Alicization: Steel and Lycoris

Return to the Underworld

"Uh… Ghhh…" I open my eyes, slowly adjusting to the dark surroundings I find myself in. I already dictate that whatever happened upon my arrival brought me here, wherever here is. It does not seem whatever force brought me to this place is malevolent. I mean, rather than being in a prison cell, I'm laying upon a comfy bed in a tent. But a stranger falling from the sky, I wouldn't be surprised if I'm being watched.

"So you've awakened." I turn my head to the voice and rise up to face it. Seated nearby is a woman of small stature with curly brown hair and inquisitive eyes of the same color. She wears a purple robe and matching hat and carries a long staff in her right hand. She looks like a strict librarian or headmaster, yet, once again, I sense no ill intent. "Guess the gods of Rath are trying to fix their troubles."

Rath? Assuming she did not mean "wrath"... How does she know about Rath? Nevermind that, I have more pressing questions. "Where am I?"

"North Centoria, on the grounds of the Swordcraft Academy. Now it's my turn, who are you?"

"My name… My name is Jaymes." I hesitate a moment, thinking of another question. Well, I guess the next one should address how she knows where I am from. "How do you know of Rath?"

She scoffs. "You're hardly the first fool I met in the last month to be from another world, and far from the first non-resident of the Underworld."

"So you know of Kirito… Well, that simplifies things. Where is he?"

"He's here as well, but before I allow you to see him, I must understand you first. It is only fair I tell you about me and the current situation of the Human Empire. Is that fine with you, Lord of Knights?"

I frown. So she knows of my legend from my first time in Centoria, back when the Human Empire was in its infancy. I also do need to know of the current events in this world, and Kirito is nearby, possibly with Alice. It's no trouble to listen to a briefing. "Very well, go ahead."

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Cardinal, and in essence, I am the Cardinal System, or, at least, the secondary system."

"The checks and balances part of the system."

"You're knowledgeable, just as Kirito was."

I shrug. "Let's just say I have had multiple run-ins with the system itself, this year especially. But you're the first time I have seen it take a form."

"Kirito also said the same."

"But why specify that you're just the secondary system? What about the primary system?"

"That belongs, or should I more specifically say, is the former leader of the Axiom Church. The Pontifex known as Administrator, Quinella."

Quinella? That name sounds familiar. "I was here right before the Axiom Church was established. That would have been 280 years ago… I remember hearing tales of a gifted young girl by that name. They're the same person, correct?"

"Indeed."

"So she's responsible for… Quinella has administrative privileges, doesn't she? So she has ruled this world since my departure… Wait, you said 'former leader'? Where is she now?"

Cardinal sighs. "Kirito, along with his friend Eugeo, were arrested a few weeks ago by the Church for breaking the Taboo Index. After their escape and meeting with me, they scaled the Central Cathedral, faced Integrity Knight after Integrity Knight, and in the end, Kirito killed Administrator… Or so we thought. It is better to show you." Cardinal stands up and gestures for me to follow her. I rise off the bed and exit the tent with her. Shading my eyes from the sun, Cardinal directs my gaze to the south and far up. There's the Central Cathedral and...what the hell?