The Path Unknown

22. Reinforcements

     At the trident path between the inner towers, the group split; Haru was still not with them. Turning his attention back to the unfolding battle, Buro realized that another green player joined the fight. It was Haru! He started to assist the couple as best as he could, using the abilities he had to deal the final hits to a player. Though they would return in time, it bought his assistants even more time to activate the pillars. They wouldn't need to do much, all they needed was their handprint. Once all of the pylons were set, then the signal would be strong enough to register the anti-virus among the affected players - removing their newfound abilities.

     Suddenly, as well as simultaneously, three players dropped in front of the assistants; blocking their path to the tower. They would have to be defeated before continuing with the plan. A small, green spark flew across each of them - they were part of the hacker-infected players. This seemed impossible: his best player out on the field with invincible pawns and his others being faced with god-like PKers. A miricle would have to take place for them to win this battle.

*100 meters away, Kirito's location*

     "Come on!!! We're almost there!!! Kirito said, sprinting to their destination.

    

They made their way over the hill's crest to find three players battling off the invisible foes that Kirito dreamt about. Yui got to work immediately, using her admin powers to deny the hacker's abilities. Since they were players, she could not remove them; but she could restrict their abilities. The group of six PKers became visible, meaning their immortality was disabled as well. Kirito, Asuna, Klein, Lizabeth, Silica, and Pina readied for the fight of their lives.

     Clashing with the now visible players, they realized that they grew stronger. They have been reading movements and making adjustments to their technique. A smart tactic that was not used by players for the chance of death, which they never had until now. They stepped up their game. Using skills, they burst through every defensive attack. Kirito touched the back of Asuna with his as he looked around. They knew what they had to do, but it was risky.

     

Taking his second sword, he glanced back at Asuna. They were ready. Leaping into the air in unison, they reached a hight as Kage had done on a previous floor. Their blades charged with a golden-yellow tone, hitting the maximum charge of the skill. The two held their blades toward the ground to initiate the skill. Faster than a speeding bullet, the two hit the ground with a shockwave that filled the area. A yellow-toned lightning wave rippled from the epicenter, hitting the enemies with speed and precision. They were decimated, flying into the air before exploding into a ball of golden electricity. Kirito looked around. No one else was killed but the target players, but there were more players on the way.

     "There are more heading this way. Prepare for the next one." Kirito commanded.

    

"No, I just had a message that there were three more with far superior skills than the assistants. Michiko, Asuna, Liz, and Silica: move up and assist them in activating the pylons to defend the area. The rest of us will stay here and hold out ground."

     Liz started to complain, "Aww. Can't we s-"
    
     "No, he's right. They need help, we don't. Now let's work as a team before this falls apart!!!" Agil enforced.

The four girls headed for the upper floors, Michiko leading the way. Kage turned back towards the oncoming swarm now, but sighted something odd. They had Yui! She had stayed back from the fight, but they took her as a ransom! Now they've done it. He turned to Kirito, who saw the same. He gripped the hilt of his blades tighter as he got angrier at them, he would get her back himself. Kage saw the look of pure rage in his eyes, he would keep the pawns off of Kirito so he could save his daughter.