The Praying Mantis is not at all an opponent of a one-handed sword strengthened with the mantis's scythe, and Kirito's one-handed sword skills. The praying mantis was defeated by Kirito and the six members who had regained their strength due to Kirito's arrival, dropped a scythe that could strengthen his weapon, and then disappeared.

After the victory was confirmed, all seven breathed a sigh of relief, but in the end, all six thanked Kirito. Kirito said that he didn't need to thank him and wanted to leave, but the six didn't let him go. He asked me to express my gratitude to the people who saved my life. The situation is urgent, like an invisible wall, blocking Kirito's retreat.

Unable to escape, Kirito reluctantly agrees to the request of the six and is invited to a small victory celebration held in the lounge of the inn on the eleventh floor. However, Kirito found that the aura of these six people had a place that attracted him.

"Well, if Kirito hadn't come in at the time, I don't know what would have happened now. That's really dangerous. \"

Sasamaru, a young man with a strange hat and curly hair, said, followed by Dak, a thief in a knitted hat. They were all hesitant to come forward.

\"Really, really! Kirito is really like a helper or something. How many times I would have to bow down to him? \"

\"Oops, that's too much. Kirito is almost out of interest. \"

Keita said this, causing Duck and the others to laugh. He fights with a stick and is the leader of this team. When I came back, I heard that this group, the ultra-small guild "Moonlit Night Black Cat Gang", was centered on Keita.

Two figures approached Kirito from Kaita's side. After Kirito was stopped, he turned around to face him without hesitation.

\"Well, Kirito. \"

The person who called to me was one of the two red cats in the black cat on a moonlit night. She has short blue-black hair and wears blue and white light-colored clothes. The person was a girl with distinctive blue eyes and a mole that would cry. The girl, named Yuki, said to Kirito with tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, thank you so much. I was scared, so I was really happy when Kirito came to save me\"

Yuki looked like she was about to cry, and Kirito couldn't help but react. I felt a sensation born in my chest that I had never felt before.

Fortunately, he was the most desperate person in the battle at that time. The spear-wielding Yuki was between the centre-back and the defender, but unluckily he was targeted by the praying mantis. When Kirito comes to her rescue, her HP has turned yellow. Although her defense and skill stats don't seem to be high, Kirito still saves her at the last moment.

"It's okay, you don't have to thank me so much."

"No, I'm really scared. I was so scared that I couldn't do anything. So Kirito saved me at that time, and I'm really happy. \"

Yuki said as he wiped his tears. I've known this since that fight, but Yuki was terrified. I was so frightened that I couldn't hold my spear, so I ran away, leaving a lot of gaps. He wasn't good at fighting in the first place. She was thrown where she wasn't supposed to go.

I'm really glad I was able to save her like this—Kirito thought unconsciously. I thought I was glad I had enough strength to save her.

\"Sister, it's okay. My sister said I would protect her. \"

The other man with two scarlet spots looked sideways at Kiriwa and Yuki and said. Wearing a cat-eared hat, a deformed black cat on the hat, wearing the same light black clothes as Yuki, and a slightly petite girl. Because the color of her eyes and hair are the same as Yuki's, she can see at a glance that she is Yuki's sister, and she also calls Yuki "sister".

"Sister"

No one seems to be able to hear Kirito's monologue. And of course, the lucky sister. Just as Yuki's sister was about to say the next sentence, Keita put her hand on her head. I moved my mouth as I tapped on the center of her cat's ear.

"That's what I said, but you were busy. Moreover, you only want to protect Yuki, and you don't show up at all. ”

Musu and Yuki's sister puffed out their cheeks. Perhaps because of the light around her, her swollen cheeks took on a lovely pink color.

\"I can't help it, senior. I also want to protect my sister. \"

"I've heard that if people pay attention to that, there will be problems. Or does that mean we're not included in the goals we need to protect? ”

"That's not true. I am the strongest of them all, so I will protect my sisters and seniors. \"

She said enthusiastically. Kirito also knew that there was no lie in this sentence.

This girl is the one-handed swordsman who stood aside to protect Sachi when Sachi came to help the Black Cat Brigade on a moonlit night. At the time, she seemed confused and caught off guard by a giant mantis attacking her sister, but with Kirito joining, she quickly regained her composure. He showed swordsmanship that rivaled Kirito, and after a long period of solo training, he worked with Kirito to drive the mantis into a corner, as if the fact that he was at a disadvantage was a lie.

Of course, everyone in the Black Cat on a Moonlit Night also fought well, but it was she who contributed the most to this battle. What is certain is that his skills and swordsmanship are comparable to those of the first-line player team. Perhaps he is of a higher rank than any of the "Black Cats on a Moonlit Night". I didn't expect such a powerful figure to be in such a humble position.

That's when Kirito noticed. Keita uses a stick, Tetsuo uses a shield and uses a one-handed club, Duck uses a dagger, and Sasamaru uses a spear. I've also heard the names of the Gunners and the members of the Moonlit Night Black Cat Brigade, but I don't think I've heard of the name of Yuki's sister. Even if I tried to say it, her name couldn't be said.

Before Kirito could ask, she stopped him.

\"Do you mean Kirito? Thank you for saving my sister. And, about your seniors. This game doesn't seem to be very good at everyone. "If you don't give it a little blow, it's nothing. ”

"Oops, come on. You're talking to everyone like a sauce. That's not what one of your juniors should say. \"

She further retorted Keita's rebuttal. Apparently she is the smallest.

"I'm just telling the truth. Besides, Senior Kaitai, it's impossible for my sister to be in front. Senior Kaitai, they must have seen how scared their sister was a long time ago. "Without my support, there is no hope." Especially since Keita-senpai lives near our house. ”

"So, if the best people in the game stand on the front lines, the problem is solved. But you are stuck to Sachi and refuse to let go. Even though you are the strongest. ”

"I want to protect my sister! This matter is important, so I said it twice! ”

Everyone was amused by her words. Kirito is still amazed by the atmosphere here.

The SAo fronts I have seen so far have been brutal, with no hint of friendliness or friendly interaction. On the contrary, even in the previous battle, when they defeated the praying mantis, they high-fived each other in celebration, as if they heard the horn of victory. There was no one at the front who celebrated the victory in battle like this.

The interaction between the frontline personnel and the "moonlight black cat", whose behavior is diametrically opposed, is dazzling and heartwarming. In the worst world where the game ends like this, there are still such enthusiastic people Just when Kirito's thought so, Yuki's sister clapped her hands, as if she thought of something. He broke free from Kaita's restraints with graceful movements, put his hands on the table in front of Kirito, and poked his face out.

Kirito has little experience with women. I was taken aback when her face suddenly approached me.

"By the way, Kirito, will you join our guild?" Kirito is very strong, and it seems that he will soon be taken over by other guilds! \"

"Huh?"

Kirito was stunned. I thought he was coming to me out of nowhere, only to fly out of the way with a request to join the guild. It's probably more shocking than anything I've ever seen at SAo. Keita calls out to his sister, who told him such a story.

"Hey, hey, hey! This is not what you can say, this is the negotiation that this is what I should say as a leader! ”

"That being said, I'm the godfather of this guild! And Keita-senpai also wants Kirito-san to join, right? \"

In response to her question, Keita said, "Hmm. "Looks like I've been misguided. And Keita seems to have the same idea as the girl. While Kirito's eyes widened, Kaita walked towards Kirito with a wry smile.

\"That's right. Kirito, please join us on a moonlit night black cat. As long as Kirito comes, we can fight with peace of mind. \"

"Is that so?"

"Ah, although our level is high, but the skill composition is different, only Iron Man and this guy can fight the vanguard, and it is easy to fall into a desperate situation in battle, this guy can fight the vanguard." Pioneer, if you do this, it will be solved, but she is desperately trying to protect her sister, and she is also scared, she has no gun skills at all, and I am considering using her as a vanguard - with a shield sword in hand, send her to be a pioneer, but it is not good"

What did you say? - Kirito almost cried when he heard part of this story. The structure of the "Moonlit Black Cat" is extremely uneven, and it is easy to get bogged down. In this case, even if the frightened fortunate joined the pioneer, it may not go well. If anything, the balance would be worse.

No, it's not a matter of Yuichi, and it's not the problem.

"Luckily"

Kirito turned to Yuki. There was a pleading glint in his eyes, but it was also mixed with a hint of fear. She must still be scared. The truth is that I can't help but be afraid of the fight itself. The battle at the time made this painfully clear to me.

However, they had no choice but to fight, and they were about to be forced into the vanguard. I can't let her go through something like this again. We can't let Yuki feel scared and anxious. If I, the abominable hitman, had joined in, I wouldn't have had the privilege of being a pioneer. Maybe I can get rid of the fear in my heart. Unconsciously, Kirito's heart was filled with such a feeling.

Kirito expressed his desire to protect Sachi in different languages.

"In that case, I hope you can join me."

As soon as these words came out, the eyes of everyone in the 'Moonlit Night Black Cat Group' suddenly changed. It is a popular color.

"Really!? Are you really going to join us!? ”

Keita, who looked happy, lunged at him, making Kirito a little scared. It seems that he really wants a friend.

"Yes. I have nowhere to go, I'm alone. So please let me join. ”

When Kirito announced his decision again, everyone cheered and began to say, "Nice to meet you!" And "Thank you, Kirito!" ”。 So far, I've avoided socializing with people, but I feel like I want to be with these people. These people are not the same as the assault regiments at the front. Just as Kirito was thinking this, he suddenly remembered a question that he had forgotten.

"So, I have a question."

“？”

"She's Yuki's sister. Don't know what she's going to say? I don't think I've heard her name. ”

The members of the "Moonlit Night Black Cat Troupe" almost said "ah" in unison. Among them is the fortunate sister herself. It seems that everyone has forgotten about it.

Realizing this, Yuki's sister immediately crossed her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest. Keita said, a calm and relaxed expression on her face.

"That's right, that's what I've heard, he gave us the name of the guild, the Moonlit Black Cat, you may have heard of it, but he's the youngest of us, the most reliable of us.

Her name is Maki, Sachi's sister. In fact, it's a different name...... But all you have to do is add a letter, but we'll call her "maki". It's very different from my horrible sister, isn't it? ”

Maki - That's Yuki's sister's name. Moreover, the girl, who is the youngest member of the "Moonlit Night Black Cat" and the godfather, spoke again.

\"Nice to meet you, Kirito! \"

The night he became the seventh member of the Moonlit Night Black Cat Guild, Kirito slept in his hotel room. It's no different than before. Now that they've formed guilds, no matter how small, I thought there would be a main home, but my expectations were easy to get wrong. The Moonlit Black Cat is a guild that doesn't have a main home yet, and from the time SAo was founded until now, they have been spending the night in hotels all over the world, advancing their strategy.

The Ain Grant Intelligence newspaper, which is mainly an informant, also has the names of the guilds written on them, and most of them own houses and facilities that serve as their main residences. Even the Irongrunt intelligence newspaper did not mention the Black Cat on a Moonlit Night.

They presumably have been in existence since the beginning of SAo, but have only carried out some small-scale activities and have not taken any public action like other guilds.

Compared to other guilds, the "Moonlit Night Black Cat" has little presence and strength. That's where he came in—Kirito thought again.

"However"

I muttered to myself as I rolled over on the bed, propped my hands on the back of my head, and looked at the ceiling. The faces of the members of the "Moonlight Black Cat Gang", who have been friends since today, appeared in front of my eyes and flashed in my mind.

As far as I know, the members of the Moonlit Night Black Cat Group are all members of the computer research department of the same high school, and Keita, Sachi, and Maki are said to be childhood sweethearts because their homes are so close. They are all good friends, and although they are trapped in the extreme environment of SAo, they also seem to be the same as in the real world. This is something Kirito has never seen before.

Many players will aim to complete SAo and return to the real world to conquer maze areas and boss battles. Kirito attended one of these events not long ago, but he didn't feel well. On the front line, everyone puts improving the efficiency of their strategy first, continues to fight, and puts everyone's emotions second. There is not the slightest sign of good relations or a friendly atmosphere.

Kirito has always liked to be alone, but even if you don't think about it, the atmosphere created by the Raiders team is very uncomfortable. Once I'm done with my business, I want to leave. Everyone is trying to capture the game and at the same time exude such an atmosphere. Maybe it's a matter of life and death, but it feels too harsh.

However, the "Black Cats on a Moonlit Night" is clearly different. "Moonlit Night Black Cat Group" everyone held hands, helped each other and shared joy. I think it's characterized by friendliness, as if it makes you forget that the world is a game of death.

If they grow up in the future and become a guild that can catch up with the Raiders group, then the atmosphere of the Raiders group may become more calm and beautiful like the "Moonlit Night Black Cat". If that's the case, I'm sure this strategy will do a better job and the atmosphere will definitely attract more applicants.

If that opportunity turns into "Moonshine Black Cats," there's nothing that makes me happier than that.

"In addition"

The black cat on a moonlit night can get stronger—Kirito couldn't help but think. I haven't told you yet, but I'm over level 40 and have joined. Not only that, but there is also the existence of Maki, who is the godfather of the 'Moonlit Black Cat' and the strongest player of the 'Moonlit Black Cat'.

As far as I know, Maki has always been good at games, and sometimes she often fights alone to earn items, and she never neglects training in order to fulfill her will to protect her sister. During the day, I marveled at his swordsmanship. I'm afraid her strength has reached a level that can be compared to the strongest players in the Raiders group.

Since I will play a central role in the battle with Maki, "Moonlit Black Cat" will become stronger in the blink of an eye. It should only be a matter of time before the "Moonlight Black Cat" enters the strategy group.

The strategy group, which is currently too relaxed, will eventually reach its limits. If you add the 'Moonlit Night Black Cat Group' before that, you can break through the limit. The Assault Team will be a calm and strong team that will definitely be able to capture this Ayn Grant.

The addition of the "Moonlit Black Cat Brigade" strategy team will be a very important thing. In order to get there as quickly as possible, I had to make the 'Moonlit Black Cat' stronger.

When I think about this, one thing comes to mind. That's Maki's older sister, Yuki, one of the two red members of the Black Cat on a Moonlit Night. Among the members of the "Black Cat on a Moonlit Night", Yuki is a woman who is easily scared and not used to fighting, and to put it bluntly, she is not suitable for fighting. Thanks for helping Yuki, this is one of the reasons why Kiritto decided to join the Moonlit Black Cat.

I don't know why, but I just want to protect Sachi. I wanted to protect him from SAo, which was made up of absurdity and irrationality, and let him return to the real world - it was because of this desire born in his heart that Kirito decided to join the "Moonlit Night Black Cat". And Yuki's sister Maki also feels this way. I realized that Maki was strong because she felt that way.

From tomorrow, he will fight alongside Maki to protect Sachi as one of the black cats on a moonlit night. It's stupid to fight for someone - I'm surprised I had such an idea, but I don't hate it at all. In fact, he was happy to be able to fight for Sachi and protect her.

From tomorrow onwards, I will no longer be a soloist, nor will I be a hitter?? Players. He's just a player, a member of the Black Cats on a Moonlit Night. Kirito thought so again and tried to close his eyes - just then, there was a knock on the door, keeping Kirito from sleeping.

It's not the middle of the night, but who will it be? With some doubts in his heart, he got out of bed and opened the door, and Kirito was a little surprised.

The man in front of the door was lucky, he was thinking about it. She wears a light blue pajamas with a skirt, and if she were a child, she would probably hold a pillow on her chest, but she has nothing. Even if she is weak, it proves that she is not a child.

"Luck? What are you doing at this time? ”

Kirito responded, and Yuki faced him. The expression on his face was still weak and fleeting.

"I'm sorry, Kirito. Maybe I woke you up while you were sleeping. \"

"No, it's not like that."

Kirito immediately looked around at Yuki. Anyway, Maki, the younger sister who loves her sister, is nowhere to be found. It seems that Yuki came alone. After confirming this, Kirito asked Yuki again.

"Luckily, what's wrong? Do I have any questions? ”

"yes. I really want to thank you one more time."

"Thank you?" Kirito tilted his head, and Yuki bowed slightly and whispered.

"Thank you, Kirito. You helped me then\"

At that time it must have been a battle between Japan and China. In that battle, Kirito joins the battle in order to help Yuki, who is targeted by the boss monster. At that time, Yuki, who was cornered, expressed his deep gratitude to Kirito at the celebration banquet afterwards. Even though I felt that this was enough, she thanked me again.

"No, no, it's okay, it's okay, it's no big deal, you don't have to thank me so much"

"That's who I am."

Kirito's words were interrupted by Yuki, and he closed his mouth. I listened carefully to Sachi's words.

"At that time, I really felt that I couldn't do it, I thought this was really the end, I was going to be killed by that monster and died, I was so scared, I couldn't do anything." I thought it would be over by causing trouble to Maki. I thought everyone was going to pull Maki's legs, pull her, and that's the end of it."

Indeed, by that time, Sachi's health had dropped to the point of turning yellow. Yellow is still a warning, but depending on the strength of the monster's attack, it can sometimes lead to instant death. Therefore, it is red in nature and is indistinguishable from the danger zone. Yuki's life is in danger - Kirito catches on to that again.

\"So, so I was really happy that Kirito could come and help me. If it weren't for Kirito, I would have died a long time ago. But that's why I'm alive because Kirito saved me. "I'm alive because of Kirito. It's all thanks to you, that's why I'm here to thank you again. ”

Listening to Yuki's voice full of longing, Kirito felt his heart become warm again. By chance, he actually helped Xing back then and fought side by side with the black cat on a moonlit night. We just happened to meet and fight together. This happens a lot in SAo.

This is something that all players on the front lines of strategy know, so they won't be deeply grateful for the help of other players. So far, so far Kirito has done the same. That's why I didn't help anyone.

However, fortunately it is different. Thank you so much for expressing your deepest gratitude and sharing your thoughts with me. This thought really filled Kirito's empty heart after the solo. Luckily, it gave me the warmth in my chest. I can't help but feel this way.

"Thank you, Kirito. Thank you so much for helping me at that time\"

At this moment, a smile finally appeared on Yuki's face. Faint and fleeting, but very beautiful and warm smile. Before he knew it, this idea had taken root in Kirito, and he made him do the same.

"I'm really happy to be able to protect you. I'm glad I was able to save you at that time. ”

Kirito was surprised that he could say such a thing—and at the same time grateful to Yuki. The reason why I can say this is because the person who makes me feel so warm is the luck in front of me. Luckily gave me something I didn't have.

Before Kirito could say the next word, Yuki's lips moved.

"Hey, Kirito. You're going to keep fighting, right? You'll fight with us. \"

"Huh? yes, that's what I mean. ”

Sachi bowed his head. Like you said something you didn't want to say before.

"You saw it too. I'm not strong at all, I'm weak. That's why it's so easy for me to be cornered. I'm sure that will happen tomorrow as well. I think this kind of thing happens a lot. There could be many more things like this today. ”

Yuki once again confronts Kirito who is in a listening position. His expression turned into a pleading.

\"Will Kirito help me if I'm in danger?" \"

I have prepared the answer to this question. Originally, he joined the black cat on a moonlit night, as if to achieve this answer. Kirito said confidently.

"Of course. I will protect you and fight to save you. I don't want you to die. ”

Yuki's eyes widened. I've never seen it before.

"Really? Even if I'm like this now, do you really want to help me again? ”

"Yes. I'll protect you. So don't worry even if it turns into a fight. I will fight for you. ”

Then Kirito noticed. If you think about it, you're probably not Yuichi's person to protect Yuichi. Isn't there anyone to rely on? "No, we will protect you. We will protect you with your sister Maki. I guess Maki is protecting you. ”

"Yes. Maki will fight for me, she always has been. She will always help me and protect me. ”

\"Then it doesn't matter, as long as Maki and I are here, there won't be any problems. So rest assured, fortunately, there will be no more danger. \"

At first glance, these words seem irresponsible. However, Kirito is confident that he can achieve this goal. One called my own swordsman and one named Maki. If the two join forces, it will be easy to protect Sachi. I haven't heard from Maki yet, but Maki is someone who cares about her sister. I'm sure the idea will work. As if hearing Kirito's words, Yuki's face showed a relaxed expression.

"Thank you, Kirito. I'm glad to hear you say that\"

\"Ahh I'll leave it to me from tomorrow, luckily. \"

Yuki nodded and smiled softly. Everyone in the "Moonlit Night Black Cat Group" may not know, but fortunately it is pure and beautiful. We can't let the world swallow up luck like this. I have to protect Yuki from this world. That's what I had to do. When Kirito thought again, Yuki looked into the room.

"Sorry this time has come. - Good night, Kirito. \"

\"Hmm. Good night, luckily. \"

After greeting each other for the first time in a long time, I don't know how long it took, but I was lucky enough to return to what seemed to be my room.

After seeing what was happening behind him, Kirito closed the door.

After breakfast, the members of the moonlit night black cat came to the arena. The aim is to collect items and practice fighting. Until now, the Moonlit Black Cats have appeared in squads of six, but with the addition of Kirito, they will now fight in squads of seven. Keita believes that with one more person joining, it will be necessary to change the way he fights, so he decided to train for it.

Everyone, including Kirito, agrees with this point of view. If it's seven people, it will take a radical change in the way and how they fight. Of course, it may be okay to keep the state of six, but if seven people can act and fight in the same way, it is obvious that the strength of the whole team will be stronger.

Continued training is required in the future. We all made this decision and headed to the site. Collecting items is secondary, but the real purpose is training.

Since the structure of this level is dominated by forest areas, we entered the forest as soon as we left the city. The monsters that appear are mainly insects and beasts, and their level is much lower than that of Kirito, and even lower than all the people of the black cat on a moonlit night. If it's around here, there's no danger unless something serious happens.

Kirito breathed a sigh of relief, keeping a proper distance from Yuki. The "Moonlight Black Cats" are a friendly guild and they get along well because they are members of the same computer research club at the same high school.

I'm a complete outsider, not even in the same high school or junior high school. Moreover, he is also a maverick and has been working on single-player games to this day. No matter how many people join the same guild, it is still difficult to join. Kirito couldn't help but think about it and continued to walk behind him. I'm glad they didn't realize it. And so it will be until the battle begins.

"Kirito"

Just as I was thinking this, I suddenly heard an unfamiliar cry. Before he could turn around, a black figure appeared on Kirito's right, and the two walked side by side. A young swordsman wearing a black cat-eared hat and a lightweight combat uniform is also black. She is Yuki's younger sister, the godfather of the moonlit black cat, and the strongest Maki among the moonlit black cats.

"Kirito, you protect me from behind. You want to make sure that you don't get a surprise attack from behind. \"

It wasn't my intention, but I felt like if I told you the truth, things would get complicated. Kirito nodded and replied to Maki.

\"Ahh Unexpectedly, a monster will attack you from behind. I thought I was going to protect your back. Are you the same? \"

\"That's right. I'm the strongest of the Black Cats on a Moonlit Night, so I always stay behind so I don't have to worry about enemies attacking me from behind. Kirito thought so too. Hey\"

"It seems that it is, it seems that we think the same thing."

"That's right," Maki said with a smile. Like Maki's hat, her jacket has a black tail trim that is reminiscent of the cat between her hips. Maki is indeed a black cat. If Maki was the godfather of "Moonlight Black Cat", she would probably have created the name "Moonlight Black Cat" based on her outfit.

"Now that I think about it, Maki, I've heard that your 'Maki' is a common name."

Maki was taken aback when I mentioned something that I was a little skeptical about.

"Yes, this avatar of mine actually has a different name. I can add a letter to what I'm now known as my real name, so I want people to call me that, but everybody calls me Maki, it's my name. "Real name."

Kirito couldn't help but be surprised. Is Maki her real name?

"Well, I can't help it. My sister wrote her real name "Yuki" in katakana, as did Keita-senpai and Tetsuo-senpai. Duck senior, Sasamaru senior, it's just me and me. Use their avatar names correctly. After all, both Duck Senpai and Sasamaru-senpai are called that. But I'm the one who Yui calls them Maki, Maki. ”

Maki is constantly engaging in conversations that are forbidden in the strategy group. It seems that the defenses in that area are quite weak. However, talking about these things proves that Maki has forgiven her.

\"So Kirito, please call me Maki. I'm used to being called that. \"

"That's what I'll call you."

A black cat girl who is loved by Maki. She is the trump card of the black cat on a moonlit night and the cornerstone of protecting Yuki.

"So, Maki, I heard from your sister that you have been protecting her."

Maki snorted softly and turned to face her companion in front of her. His gaze fell directly on his sister.

"yes, after all, I made my sister uh, my seniors participate in this game."

Maki, a sister who is a year older than Sachi and the godmother of the black cat on a moonlit night, is the complete opposite of Sachi. Yuki is weak and timid, while Maki is smart, energetic, active, fun-loving and good at games, and the two are diametrically opposed.

However, Maki does not hate Yuki, on the contrary, she becomes more and more attached to Yuki. It seems that all her life she thought she would always help her sister.

So, after Yuki went to high school, she chose the same high school, became Yuki's classmate, and joined the computer study group where the seniors gathered. Maki's seniors in the computer research group gladly accepted Maki's attitude of following his timid sister Sachi.

Then, one day, when Maki hears that everyone has enough money, she suggests that everyone buy Nerve Gear and SAo and encourages them to jump into a completely virtual world and have fun. The high-ranking members of the computer research group, including my sister, accept the invitation and get caught up in a death game.

Maki sighed after speaking.

"If it weren't for my encouragement, no one would be trapped in this game of death. It's all my fault that you're here. ”

"So you're trying to protect all the people who want to protect the Moonlit Black Cat and Yuki?"

"Yes. Especially my sister, who has always been scared and weak, refuses to leave me alone. She's always been like that, so I always felt like I as a family member should do something for her. But she took care of me and loved me, and she told me that I was her proud sister. ”

Maki's words are full of will. It is the will that Sachi values very much, and it is also the will that Sachi thinks is very important. This will is her motivation, and it is also her trump card to become a black cat on a moonlit night.

The reason why she is so strong is because she fights with such a will. Kirito intuitively thought so.

\"So I'll protect my sister until the end. I will fight hard to get my sister and my seniors out of this death game! For this purpose, I will be as strong as I can. I'm going to be strong and good,\" Well, my sister will also become a senior. Let's escape the death game too! \"

Maki was emotional and said what she wanted. However, this desire remains a source of her will and strength. The reason why the "Moonlight Black Cat Group" has survived so far is probably because Maki has this desire and will. There's nothing more reassuring than being able to fight alongside Maki and protect Sachi.

Maki's expression changed, and she looked back at Kirito.

"I only realized yesterday that Kirito is a strong fighter. So Kirito, I want you to protect my sister with me. I want you to fight with your sister and sister and other seniors until you quit. \"

Maki's will has been integrated into Kirito's heart, which makes Kirito breathe a deep sigh of relief. Maki herself has been thinking about teaming up with Maki to protect the moonlit black cat Kazuyuki. I thought about what I would do if Maki refused, but it wasn't necessary.

\"I wanted to do that too, so I joined the Moonlit Black Cat. Let's fight together and protect the good together. For this purpose, I will lend you as much strength as I can. \"

\"I brought it on myself, Kirito! Looking forward to working with you! \"

Maki said with a smile. She seemed relieved again. Maki and I share the same aspirations and the same goals. If it were us, we would be able to protect the "moonlit black cat" Kazuyuki, and if we could take the center spot, we could become a strategic group in the near future.

From this moment on, Kirito had some confidence in him, although he didn't know why.

"Wow! Monsters have appeared! ”

\"Uh, that's a bit excessive!? \"

Just then, I heard a voice in front of me. The "Moonlit Night Black Cat Troupe" everyone looked surprised and took up arms one after another. Further back, a group of insect monsters can be confirmed. Looks like I've entered their territory. Time to go.

\"Kirito! \"

\"Ah, let's go, Maki! \"

Kirito and Maki run side by side, surpassing the "Moonlit Night Black Cat Gang" and slaying the monsters that are being replenished. To protect the people I decided to protect. \"Kirito, did you find it?" \"

"No, I haven't found this yet. Is this the case with yours too? ”

\"yes. I tried to find it, but couldn't find it. I don't know where it went, sister. \"

As the sun sets and night falls, Kirito runs through the city. It's not just Kirito alone, it's the entire 'Moonlit Night Black Cat Group'. All the members of the "Moonlit Night Black Cat Troupe" run around the city at night and are divided into several groups.

The reason for all this is Maki's older sister, Yuki, who is the godmother of the black cat on a moonlit night. After returning from the labyrinth area and having dinner together at the inn, Yuki suddenly disappeared. And, for some reason, it becomes "untraceable/undetectable", its location cannot be directly determined.

When her sister Maki found out, she was very surprised. This reaction was natural, as the precious sister suddenly disappeared, and Kirito and the others were equally surprised.

Luckily, she's a timid girl, so she probably won't go to the maze area and the wild. They must have been in this town - Maki, who had been monitoring Yuki for a long time, was also seen by Yuki and made a suggestion to all the members of the "Black Cat on a Moonlit Night", and they all dispersed throughout the city as instructed Author: Maki, something happened.

In such an exploration, Kirito meets Maki on a street corner. When I talked to him, it seemed that even Maki couldn't find luck. Of course, there is no profit here either.

"At least he hadn't been to the labyrinth area. Haven't been to the wild either. ”

\"yes. My sister wouldn't have gone to such a dangerous place. If she went, she would have taken me with her. \"

\"yes. Maki, do you have any ideas? Where luck might be, where he might be hiding. \"

Maki said that she has been by Yuki's side to support the weak Yuki for a long time. I'm sure he knows what Sachi might do and where he likes to go. Kirito's prophecy came true immediately.

"Maybe he's hiding out of sight. When he wants to be alone, he always hides in the shadows. ”

"Haven't I always been there for you?"

After saying that, Kirito realizes that he has made a small mistake. Even though Maki is a good sister who protects Sachi, she can't always be that clingy. It wouldn't be surprising if Sachi sometimes wanted to be alone. Kirito thought so, and Maki replied.

"Sure enough, sometimes you want to be alone. But when that happens, I always go to pick her up. So I wanted to pick her up as soon as possible. ”

"I think so. Why don't we search mainly in the shadows? ”

"Well, try to find a place where no one can see it, I'll look for you there!"

The black cat girl seems to be more imposing than usual, entering the city that melts into the darkness.

Her costume is darker than the coat worn by Kirito, so it's hard to see her when she's in the dark. When I suddenly looked up at the sky, I saw the stars shining like gold dust, and a very large moon floating in them, shining beautifully.

The perfect moonlit night in virtual reality. Maki, dressed in a black cat costume, runs underneath. She is a veritable "black cat on a moonlit night". I'm sure she's pretty good at finding things at night, but I can't leave her alone, and I'm most worried about myself.

Maki says they may be in the shadows, but the city is lined with waterways. I haven't looked for that one yet, and the waterway is quite complicated and dark. It's the perfect hiding spot.

(Perhaps)

Yuki may be hiding in the waterway - Kirito suddenly had an idea, and with this thought, he walked towards the edge of the main block where the waterway was located.

As we walked through the main block, the lights faded until only moonlight and darkness remained. The area where the waterway is located does not have any large lights, only the moonlight reflects the outline of the area.

All I could hear was the sound of water flowing and dripping, and most importantly, it was dark. It's really a great place to hide.

When Kirito reached the entrance of the waterway, he felt something. This is the hallmark of the players. There are no rare items in this waterway, so players generally don't come over. If someone is there, it means that someone is in it.

Indeed, before he could think about it, Kirito had already crossed the waterway. The terrain here is complex but vast, and every time you walk through the waterway, you will hear loud footsteps.

After walking for about thirty seconds, the aura suddenly disappeared. Items with concealment abilities may have been used. It seems that he still wants to hide after all. But I remember exactly which direction the breath came from, so there was no problem.

As I continued walking, as if being guided to the location of my remembered presence, I saw a figure crouching in the darkness of the waterway, the ceiling of which was openworked. He wears a cloak with a concealing effect that he has just acquired during the day. It looks like this has erased existence and created an "untraceable/undetectable" state.

However, despite the fact that he was wearing an invisibility cloak, he could tell who it was at a glance.

"Luckily"

When Kirito called out to him, the figure, Yuki, looked up, his expression a little surprised, and turned to him. He was as quiet as ever, with a weak expression on his face.

"I'm looking for you, luckily. Everybody is worried. ”

"Kirito"

Yuki whispered, then turned away from Kirito. It seems that he has no intention of going home at all. Kirito walked over to Yuki, looked at it for a while, and finally sat down about two meters away from her.

"I'm surprised you left so suddenly, let's hurry home."

Sasuke didn't answer, his head bowed. It's not like I don't know she's such a person.

The black cat on a moonlit night sets off for daytime combat training, but suddenly finds himself facing a large group of monsters and a mid-boss monster. Of course, their level is much lower than that of the members of the 'Moonlit Night Black Cat' and Kirito Maki, but if they attack collectively, it will be difficult to deal with. Kirito fights according to his promise to Maki and Yuki, and fights to protect Yuki.

However, even if Kirito and Maki join forces, they can't completely avoid the damage caused by Yuki and the entire Moonlit Night Black Cat Group. At the end of the battle, everyone's 'health bar' seemed to stop at the verge of turning yellow. Fighting while protecting Yuki is not as easy as Kirito imagined.

Keita and his friends have worked hard for it and they said: "I hope I can do it perfectly in the next training session. But Kirito can't help but be frustrated by her decision to protect her and not let her go. Wounded, wounded. No.

Kirito must have experienced something like this many times, even though Maki encouraged him and said, "This kind of thing happens a lot, you could have protected him." Kirito's heart still hasn't eased.

“...... I'm sorry for what happened during the day. I thought I was trying, but ...... I think my ideas and methods are naïve. ”

"That's not true. Kirito and Maki are both working very hard. For people like me, for me like this\"

Kirito felt that the tone of his voice was full of self-loathing and self-deprecation. I instinctively turned around and came face to face with Yuki. However, Yuki quickly turned around and lowered her head again.

"Hey Kirito. Is Maki here? Is Maki looking for me too? \"

"Of course, Maki is really worried and looking for you."

"Well, let's wait for Maki to come. After Maki comes, Kirito, me, and Maki don't do this anymore and run away. \"

"What are you running from?"

\"Everything. From this town, from the black cat, from the monster from SAo. \"

Kirito swallowed heavily. I knew it was the black cat, the city, and the monsters, but there was only one way to escape SAo. Kirito shuddered a little at his thoughts and asked Koyuki.

"Are you sure the three of you are going to kill yourself together?"

Yuki looked up, didn't speak, and then shook his head, a smile in his voice.

"Yes, that's right. This might be a good idea. But no, I'm sorry, that's a lie. If you had that kind of courage, you wouldn't be in a city like this, and you're also involved."

Kirito breathed a sigh of relief that it was just a joke. I can't help but feel that there is an atmosphere in Yuki's body that makes him want to do this.

After all, Maki kept saying it out of Yuki's mouth. It's like my sister coming out of Maki's mouth again and again. Despite their opposite personalities, they are sisters.

My sister whispered again.

"Hey, Kirito, why can't you get out of here? \"

"Why can't I go? Why do I really want to die, even though it's just a game, why would I be involved in such a lovely sister and come to such a place? Why can't I leave if I don't get involved? "The girl? What's the point of a game like this? ”

For the succession of questions, Kirito couldn't prepare the answers. This is the last question with an answer.

"Maybe it doesn't make any sense. When this world was created, all the important things came to an end. \"

Thatch didn't say anything. After a moment of silence, it was Yuki who broke the silence.

"I'm afraid of death. I'm scared, I'm scared, I can't sleep these days. Even though Maki was by my side, I couldn't sleep at all"

Sachi hugged his knees tightly. I had the answer to these words ready yesterday.

"You're not going to die."

The next moment, Yuki raised his head and met Kirito's gaze. There was a strong glint of confusion in his eyes.

\"Why? Why can you say such a thing? Because you're protecting me? Why would you say such a thing? Why、Why do you tie Kirito to me? \"

Yuki's voice grew louder and louder. Kirito was surprised by Yuki's voice, realizing that it was his inner cry, and couldn't help but ask.

"Tied? What does that mean? ”

Xing was stunned for a moment, and then lowered his head again.

"That's what it means."

I couldn't understand the meaning of those words. What does it mean to tie up Maki?

Of course, Maki cares about Sachi very much, and it can be said that she is an excellent sister who fights to protect Sachi. The reason why she became like this must be because Maki loves Sachi as a sister, and Sachi also loves Maki as a sister. I can't imagine her being tied up like this.

There, Kirito recounted his impressions of Yuki that he heard from Maki.

"I received a letter from Maki. She says she loves you and you love Maki too. I don't think you're tying her down. ”

Maybe I shouldn't have said it, but there's nothing I can do. Won. Hearing this, Sachi nodded very honestly.

\"Yes, Maki said she loved me very much and always helped me. Although she was such a weak, unreliable sister, she didn't look dissatisfied, and made me rely on her. It's always been that way. "She's always been there for me, always worried about me, helping me that's why I'm restraining her. She was such a weak sister, that's why I forced her to protect me. ”

"I didn't force you, she took you away voluntarily"

\"The girl thought she had to protect me. I asked her to think so. She thinks I'm weak and she's in danger...... That's why she's locked up in SAo. Even though he doesn't need to fight, he goes to fight just like I let him fight. ”

Luckily, I can't get rid of the previous self-deprecation. Sachi is so serious. Maybe that's why I can't fit in, even if I want to deny it.

"yes, that's the way it is, it's my fault after all."

“？”

Kirito tilted his head, but Yuki ignored him and began to speak.

Yuki's relationship with Maki wasn't like this at first.

When Sachi and Maki were young, they went to play in the mountains and fields during the summer vacation. It is a well-maintained mountain that can be climbed as well as gathered, and it is an extremely safe mountain for children to play with and not get lost. So they decided it was okay and went out.

Maki is the one who invited me. I told him it was safe because it was well taken care of and offered to go to the mountains with Yuki. Yuki thought that since Maki said so, it was okay, so he entered the mountain without any preparation.

A natural experience that cannot be experienced in a city or town. The two had a lot of fun like children, and one day, Yuki unknowingly walked up a steep slope. Fortunately, I didn't expect the slope to be so steep, and I was seriously injured after falling, and my left arm and right leg were broken.

Luckily, there were no after-effects, and I was even able to walk and move my arms after I recovered, but that's about it. Maki begins to protect Sachi and take care of her. Maki still thinks Yuki's serious injury is her fault.

That's why he protects himself like this and makes me rely on him – and that's the end of the story.

"Is that so? That's why Maki cares so much about you."

"Yes, actually, it's all my fault, if I had done a little better, I wouldn't have been seriously injured, although I am not to blame, but the girl thought she had hurt me badly and I couldn't overcome it. I've said it over and over again. ”

Because of Maki's status as an older sister, she can always clearly see that her sister is seriously injured. If Maki had experienced something similar as a child, then Maki would naturally protect Sachi from suffering. Yuki continued.

"I'm glad that girl worked so hard. But I really don't want her to do anything like that. She worked hard for me. I can't be weak, so. ”.. My daughter is trying to protect me and become stronger. I'm the one who put her in danger...... She is not free. I'm taking her away from her freedom......"

Kirito finally felt that he could understand Yuki's feelings. Mahime is strong, and he becomes strong because he wants to protect his sister Yuki, who was once hurt by him and caused her pain. She must have sworn that she would never hurt or torture her sister again. However, it must have been her own will, and fortunately she could not be forced to do so.

Yuki thinks she's tying up Maki and depriving her of her freedom. This was a mistake - Kirito really thought so.

"You didn't tie up Maki. Maki is free. ”

"Why"

\"Otherwise, Maki wouldn't have said she loved you, and she wouldn't have thought of that. That girl just wants to protect you out of her own volition. What did Yuki think of Maki at first? "At least Maki seems to like you. ”

Hearing this, Sachi's eyes widened. It was as if he realized something important.

"I like Maki too. Oh, you see, Maki is such a cute little sister."

\"Well, you didn't bind Maki. Maki is just there to protect her loved ones, that's all. Luckily, I think too much. \"

After saying this, Kirito noticed a change in himself. Even though I only met Yuki yesterday, we spoke in a tone as if we had been together for many years. Doesn't this make people think that Keita is a childhood friend of Sachi and Maki sisters?

I don't think that's a bad thing, though. In fact, I couldn't help but feel comfortable. I wonder if this is also the credit of Sachi?

This question came to Kiri's heart, and Yuki's answer was a little awkward.

"Yes, I think. Really, I think. ”

"Indeed. And, I think the results are pretty good. Thanks to Maki being stronger than anyone else, the moonlit black cat has also become stronger. Now that the safety horizon has passed, it's time to continue. You can\"Yes. I think you'll be able to beat SAo eventually. So it's okay, luckily. You won't die. Maki and I won't let you die, so that's okay. \"

Even if it is not true, it is an untenable argument that has no convincing or any basis. But Kirito wants to tell Sachi about it. Realizing this thought, Sachi finally smiled and gently approached Kirito to bury his face in his shoulder.

The warmth Kirito felt was a comfortable warmth that he had never felt before.

"But in the end, Lucky died. I said I would protect you, but I couldn't. \"

While recovering his memory, Kirito recounted his memories with the "Black Cat on a Moonlit Night" and the short time he spent with Yuki and Maki. Of course, he didn't tell her that he slept with Yuki, or that Yuki was his first love, but he did tell her the story.

Yuki and the others are hacked to death by the monsters, while Keita is enraged and dies in an accident outside of Ayn Grant. Just thinking about it, my heart was torn apart by a painful hallucination, but I couldn't help but say it.

As we covered ourselves with snow, Klein and Lilan continued to listen to us, and the snow had slowed down and began to fall more quietly. Eventually, after Kirito finished speaking, Crane looked a little sad, but he also understood, and shouted to Kirito.

"Is that so? That's why you're so violent, you're trying to resurrect that man."

"That's right, it's because I'm in this state that I'm able to get Lilan's attention."

After answering, I turned my head to see the wolf dragon Rilan in front of me, although he had the outline of a wolf, his face clearly showed a sad expression. Immediately, a voice came.

"To this day, I still remember what Kirito was like. "She was rough, hurt, desperate, and I couldn't bear to see it. That's why I came to you. No, I was guided.

"Ahh And you saved me too. Thanks to your arrival, I was able to get back on my feet. ”

At the same time, I was able to do this thanks to the recording items that Yuki left behind, Lilan, who has been treating me since then, and Shino, who unfortunately fell. Arrived at where I am today. Yes. Thanks to Shino, Lilan, and Yuki, I was able to recover until now. No, it's all thanks to all the friends who fought alongside him - the thought of this wells up in Kirito's chest.

"I see, I seem to understand a lot of things, but if that's the case, so much the better."

Hearing Klein's words, Kirito tilted his head. His expression was no longer sad and looked more like an older brother.

"You'll have a hard time exploring here because you'll remember the moonlit black cat. So, leave this to me and the others, and you can go back to the city with Lilan. That's it. ”

Kirito couldn't help but be surprised. I didn't expect Klein to say something like a real brother.

Admittedly, he is one of the reliable companions who have cleared SAo and continued to fight against powerful enemies, but frankly, he is a believer with ulterior motives. I didn't expect Klein to be able to act like a big brother. Perhaps because of this, the chest that had been cold and painful became warm.

However, this suggestion was not something he could accept - Kirito immediately shook his head.

"No, no, it's not that serious. Besides, you may have been shivering from the snowstorm just now. ”

"yes, you can't rely on me!? I'm telling you, I'm shaking only because this blizzard isn't normal, and we're not incompatible."

"You do tremble, so I'll explore it with you."

Crane was slightly angry and said again, "No! Kirito said with a smile.

"But thank you. I'm glad you said that. I think you make me feel so much better. ”

“！”

Crane looked at Kirito in shock. Eventually, he seemed to be able to swallow his words and put his hands on his hips.

"Come on, you're not alone anymore, you still have someone to protect. So, rely on us a lot and don't try to sneak in alone. Let's go! ”

"Oh, I know."

Klein laughed, "Huh. "I've seen it many times, but now I feel warm.

I can't protect the moonlit black cat and Yuki. So this time, he'll protect and fight against the people he really needs to protect, Shino, and his friends Lilan and Crane. That's what I have to do, I'm going to be stronger for it—Kirito thought again, trying to remember what he's trying to do now—but it's Crane who stops him.

\"Ah, Kirito, I remembered. I'm sorry to make it look like you're digging things, but can I ask you one thing? \"

"What"

"Do you mean Maki, the sister of Renyuki that you want to protect? What happened to Maki? ”

Kirito was surprised to hear the news. When I talked about "Black Cat on a Moonlit Night", I remembered that the name of my sister Yuki, who I couldn't remember before, was "Maki" and what kind of person she was. But at the same time, I remembered that after the destruction of the black cat on a moonlit night, Maki disappeared.

I knew that Yuki died, Keita died, and everyone else died, but Maki was not included at the time. Before Yuki and the others died, Maki was the only one who acted alone, saying, "I'm going to collect ingredients for a family gathering." After hearing this and breaking up, Kirito didn't know where Maki was.

When Keita attacked, Maki wasn't even there.

"I don't know. Since we parted ways before the black cat was wiped out on a moonlit night\"

Did Maki die in the end, or did he survive? Without knowing the answer, SAo is cleared and they flee from Ayn Grant. Now the former Ayn Grant is gone, and there is no way to know.

What happened to Maki after losing her beloved sister? Kirito is still curious.

"Now there's nothing we can do about it. I have to do what I have to do now.

With his partner's voice, Kirito came back to his senses. It bothers me, but even when I think of Maki, I can't help but think of the moonlight black cat. I'm just doing what I have to do now. That's it.

Kirito turns to Lilan and Klein.

\"That's right. Now let's go and find the masked NPC and Tia's traces. \"

After nodding his head twice, Kirito began to walk deeper into the ice and snow area. Shortly thereafter, another snowstorm enveloped the area.