Pouring her entire heart into her sword, Asuna roared as if to blast away everything blocking her path.
The blade tip thrust forward.
Her awareness concentrated to an extreme, as if in this moment she had halted the flow of time itself.
(Yuu-kun...)
Asuna called his name in her mind.
Though the surrounding scenery blurred and stretched as her thigh powerfully kicked the ground, his frozen, shocked face remained crystal clear, etched deeply into her retinas.
She couldn't help curling the corners of her lips, even though the muscles moved agonizingly slowly.
She didn't know the principle. Right now, Asuna only felt her consciousness had detached from time's flow, calmly observing Yuu in the virtual world from the sidelines—and herself, already charging toward him in an instant.
Perhaps he hadn't noticed?
At some point, the light of her heart had stripped away all falsehoods, forcefully correcting the distorted reality.
The figure standing there was no longer a randomly chosen avatar, but a handsome young man nearly identical to his real-world self.
His attire was no longer a school uniform or starter gear, but a sleek black-and-white swordsman set, an all-black single sword, and a matching crystal diamond ring on the ring finger of his left hand.
That might be Yuu.
That was Yuu's avatar in Sword Art Online—her former online companion who adventured with her, and... her in-game husband who once married her.
Though this was the first time she'd seen it, and she hadn't recalled past experiences, Asuna was absolutely certain.
This was the endpoint of her journey, the answer to every puzzle, and what she sought to reclaim.
With this... it's done!
After a brief reverie, her mind slammed back into her body.
The sensation of high-speed motion flooded her senses. All the world's sounds pierced the calm water's surface; chaotic information overwhelmed her brain.
The blurred surroundings—except herself, still sharp.
Elongated screams, wind piercing her ears.
So close to suffocating, her hair yanked painfully backward by sheer speed.
Yet with the white light's aid, Asuna pierced the air's resistance. The meteor-bright sword tip suddenly struck Yuu's chest with force.
She saw Yuu instinctively raise his wrist, trying to block.
But even his fastest reaction couldn't catch her, who had surpassed the system's limits.
"I won't be confused anymore."
The nightmare in Kyoto, tears upon waking, fear gripping her when facing false memories and chaotic reality.
"I won't miss it again."
The strange pull toward him, odd concern for his affairs, the bizarrely broken ring in-game that sparked her chase for him and the truth.
"This time—"
Thus, she now stood before him.
Asuna slightly curled her lips, eyes sharpening as she powerfully pushed the air ahead. Her body merged with the rapier, shrinking their distance to zero.
"It's my turn to come to you!"
(Because it was promised...)
(I didn't forget.)
The white light gradually dimmed. The sharp, straight blade tip smoothly touched the front of Yuu's chest.
If she pierced him, everything lost would return—without basis, Asuna was utterly convinced.
So, even if it meant stabbing the one she loved, she wouldn't hesitate!
But at that exact moment—
A dark-red hexagonal warning box blocked her face.
[External power supply disconnected. Switching to backup battery. Avatar movement halted.]
"What?!"
Asuna's eyes widened in shock.
Just one inch from piercing him—yet when the warning appeared, the train-faster speed, air-piercing thrust, and massive impact all froze mid-air like a joke.
The world seemed paused again.
(External power cut... But how?! I checked the helmet and socket—it shouldn't disconnect easily!)
Though screaming inwardly, Asuna—body and mind completely severed—could do nothing but watch the next prompt appear.
[Forced logout initiating. Please prepare. 10, 9, 8...]
The heartbeat-like countdown ticked in the silent virtual world, nearing zero.
Asuna stared ahead blankly. The white light enveloping her dimmed as motion stopped; her sword-gripping hand unconsciously loosened... though she felt it, the avatar didn't react.
(Is this how it ends?)
She looked at Yuu, so close, through the transparent warning box.
Though his mouth was open, she couldn't speak a word to him.
The no, no longer fervent, sank to her feet, disappointment and anxiety rising again.
—After forced logout, what expression would Yuu face her with?
Would he keep playing dumb?
Or tell her everything, as promised—though no winner, at least her school transfer wish fulfilled.
And would Asuna still have a chance to reclaim the remaining memories?
(I don't know.)
(I don't know if I can be this close to him again.)
Even whether this light could appear again, Asuna didn't know.
So...
The feeling sinking to the ground suddenly ignited limitless heat from her feet.
"—Don't joke with me!"
Her dim orange eyes blazed again, brilliant as the brightest sunset.
Pure white light reignited, rising from her soles like fire consuming her.
The frozen avatar began to tremble.
"Just because I don't know the future... this moment is more precious than ever!"
Gritting her teeth, uncaring if they shattered.
Clenching the hilt, uncaring if fingers broke.
Because she had a destination.
Asuna threw her head back, biting hard, staring sharply ahead.
"I won't give up!"
Though her head burned near explosion, consciousness edges blackening, she had to break every shackle.
If the body couldn't move, let the sword.
"I absolutely won't give up!"
—Believing in yourself, facing it bravely, makes you the coolest in the world.
Yuu once said that.
—Boldly seize what you want; with persistence, you'll see a different view.
Yuu said that too.
So...
"I have to meet Yuu-kun now!"
An unyielding roar echoed across the meadow.
In frozen air, the blade tip regained rule-breaking power—inch by inch, step by step... steadily piercing Yuu's chest.
The gate of memory began to open. Seeing her beloved's face, Asuna bit her lip bloody, pouring all strength, straightening her arm, channeling her entire soul into—
Mere game settings, mere virtuality, mere reality...
"Don't block me—get out of my wayyyy—"
The elongating blade, with sun-strong light, slowly entered the avatar's chest.
The prompt box vanished.
The countdown hit zero.
Immense pressure like thousands of meters underwater surrounded her. Breath and muscles stiffened like cement, immovable.
Though virtual, her brain nerves burned in pain.
Though a game, breaking free's agony felt utterly real.
It hurt so much...
Yet she had to advance.
Because—
"Yuu-kun has been waiting for me so long. We promised long ago."
She spoke softly, fierce expression softening, gazing at him with a gentle smile.
"Promised to remember..."
"Promised to meet..."
"I haven't told him I kept that promise..."
Her whole body trembled.
In absolute silence, utterly still air.
The light extending from the blade fully entered his chest.
Her body cracked—she didn't care.
The blade cracked—she didn't care.
Even when the crystal diamond ring shattered, turning to white light merging with the tip, she only bit her lip bloody, tears streaming from her eyes, staring deeply into Yuu's now-silent eyes.
Perhaps his consciousness had left the virtual world with the forced logout.
Perhaps he couldn't hear her, unaware she fought for him.
Even so, Asuna had to say it for him to hear.
"Even if I forget you—no matter how many times—I'll always remember you."
"Even if I lose you—no matter how many times—I'll always fall for you."
"Though a bit late... Yuu-kun."
"I've come."
Soft words landed on the ground.
"This time, it's my turn to wait for you in the future."
The warm blade tip never stopped.
Till the end, only Yuu filled Asuna's eyes—the one she loved most.
If hands couldn't reach, use the blade; if the blade couldn't, sacrifice everything.
Thus, boundless white light, as the tip shattered, suddenly illuminated their silhouettes—like sunrise splitting darkness, gradually covering the illusionary surroundings.
And when the light faded.
The peaceful, satisfied smile vanished in the now-empty world.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
A little earlier.
Real world, Virtual Research Club room.
The crowd trying VR didn't grow—it shrank. But the club building's far end was packed. Many queued in the experience area, eyes on the two screens above.
Initially, more watched the experience area—seeing fellow beginners flail and swing swords randomly, trying skills, was hilarious and taught early gameplay to avoid clownish embarrassment.
But gradually, with shocked gasps, more unconsciously shifted to the adjacent arena screen. Faces stunned, they watched a real, intense back-and-forth sword duel, eyes struggling to follow.
They should only see silhouettes moving and killing-intent clashes. Deeper sword-light and shadow details were special effects to those with poor dynamic vision.
Still, constant metal-clang explosions from speakers gave an action-movie thrill—satisfying and addictive.
"So strong... Is this really live, not pre-rendered animation..."
"Didn't you see? Left side's Tenkuji-kun, national high school kendo champion. No wonder he's good..."
"The problem's the bearded uncle opposite, right? So huge, yet that fast... Feels like Tenkiji-kun's suppressed, no counter room..."
"But look, uncle attacks so hard yet hasn't hurt Tenkiji-kun at all. Maybe Tenkiji-kun's letting him win."
"Letting a bearded uncle win? Don't tell me Tenkiji-kun has weird tastes..."
"Shh! Quiet—Yukinoshita-san's right there..."
"Speaking of, why does that uncle seem... effeminate? See, before charging, always uchimata stance..."
"Maybe a tiger's heart, but rose-sensitive..."
Visitor chatter continued.
Meanwhile, the Virtual Research Club president and a member quietly picked up their shattered worldviews, updated, and reinstalled them.
Looking up, the member said experiencedly:
"President, you said there wouldn't be a third monster like Yuuki-san?"
The president adjusted his glasses, deadpan: "There's always someone better. I'm just a frog in a well—my insight has shallow moments."
"I see..." The member pondered, deciding not to argue.
Though the president looked scrawny, hidden muscles were strong. Facing him was like catching a duck. No face given meant no face to his own ass...
So he changed questions: "President, can humans really be this strong without cheats? It's full-dive. Even with slightly worse physique, this skill level—they'd thrive in another world, even as mercenaries, right?"
Most game otaku are novel otaku too.
As an Sword Art Online player, one reason the member trained hard was to someday cross worlds and live prosperously with game sword skills.
Survival was prerequisite. Main goal: at sword academy, everyone a beginner, only he unleashing Aincrad style, crushing arrogant noble seniors in duels, winning big-breasted beauties' hearts.
Meaning, he'd need to be like Yuu first to cross. Otherwise, one-second arena defeat meant he'd be crushed...
Thinking this, he wiped tears, letting go past fantasies.
He was just normal, not a monster!
"Don't underestimate humans. We can't doesn't mean others can't." Seeing his suddenly mature face, the president showed rare soft eyes behind lenses, consoling: "No physical limits in-game. Movement's easier than reality. One-handed five-backflip? Trainable."
"Though monsters in-game, outside they're normal like us."
"President..." The member trembled slightly, turning slowly, eyes full of sincerity.
The president gazed back silently, mouth corners faintly curling.
They stared affectionately, ignoring Yukino beside them.
Then the member whispered:
"But even so, you still can't beat them in reality, right, President?"
"..."
The president stood frozen long, then suddenly adjusted glasses.
"You—don't run after the festival. We need to talk."
"Eh? Can I refuse?"
"Then let's chat in the bathroom now."
"..."
Honestly, Yukino didn't want to get involved in their vibe.
But checking time, she asked: "Sorry, about when will they finish fighting?"
The president paused, realizing she spoke to him.
"At latest when duel time ends—about three minutes... If no HP zero first, lowest HP loses."
"I see..." Yukino frowned slightly, gaze returning to the screen fight.
Though her boyfriend seemed passively beaten, Yukino knew Yuu wasn't fully serious—likely testing the opponent.
His typical caution, but the issue was wasting time...
"Goodness, did he forget people are waiting outside?"
Arms crossed, Yukino sighed resignedly.
She had no way with her boyfriend's playful nature. Always hoping he'd be serious, but verbal advice didn't work... To obey, maybe a certain "price" was needed?
Unconsciously, various "price" scenes flashed—many censored.
Yukino struggled to keep calm, ignoring her heating face, banishing images to mind's corner.
Such a future would come sooner or later...
Deep breath to calm her racing heart, Yukino refocused on the screen, frowning.
She wasn't into fights and killing. Though her boyfriend's sword swings were cool, first—it wasn't his real look; second—the bearded uncle opposite was frankly unbearable. Though his rapier swings had artistic beauty, the rough-soft visual clash was hard to watch.
Though Yukino knew inwardly it was because the controller and appearance mismatched—she was actually a beautiful girl.
From the odd senior's confession earlier, the bearded uncle's controller fiercely dueling her boyfriend was Yuuki Asuna, from Kyoto-met Kurobara Academy, also a national champion apparently.
Why she came to Sobu High, why play here—Yukino was mildly curious, fine not knowing.
The only baffling part—if wanting equal fight, why choose such... rough appearance?
Did she really have weird hobbies...
"Look quick!"
Someone suddenly yelled in shock, snapping Yukino from near-drifting thoughts.
Looking closely, she saw Yuu stabbed multiple times by rapier, but next second kicking the opponent flying.
Instinctively, Yukino swapped avatars for real appearances—
(Uh, how to put it...)
(Thank goodness it's just a game.)
Yukino pursed lips complexly, while nosy spectators behind explained.
"Bad—Tenkiji-kun reacted in time, but his HP's way lower... One minute left!"
"What are you scared of! He's not serious yet. With Tenkiji-kun's skill, ten-second kill!"
"But look, Tenkiji-kun doesn't seem serious at all? Even set down his sword, sitting chatting..."
"True... What's Tenkiji-kun doing? That guy's walking toward him sword in hand..."
"I'm more curious what they're talking about. Do they know each other? Shame character voices aren't output..."
Like some spectators, Yukino was very curious what her boyfriend and Asuna discussed now.
She wasn't great at lip-reading, so judged by looks and expressions—
The guy had likely recognized Asuna, mocking her avatar—that's why the opposite expression worsened.
Realizing this, Yukino gently pinched her chin, mouth corners lifting in a frightening soft smile.
"Very good... Ignoring his girlfriend outside, happily chatting with a girl in-game?"
Indeed, this flirtatious guy needed "education" with Yuigahama post-festival.
"..."
Beside her, the president seeing her smile immediately dragged the member to a corner like fleeing. After safe distance from wrath, he wiped lens sweat nonchalantly.
(Tenkiji and Yukinoshita... Rumors say they deny couple status, but this looks more than simple...)
With a wife-like soft smile watching her husband flirt, the president knew the guy likely faced a bloodstorm upon return.
But thinking so, for him and the member's safety, he firmly pretended ignorance, forcing forget of ten seconds prior under Yukino's cold gaze, then looked expressionlessly at the screen fight.
Upon seeing, the Virtual Research Club president was stunned.