"Well, it's past noon, what are we going to do today?"

"Well, it's okay to relax on a long-awaited holiday, but it's boring if it's just like that"

"Do you want something exciting?"

"That's right"

Kirito said, "I'm so excited," and thought about it with his chin in his hand, and smiled suspiciously.

"Well, there's a good point, but"

"What? You don't look good. ”

"There is an exit on this floor."

"What are you going out for?"

Kirito slowly turned to face me, smiling quizzably.

"It's a ghost"

"Ghosts?"

"Yes. There seems to be a point on this level where ghosts will appear"

Speaking of ghosts, we generally refer to ghosts and human souls, but I don't know if there is such a thing in this world. If there is such a thing

"I want to see it"

“”

Kirito was stunned. And I also know that I have bright eyes that contrast with Kirito.

"Ghost, I want to see"

"Do you want to see it! I thought you were afraid of me."

I smiled proudly.

"Unfortunately, I'm not afraid of that kind of thing, but curious to see. If you want to scare me, maybe it's a good idea to bring Asuna. \"

"Ah, Asuna is really weak for this kind of thing.

But if it's Asuna, when it reaches such a level, she will ask for a re-enactment and burn all the ghosts and monsters. At this point, Asuna will sneeze and Lilan will tilt her head.

"Well, assuming you don't need to do that terrible thing to Asuna, anyway, I'm curious about where those ghosts appear.

"Oh, yes. Shino-san's courage seems to be very big. \"

"Don't say it's weird, well, there's a word like the true identity of a ghost, so I guess it's not a big deal, I thought it was a ghost, but it turned out to be a monster."

Kirito folded his arms.

"There are indeed ghosts, but it's just a rumor. Powerful monsters may appear, and surprised players may mistake them for ghosts or ghosts, so grab your weapons for the time being, let's go, and whatever happens, we'll be fine. ”

I nodded. Although monsters do not appear on the 22nd floor, if the ghost in Kiri's mouth is a monster that appeared as a result of the event, then it is very dangerous to use your bare hands. I've been thinking about giving up my weapon for a while, but I still need my weapon just in case something happens.

"Yes, let's bring our weapons. We're not going to get into a very powerful boss monster like Roost Negra, so we probably don't need that much gear. ”

Kirito stood up from his chair with a slightly happy expression on his face.

"Now that we've decided, let's go immediately, and if we find out the truth about the ghost, we might be able to tell the informant 'see the identity of the ghost.'" I think they will be surprised. ”

"I don't think it's a surprising story, but that doesn't change my mind, so let's get out."

After opening the equipment window and equipping the weapons, we left the wooden house and walked towards the place where the ghost Kirito said appeared. I don't think it's a big deal.

Close to the headquarters of the Blood Pact Knights in the city center

"Nie Peixiu!"

Asuna let out a strange sneeze, and Lilan sat down on her shoulder with her head tilted.

"What's wrong, Asuna? It looks like you have a strange way of sneezing.

Asuna replied, rubbing her nose.

"Suddenly, my nose was a little itchy, I felt like someone was spreading rumors about me."

Lilan turned her attention to the headquarters of the Knights of the Blood Oath.

"Asuna, as the deputy head of the gentle Blood Alliance Knights, has indeed soared in popularity. Maybe one of the members is spreading rumors about Asuna. This is not uncommon. \"

"I hope so, but"

Asuna turned her gaze to the portal. Just when Asuna decided to take a break and go to the 22nd floor to meet Kirito, just after talking to Heathcliff about it, the scout player who had mastered the information of the boss on the 57th floor hurriedly appeared in front of Heathcliff.

When Heathcliff asks what happened, when he goes to the 57th floor to scout the boss, the scout team is exposed to the boss's attack, and everyone goes home in embarrassment.

Quarterpoint is a dangerous boss battle where you die every time, and you need to assemble elite troops to challenge each time. Since Asuna, Kiriri, and Lilane have been among them, Asuna tells Heathcliff that he will cancel his vacation and contact Kirito and Lilane if he captures a quarter, but Heathcliff refuses.

He said, "Rest, and I will fight for you." "And now, about an hour has passed, and there has been no news, and even when I went to headquarters, Heathcliff and his wife were nowhere to be seen.

\"I wonder if the captains are okay, a dangerous area like the quarter corner, often needs the help of me and Kirito-kun. \"

Diabel seems to be absent this time. Heathcliff is the only person I can rely on, but I don't know if he can do something on his own. He doesn't even need a human dragon, let alone a demon.

Asuna was well aware that Heathcliff's abilities had been proven. Heathcliff has a unique skill called "Holy Sword", which can completely interrupt monster attacks with absolute defense with a shield that no other player can imitate, and destroy monsters instantly with a powerful sword attack.

Perhaps because of his abilities, no one anywhere in Ayn Grant saw Heathcliff's "hp bar" turn yellow. Asuna believes that it is because of these strengths, unique skills, and achievements that Heathcliff was appointed as the leader of the Blood Knights, and is known as the ultimate weapon of the Blood Knights.

"The Commander is said to be the strongest swordsman in Ayn Grant and can take down any boss with just a sword and shield. However, Kirito-kun appeared in the rerun and defeated the Knights of the Blood Oath before they arrived, and the commander smiled bitterly, "It's shocking! ”

The expression on Lilan's face was grim.

\"In my boss fights, only Kirito and Human Dragons can use my powers, and I don't always unleash my powers in boss fights. How overwhelming Heathcliff is to be able to exert such great power in boss fights. \"

Asuna looked up at the sky slightly. It was a sunny day, cloudless and the sun continued to be warm.

However, Heathcliff is certainly the exact opposite of this sky, as if it were a cloudy day. The part you usually see is the cloud, and you can't see anything outside of the cloud, which is a complete mystery.

"Indeed, the captain is full of mystery. Everyone knows that he is a ridiculously strong player, and this kind of power is only available when Kirito-kun and Lilan become a human dragon\"

"The sky named Heathcliff is enveloped in mysterious clouds"

At this time, Asuna suddenly looked at Lilann and remembered.

Having said that, Kirito says that Lilan is also an existence full of mysteries, and he himself thinks so. Lilan was supposed to be Kirito's "acquaintance", but his appearance in the field and at the shooting range was completely different. It's obviously an NPC in the world, but it seems to have a heart - no, it has a heart, it can speak, and even in its own master, Kirito, there is a meter that they don't have. It is said that there is

In addition to giving Kirito such things, Ruiran is also a "demon" with completely different characteristics from the "demons" we have seen so far, and they join forces with us to fight. For Asuna, no, for those who know him, Lilanne is a more mysterious being than Heathcliff.

"Hey, Lilan, don't you know anything?"

"What is it? Is it Heathcliff? \"

"No, it's not the commander's problem, it's your business. I heard from Kirito-san that you seem to have lost your memory. Do you remember anything? Or rather, what do you remember? \"

Lilane closed his eyes, as if thinking about something, and did not speak, but he immediately opened his eyes and gave Asuna a "voice" again.

\"I don't remember anything, the shock seemed strong when Kirito hit me. "But recently I've understood one thing.

"Did you find out?"

Lilan's face suddenly became gloomy.

\"I can't forgive those who disturb this world\"

\"The people who disturb this world? \"

"That's it. It's like what you call a murder guild. He disturbs the world, deceives others, takes advantage of others, and kills others. It involves people who are struggling to live and triggers negative emotions like sadness, anger, madness, fear, etc. I can't allow such a thing to happen.

Asuna's face also became solemn and grim.

"Even I can't forgive that.

Kirito said. I'm sure that people who do bad things in this world are also bad people in the real world - that's probably what it means. That's why I can't forgive such people. Those who stir up and disturb the world

Hearing this, Asuna thought of something. I don't know when it began, but a strange guild of criminals appeared here in Ayn Grant, called "Laughing Coffin, Luffin, Coffin".

Players there kill, assassinate, rob, and even rape after forcibly canceling morality, and yes, it's a group that is sometimes said to be more threatening than monsters.

Information about the evil deeds of the "Laughing Coffin" sometimes finds its way into the Knights of the Blood Oath, and even the leader Heathcliff seems to be very unhappy with the existence of the "Laughing Coffin". Heathcliff said he was planning a plan to conquer the "laughing coffin" so that it wouldn't spread too much.

"When it comes to people who disturb the world, I think it's 'Laughing coffin, Luffin, coffin.'" That guild is the worst of the organizations, and will do whatever it takes to commit crimes such as murder, assassination, robbery, robbery, rape, etc. In Ayn Grant, they are sometimes considered more threatening than monsters.

"Are you saying there is such a group? Be vigilant......!! \"

"yes, I can't forgive you.

"Who's okay?"

"Ahh

When she turned back to respond to the voice behind her, Asuna's face turned pale.

The people there, red and white, dressed in armor and cloaks, looked much older than they were, and their hair was close to gray, and they looked like an all-powerful man—behind—Heathcliff, leader of the Knights of the Blood Oath.

\"D, Captain!? \"

Heathcliff, who appeared at some point, said "Hi" and shouted to Asuna.

Asuna made awkward movements as she saluted Heathcliff.

"Oh, welcome home, you're back so early."

\"yes. When I fought with everyone, they weren't great enemies. I'm sure you've got close to a quarter of the boss's strength, though. Even so, Asuna-san. \"

"What is it?"

"I was able to confirm that you have a lizard-like, dog-like little monster sitting on your shoulder, but when did you become a "beast trainer"? ”

Asuna was taken aback and looked around, but didn't see Lilan. Although it was still on my shoulder just now, I don't know if it was hidden somewhere.

First of all, Heathcliff knows that the "beast tamer" is Kirito, but he doesn't know that the "Beast Tamer" can speak or have a heart, and that Lilane is a monster that has never been identified before. I didn't even know I knew.

"So, if Heathcliff knew, he might have gotten closer to Kirito." To prevent this from happening, he tried to hide Lilan when he saw Heathcliff, but Lilan seemed to take the initiative to hide before he knew it.

"Uh, uh, what's going on? I do not know. ”

"Is that so? I think I misunderstood. Sorry, I'm tired of boss fights too. The "Beast Tamer" is not you, but a player elsewhere. ”

Heathcliff put his hand lightly on his face and made an expression as if he remembered something.

"Anyway, Asuna-kun seems to have a close relationship with that player, but I don't know if I can send him something. \"

"Is there anything wrong with me?"

Heathcliff let out an "ah", manipulated the window with his right hand, brought up the item window, selected the specific item, and clicked the send button. Immediately afterward, Asuna received the message that the mail had arrived, and after clicking on it, she confirmed the existence of the email sent by Heathcliff.

"Nightmare's tail? What is it, is it S-class material or what? ”

"I don't quite understand, when I defeated the boss before, it was in the boss room, not food, not materials, so I don't know how to use your friend's animal trainer. \"Then I feel like you're familiar with monsters, and I want you to give it to him.

Kirito is an "animal trainer" who doesn't know much about monsters. So I think giving this to Kirito will only cause trouble, but maybe Kirito can help.

"Okay, I'll go find him as soon as the vacation is over."

"Please, Asuna-san. Also, in case something happens, please don't move. \"

With that, Heathcliff hurried back to headquarters. Just as I was pondering what to do with such an item, Asuna was surprised to notice that something was wrong with the long dress she wore on vacation. Immediately after, something came out of my dress and climbed onto my shoulder. As soon as Heathcliff appeared, Lilan vanished.

"Li, Lilan, where are you hiding?"

"No way, I have nowhere else to hide. By the way, Asuna, is that the leader of Heathcliff? \"

"yes, that's right. He was Heathcliff, the leader of the Knights of the Blood Oath and the Messenger of the Holy Sword. I don't think he's a terrible person. \"

"Hmm. That's the owner of a medium-sized record. Heathcliff, you're not an ordinary person.

"You're not an ordinary person, but you're full of mystery."

Lilan looked at Asuna's face.

\"Then again, Asuna, what did you just get? The opponent seems to have difficulty using it. \"

Asuna opened the item window and selected the item Heathcliff had given her, which seemed to be part of the monster's body. Normally, detailed information is displayed under the item name, but nothing is shown on the nightmaremon's tail. A completely mysterious item.

"I want to know what it is. I can't think of any use for it. ”

At this moment, a flash of inspiration flashed across Lilan's face, and she made a "sound" to Asuna.

"Asuna, take that item and go out into the wild. In any case, I will get myself back to the way I was.

"Uh, how are you on the field?"

"It's okay, I'll go for a while. Bring me back! \"

"Okay. Let's go rerun. ”

Asuna tilted her head as she followed Lilan's instructions, leading Lilane towards the venue. The identity of the item is still unknown.

We rushed to the forest where the ghosts appeared, and we were there.

A gloomy forest with dense trees and little sunlight. Animal traces are natural, but monster tracks are not. Shino looked around, and there was not much fear. They may be looking for what I call ghosts.

"Kirito, is this place for you? It's a spooky forest indeed, but you don't feel like there's a ghost. \"

"Well, it's just a rumor, and players may mistake the surrounding objects for ghosts instead of monsters. If you can't find them even if you use your search skills with all your might, it's most likely just a rumor. ”

When I said this, Shino looked a little disappointed. \"

"What's that? It's boring."

"However, it seems that there are some materials and items that can only grow in the nearby forest.

Shiina, who understood, began to follow me, but her eyes were still a little sparkling. It seems that they get excited at the thought of ghosts.

- I'm sure she'll be happy to be in the haunted house. This is very different from my sister who didn't try to ride ghost-related attractions even if she went to an amusement park or theme park.

Looking at Shino like this, I pushed further into the depths of the forest. Maybe because it wasn't taken care of, the grass grew and there were fallen trees everywhere. Perhaps these items are placed to create an atmosphere. I can see the happy expressions on the face of the development team as they made this map.

When I jumped over the fallen tree that appeared in front of me, I suddenly heard Shino's voice.

"Oh, you!!"

“！？”

When I involuntarily turned around, Shino jumped onto the trunk of the fallen tree I had jumped over and looked pale into the depths of the forest. It's as if you believe that there are no ghosts, but you find a real one.

\"What、What's going on, Shino!? \"

"Anyway, come here, I'm deep in the forest!"

I nodded, jumped over to Shino, and looked where her gaze was pointing.

Deep in the forest, quiet and dark, with dense vegetation and no animal tracks, I saw a girl with long hair, wearing a white dress that looked like a jumpsuit. A chill.

\"Oops, just kidding, do you really say you're a ghost!? \"

Shino didn't show any fear until now, and called out to me with a look of horror.

\"Kirito, what are you going to do, attack!? \"

"Why are you attacking me?

The next moment Shiina's gaze turned to the ghostly girl, the girl turned her face to look at me, but then she lost her position and fell to the ground, startling me.

- There shouldn't have been a ghost falling, but the truth is that the girl did

"No, no, no, it's not a ghost, it's not a ghost, hehe!"

With that, I jumped off the fallen tree and rushed towards the fallen girl as I squeezed through the bushes. I have a feeling that Shino's voice is sounding behind me, but it's not time to stop yet.

"She fell—no, the girl who could fall wasn't a ghost or a ghost, she was a player."

I immediately walked over to the girl and checked her body beside me. The girl's petite body looked about ten years old, and she looked so pale as if she had lost her heat, and her face looked very pale.

I don't know what's going on - thinking about it this way, I feel a sense of incongruity when I pick up the girl's lithe body.

Normally, when one player approaches a player, the cursor and health bar are displayed above the other player's head, which is the game's norm for all players. There should be no exceptions to this, but that doesn't apply to this girl.

-- Cursor and hp bar do not appear.

No, even in this world, there are beings that do not conform to that norm. It's an NPC.

NPCs are the perfect inhabitants of this world, with no cursor or hp bar display, but if you try to force their presence to move or touch it recklessly, a harassment warning will appear.

So I picked her up like this, and the harassment warning came immediately - but even though she went to pick up the girl, she didn't show up at all.

"Oh, what is this?"

As soon as the words fell, Shino's voice sounded behind me, and Shino immediately stood up next to me.

"Kirito, who is this girl? \"

"It's weird"

“？”

When I told Shino about the girl I had noticed, she had the same confused look on her face as I did.

"yes, the cursor didn't show up and the harassment warning didn't appear."

For a moment, I wondered if this was some kind of mission activity, but I quickly realized it wasn't.

If this is a task event, then a window with the task details should appear next to us, but it doesn't appear either.

I don't know who this girl is, not a player, not an NPC, and not an event character for the mission.

But since it's likely to be a player, it could be a player whose cursor disappeared due to an error or other reason.

"Anyway, we can't leave this girl here forever, let's take her to our house."

Shino looked surprised.

"Is it okay to do that?"

The child is about ten years old, and it is reasonable to assume that he will participate in this game with his parents.

Moreover, this game is a death game, if you are beaten, you will die even in real life, children should not leave their parents and act, but even if you use enemy search skills, you can find signs of players in addition to children. No.

"You should think there are no parents nearby."

"There was no sign of a player nearby.

"Alright, anyway, let's get this kid to a safe place first."

I picked up the girl's body, and she showed no signs of waking up. Compared to weapons, weapons appear to be much heavier. And just like that, we went back the way we came, into the house, which was a peaceful place.

Even when I rescued the girl who had fallen in the forest and put her on the bed, she showed no signs of awakening, and until the evening she was almost in the same state as when I found her.

I tried to shake her body and call out to her, but nothing worked, the girl's eyes were still closed, fortunately I knew she was breathing normally, so I just took care of her. I realized I was just missing.

"Even so, how can there be such a young child in this world? Is this world a game with such a low cERo? ”

It shouldn't be this way. Since this game requires a full dive, cERo recommends an age of c, which is 15 years old and above.

And this girl's age is about 10 years old in terms of body, which is not suitable for playing this game, so she cannot participate in this death game.

Still, as I thought before, it's reasonable for such a young child in this world to dive with their parents.

"This game is suitable for people over the age of 15, this girl may have come into the world by diving with her parents, but there were no players like her parents at the time, did they get separated or did something?" Parents killed"

Shiina's face became extremely sad.

"That is, this girl has traveled through the world alone."

"I didn't want to think so, but I couldn't hear the details until this girl woke up. She might wake up tomorrow morning, so I won't bother her until then. ”

Shino nodded slightly, but immediately turned her face to me.

"In that case, then I'll have to make breakfast for this girl tomorrow, I don't know what she likes to eat."

"I don't know, but at the moment, it seems that the girl hasn't woken up yet. Now, let's think about our own part first. ”

Shino nodded again, stood up, and left the bedroom without saying a word. I stood up like I was chasing her and wanted to get out of the bedroom, but I was a little worried about the girl, so I turned my attention to her.

"I hope you wake up tomorrow, darling"

I muttered as I left the bedroom and descended the stairs.

10:00 p.m.

While worrying about the girl, we decided to sleep together on Kirito's bed. The bed the girl slept on was my use, but if I slept in my own bed now, I could hit the girl's body by turning it over and over.

That's why I decided to sleep in Kirito's bed with Kirito, but after Kirito fell asleep, I couldn't sleep at all. \"

I lifted my upper body so as not to make any noise and turned my attention to the girl sleeping in my bed. It must have been a coincidence that the girl fell there, but it seems to me that it was after she and Kirito did that, so it was as if she really had a baby and the girl appeared somewhere, it looked complicated.

"But I can't say anything so easy about my current situation." I don't know why this girl came into this world, but maybe she has always lived alone in this world.

I couldn't rely on the other players, and even when I tried to find my parents, they were nowhere to be found. At the same time, I began to feel that this girl was in the same situation as me, having tried to live without anyone's help.