Kazuto Kirigaya had finally found the tranquillity he'd longed for. With his beloved circle of dear friends, they relished a peaceful life in the real world. The days of virtual battles in Sword Art Online felt like distant memories, and he reveled...
Shadow stood stoically at the highest point of the academy, his gaze piercing through the chaos below as flames licked at the structure around him. He looked coldly upon the scene, seemingly unaffected by the turmoil.
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A smirk played across his lips as he observed the pandemonium unfolding before him. "This was one hell of a side event," he muttered under his breath, the corners of his mouth turning up in amusement at the chaos surrounding him.
Just then, Gamma materialized behind him, bowing on one knee with utmost reverence. "We have taken care of everything, Lord Shadow," she declared, her voice unwavering despite the chaos. "Shadow Garden emerges victorious once again."
Shadow, lost in his own world of mischief and chaos, completely ignored Gamma's presence as he sensed Kirito's unmistakable aura within the academy.
"He's here," Shadow announced with a dramatic flourish, still not bothering to acknowledge Gamma there. "Ah, Kirito, always showing up at the most inconvenient times."
Gamma, startled by the sudden revelation, lifted her head in confusion. "You mean Kirito Kuroha, my lord?"
Ignoring her once again, Shadow continued his monologue, gazing off into the distance with exaggerated seriousness. "Kirito, my good friend! It seems he isn't the type to cower in the face of chaos just like all these NPC!"
"Indeed, my lord," Gamma interjected, her tone respectful yet firm. "Kirito Kuroha has been aiding us in our endeavors. His loyalty to Shadow Garden remains steadfast."
As Gamma spoke, she observed Shadow's distant demeanor and realized his attention was elsewhere. With a bow, she gracefully excused herself. "I shall take my leave, Lord Shadow, to attend to other matters. May your plans unfold as desired."
"What a splendid opportunity!" Shadow exclaimed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Why, it's the perfect time to relieve the academy of some of its burdensome wealth and settle my debt with Kirito once and for all!"
With a sly grin, he nodded to himself, thoroughly pleased with the prospect. "A wonderful idea indeed," he declared triumphantly, his mind already concocting the details of his daring heist.
Suddenly, a girl's voice pierced through the chaos, filled with hatred and determination. "Shadow!" she shouted, her tone laced with venom as she charged toward him.
With swift reflexes, Shadow drew his sword and effortlessly intercepted the incoming attack from Iris herself, his movements fluid and precise.
Iris, her eyes blazing with anger, glared at Shadow with unwavering resolve. "You aren't getting away with all you've done," she spat, her voice trembling with emotion.
In his typical apathetic manner, Shadow shrugged nonchalantly, his expression unchanged. "Attacking someone head-on can either be a display of overconfidence in one's abilities or blindly following principles no one gives a damn about," he remarked, his tone detached as he regarded Iris with a cool gaze.
