Sword Art Online: X

Blades and Magic - X

I've been playing this game for a month, and I've scouted out the places that I need to get into.

The game had kept my stats from SAO, with exception to my HP and MP. Huh.

I also defaulted to a dagger instead of a sword, which is nice.

My skills and items were all corrupted, though, so I quickly deleted them before the game glitches out on me.

Also, why the fuck does this game open the menu with the LEFT HAND?!

It's stupid.

Well, I have chosen the Imp race.

Why am I an imp?

I mean, Purple Hair? Dark Magic? Underground flight? Um, yes please.

I stretched my back as I admired my avatar in the window beside me. 

I guess the game heard my pleas to have long hair, because I have amazing braided locks down the sides of my face.

And an even longer braid that goes down to my lower back.

I am currently equipped with a dagger with a lifesteal ability and a shadow cloak that erases my presence.

Honestly, I'm surprised my luck held out for this long.

I'm getting incredibly rare items, and it's only been a month.

I spread my wings and decided to visit the Sylphs, forcing my way through Salamander territory in the meantime.

Why didn't I sneak through? Well, when I get a chance to be an asshole to someone, I'm gonna take it. Especially considering the fact that dying gives you an EXP Penalty.

Besides, it's fun using dark magic on other players. Trapping them in an eternal darkness, molding weapons out of shadows, and being nigh unstoppable during the night, it's amazingly exhilarating.

Anyways, I dropped down in a forest, and spotted a familiar figure being assaulted by Salamanders.

"Hey, Leafa! You need help?" I yelled out, "If so, we can negotiate prices afterwards!"

"Shut it, X! You're no help!" She yelled back as she pointed her sword at the three Salamanders.

Suddenly, I heard screaming, and I looked into the sky to find a black figure falling.

I dashed to the side as he crash-landed where I was standing a moment ago.

"A Spriggan? But their city is on the other side of the goddamn map." I commented, "Hey buddy, did you fly a marathon?"

He clambered out of the crater he landed in.

Then I took notice of the small figure next to him.

Oh, a navigation Pixie.

Wait a minute.

Oh my god.

I stared at the Spriggan's face as he assessed his surroundings, and I found a hint of familiarity.

"Kirito, did you glitch the system again?" I asked, "You really are a glitch magnet."

He chuckled sheepishly, "I thought I recognized your voice, and no, I didn't glitch the system, the system glitched me."

I sighed, "Let me guess, you were supposed to spawn at the Spriggan city but you were glitched to the opposite side of the goddamn map."

"Something like that, yes."

I stared at Leafa, "Do you still need help with those Salamanders, Leafa? I can do it this time, free of charge."

Leafa grunted in response. 

I loved messing with her. It's so satisfying.

I drew my dagger and rushed behind the Salamanders, chanting a spell that released a cloud of pure shadow around me.

"Where is he?! I can't see!"

I smirked, I loved using the Shadow Territory spell, even if it causes people to swing wildly, it's still incredibly useful for me.

I dispatched one of the Salamanders as Kirito killed another, leaving the third staring at us from up high after he avoided the shadow cloud.

"Well? You don't want to fight against a mercenary hired by the one you're after, do you?" I taunted him, Kirito staring him down in the meantime.

He shook his head, "I'd rather keep my EXP, thanks."

Then he flew off.

I sighed and laid down on the grass as I stared into the starry night.

Leafa then turned her sword on Kirito.

Eh, don't blame her. He's a stranger, after all.

"Hey, now, don't go turning your sword on someone who just helped you, Leafa." I cackled at Kirito's misfortune.

"I didn't ask for help." She growled, "Especially not from a mercenary like you."

"Then point your sword at me! Unless you're scared to fight me." I peered at her and grinned.

Leafa paused, and then sheathed her blade, grumbling obscenities underneath her breath. She looked up and stared straight into my soul with those piercing green eyes.

"What do you want?"

"I wanted to pay a visit to my favorite Sylph! I was getting bored without you!" I grinned and rolled backwards into a standing position.

"Says the one who treats other people like his playthings." Leafa muttered.

Kirito turned to me, "Can we go now? You know why we're here. I need to get to the World Tree."

"Wait." Leafa stopped the both of us, "At least let me treat you to a meal in Swilvane. You both helped me, and even though one of you is a sadistic mercenary, you still deserve compensation."

I chuckled, "Didn't I just tell you this time was free of charge? Ah well, I'll just count this as payment, then."

...

"So you need to go to the World Tree?" Leafa asked, staring Kirito in the eyes as he ate.

He nodded, "It's something that you probably wouldn't understand. I'm sure you know of the SAO incident. My girlfriend, X's sister, and 300 other players are still in a comatose state. X did some semi-illegal things and found out they're being held in this game, in the world tree."

Leafa put a hand over her mouth, "Oh... I'm so sorry..."

Then her pity turned to confusion, "Wait, X, you've been playing the game for a month now, haven't you? Couldn't you have freed them anytime?"

I shook my head, "I wish it were that easy. They're held in inaccessible areas, and I can't forcefully eject them from the game, because they're still wearing the NerveGear, and I don't know if the NerveGear would like that. I can't take any risks, especially considering it's my sister we're talking about."

Leafa paused for a while, and relented, "Alright, I'll help you. You need to get to the World Tree, right? I'll help you get to the World Tree."

Then she stood up and opened her menu, "But for now, I'm gonna have to log out, see you two tomorrow, I guess."

I nodded, "I should probably log out, too. See you, Kirito. Leafa."

A/N: A lotta shit has happened. I'm back, and I may have lied about me being back in routine.

I'm desperately trying to include Leafa in the story, but it's incredibly fucking difficult. 

Ah well, I guess I'll leave this to the me in a few days to worry about.

If you enjoyed this chapter, consider voting and following for more. Peace out, everybody. Goodbye.

Timeless_95, signing out.