Chapter 7: Meeting with Asuna
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It's been a few days since we became known as the killer player hunters. The pursuit of the "Bloody Rapiers" continued, but there was something more that I couldn't help but notice - the world became more tense. There was a threat in the air, and every step was calculated.
We returned to the city in search of traces of one of the Rapier leaders. The starting city was at our disposal, here we could relax and get new quests. Kirito and I decided to relax a bit, but something in the air still made me wary.
And that's when I saw her.
She was standing at the central square, next to the tavern, as if she was waiting for someone. Red hair, piercing the sun's rays, face — resolute and at the same time calm. There was something confident about her pose, and I realized that she wasn't just another random player.
"Is that her?" Kirito asked, noticing my attention. His gaze was also directed at the girl.
—Yes, that's her. "I recognized her. Asuna, one of the best swordsmen at this level. But not only that. I saw something more in her eyes-there was fire in her gaze. The same fire that burned in us when we started.
I was the first to approach, despite my caution.
—Hi," I said, coming a little closer. "You're Asuna, right?"
She turned around, not surprised to see us.
"Yes, I'm Asuna." And you're the two that everyone in town is talking about, right? Swords of light and shadow?
Kirito nodded, smiling discreetly.
"We're Ren and Kirito. Don't you think that name is a bit... loud?
Asuna laughed, and then looked at us with a serious expression on her face.
"Maybe." But you have become so famous for a reason. I've heard that you hunt the Blood Rapiers. And, as I understand it, your actions have aroused considerable interest.
I was a little surprised that she was talking so calmly about such a topic, but I also answered calmly.
"That's right. We can't just stand by when the game turns into a battlefield. But you don't look like just a player either.
Her gaze became more serious, and her lips twitched slightly at the corners.
— Yes, I'm looking for something. I can't just stand by and watch this world consume innocent players. I want to help. And maybe you guys could be helpful too. We could team up.
Kirito looked at me, and I knew that this offer was serious.
We weren't loners. We have always acted together. And now... maybe we should act with someone else.
"Kirito and I are not used to cooperating with others," I said, but I already knew that wasn't quite true. He and I were on our own for a long time, but were we ready to continue down this path alone? Asuna wasn't just another guild. She was the one who could help us get out of this game alive.
Asuna nodded.
— I'm not asking you to blindly believe me. But I'm offering an opportunity. We are all here for the same reason — to survive. And if you're willing to take the risk, I can be a good ally. We can work together.
The silence stretched for several seconds. Kirito looked at me, then back at Asuna.
—Okay," he said, "let's try." But only if you're really willing to help. We can't let other players suffer because of the likes of Rapiers.
Asuna smiled.
"That's what I wanted.
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Asuna and I went on a new adventure together. There was truth in her words, and there was that fire in her eye that we couldn't ignore.
We had the opportunity with her.
We had a future with her.
And perhaps, in this world full of danger and betrayal, we have found another ally. Not just a player, but an ally.