Within the Death Game (SAO; Kirito X Reader)

The Guardian of the Fire Gem

Author's Note: Was it not just last chapter I had 950+...? I have almost three thousand views now! Thank you guys, so much! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. (A really long while). I've been really busy. Personally, I didn't think anybody would like this little fanfiction... but here we are. Thanks again, guys, and enjoy the chapter!

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(Your POV)

It's been a few weeks since the Moonlit Black Cats perished in the trap. Since Sachi died. For a while, Kirito hadn't been himself. However, with your help, he started to regain his old spirit. Today, you had convinced him to come out into town with you.

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You and Kirito walked down the road, enjoying yourselves on the warm, breezy day. You were searching for a simple mission to do, to earn a little money for some upgrades. You looked over at your friend, who shuffled along beside you, squinting in the bright sunlight.

"See anything?" you asked him. Kirito gazed at the players and NPCs for a moment, then shook his head.

"No, I don't," he replied. Sighing, you stared at your feet.

"I guess everyone got them all." You shrugged. "Maybe, if you'd like, we could do a little hunting? We can go into the Cave of Thorns, or Swampy Pines..."

Kirito seemed to be considering his options. Suddenly, his head jerked up. He abruptly broke into a run, leaving you behind.

"Wha- hey!" You chased after him, weaving around players. Kirito skidded to a halt by a NPC, quickly pressing a few buttons.

"Oh, you found one?" you said, crouching beside him. You scanned over the mission's objective.

"Yeah, we have to go into the Cave of Thorns," Kirito replied. He closed out the panel. "We have to find a gem, it seems."

"What's the reward?" you asked. He stood up, and you did as well.

"A nice bit of Col. Eight hundred."

You whistled, eyebrows raised. "That's a lot for a mission!" The boy nodded in agreement.

"When should we go?" Kirito asked, looking around.

"In a few minutes. If the reward is that much, the mission's gotta be tough," you guessed. "Let's get some weapon upgrades."

With an agreement from your partner, the two of you set off, going from shop to shop as you examined the goods.

"Hey, (u/n), over here!" Kirito called. You looked up from a longsword rack to see him, waving his hand at you. You ran over.

"What's up?" you asked, following his gaze to the swords.

"Look. This sword fits your stats perfectly." He pointed at a skinny longsword. "I checked it. You're an STR/AGI type like I am, but your agility is higher than your strength, so this works great for you."

You gave him a suspicious look. "How do you know what my stats are?"

He gave you an innocent smile before replying. "I peeked." Then he tapped on the sword. "Seriously, though. Look at it yourself."

A panel popped up in your face, making you lean back to give it a better look.

Speedsword of Wind

Lvl: 54

STR/AGI Type

You blinked, scanning over all the numbers. "Wow, it really does suit me. How much does it cost?"