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...
Kirito walked leisurely through the bustling streets of the capital of Midgar. The city was alive with activity as merchants hawked their wares, children played in the streets, and knights in armour marched by on patrol. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets and the impressive stone buildings that lined them.
As Kirito strolled, nearly everyone he passed greeted him with respect. Merchants paused in their calls to nod and say, "Good day, Kirito!" Children waved enthusiastically, shouting, "Hello, Sir Kirito!" even as they continued their games. Townsfolk of all ages smiled and inclined their heads as he walked by.
Even the knights of the Crimson Order, renowned for their stoicism and strict discipline, halted their patrols to salute him. "Kirito Kuroha," one of them said, "it's an honour to see you here again. "
Eventually, he stopped by a small fountain in the centre of a bustling square. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of recent events lift slightly from his shoulders. "I've finally found some time to relax," he said aloud, though mostly to himself, "after everything that happened in Lindwurm." His words carried a mix of relief and exhaustion.
A voice rang out from behind Kirito, tinged with a weary yet mocking tone. "Feeling tired, are we? You sound like an old geezer, you know."
Kirito spun around in surprise to find Zeta standing there, a smirk playing on her lips.
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Zeta chuckled softly before speaking, her voice tinged with amusement, "You humans truly age too fast." Her words held a hint of teasing wisdom, contrasting with her youthful appearance.
Kirito chuckled at Zeta's playful jab and retorted, "Can't you cut me some slack?"
He walked closer to her with a grin, remarking, "It's been a while since we last saw each other."
Zeta raised an eyebrow mischievously. "You mean when I found you locked in a prison by two stupid knights?"
Kirito scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his face turning slightly red. "Well, I couldn't just knock them out! I was kind of... the most wanted guy in the kingdom at that moment."
Zeta burst into laughter, her amusement echoing through the busy square. "Oh, Kirito, always finding yourself in the most precarious situations."
Kirito sighed dramatically but couldn't help but smile. "Hey, what can I say? It keeps life interesting."
As they continued walking together through the bustling streets, Kirito turned to Zeta with curiosity in his eyes. "So, Lilim, where have you been all this time?"
Zeta glanced at him with a mischievous grin, her cat-like features accentuating her playful demeanour. "Oh, you know me, always on the move," she replied cryptically.
Kirito raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "On the move? Doing what exactly?"
Zeta's grin widened into a proud smile. "I was on a top-secret mission," she announced with a hint of pride but just so Kirito could hear. "Travelling around the world, discovering new places, uncovering ancient relics, you name it."
