Sword Art Online Alicization: Underworld of a Parallel Universe

Part 2: Norlangarth Sword Master Academy

STORY NOTE:
Norlangarth Sword Master Academy does not just teach sword skills, but as the only school in the capital, they teach everything. Students are enrolled from the age of 13.

We re-join with our heroes as they are nearing the end of their time at the Norlangarth Sword Master Academy. Alice has had some private and secret lessons with Bercouli as he saw the most potential in her and took a shine to her. So, he took her under his wing. Through this, she has given him the nickname of uncle. As for Kirito and Eugeo, they have had pretty much the same school experience as in the original story. Except with the minor addition of Alice and the lack of Kirito being in a different world. Their last ever lesson at Norlangarth is modern history.

Teacher: "Today students, we are going to learn about the great war of the underworld. This happened 13 years ago. There was a war between the Humans and the people who live in the Dark Territory (known as the forces of darkness). The 4 goddesses, fought alongside the humans against the forces of darkness and the Demon King (their leader). The goddesses managed to go head-to-head against the Demon King. During this fight, a spell went array and three of the goddesses and the Demon King vanished without a trace whilst the goddess Asuna was knocked unconscious and fell into a deep slumber. As both sides were critically hit and down their leaders, a peace treaty was signed by both sides and the dark territory was sealed by the east gate. There was a search for the missing goddesses as well as the Demon King, but alas, they were never found. As the years went by, people in the Dark Territory started talking and speculating. They claim that one day the Demon King will return and destroy the East Gate in order to take over the Human realm. But you have nothing to fear Students, the Demon King is indeed dead and the Forces of Darkness would never act without their leader."

"With the goddess Asuna unconscious and the other goddesses missing, the human empire was without a leader. So Quienella (founder of the Axiom Church) took over and built the Central Cathedral. Where she could rule the underworld, provide a place for people to pray and keep the body of the goddess Asuna safe until she awoke. Before long, the church grew to the massive height that we know it to be today. Quienella founded the Integrity Knights to help maintain peace in the human empire and every year at the graduation ceremony for this school, she comes to observe the students who are graduating to recruit them to join the Integrity Knights. 13 years after the great war, the goddess Asuna awoke from her slumber and after finding out about the other goddess, she fell into a deep depression and hid herself in her room. She rarely comes out but never misses the graduation ceremony as she likes to personally bless those who graduate and wish them her best on the journey that awaits them. This is what she used to do before the great war."

"That brings us up to date. Now students, before we end today's lesson and the term, does anyone have any questions?"

Kirito: "Miss, how can we be sure that the Demon King is truly dead? There is no body or proof."
Teacher: "He's dead."
Kirito: "But how can we be sure?"
Teacher: "He just is dead. If he was alive, that would mean the goddesses are as well. But as we haven't heard anything from any of them, that means they are all dead. That is the end of the matter and the end of the lesson. Class dismissed."

With that, the lesson was ended and so too was the term and their time at The Norlangarth Sword Master Academy. The last thing to come before they leave Norlangarth is the graduation ceremony graduation from the school. This includes a set of display matches to show off their skills and what they have learned at the school. This is where Quienella likes to scout new Integrity Knights. Normally, she only chooses just one person. The person who wins all the matches. But this year, in addition to the person who won, she also recruited Alice, Eugeo and Kirito. Eugeo and Kirito only lost because they had to face each other and it ended in a draw. The rules state that any match that ends in a draw are classed as a loss. But despite their loss, Quienella was Impressed by them and decided that she wanted their talents. Alice on the other hand was personally recommended by Bercouli (Leader of the Integrity Knights).

After the duels, came the ceremony itself. This is where everyone receives their blessing from the goddess Asuna and Integrity Knights are named. Alice received the title of Alice Synthesis Thirty. Next up was Eldrie Woolsburg. He was the winner of the matches and received the title of Eldrie Synthesis Thirty-one. Eugeo was given the title of Eugeo Synthesis Thiry-two. Finally came Kirito. He went up on stage and received the title of Kirito Synthesis Thirty-three. He then went to the goddess Asuna to receive his blessing from her. When he gazed upon her face and froze for a moment. He muttered, "She is so beautiful." It was quiet enough for nobody to hear but the goddess Asuna heard it. She blushed a little but said nothing as she didn't want to make any kind of scene. She gave him her blessing and whispered into his ear "I heard what you said about me. Thanks for the flattering compliment." She then smiled at him. After which, he left the stage and that concluded the graduation ceremony. The three of them then moved into their new rooms inside the central cathedral as Integrity Knights.

More adventures, to be continued. 

Image designed by me using images sourced from SAO Wiki and Pinterest.
Unfortunately, I don't know who made the image Alice, Eugeo and Kirito as I found it on Pinterest. I would love to credit the artist if I could find out who they are. If they aren't happy with me using their artwork in my image, I will remove it at their request.