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Chapter 13 - Falling for This World

Chapter 13: Falling for This World

As if a sudden realization hit her, a soft blush spread across Asuna's cheeks. Her gaze lingered on the red crystal in Kamikawa Hikaru's hand, and she muttered under her breath,

"So... as long as he holds that crystal... he'll always know where I am…"

"Hm? Did you say something, Asuna?"

"N-Nope. Must've been your imagination."

"Anyway, Asuna, do you happen to know any high-level weapon smiths? I'm planning to forge a new longsword."

"A blacksmith, huh? Actually, yes. I have a friend. I'll send you her location later. From what I know, she's the best weaponsmith in all of SAO."

"That's amazing." Hikaru's eyes lit up.

Honestly, he hadn't expected much. Even if, in the original story, Asuna did have a friend like that, there was no guarantee this world would follow the same path. Plus, the weapon he had in mind would require a top-tier craftsman.

"Today really was something," Asuna said quietly, staring at the orange sky. "It was probably the most intense day I've ever had. For the first time, I truly felt the fear of death... It was terrifying. I didn't think I'd be that scared. Hikaru... have you ever thought about what you'd do if we could never escape this virtual world?"

Hikaru stayed quiet for a moment before replying.

"Not being able to escape... I haven't really thought that far."

"I see..." Asuna turned her head, eyes searching his face.

"We'll get out eventually," he continued. "At the very least, the progress all the players have made in the past year brought us to Floor 57. That's real progress."

"...I suppose that's true. Hikaru, do you hate this world? This virtual world that's taken so many lives?"

Rather than answering, Hikaru glanced at her sideways and countered,

"Do you hate this world, Asuna?"

"Hate it? I... I guess you could say I despise it."

"Hm." Hikaru looked at the fading light on the horizon, then pointed off into the distance. "But maybe... maybe it's not so bad to try accepting it—just a little."

Asuna followed his gaze, then gave a small smile.

"Accepting a world that's nothing but an illusion?"

"An illusion, huh?" Hikaru placed his teacup down. Then, without warning, he gently reached out and took her hand. "So... if I'm holding your hand right now, sitting here talking to you like this—does that feel like an illusion to you?"

"H-Hikaru...!" Her eyes widened as she felt his grip. Her heart raced wildly. She instinctively tried to pull away, but the system's minor interference warning was completely ignored.

"So?" he asked again, releasing her hand as he took another sip of tea.

"No... it's not an illusion..." Her voice was barely audible, her cheeks flushed. The warmth of his touch was real. And that—more than anything—shook her composure.

"Maybe what's truly fake... is how we keep rejecting this world in our hearts," Hikaru said quietly. "But personally, I don't think this world is so bad."

"Not so bad?"

"Yeah. I mean, sure, it's frustrating sometimes. But if you keep yourself busy with meaningful things, you'll find moments that are worth it." He gazed up toward the massive tower stretching into the sky above them. "Whether it's the real world or this virtual one, both are part of the life we're living. And in life... sometimes you just have to endure hardships, even ones as brutal as SAO."

"This world... it's beautiful, isn't it? You like it, don't you?"

"...Yeah, I do." Asuna clutched her teacup, her head lowering slightly. Her chestnut hair fell gently over her eyes. Her voice trembled.

"If you like it, then maybe that means you're slowly beginning to accept it," Hikaru said, smiling. "So, why not try to enjoy it?"

"Enjoy it, huh..."

"Right. Try to enjoy it. Open your heart to it. Look beyond the pain and find the beauty. I know a smart, beautiful girl like you would shine even more that way."

"Shine even more?" Her cheeks turned red again. But this time, she nodded with a soft, genuine smile.

"Thanks, Hikaru-kun... I'll try."

"Hikaru-kun?" he raised an eyebrow teasingly. A mischievous grin crept across his lips.

"Asuna... don't tell me you're starting to fall for me?"

"No way! Ugh, how thick can you get, Hikaru-kun!?" Her voice shot up a few octaves.

"Okay, okay! Don't get mad! I was just joking, alright?" he said, covering his ears.

"You idiot..." she muttered, glaring at him. But then her eyes gleamed with mischief. She glanced down at his foot. Then, without a word, she turned away—only to slam her heel down hard on it.

"OWWWWW!!!"

Hikaru's pained scream echoed into the sky.

Grimacing, he clutched his foot. "Seriously... you didn't hold back at all, huh. First the hand, now the foot..."

"You deserved it."

"I..." He opened his mouth to protest but shut it again as her fierce stare pierced him. Maybe this was one of those "don't argue with girls" moments.

"Pft." Asuna let out a satisfied giggle. She turned back toward the sunset, the golden light dancing in her eyes.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The silence between them was peaceful—comfortable, even—as if words were no longer needed.

Eventually, Asuna received a message from Heathcliff.

"It's from Commander Heathcliff. He's asking me to come meet him. I'll be heading out, Hikaru-kun."

"Got it." Hikaru didn't stop her. They had only met just yesterday, and though he was starting to like her, he knew better than to overstep. He walked her to the door, waved her off, then returned to the balcony and closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the setting sun wash over him.

— — —

Knights of the Blood Oath - Command Room

Inside the grand meeting hall, Heathcliff sat at a large table, arms crossed as he faced Asuna.

"So... the issue with Laughing Coffin has been dealt with?"

"Yes. It was relatively easy to wrap up. Some players were killed during the skirmish, but we managed to imprison the rest." Though Asuna wasn't directly involved, she had received a full report.

"With Red Black Sword involved, I imagine it went smoothly," Heathcliff said with a calm nod. Others might not understand Hikaru's strength—but as someone with administrative access, Heathcliff knew just how powerful he was.

"I've also been informed about the traitor who infiltrated our guild today. On behalf of the Knights of the Blood Oath, allow me to offer my sincerest apologies. I've already launched a full investigation of all members."

He stood and gave a slight bow to show his sincerity.

"There's no need for that, Commander." Asuna looked surprised. To her, Heathcliff was a strong, noble leader. She had no idea he was actually Kayaba Akihiko himself, and that his strength came from system privileges.

After straightening, Heathcliff continued,

"Today, you spent some time with Red Black Sword, correct?"

"Yes... I invited him for a meal," she admitted with a hint of embarrassment. Hikaru had supplied both the kitchen tools and ingredients—she only did the cooking.

"Hmm..." Heathcliff paused, then said,

"Asuna, I'd like to meet with Red Black Sword in person. Could I ask you to arrange it?"

"You want to meet Hikaru?" Asuna didn't hesitate.

"I'll let him know."

"Thank you. Sorry to trouble you."

"It's no trouble at all." She smiled warmly. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Of course."

Heathcliff watched her walk away, his expression unreadable. Once she vanished from view, a strange smile crept across his face.

"Kamikawa Hikaru... we'll be meeting very soon."

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