When Shiina's story tells her everything, Tia's hatred for humanity and her desire for revenge seem to disappear. After all, Shino conveyed her feelings, and Tia's negative emotions were probably purified. However, the poet in question seemed a little unmoved.

"Tia is gone, will I still be able to laugh, play, and spend time with her in the future?"

"Of course, there are many possibilities."

Shino said, "Yes." And responded with a smile. Tia and Primer are twins and family members. They should be able to understand, accept, and live together like Yui, Relan, Streya, and Jupiter. Tia doesn't twist from the inside out, either. I'm sure Shino understands this as well.

\"Seniors, they're here. I'm back, there's no one anymore, although Ayn Grant has no one anymore\"

We were a little surprised by what we heard. The source of the voice is Versa, a girl wearing a distinctive white cat headdress and a white coat-like outfit. The SAo idols who joined our team for the first time in this battle have their eyes on the direction of the day after tomorrow. I couldn't see his face, so I didn't know what he was thinking. However, it must not be forgotten that Vertha was also a meritorious person in this battle, becoming one of the heroes who protected the world.

"Versailles"

The girl named "White Dragon Swordsman" turned around and set her eyes on me.

\"We protected Ai Grude from Ayn Grant! \"

\"Huh? Ah, yes, this Ayn Grant will never fall into Angronde again. \"

Immediately afterward, Vilsa clenched her fist in delight. This move clearly shows that he is happy to be able to protect SAo as an idol of SAo.

"Thank you! Protect "SAo"! ”

"We want to thank you, Vertha. Thanks to your strength, we were able to stop Genesis. ”

Everyone listened to me and nodded. Everyone is happy to have Versa's help.

"I'm also happy to protect \"SAo\". Protect the world with everyone! ”

The person who asked me to intervene was Alice, one of the creators of Ayn Grant. Alice gave everyone a shout and bowed deeply.

"Allow me to say thank you, everyone. Thank you for protecting Ainground. Thank you for protecting the world in which Shino and Tia live. I didn't expect to be able to help you again. \"

Before storming Ayn Grant, Alice asks us to "stop Ayn Grant". He prayed deeply. He was able to fulfill Alice's wish and was able to protect Angerud, so his victory in this battle was to kill two birds with one stone. However, like Versa, Alice has lent us her power to fight alongside us. Alice herself is also included in the list of meritorious contributors.

\"Teacher Alice is fighting alongside me, right? You don't have to be so modest. \"

Hearing Asuna say this, Alice looked a little embarrassed and said, "I think so. Seeing this rare sight, Klein cried out:

"Now that the matter has been settled! Let's go back to the city and celebrate the victory! ”

"Let's celebrate the victory, or let's go on a picnic! We've all decided, and preparations are well underway! ”

Everyone expressed their approval of Streya's proposal. Come to think of it, I forgot about Genesis and Tia, but we plan to go on a picnic soon and have fun together. If you can stop Genesis and Tia in this way, and stop Ian Grant, now is the right time to have a picnic.

"It was great to have a picnic at the Victory Celebration! Let's go! ”

"Let's get excited!"

Filia and Lilan were beaming with joy, and everyone agreed again. The space is still dominated by dark blue, but it seems warmer and brighter around us. At the same time, Shino speaks to us.

"I still have a lot of things I want to do with you, can I go with me?"

"Of course, let's have a lot of fun together in the future, and I hope everyone can spend it with you."

After Shino answered, I continued.

"Shina, let's continue to live together, go on adventures together, see a lot of things, go through a lot of things, I promised you, I will definitely fulfill your wishes and cooperate with your wishes."

Shino replied with a smile. It's the brightest smile I've ever seen.

"yes, please keep taking me!"

Everyone nodded and replied, "Of course!" And "we'll continue to be together." "Shino's world is protected, and she can continue to live in this world. What will happen to her after being freed from the cardinal's hands, and what possibilities will arise? I'm already looking forward to it.

"Then let's go on a picnic!"

When people hear me "Oh! After that, they walked towards the exit together. My steps were so light that I couldn't believe it was after the boss fight.

"You guys do have incredible potential."

In the dark blue space, Alice, who was alone in the back, whispered. Ayn Grant. The floating castle built by the boss of the company where he used to work to fulfill his dreams is now reborn although the boss is gone. Alice couldn't help but be surprised by the reappearance of a place she thought she would never be able to go or see again, and the catastrophe it caused.

I didn't feel anxious, though. Because he thought that if Ayn Grant was born and the disasters of the cardinal system he created were about to occur, then those disasters would be thwarted. He believes that the heroes who have defeated the death game "Sword Art Online" created by the previous boss will surely gather in this world to defend against any disaster. This prophecy came true, and Alice's SAo heroes truly prevented the catastrophe of Ayn Grant and Cardinal.

Alice looked at the backs of the heroes led by the Black Dragon Swordsman. This guy named Kirito is really powerful. He leads his daughter, his "acquaintance", to victory over Genesis, which has become an existence that even transcends the control of the game's management. Under his leadership, those around him also won. Moved by him, I fought against Genesis and emerged victorious.

It's not over yet. Kirito evolved the daughter he gave birth to, the Prime Minister, to that extent, and the Prime Minister purified Tia's pain from being distorted by humans. It's not perfect at the moment, but in the near future, negativity within the Tier will be purified by the positive nature of the Prime Minister.

It is precisely because of Kirito's ability that Alice is able to entrust her most precious patient, Shino, to him. For a while, he wondered if he would be okay, but after all, if it was Kirito, he could entrust Shino to him. Once again, I am reminded that this fact has not changed.

And, like Tia, Kirito will soon purify Shino.

"I'm sure you can do it. So I'll continue to ask Kirito-san for advice. \"

Alice muttered to herself as she watched the heroes leave. If you just leave it at that, they'll be worried. I need to catch up as soon as possible.

After thinking for a few seconds, Alice took a few steps forward, drew a long sword from the scabbard at her waist, turned and stretched it out.

At this time, Alice had already appeared behind a figure. A white sword was already a few centimeters in front of his throat. Alice's outstretched sword also grabbed the other party's throat, but it was faster. I was the first to be cut.

The true identity of the figure was immediately revealed, and Alice couldn't help but smile. A brass-haired man dressed in a crimson robe and dressed in black.

The long white sword in the man's hand grabbed Alice's throat a few centimeters in front of it.

\"I didn't expect even the Holy Spirit to appear. It's been a long time, Kayaba-san. It's nice to see you're alive. \"

A fearless smile appeared on Alice's former boss's face. They laughed fearlessly at each other.

"If being alive were to be described as existing, then that's what I would call it. As for me now, you'll understand, Serizawa-kun. \"

Alice is well aware of the current state of this creator of Ayn Grant and the organizer of the Death Games. He used a modified version of the Nerve Gear to perform a massive scan of his brain. As a result, it has become an entity living in the online world. Curiously, he looks exactly like Alice's children, who all regard him as their father.

"We were very successful in scanning consciousness with a heavily modified Nerve Gear, and we were also very successful in transmitting it to the network. So it's already implemented here - I guess that's what it's about. ”

Akihiko Kayaba, the boss who called me his right-hand man, put down his sword.

"You haven't changed after all, and even if it's hard, you're still able to grasp anything."

\"I'm glad that Kayaba-san's doesn't seem to have changed much. So, what should I call you now? Is Kayaba-san okay? \"

"Actually, in this form, I'm Heathcliff. So you can call me Heathcliff. ”

"I see. Then please call me Alice, too, Mr. Heathcliff. ”

Alice put away her sword as well. Then his gaze crossed Heathcliff's. The back of Kirito and the others after they left is still clearly visible.

"Still, they haven't changed. The way they deal with even the most unreasonable tasks reminds me of SAo. I think they've gotten stronger. \"

\"yes. They say you're stronger than when you defeated Sugago Senpai. Although there are many dangerous places, you are still strong. \"

"That's why you still trust them so much and choose to be with them."

Alice laughed. Sure enough, Akihiko Kayaba/Heathcliff often saw through him. Nothing seems to have changed since graduating from college.

"When I'm with them, I feel like my wish will eventually come true. I intend to continue working with them. ”

Alice folded her arms and turned around. Kirito or Shino must have been stunned, but Heatscliffe just stared at him with brass-colored eyes.

"Anyway, Mr. Heathcliff, no, Mr. Kayaba. You're a bit of an unhappy father, aren't you? Martell and Jupiter both want to see you. Martell especially wants to talk to you, the father. ”

I see. I don't know if Martell has changed, and I'll consider talking to them in the future. \"

"Also, Martell, they're in danger this time, why don't they come and help?"

According to Kirito, the expression on the face of the boss known as the "Paladin" was slightly grim.

"As you said, I became a being in this online world, but my consciousness has not awakened until now. The one who guided my consciousness awakening was this Cardinal [SAo]. It is a system. ”

"The world is a backup of SAo, what about the Cardinal copy? \"

Heathcliff said, "Hmm. "I listened to it a lot when I was in college and Argus.

"I was summoned by the Crash Simulation Module of the Cardinal Replica to participate in the creation of Ayn Grant. I had to bring together the countless fragments of consciousness floating in the network, and a lot of calculations were done at the time. ”

"Now that I think about it, Yui and they have been talking about the fact that there are unknown people in the Amusphere who are doing distributed computing, doing huge calculations, so it turns out that this is for your awakening? \"

"Yes, but copying cardinals doesn't love me as much as Martell and Jupiter do."

Alice opened her eyes in response. Heathcliff continued.

\"I'm just a pawn for Cardinal Copy. It's all about recreating the stage of the Game of Death, and Cardinal Copy doesn't like me. I think you get the idea, Alice-kun. \"

Alice said, "Oh my God" and sighed. I thought Heathcliff didn't know he was loved by Martell and Jupiter, but that was just my imagination. This man, as a father, rightly accepted the love of his children.

"Well, the cardinal replica has no heart and no feelings. Also, it doesn't have a heart box, so I don't think it will love Heathcliff or me. ”

"Isn't that why you participated in the development of SAo and pinned the AI applications you created to the NPCs of the ground missions?"

Alice smiled. Heathcliff's characteristic is that he always hits the stars, but his attacks rarely miss.

"That's not true. I got involved in the development of this game because I thought there was a possibility for small children to evolve, so I adapted it to create Prime and Tier. That's when Cardinal Copy caught my eye. Kirito was beyond my expectations. And other people will have a relationship with those girls. After all, it all started when Cardinal Copy noticed, perhaps. If so, it is also possible that Cardinal Copy may have evolved and obtained a will without our knowledge. They told me that those children were "life".

"Isn't 'life' a typical expression for you? Since they say so, should we think that they are influenced by you? ”

Heathcliff's words may be denied. It's not that anything has come to fruition just through my own influence. It's just that they started saying it when I wasn't looking.

"It may be true, but I have very little influence. It's all the state that the children have reached on their own. Yes, those children are also evolving. My children are the same as yours, yes. ”

Heathcliff wasn't like that, but at least Alice was always amazed at how far the children had evolved. The children's progress and growth have exceeded Alice's expectations, much to Alice's delight. I'm not sure if they realize it, but as a mother, I'm so happy.

"Evolution, huh?"

"That's right. As expected, these children are not applicable, but the evolution of the children is amazing. That's why I think I'm going to stop calling them artificial intelligence and create a different category.

"You decide the name, I won't interfere in such discussions."

Heathcliff's wording is the same as I've heard before. Then, when Alice says "Evoltianima", she feels something stuck in her mouth. If you think about it, the name is also a coincidence. There's a word in it that I've already used, but even if I search in my head, I can't think of another word.

"Then I'll let you do whatever you want, and from now on, and those children, I'll let you do whatever you want."

I felt that Heathcliff's gaze had sharpened a little. But Alice didn't care.

"Argus and Sword Art Online no longer exist. After the dissolution of Argus, you became a free man, but I don't know what you plan to do in the future. As your boss, I want to know. ”

Alice looked at Heathcliff with extremely sharp eyes. Their piercing gazes brushed each other.

Heathcliff's words have been answered. I don't remember how long ago this decision was made, but I've never forgotten what it was about. He was waiting for Heathcliff – or another colleague or senior – to come and question him. Alice, who finally had the right time, removed her entire body from Heathcliff and opened her mouth.

\"You know Kirito-kun and Shino. They are very similar to each other. The same goes for Asuna and Jupiter, as does Ariki and Kem-kun. They are all similar, which is why they are attracted. \"Each other. We love each other. ”

"That's?"

Alice laughed at Heathcliff's question. After the disappearance of Heathcliff/Akihiko Kayaba and Alberridge/Nobuyuki Suga, Alice realizes this fact. At that moment, I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Kayaba-san, you and I are similar. Although it may be a little reluctant, I am also very similar to Sugo Senpai. No matter what, you and Sugo Senpai will achieve their great dreams. You go ahead and do it. "Make your dreams come true. Unlike Sugo seniors, you are able to make your dreams come true. ”

Alice turned to face Heathcliff. There was no change in his face.

"I want to follow in your footsteps, too, Aoba-san. Like you, I have a dream that I have had since I was a child. I've come this far to make this dream come true. I look up to you and I want to follow in your footsteps because you have made my dreams come true. It seems that this dream will soon come true. Just like Kayaba-san, I think I'll be able to fulfill my long-cherished wish. It wasn't until the end that I realized that I was missing a few pieces of seniors, and as long as I had one more, my dream came true. ”

Alice put her hands on her chest. Although it is in the virtual world, you can clearly hear the heartbeat. All pulses are normal.

"Those kids will fill the last part. If I'm with those kids, the chances of my dreams coming true are very high. That's why I will continue to pursue this dream. "I'm going to be with my kids. Until my dream came true no, even after that. ”

Alice put her hand on her hip. Even when I looked at Heathcliff in that position, he didn't move in the slightest, like a statue or something.

"So Kayaba-san, if you're like the enemies of the kids in SAo, and want to be an enemy who bares his fangs to stop me from achieving my dreams, then I'll do the same. I'll let you take it away. However, I don't want to get into that situation with you. ”

"I don't want to point my sword at you if I could. \"

"Then please don't point your sword at me, and I have no reason to point my sword at you. I don't want to be your enemy, and I don't want to be your enemy. Here's one. ””。

Heathcliff's face had the same immobile expression. Like a kind father, not bothered by anything. In fact, if you look at it from another angle, the place where he is located can also be said to be the divine realm. Alice never wanted to go up against Heathcliff. Hearing Alice's message, Heathcliff laughed out loud.

"I see, then, as your senior, former boss, I will support you behind the scenes and work hard for your dreams."

"I would appreciate it if you could do that."

Just as Alice smiled, a call came from behind her. This is the voice of Shino and Kirito.

\"Teacher Alice? Where have you been? \"

"Alice Sand, what's wrong?" \"

Not only Shino and Kirito, but other friends also called Alice. It seems that all he fears is the loss of one person. Obviously, if it goes on like this, they need to worry and it will take more time.

"Ah, wait a minute! I'll be right over! ”

I replied out loud, but I don't know if Kirito heard them. I have to get there as soon as possible. Alice turns to her former boss.

"Then Kayaba-san, I'm sorry for you. Martell and Jupiter are waiting for you, go check it out. \"

"Let's think about it. By the way, Alice, Serizawa-kun. What exactly are your dreams? \"

Alice/Serizawa Alice had already anticipated Heathcliff's last question. I jokingly gave the answer.

"I'll let you know as soon as it's done. Please look forward to it. ”

Alice saluted her former boss, the father of the children, and walked towards the exit of the dark blue space. It didn't take long for him to break through SAo and join the ranks of heroes.

"Shino!"

"Shino! Where have you been! ”

The voices of me and Shino echoed in a corner of the Luustrian steppe.

The catastrophe that Genesis and Tia caused together to destroy Anglod is stopped, and Plemir succeeds in touching the heart of his twin sister Tia. After the Ayn Grant, who was about to fall into Ain Grande, stopped, we returned to the city and began to prepare for a picnic in the Rustirian steppes.

The picnic party that was originally scheduled to be held for Shino, who was worried and sad about the disaster, was held as a celebration of the successful end of the disaster, and it was a great success.

I, the Prime Minister, and Liland spread out the sheets in the designated place and ate colorful bento boxes made by talented chefs such as Asuna, Shino, Lifa, and Jupiter, but each one ate a delicious bento. Everyone was immersed in the conversation, sometimes even playing with rock, scissors, and paper to decide who was faster and who spoke first.

Because it was after fighting Genesis and Tia, I also ate the food prepared by Asuna and the others. When I got there, I realized that the reason why everything was so delicious was not only because of Asuna's cooking, but also because everyone ate together in a beautiful place.

Shino, who was finally freed from the disaster, was engrossed in eating her meal while not forgetting to talk and laugh with everyone. Initially, the Prime Minister was a girl who was completely focused on cooking, and now, in the company of his best friend, the Prime Minister has evolved into a girl who enjoys a picnic from the bottom of her heart.

I'm glad we were able to stop Genesis and Tier, but I'm even more happy to see the Prime Minister grow and evolve. I am very happy to be able to save her.

During the joyous picnic celebrating the victory, we noticed something strange.

Shino is gone. Versa, who was involved in the fight against Genesis and Tia, said that she had a personal affair and was not there in the first place, so I didn't care, but Shino, who was present from the beginning and talked to everyone, was gone. I was surprised.

However, Lilan, who is also an "AI equipped with an Anima box", and her friends quickly realize that the Prime Minister is not far away and reassure us. I'm worried that not seeing him doesn't necessarily mean something strange is happening, though. I went out with Shino to find the premiere, and Shino agreed to accompany me.

"It's not very far, but it's hard to find."

"The Prime Minister has been separated from the Cardinal, I believe she will not be manipulated anymore, I don't know where she went."

"But I think if you look for it, you'll find it, and that's good."

The grassland area that I walked with Shino was very quiet and peaceful. There are no monsters, the plants sway in the breeze and are warmed by the sun. Such an idyllic view that it's hard to believe that not long ago, a floating castle built hollowed out of the earth had suffered a disaster. This couldn't be better for a picnic. Maybe other players besides us are also relaxing their strategies and going for a picnic.

Shino looked up at the sky, and the two walked through the world together.

"In short, a lot is going on in this world. \"

\"Ahh A lot more happened than usual. \"

\"I found my house in Ayn Grant, and now I can live with Yui, Lilan, and you again\"

For Shino, that's the most important thing. Actually, I think so too. The 22nd floor of Ayn Grant, the house where the whole family lives. We were finally able to go back to where we wanted to be. I can confidently say that this was one of the most memorable experiences I have had at SAo.

"There's something from Asuna and Jupiter, and there's something from Ariki and Kem. I think Jupiter and Kaim grew up especially amazing. ”

\"I understand. The time spent with Jupiter is also amazing. However, I'm glad I was able to make it through safely. And there are some terrible things. You've become like this\"

Shiina's face showed a hint of sadness, and she turned her gaze to my right hand. The poem is a silver bracelet that I was given and the Prime Minister prayed to me. Without it, I would have been devoured by the defense mechanism, which is one of the functions of the cardinal system, with seven colors shining in the sun. Then, he becomes completely ignorant of everything and becomes the "Hollow Incarnate", and Yuichi's purpose is to destroy the enemies of the world.

\"Now that I think about it, that's right. \"

"Kirito, how have you been since then? Do you feel like you've been drawn again? \"

I stared at the bracelet and pondered Shino's question.

Since receiving this bracelet, I feel that the cardinal system has not interfered with me anymore. In fact, I never felt this way when I fought Genesis and Anubis, when Anubis drew out the power of the defense mechanism. Nothing has changed since then. The bracelet Shino gave me protected me like a talisman. Again, I realized that.

\"I don't have it anymore. Ever since I had the amulet Shino gave me, I had nothing. \"

"Really? When I wasn't looking, it didn't happen. ”

"Indeed. Since then, it has been as if I have been protected by Shino and her amulet. You're the one who protects me. \"

Shino did not answer. His expression didn't change out of worry. Just as I was about to lower my head, she finally spoke again.

"I'm really scared when you get so bad. I'm afraid you'll never be the same again. I'm afraid you've turned into something I don't know. The memories I created with you.... It felt like everything was falling apart......

People around me might think that's a bit exaggerated. Still, I can't help but understand Shino's feelings. I don't think it's an exaggeration at all.

"I've not been like that since, though. Everyone lent me strength, but Shino cared about me and worked hard for me, so I wasn't like this anymore. \"It's all thanks to you, Shino, that I'm someone you know. Thank you. \"

What I always thought about but didn't dare to say is now said. Even though I've been with Shino for a long time, there are still some things that I can't say, which surprises and disappoints me a little. So far, I've never been silent about anything.

I kept thinking about something like this in my head, but it quickly disappeared. Because Shino's cheeks turned pink, a smile appeared.

"The reason why I want to be the best is because Kirito is always like this. You always did your best for me, always did your best for me. Protect me from danger. You stay with me and tell me you love me. You're always like that, so when something happens to you, I feel like I have to do my best too. ”

Shino turned her gaze to me. His black eyes reflected the sky, the clouds, and me.

"My power may be limited, but I will still protect you. You will protect me, I love you more than anyone else from now on, forever"

As soon as Shino said this, a wave of love welled up in my heart. Shino rarely says such things. She was also saying something she had been thinking about but hadn't said out loud.

\"So, Kirito, please stay with me forever, right? \"

"Of course. I'll always be with you, Shino. \"

Shiina's arms were gently opened. "Hug me," he said wordlessly. I didn't say the same thing anymore and gently hugged her body.

\"Shino is really Kirito's friend.。 \"

At this moment, suddenly a voice came and Shino and I screamed in surprise. I hurriedly pulled away and looked in the direction of the sound, and saw a petite man in a loose light blue and white suit, with short black hair and a blond hair ornament, and a crying voice in his light blue eyes. There is a mole on the right eye, and she looks like a girl. The girl was looking at me and Shino with curious eyes.

"'Shino!?' ”

After saying the name, I finally remembered what I was here for.

Shino and I came to look for Shino, and it is said that Shino has been separated from everyone. I was wondering where the girl I was looking for was, but she suddenly appeared in front of me. If you think about it, it's very similar to when Alice suddenly appeared. The Prime Minister was one of Alice's daughters, but I don't know if she inherited something like this.

"I—When did you arrive? Or rather, where did you go? ”

\"I was lying near here, and when I saw Kirito and Shino passing by, I followed. And then they hugged each other\"

Shino blushed and lowered her head. My face also felt like it was on fire. There is no doubt that it is red. We have been looking for Shino, but before we know it, we are so engrossed in pouring out our feelings that we will never see Shino again.

And the forgotten girl watched us confess our feelings from beginning to end. What I did because I knew no one was watching was actually seen at the premiere. There is no one who is not ashamed of such a thing.

If Shino was SAo's person, she would be in pain all over now, but now she just blushed and lowered her head. Even so, there is no doubt that he was only in pain from being motionless.

"I didn't notice you lying down, why are you like this?"

Because Kirito told me that was the best part of the picnic. \"

Shino, who stunned us, crossed her hands in front of her chest and closed her eyes.

"When I lay down on such a sunny day, I understood. Blue sky, white clouds pass by, and the scenery spreads out. It's good to know that everything is beautiful and perfect. ”

Think about it, when we were looking for a picnic spot, I told the Prime Minister about it. She never forgets.

"Is that so? That's why you're lying. ”

"Yes. I love what Kirito taught me. \"

"I see. Then it's worth teaching you. ”

Speaking of this, Plemir's cheeks began to turn pink, just like Shino just now.

\"Because of Kirito and Shino, and all the people who met me, I learned a lot of things that I didn't know. I still don't know what kind of people you are. However, I was born into this world as a human being. "Alice's children, I am here to welcome you who have come into this world. Thank you for meeting you, so I am who I am today. I wouldn't have been able to have these feelings and emotions if I hadn't met you. ”

Shino and I listened intently. It seems that Pleimir was unwittingly taught by Alice that she was still a "child". Some of the things she said were the questions on my mind.

How much of an impact will our presence in this world have on this world and its inhabitants? How much impact do we really have on the world? What does poetry say about those of us who have such an impact on the world?

I have doubts about this and am worried.

"That said, I'm really glad to meet you. In other words, thank you Kirito and Shino. Thank you for meeting me. Thank you for being with me\"

When the poem opens up to us, we can't help but remain silent. Poetry is our heart is grateful. There is no doubt about humanity?? and hatred, only gratitude and friendship. This proves that we can indeed raise Shino to be a good daughter. That's when I was finally able to respond to the premiere with joy.

"You're welcome. I also feel lucky to have met Shino. ”

"It's not just Kirito, I'm too. Shino, it's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for being with us. \"

Maybe it didn't mean it like I meant it, but Shino used the same word at the premiere. Pleimir shook his head slightly, turning to Shiina.

"I'm the one who has to say thank you. My days are full. It's all thanks to you. You've taught me fun things through walks and adventures to protect the people I care about...... and the joie de vivre. You made me understand that I am also a kind of life, before I met you, I have been living in a colorless world, you gave my world color, it was you who gave me this, from now on, I will continue to walk. Walking through this colorful world with you, really walking together, so whatever I want will be given to you, thank you very much. ”

The premiere was filled with love. That's how it feels. We unconsciously pour our love into the empty Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister grows in this love. Now we have arrived at the premiere. The Prime Minister became what she is today because she always longed to not make the Prime Minister feel bad and give her happiness.

Shiina, and I couldn't help but laugh when I witnessed this incredibly beautiful fact with our own eyes.

"I want to thank Shino, let's continue to walk together."

Shino nodded and smiled again. Her smile was as bright and beautiful as the sun, and it couldn't be compared to when we first met.

But she didn't show us long. Her smile turned into an expression that seemed to realize something, and she turned to Shino.

"Shiina, I remember something. \"

"Fart?"

I think so too, but the poem is Kirito's "lover". That's probably why Shino hugged Kirito. \"

This question almost made us fall. This is simply a recreation of the scene where he was bombarded indiscriminately by Yui's wild words. Perhaps because her creator, Alice, was a natural bomber herself, her daughter Yui was also a born bomber. Since Primir was also a child, and his mother was Alice, he was a natural bomber.

\"Hey, wait a minute, Shino!? \"

"Mistress!? What are you talking about, hostess!? ”

Just when we were all panicking, Shino crossed her hands in front of her chest and replied.

\"I got love from everyone. However, Shino gets more love from Kirito. Isn't this because Shino is Kirito's 'friend'? I hope you can give me more love while I\" I want to know what Shino's state is. If I become like Shino, this wish will come true. So, Shino, please tell me. How can you make Kirito like you? Can you be benevolent? \"

The Prime Minister has evolved to the point where she is able to understand love and realizes that she is actually being bathed in love. It's only natural that they want more love from them. This may be why the Prime Minister wants to be a "mistress" – but this is clearly going in a strange direction. Shino and I were both confused, and Shino began to teach us the right things.

\"Uh, Prime Minister, I'm not Kirito's mistress. To be precise, we are a couple. \"

"A married couple. A man and a woman pour out their love for each other. Men and women are called husbands, and women are called wives. Their love for each other was poured into the point of exploding...... Isn't it? "Isn't that so?"

Surprisingly, Shino seems to understand the concept of a couple very well. However, I had a bad premonition – and it quickly became a reality.

\"Is that so? So Shino, how can I become Kirito's wife like you? How can I make Kirito my husband? \"

After the next round of reloading, the two were about to fall again, and Shino launched another bombing. Shino quickly regained her position and tried to justify it.

"I can't do that! My wife can only be a woman, and Kirito can't have anyone but me! \"

\"Is that so? So Shina, what do you mean by wife swapping? \"

"I'm sure I can't! No matter how much you want it, I can't give it up! ”

Shino was in complete confusion. This would have been a natural reaction because I was asked to replace my wife, however, Shino seemed to value her status as my wife more than I thought. In fact, from the current Shino, we can see the determination and will to "never give up". This is perhaps the first time I've seen Shino express such feelings to the people around her.

Even from the premiere, we began to see this determination and will.

\"Nununu, I'm more worried when you say that! Shino, please tell me how you feel. Don't monopolize me, take me to your country! \"

That's why you refused! It's not the right place to take you! ”

The Prime Minister further refutes Shinai's rebuttal. Being able to do so much shows that Shina's level of humanity is very high. It reveals the hidden evolutionary potential of the "Anima box", which is the heart of the Prime Minister. But now it's not good, the trouble is endless.

"Calm down, Shino. You're too opinionated about what you want. ”

The Prime Minister and Shino turned to me together.

"I want love, I said I want love from now on, just like you gave me."

It was then that I felt like I could grasp the light. There is a way to block the premiere.

\"Then you don't have to be my wife. Shina's status is no different from yours. \"

Shino tilted her head and said, "Huh? ”。 Seeing that Shino stopped, Shino breathed a sigh of relief, and I continued.

"Shi Nai and I are lovers, but before that we were a family. The reason why I love Shino is because she is an important family member. \"

"Because it's family"

"Now you have a family, too. You have a mother named Alice Sand, and older siblings named Yui, Lilan, Strea, and Jupiter. Although now they are separated, you have a pair of twins named Tia. I also have sisters. and I will give them all the love you say. After all, they are family. ”

It doesn't seem like they're going to call each other that, but Shino is Lilan's youngest sister and Sueno's sister. The girls love each other like a family, and there is no doubt that from now on, the Prime Minister will also be one of them.

"So, Prime Minister. From now on, your family will also give you love like Shino. You can go out and create fun memories, eat delicious food together, and do all sorts of things together. So. \"You don't have to be my wife, even if you don't, your wish will come true. ”

Shino looked a little surprised. Perhaps he reiterated his position for the future.

\"Is that so? Even if I didn't become Kirito's wife, I could share a lot with Kirito and get love from Kirito like Kirito's wife, Shino. \"

"Yes, especially your mother is amazing, I'm sure she'll give you unexpected love from now on."

Although she didn't say so, from past experience, at least Alice was willing. Despite the fact that Alice is an artificial intelligence, she considers her "my child" and will probably pour her love into Shino, just as she did with Lilan and Yui.

Just as I was thinking this, I saw that not far from here, the girls were having a picnic with Shino's family. I need to get home as soon as possible. Immediately after, Shino spoke to Shino in front of me. Calm has been restored.

"So Shino, stop talking about your wife and mistress like that, and go home and see your mother and sisters. Everyone longs to bathe you with love. ”

"In that case, I have done something sorry for my beloved family, and I want to go home as soon as possible."

"In that case, there's only one place to go."

Shino listened to my words and turned to me with pale blue eyes. It shimmered with a very soft light.

\"Kirito, Shino. Can you take me there? \"

"Of course, let's hurry up."

In response, Shino smiled again and gently held my and Shino's hands. The real "life" and the warmth that only she has are firmly there. Shino and I went back the way we came, feeling it from our hands to our whole body.

After the catastrophe passed, the world was surprisingly calm.

"Oh, you noticed."

The voice heard in the blurred consciousness was the voice of a woman I didn't recognize. But in fact, she heard the voice and woke her up. When she opened her eyelids, a blinding white light rushed in, and she immediately closed her eyes.

Then she realized that she was not bathed in white light and opened her eyes again. I don't see white light, but landscapes. The place where she was now was a white space, as if all the colors had been removed. As far as the eye can see, it is white, stretching to the horizon. Heaven and earth are connected, and there are no visible boundaries.

Where is this? She thought so and looked around, but because everything was white, the scenery didn't change no matter where she looked. But then I noticed something like a gray line around it. A line extends from the ground and rises vertically into the sky, reaching above her. It looks like it's inside a cube.

Of course, she doesn't remember such a place. When did you get here? Where the hell is this? I'm sure of myself...

"Well, it seems that consciousness or anything is fine."

Hearing this voice again, she was taken aback and turned her head to look. There is a different color behind her than white. He was dressed in a white lab coat like a doctor, with impressive long black and shiny hair, and the woman was looking down at her with reddish-brown eyes. When her gaze met his, the woman let out an "oh".

"Oh, I'm sorry to frighten you. How are you? ”

Hearing the woman's words, she nodded. How am you asking me, and don't even explain where I am?

"Ah, this is not something I've just heard, and I didn't expect me to do something like this, I didn't expect it to go so smoothly."

She didn't understand what the woman was saying. She opened her mouth to speak.

"Who are you? This is where it is."

I am able to express my voice and speech naturally. She knew they were all hers. The woman took a quick look at her surroundings before replying.

"It's a different world than the one you're trapped in."

"Outside of the world that trapped me?"

The woman said "hey" again and spoke to her.

"You don't remember what happened before you came here?"

When asked, she thought about it. My head is blurry and unclear. It's as if the walls of this white cube are covered with pure white mist. No matter how hard I try to think or recall, I can't remember anything. The woman asked, as if she had guessed.

"So what's that? You're playing a game called Sword Art Online, but it's a game of death, and it's a world that you can only exit if you beat it. And then, unfortunately, it's game over for you..."

Sword Art Online. This name made her mind go blank. All sorts of information and memories flooded into my mind at an alarming rate. Like an avalanche or a flood, memories flow, spread, and hom to their places.

Unable to bear the pain that flooded back with her memories, she clasped her head in her hands. My mind was filled with the latest memories I could remember, including my name, my family, and where I lived. As what was lost is regained, the last thing is back in place, and the pain is gone. When I let go of my head and gasped, the woman's face was there. Before she knew it, the woman had put his hand on her back.

"Judging by the look on your face, it seems like you've remembered who you are and what happened."

Things were just as the woman said. She remembers everything. You can also see what happened before you came here.

Trapped in Sword Art Online, he works to conquer it with his guild mates, friends, and Yuichi's family.

Along the way, I fell into a trap set in the dungeon

"I, why am I here? I've been"

"I hope you don't be shocked, but you're dead. Your brain is blown up by an electromagnetic pulse emitted by the Nerve Gear, which senses that your game is over and you're dead. ”

The woman's tone was calm. She was able to grasp the contents, but at the same time, her head and chest were full of questions. I knew I was dead. I also know that what she said is true. But then why am I here? Is there really a world after death? Is it right here?

"Huh? Oh yes, you're not dead, I can see you're alive. ”

"Not dead? What does it mean to not die? ”

The woman let out an "um" with an unhappy expression on her face. Something complicated seems to be happening.

"If you can say that to exist is to live, then you are alive."

"What do you mean? I'm at Nerve Gear"

"Yes. You were killed by Nerve Gear and saved by Nerve Gear. ”

Hearing the woman's words, I couldn't help but tilt my head. I don't really understand what is being said.

"Well, in short, your physical body is dead, but your consciousness is alive. In other words, you only have your soul left. ”

"Live only with my soul"

Even if the body is lost, only the consciousness and soul continue to move with the body. They are generally referred to as ghosts or ghosts. He said he had become a ghost.

"That kind of thing is called a ghost or Mitamas, but that's not the case with you. You come here in a new form of life. I think the name of this life form is 'cyber lifeform evolution', and I'm thinking of calling this form a process 'web animation'. ”

"Well, it's okay for you anyway. You're alive. Your body is gone, but you are alive and your consciousness and memory intact. That's what I can be sure of. \"

I was supposed to be dead, but I'm alive - it's suddenly unbelievable. All I can say is that it's crazy. While this is the case, there is no basis for denying it. What the woman said must be true. I think I've become what the woman said I was.

"What's wrong with the others? Everyone else is dead except me."

The woman folded her arms and lowered her gaze slightly.

\"I feel sorry for you, but you're Yui the one who can become like this. Your friends burned out their brains by Nerve Gear and just like that. I'm telling you, and I know you're going to be like that, too. I look at you in despair. ”

She opened her eyes and fell to her knees. The faces of my friends came to mind, and my chest tightened inexorably. Only me, who wasn't supposed to survive, survived, and everyone else was cut off. The woman said she felt hopeless. Could it be that this woman caused it?

"Why are you doing this to me? Why are you doing this to me? Why would you abandon anyone else!? ”

"If I could, all your friends and I would do it. In fact, we did. But you're Yuichi's successful person, and it's a miracle that you say you can do it, and it's a miracle. "He survived. Thank you for your understanding. ”

I didn't feel any malice from the woman who told me about it. But doubts remain.

"Why did you do that? Why are you doing this? ”

"This is out of academic interest. I wonder if I really did something like this and if it works. ”

She glared at the woman in surprise. I couldn't believe she would say such strange things for such a selfish reason, but the woman just laughed out loud.

"—No. I don't have that in mind, so don't worry. \"

She almost fainted. The anger in my heart that I haven't had for a long time is superfluous.

"Then why..."

The woman let out a long sigh and spoke:

"After you were killed by Sword Art Online, something happened, and we needed you. Especially you, you are very much needed. ”

"Do you need me...?"

"It seems that you have long thought that you are powerless, but this is not the case. You have power. You have the power to help others. ”

I can't do anything, weaker than anyone else, I'm dragging everyone back. It's something she's been thinking about. Even women know about it, but it's a matter of course that this happened. After all, I've always had the feeling and vibe of an underdog. Worryingly, however, the woman denied this. The woman raised her head and met her eyes.

"Can you please try to remember again? About the people who love you and the people you love? ”

When he said this, a flood of memories came back to her. The power wasn't as strong as it used to be, but it was still strong enough that I had to hold my head down with one hand. The sights, the sounds, everything came back to life. This is what happened before she became what that woman called "Evoltianima" and was resurrected.

The man I met when I was still in the flesh, he told me that he would protect me. A person who prides himself on falling in love with a person who is powerless and powerless.

A swordsman with distinctive black hair and a black coat, and a girl in black who is in his family. She screamed his name.

\"Kirito, avoid! \"

Kirito didn't listen to the voice in his ear and took a gentle step to the right. A huge sword fell vertically in the space where Kirito stood, crashing into the stone floor with a roar.

The gravel floor was rolled up and scattered like a cannonball, but before he could reach Kirito, he kicked the floor and moved forward, heading towards the sword's owner. It must have been me pushing too hard, I was busy pulling out the sword that was stuck in the ground, and my pocket was empty. Even so, this may be a short time for the average player, but it is more than enough for Kirito.

At the same time as the master drew his sword, Kirito waved the sword in both hands, emitting a pale blue light.

"Da Da!!"

As he roared and unleashed a barrage of vertical slashes, the tip of the sword crackled and sparks erupted. The sword, with a fierce static that is visible to the naked eye, bites into the enemy, and the remaining health is taken away.

Dual sword technique 'Ambush'.

Kirito's enemies screamed and fell as they received the explosion. It seemed that the weight of the sword was also a curse, and he lost his balance and fell to his knees. By the time Kirito stood up and swung his sword, he was no longer stiff after using his sword skills and was able to get out of the range of his attacks.

"He looks dazed, but there's no need to worry." Soon, a girl with long blond hair, platinum wolf ears, a tail, and a two-handed sword approached. Kirito replied to the girl while looking at the enemy in front of him.

"Ah, his movements are easy to judge. I think it's because I fought him in SAo. \"

"I guess. He was a man who didn't matter to us. ”

"If Lilan says that, does that mean it really matters?" Kirito looked at the enemy in front of him, as well as the girl he called Lilan. The person in front of him was a black and purple orc.