, it requires patience. A lot of patience..."
—"Why?"
—"Because at first, everything is very monotonous. You have to learn to handle the materials, to recognize textures, to calibrate strength. And you also have to set everything manually. When you defeat a beast or a robotic enemy, you have to dismember it with your own hands to obtain its parts, instead of having them randomly introduced into your inventory. If you know how to do it, you gain more than with the automatic system. But if not... it's simply a waste of time and resources."
Kirito nodded with interest.
—"I don't mind. I don't think it's necessary to go that far."
Marina raised an eyebrow.
—"Well, as you say."
She got up from her throne and walked towards one of the data columns that flanked the room. Its surface, a translucent cylinder through which streams of information flowed, reacted to the touch of her fingers as if it were a touchscreen. Lists of skills for sale, real-time quotes, names of buyers and sellers appeared. Some skills glowed purple, others orange. A few in red.
But Marina was not looking among the high-tier ones.
—"Standard..." —she murmured, sliding her finger down—. "Here it is."
She touched the entry. The skill highlighted, and a notification appeared in the center of the column.
[—"Material Forging. Rarity: Standard. Mastery: Basic. Do you wish to transfer?"]
—"Yes."
**Zing—flash**
The skill emerged from the column like a rectangular green light card, the size of a playing card, with softly flickering edges.
**Tremmm—shhhh**
Marina took it with her open palm, walked back to the desk and, without stopping, tossed it to Kirito.
**Krrrk—tck**
He caught it in mid-air.
**Hummm—plin**
The green card pulsed gently between his fingers, like a tiny heart.
—"Thank you."
Fuumm—tsss
Marina circled around the desk, gracefully dropped back into her throne, and rested her cheek on her knuckles.
—"And now... what?"
—"Aren't you going to transfer it to me like you did with Shiratsuki?"
Marina shook her head.
—"No. Unlike yours, that skill was personal. This one is different."
—"Different how?"
—"These are skills obtained when killing metal or elemental-eating monsters, or creatures that possess certain knowledge about this craft. They are very rare. But since very few people want to buy and learn them, those who seek them are also very rare. So, in itself, they don't have a true owner. They belong to us like an auction house, but they don't have a registered user."
She paused and pointed to the green card that Kirito held between his fingers.
—"So simply by wanting to learn it, you can. I've already given you permission for free use. You can learn it with desire."
—"I see. So... how do I do it?"
—"The same way as before, but this time hold it near your forehead."
Kirito nodded. He raised the green card to eye level and then brought it closer to his forehead.
**Phsss**
[—"Do you wish to learn the skill: 'Material Forging'?"]
—"Yes."
At that moment, a message appeared just for him. Hidden from the eyes of the others.
[—"Title 'The First of Many' active. You are the only user who can manipulate the EX. Because of this, learned skills can be assimilated instantly. If you wish to deepen further, you need to desire it with intent."]
Kirito nodded to himself.
—"I wish to learn it."
**Fwoosh—**
**Boomm—shinnnng**
The card expanded. It did not break: it unfolded like a flower of light, forming a green sphere that enveloped Kirito completely. The glow was intense but not blinding. It pulsed.
**Krrrrrn—ZZZAP**
And then the images came.
**Fzzz—TSSSS—flash—flash—flash**
They were hundreds. Thousands. Fragments of knowledge compressed into visual flashes: the correct way to strike metal, the exact melting temperature, how to recognize an alloy by its shine, the precise angle for polishing a blade without breaking it. All flowing toward him in an incessant torrent.
**Tremmm—hummm**
His sapphire eyes became intense. Not as much as before, when the EX exploded in black. But enough for the three women to notice that something was happening.
{—"Incoming information. Large volume. I am processing."}
(—I will divide it. One into the principles. And the other into the applications.)
{—"Done. Coordinating."}
His lines of thought split. One absorbed the theoretical fundamentals. The other analyzed the practical techniques. Both worked in parallel, refining, classifying, discarding.
His lips began to move without making sound.
<—"This is not useful. According to the previous explanation, this method is already obsolete.">
<—"This one neither. It's redundant.">
<—"This can stay. It's a solid principle.">
Shiratsuki rose from the armchair. Her red eyes were fixed on Kirito. And then she began to speak, translating aloud what he was silently murmuring.
—"He says that this is not useful... That it's obsolete... That this can stay..."
Marina and Coral looked at her. Then they looked at Kirito. Then back at Shiratsuki. The scene was unreal: a level twenty Human enveloped in a sphere of knowledge, refining information at an impossible speed.
**Fzzzz—**
The sphere changed color.
Green → Blue.
—"It rose to Uncommon..." —murmured Coral.
**Fzzzz—**
Blue → Purple.
—"Rare..." —said Marina, leaning forward.
**Fzzzz—**
Purple → Orange.
—"Epic... In seconds?" —Shiratsuki clenched her fists.
**Fzzzz—**
Orange → Red.
—"Legendary..." —the three said almost simultaneously.
**Fzzzz—**
Red → Gold.
—"It can't be!" —Coral covered her mouth—. "It's Perfect! Again! How is it possible that in just a few minutes he achieved that!"
But Kirito did not stop.
**Zzzap—tremmm**
His eyes continued to shine.
**Tck—tck—shhhhh**
His fingers moved slightly, as if he were shaping something invisible between his hands.
His lips continued to articulate.
<—"This can improve. If I take the best of each technique and summarize it even more...">
**Krunk**
**BOOM—CRACK**
A black layer formed around the golden sphere. A solid lightning bolt, like a heartbeat of pure darkness. The three women held their breath.
**SHING—voom**
But the layer disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. The sphere remained golden.
**Zzzzzt—TWANG**
The sphere dissolved into particles of light that flowed back toward the card.
**THOOM—ping**
It floated for a moment in the air and then entered directly into Kirito's forehead.
[—"Skill acquired: Material Forging. Rarity: (Unique) Ex (Gold and Black). Mastery: Perfect+ (200%). Utility: Creation (Category S). Status: Active."]
Kirito blinked. His eyes returned to normal.
—"Haaaah..."
His breathing was steady, as if he had just awakened from a deep sleep.
—"!..."
—"!..."
—"!..."
The silence in the room was absolute.
**Tremmm—tsss**
Marina had her hands on the desk, her knuckles white.
**Plin—shhhh**
Coral still had her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide.
**Krrrn—hummm**
And Shiratsuki, standing next to the armchair, looked at him with an expression that was a mix of astonishment, admiration, and something akin to vertigo.
—"This... This is beyond what..." —murmured Shiratsuki, breaking the silence.
**Plamm**
Marina sank back into her throne.
—"You just took a Standard skill... and made it Perfect. In minutes. In front of us. And it's also Category S..." She shook her head—. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it."
Coral slowly lowered her hands.
—"What... what are you?"
Kirito looked at the three of them. His expression was calm, but there was a glimmer in his eyes. The glimmer of someone who has just proven something without needing words.
—"I am what I was going to show you."
Then he moved his hand. The skill he had just learned returned to his fingers, floating like a golden light card. He held it in front of his eyes and read the classification.
---
MATERIAL FORGING
Rarity: (Unique)
Ex (Gold and Black)
Mastery: Perfect+ (200%)
Utility: Creation (Category S)
Status: Active
--
—"Marina."
—"What...?"
—"I told you that the one who didn't buy the first skill wouldn't leave empty-handed. That they would receive a surprise. And that it would be worth it..."
Marina, with her mouth still open, simply nodded. She couldn't articulate a word.
**Shing—fzzz**
Kirito threw the card. But not towards Marina. He threw it towards the desk.
**Krrrk—tck—zzzap**
The card spun in the air, tracing a smooth curve, and landed on the surface of the black marble.
**Tsss—shhhhh—plin**
It slid with a clean touch, like a disc on ice, and stopped right in front of Marina.
She looked down at the golden card. She saw it shine. She saw the classification. She saw the potential.
—"How much will you give me for it?"
—"..."
Marina did not respond. She was still processing.
But Shiratsuki did react.
She placed a hand on her chest and clenched her fist. She had just realized something. Something that made her feel a void in her stomach.
The skill Kirito was selling to Marina was incomparable to the one she had purchased. 'Lip Reading' was Category [G]. Mundane. Useful, yes, but limited.
Materials Forging was Category [S].
It could create weapons. Armors. Equip an army. Turn a weakling into a fearsome warrior. Modify materials. Adapt equipment to the user. It was a skill with practically infinite potential.
And Kirito had Evolved it in minutes.
Before their eyes.
—"This can't be true..." —murmured Shiratsuki, shaking her head—. "I... I bought the first one... but this... this is..."
—"It's the surprise" —Kirito completed, without turning—. "And I promised it would be worth it for those who didn't buy it. Now you'll see that I keep my promises."
Marina took the golden card with both hands. She held it in front of her eyes, reading each line as if she couldn't believe what she saw. Then she looked up at Kirito.
—"Are you really human...?"
Kirito nodded.
—"I am one hundred percent human. Although my situation, as I briefly told you, is complicated. But I am human. I have no doubt about it."
Coral shook her head.
—"It's hard to believe..."
**Hummm—tck**
Shiratsuki, still standing, crossed her arms and looked at him with an expression that was a mix of respect and bewilderment.
—"You seem like a monster of knowledge. Because this is completely beyond any race. Not just human. How do I explain it...?"
Marina took the floor.
—"It's true that this world allows skills to be much easier for our minds to consume. There's no doubt about that. But what you're doing is impossible." She pointed at Shiratsuki with a gesture—. "Is that how you learned the first skill? The one you sold to her?"
Kirito shook his head.
—"No. It wasn't like that. It took me longer. It took me a few hours."
—"A few hours?"
—"Yes. The reason was that I had no prior knowledge. I had to learn it from scratch. Watching some videos and some things on the internet by myself. I had to deduce it on my own. That's why it took me longer."
He paused and pointed to his own head.
—"But as for this skill you just gave me... it already has a much more condensed content that's easier for the mind to process. It's quite filtered knowledge. So it was easier for me to summarize everything and process it."
Marina fell silent. Then she raised a hand to her forehead.
—"That means... you can take any skill I have stored and automatically turn it golden. You could be one of the most powerful people in this world. You could make a name for yourself. Or stand out among all. Not to mention the EX category, which surpasses everything."
She shook her head.
—"It can't be... Who have I just met?"
Shiratsuki slowly nodded. Coral wiped a drop of sweat from her cheek with the back of her hand. The spectacle had left them mentally exhausted.
Kirito simply smiled.
—"I guess that pays off the contract quite enough, right?"
**Dsssss**
**Dsssss**
**Dsssss**
As if the contract had been waiting for those words, the four chests lit up with a crystalline light. A soft, clean glow that confirmed the agreement had been fulfilled. The seal was established.
Kirito turned to Marina, who was still processing everything with a distant look at the golden card.
—"Marina. I will sell you the skill..."
Marina's smile returned, and this time it was a smile of genuine excitement. She looked down at the golden card and stroked it with her fingers.
—"With this... you would earn up to ten times more than what you just sold me a while ago. And even more if you sold it at auction."
—"But you don't want to auction it, do you?"
**Plin—tsss**
He said, noticing her great interest in the skill.
—"No. I want it for myself —Marina raised her gaze—. This would greatly improve my ability to sell better armors and weapons. It would be the best possible investment, not just for the auction house... but for myself."
She paused. Her sea-blue eyes sparkled.
—"I'm willing to give you 3000₦ in gold, which is 30₦ in platinum."
Marina shot him a businesslike and slightly seductive look.
—"With that, you could buy yourself even a Professional body if you want. I would gladly sell it to you."
—"..."
Kirito thought for a moment. Then he shook his head and said:
—"I will accept the offer. But I prefer the modern one. And I will keep some of the money."
Marina looked at him strangely.
—"Why? You could have a much better body."
—"Because I need a house in the outside world. I need to make other expenses. And I need your help to make a name or identity for myself in the outside world. I suppose that has its costs."
Marina nodded.
—"Okay. But this will take time." She looked thoughtful—. "It will take me at least a week to get you the body. I suppose you want it to have your current appearance, right?"
—"Yes."
—"Waiting a week won't be a problem. And don't worry about the house: I'll surely find something suitable. As for your name..."
She paused and looked at him intently.
—"What name would you like to have in the outside world?"
Kirito looked down at the ground.
—"..."
A deep silence filled the room. His eyes got lost in the golden veins of the black marble, as if he were seeing something much more distant.
In his mind, two lines of thought worked in parallel.
{—"Your real name. The one you used in the real world. Will you keep it?"}
(—"I have no other. And I don't want to have another. If I'm going back to the outside world, I will return as myself.")
{—"Kirigaya Kazuto. It's a statement of identity. But it's also a risk. If someone recognizes that name..."}
(—"I know. But I've spent too much time... If I'm going to walk in the real world again, I will do it with my own name. Without hiding. Without masks...")
He looked up. His sapphire eyes shone with determination.
—"I would like my name to be Kirigaya Kazuto."
The three women stared at him.
Something resonated in their memories. A distant echo.
Marina was the first to react. She squinted and brought a hand to her chin.
—"Kirigaya... Are you a Kirigaya?"
Shiratsuki slowly nodded, frowning.
—"It's a famous surname... Although it's true that other people can have it. But what a coincidence that you have such a striking surname."
—"..."
Kirito raised his eyebrows slightly but said nothing.
Coral had also reacted. The surname Kirigaya sounded familiar to her. Not with the same intensity as it did to Marina or Shiratsuki, but enough to know it wasn't an ordinary surname. She blinked and her aquamarine eyes settled on Kirito with a new layer of curiosity. The tone of her companions was enough to confirm what she already suspected: that Human was not a nobody.
(—"Kazuto... Kazuto...")
Shiratsuki, however, was still turning something over. The name. Kazuto. It sounded familiar too. She didn't know from where. She couldn't place it in her memory. But something in the back of her mind told her she had heard it before. Somewhere. At some time.
She made a silent promise: she would investigate. Sooner or later, she would find out who that Human was who had appeared out of nowhere with an impossible skill.
—"Well" —said Kirito, breaking the silence—. "Also, I want to use part of the money. I need you to give me new equipment."
Marina nodded.
—"What do you need?"
—"To start, tools for my new skill. Materials Forging. I will need them very soon... I would like them to be both manual and technological..."
Marina was curious about such a desire; however, she only said:
—"I can get that without a problem."
—"I also need new combat clothes. Something functional. A jacket, a light coat... and some other garments to move comfortably. Oh, and preferably everything black... And it should have the capacity to be modifiable."
Marina raised an eyebrow.
—"All black?"
—"Yes. And I also want two long one-handed swords. Ready to draw. Black and modifiable, if possible. The kind that are worn on the back... And throwing pins and knives."
—"Two long swords? A black jacket? Forging tools? —Marina smiled with a mix of curiosity and respect—. You have very specific tastes for being a newbie."
Kirito returned the smile.
—"Let's just say it's a style that brings me good memories... and that's already part of me..."