Link Start: Danger In Virtual Worlds

An Incarnation Of The Radius

Link Start: Danger In Virtual Worlds

Chapter 34: An Incarnation Of The Radius

Date: Infinityverse Days 1102-1343

Nothing much significant happened for a while. Not until we reached the 99th Floor and a whole heap of problems as a result of that. So what was on the 99th Floor? Well, a bunch of floating islands known as the Archipelago of Memories. It didn't too long for us to get to it after we reached the 97th Floor. After all, we were ready for anything, constantly training to get stronger, and there were no more villains to stand in our way. It was therefore on Day 1116 that we reached it. But it became clear that it was going to be a huge pain to get through. Argo spoke as soon as we got to it: "Thanks to the detailed information Koharu and the others has given us, we knew exactly what was going to be on this floor. However, there's a lot that feels off about this floor." Sinon nods: "There are some quest giving NPCs around." Mater speaks: "You're right. This isn't good. Originally, this was the only floor without any NPCs other than the Ruby Palace of course." Stilla sighs: "Something tells me that we're going to be here a lot longer than any of us expected." M adds: "There's also the problem of the fact that while we can clearly see the Ruby Palace from here in the distance, the only way to get access to it is to fight a bunch of bosses with a small party. We have to choose who is a part of it carefully." I further add: "This game has always added a twist to every challenge we had to overcome from SAO itself. I don't think the party will be fighting field bosses from various Floors. The game will make it nearly impossible to get past this Floor. I think that what await aren't field bosses. I think they're Floor Bosses. If I'm right, we are in a whole lot of trouble and it's going to be very difficult and almost impossible to unlock the 100th Floor."

Just then, one of the NPCs walks over to us and speaks: "Welcome to the Archipelago of Memories, wandering warriors from Aincrad and beyond. It is as you believe. To gain passage to the Ruby Palace, you will have to defeat creatures you previously defeated in the Celestial Tower. But there are a few trials you must pass before you can assemble a team to take on that challenge. I am the keeper of the first trial. It is one where all of you have to confront your worst memories. This is after all, the Archipelago of Memories." Suddenly, a screen animation plays that shows screenshots and other things of key moments that have happened inside of this game. After it ends, the NPC adds: "If you will all follow me, I will lead you to the Chamber Of The Past so that you can relive those memories and overcome them." We do so without hesitating. Lueur speaks: "There were no structures on this Floor last time. This is a whole new twist to our story. I am curious to find out how this goes for all of us." After we step inside the chamber and everyone is inside, the NPC closes the doors, shrouding the chamber in darkness. "Now, warriors from Aincrad and beyond, it is time for you to witness the darkest moments in your pasts all over again." Before I could react, I was thrust into one of my earliest darkest memories. I will not write about experiencing the memories in detail. A lot happened between the chamber doors being closed and our escape from the game after all. Instead, I will list out some of the darkest memories of mine that I had to relive. The complicated and messy situation that was largely my fault in my original body in July 2018, being used by Quinella, the other dark moments I went through in this game, some of the times I was killed in the past, and moments from various battles throughout the years.

It was a really difficult and emotionally painful trial but I managed to get through it without completing losing my mental stability or sanity. After all of us returned to consciousness, the NPC opened the doors back up and spoke calmly: "Well done. Against all of the odds, all of you managed to overcome this trial. I know it wasn't easy. I also know that you heavily relied on your good memories to aid you. Many of you must have thought about those you cherish and that helped you make it through. I will lead you to the keeper of the second trial. They will explain the rest once we arrive. Before we head to them, I will state something important. You have earned my respect and I will therefore join your quest to enter the Ruby Palace. I will aid you in any way I can once you clear the remaining trials. Until that happens, I will simply act as an observing companion for all of you." Soon, we reach the 2nd NPC who speaks immediately: "I see you all passed the first trial. Alright then. Follow me and I will lead you to the Garden Of The Present where you will come to terms with what you have going on in the present. To face what awaits in the Ruby Palace, you must be free of as much worry as you can possibly be. To succeed at the trial, you will have to overcome doubt, fear, and other emotions that hold all of you back. You won't be able to overcome them completely but by coming to terms with them, you can have a clearer mind and conscious." The Garden Of The Present was beautiful, full of plants I've never seen before. The NPC speaks again: "Each of these plants corresponds perfectly to one of you. Once you find your plant, you will experience feelings of sleepiness and be lulled to sleep. And in your sleeping state, you will have to think about what you are right now and go from there to overcome what is holding you back."