The Path Unknown

1. The Path Unknown

The boss fight was one Kirito had never experienced since the beginning levels, where the first of many brave souls died in combat. This one, on the other hand, had no pattern, no plan, and almost instantaneous movement. It took almost all his physical and mental strength to combat this beast and overcome it, but, thanks to Asuna, he did not have to fight it alone.

The 76th floor looked almost like all of the other floors: green trees, blue sky, large social space, it almost looked generic. Already, people have started teleporting to see what the 76th floor had in store for them. Some found exciting items or new activities, while others were saddened by the similarity to the previous levels. The influx of people, though, was significantly greater than previous floor openings - there was something here worth looking for, or so he thought.

Immediately, Kirito turned to Asuna, who seemed to be enjoying the sight of peace again.

"There's more people coming now then any other time we cleared a floor. This one doesn't seem special enough for that many people to come, don't you think?" Kirito asked with an uneasy tone.

"Yea, but I don't think it's for any special reason. I think that they're just excited that we're getting so high up now. Like a second wind!" Asuna said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Perhaps. Do you wanna head back to the log cabin for now? I'm beat, and I kinda need to think things through."

"Alright, I'll clear it with the leader, we'll probably need to be back at the headquarters by tomorrow morning. I'll see you there!" Asuna said, walking towards Heathcliff.

Kirito stared for a moment as the distance between the one he held so dear, started to increase. He knew she could take care of herself, but he still worried about her.

He brought out his teleportation crystal and had it send him down to the 22nd floor, the level which their cabin by the lake resided. When he got there, something moved on the corner of his eye. A black silhouette was moving quickly across the tree tops. The form of the pose was much like his when he sprinted, but moved faster than he could imagine. There was no weapon in his hand, but there was a visible sword on his back.

The player, or possible NPC, vanished into the horizon. He couldn't pick up many details, though whatever it was, it looked like it could be a possible threat. Whatever it was going for, it must be important to use a speed like that. There is definitely something going on, weather a new item dropped or a quest came about, it was probably worth investigating for himself.

Though, there was all the time in the world for that. Right now, he was exhausted from the raid and needed some well-earned sleep.

*Back with Asuna*

"Sir, I just ask for one day, there was a lot that went on and I don't think Kirito is mentally prepared for another battle. I don't wanna have to call him up from the floor either. You must understand," pleaded Asuna.

"You must also understand that if I give one of my most well-known members of the guild off, that the others will start to want the same out of me," said Heathcliff with a sigh. "But, this one time I'll let it go. Do not let the others see you in uniform and be at the headquarters tomorrow around noon. The plan for the next boss will have to be even more precise after knowing what we just faced."

"Thank you Sir, we will be there!" Asuna walked out without a second glance back. She didn't want Heathcliff changing his mind already. She needed some rest too, and Kirito seemed to know where she wanted to be.

She headed out into the lobby of the social space, took out her teleportation crystal, and teleported to the 22nd floor. Here, she felt safe. No mobs that could kill her, no Player Killers wanted to remain here, and the people were genuine. Were this in the real world, she would move here at the drop of a dime. If course, she'd bring Kirito along. He made her feel complete and secure. Everything about him was something to love. From his smile, to the way he laughed, she couldn't think of a life without him.

She got to the front porch of the lake cabin. Quietly opening the front door, trying not to wake Kirito, she quickly got inside and took off her armor. Closing the door behind her, she made her way into their bedroom and retired for the day. They were together for the night, like they always were, and to her - it was perfect.