Sword Art Online- From a Solo Player to a Survivor

Chapter 9: The Seraphim Vault Part 1

(December 27, 2023. Floor 56: Sunbreakers HQ)

(Martin's POV)

I woke up to the sun shining in my face through the window. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, my vision still being blurry. Today was the day we gather for the mission debriefing. I'm very excited yet, worried if anyone is going to die. This Seraphim Vault wasn't anywhere in the Information Brokers' catalogs, so we're running in the dark.

I got out of my bed and equipped my gear. I made sure my sword was in good condition and my hair wasn't very messy. I stepped out of the room, bumping into Colt who was walking down the hall. "Ah, Martin, you're up." Colt greeted. "Y-Yeah...mornings aren't really my thing.." I replied drowsily, rubbing my eyes. "Let's get going to the meeting." Colt said, walking away. I nodded and followed him.

(Darvanshel's POV)

I inspected the documents on the table as I waited for the members to gather. "This is a suicide mission...the information the scouts provided isn't very helpful, and the information brokers have nothing on the Vault.." I muttered, sighing. "If anyone dies, I probably won't be able to take it very well. It's my responsibility to make sure everyone returns alive." I muttered to myself again.

The door opened and through it came Martin and Colt. Behind them were the rest of the members that are taking part in this raid: Claire, Fadahl, Jun, and last but not least, my most trusted companion, Tamotsu. "Great, you are all here!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands. "Get on with the mission Darvanshel.." Fadahl said, having his arms crossed. "Always wanted to get straight to the point eh Fadahl?" I chuckled.

Fadahl, a katana user. Very skilled in swift and agile kills. I can always count on him to get the job done. He normally wears a raggedy brown cloak that also covered his mouth, and leaves his pure red hair completely exposed, which also matches with his dark red pupils.

"Well, you do take very long speeches and it gets very boring." Jun commented, adjusting his glasses.

Jun. The brain of the guild and probably the smartest in the guild. His long, light blue hair stands out from the rest of us and his white coat strangely matches his blue hair and blue eyes. He uses a spear in combat.

"Ha! That's the best part about Darvanshel! It's his speeches that run the group!" Tamotsu exclaimed, chuckling.

Tamotsu, the defender of the guild. Using a sword and shield in combat, his defense is a force to remember. His spiky yellow hair and black eyes pierce into the very souls of his foes. However, he is not a person who worries about appearance so he wears the standard red and silver guild armor. He also sides with me in practically anything.

"Alright, let's get started. First things first, rumors have been saying that the Knights of the Blood Oath has also discovered the location of the Seraphim Vault. If we encounter them in the Vault, do not hesitate to fight them. It is likely that they will engage us." I warned. "First, the Seraphim Vault is located on the 60th floor and the entrance to the vault is sealed shut. According to the information provided by the scouts, there are three pillars in front of the door that are the keys to opening it. When people are near it, they will light up, causing the door to open. When opened, we will venture inside the Seraphim Vault. According to the scouts, we will come across a large circular area. In the center will be a conflux, said to be merged with time itself. The machine enemies will then, come in a horde in attempt to merge themselves with the conflux. If we fail to defend the conflux, we will be completely erased from the game, resulting in death. If defended successfully, it will vanish and cause the <<Overmind>> to appear. We will defeat this Overmind and claim the Vault's contents." I explained the whole mission as clearly as I can to the group. I looked over to see Martin's fists clenched tightly.

(Martin's POV)

"Fight the Knights of the Blood Oath?" I thought to myself. Wasn't Kirito with the Knights of the Blood Oath? What if that guild was in the Vault and he's among them? Will I need to fight him? "Martin, eyes forward." Colt ordered. I looked back up, regaining my senses and nodding. "S-Sorry. Let's get this done!" I spoke out. "This raid WILL succeed! That concludes this meeting, dismiss!" Darvanshel ordered. We all nodded and exited the HQ, grouping up outside.

"We will all come back alive! We will watch each other's backs! We will show the Knights of the Blood Oath that we, the Sunbreakers, are the better guild! Let's move out!" Darvanshel ordered. "Martin, if anything happens, promise me you'll watch Colt's back." Claire asked me. I nodded at her confidently. "We'll ALL be back alive Claire." I responded.

And with a final cheer, we set out for the Seraphim Vault.