Sword Art Online: The Duo Factors

Chapter 26: Hope's Uprising.

Unknown.. Time: ????

You did well, Lai.. I know you will..

Then, he shows a white room with a black cube.

..Somewhere in Hidden Dungeon.

You'll be able to accomplish what I couldn't, soon..

Year 2024, November 2nd. Aincrad Standard Time, 06:00. Floor 22, Log Cabin.

Lai: Huh!?

He woke up after hearing the eerie sounds that disturbed his sleep.. His head went back collapses to the pillow as he is still tired after all the fights. He noticed Koharu still sleeping soundly besides him. Lai looks away and opens the main menu to check the time.

Lai: Only 5am..? You're kidding me, right?

He decides to force himself out from the bed even though he hasn't rest enough. As he is about to step out of the door, he hesitates to leave as he couldn't leave Koharu behind. So he gently wakes her up with his finger poking her waist where it tickles her. She moans a bit..

Koharu: Ah~!

Lai: Sorry for waking you up so early..

She rubs her eyes.. Looks at him..

Koharu: Uhhh.... What time is it?

Lai: 5am..

Koharu: What are you doing at this hour?

Lai: We're going to do some... "Expedition" at Floating Palace. Just the two to us..

Koharu: You mean looting, right?

Lai: ...

He sighs a bit..

Lai: Just some "Gathering Quests" that you liked it so much..

Koharu: ..Well.. Okay, I guess... *Yawn*

They both wash their face and grab their equipment and bags. Koharu even left a note for the others before leaving.

Timeskip... Floor 22, Peaceful Forest Path.. Aincrad Standard Time, 5:20am..

The duo head to the Teleport Gate with slow walks as they enjoy the view of the fireflies flying around the forest. Plus, the weather is windy at this hour. They both are silent until Lai breaks the atmosphere after he did not see Koharu's usual smile.

Lai: You didn't slept well today?

She stops her walk. Same goes for him.

Koharu: Huh? Oh.. Kind of.. Especially after what we've been through last night. The ALF is now fallen and the people are free from their palm. But the cost was..

She stops her sentence as she couldn't describe how many lives were lost on the other side. Lai adds in..

Lai: Too many..

Koharu: I won't question that.. But it didn't left me feel better either and I don't want to recall that.

Lai: You sure you'll be alright?

She nods slightly..

Koharu: Yeah.. As long as I have you to lean against with.

She takes a deep breath before continuing their walk and changing the subject.