SWORD ART ONLINE (SAO)

Chapter 8: A New Beginning

 Kirito returned to his room in the 27th floor residential area, his mind a swirling vortex of thoughts. The intense battles, the feeling of betrayal, and the solitude of his recent experiences had left him feeling emotionally drained. As he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, he reflected on the events that had transpired. The betrayal by the Moonlight Black Cats had reinforced his belief in the merits of being a solo player. Trust, he thought, was a rare commodity in this game, and perhaps it was better to rely only on oneself.

The night passed in restless sleep, and as dawn approached, Kirito awoke to a flurry of messages. The digital chirp of his message notification echoed through the room, cutting through the morning quiet. His inbox was overflowing with messages from Keita and the Moonlight Black Cats. The guild members had sent numerous apologies, each message laden with regret and explanation.

As he sifted through the messages, Kirito noticed one that stood out. It was from Sachi, the member he had saved in the labyrinth. She expressed heartfelt remorse for abandoning him and detailed the troubles the guild was facing. Ducker's debt collection threats were becoming more aggressive, and the Moonlight Black Cats were struggling to cope.

The next morning, Kirito, still processing the messages, made his way to the market area as he had agreed. The marketplace was bustling with activity, players milling about, trading goods, and socializing. Kirito spotted the familiar faces of the Moonlight Black Cats, who were waiting anxiously for his arrival. Their expressions ranged from apprehension to hope, and he could see the weight of their recent troubles in their eyes.

"Kirito, thank you for agreeing to meet us," Keita said as Kirito approached. His voice was earnest, but Kirito could see the exhaustion etched into his features.

Kirito nodded, his gaze scanning the faces of the guild members. "I got your messages. Let's talk."

They gathered in a quiet corner of the marketplace, away from the prying eyes of other players. Keita, Sachi, Tetsuo, Sasamaru, and Ducker, who had been absent from the meeting, were all present. They shared their story with Kirito, explaining how Ducker's demands for repayment had intensified, putting them in a dire situation. The pressure to repay the debt had forced them into risky situations, leading to their desperate attempt to find the rare item in the labyrinth.

Sachi spoke up, her voice trembling with emotion. "We didn't mean to abandon you, Kirito. We were just... scared. And then, when Ducker threatened us, we felt trapped. We should have handled it better. I'm so sorry."

Kirito listened quietly, taking in their words. When the conversation shifted to their levels, Kirito revealed that he had surpassed level 40. The shock on their faces was palpable. For them, achieving mid-20s was a significant milestone, and Kirito's level was a testament to his relentless efforts and skill.

"You're a lot stronger than we thought," Keita said, awe in his voice. "That's impressive."

Despite his initial refusal to join their guild, Kirito could see the genuine need in Sachi's eyes. Her vulnerability and the dire situation they faced made him reconsider his stance. "Alright," Kirito said after a moment of contemplation. "I'll join you as a permanent member. But I won't take a leadership role. I'll contribute in my own way."

The Moonlight Black Cats members were visibly relieved. They celebrated Kirito's decision with cheers and toasts at the tavern. The mood was light, and for the first time in a while, Kirito felt a sense of camaraderie that he had been missing.

The following days marked a new chapter for Kirito and the Moonlight Black Cats. Kirito threw himself into helping them fight monsters and raise the necessary funds to purchase a guild home. His presence significantly boosted their morale and effectiveness. As he trained and fought alongside them, their levels improved steadily. Kirito's level climbed to the mid-50s, and the Moonlight Black Cats reached the mid-30s.

Two months passed in a whirlwind of activity. The guild, with Kirito's guidance, made substantial progress. They managed to repay Ducker's debt, and Keita took decisive action by expelling Ducker from the guild. The Moonlight Black Cats finally acquired their own guild house on the 20th floor, a tangible symbol of their hard work and perseverance.

In the first meeting held at their new guild home, the atmosphere was one of optimism and excitement. Keita addressed the group, his voice filled with determination. "With our own base now established, we have a solid foundation to build on. Our goals are to level up, recruit more members, and ultimately strengthen our guild so we can stand alongside the Knights of the Blood."

Kirito listened to Keita's vision for the guild and the ambitious goals they set. Although he declined the offer to be the guild's captain, he agreed to serve as a wise advisor and mentor. The members of the Moonlight Black Cats were grateful for his support and guidance. They toasted to a bright future and the new journey ahead.

As Kirito looked around at the hopeful faces of his new guildmates, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The betrayal he had experienced was a painful lesson, but it had led him to this moment of unity and cooperation. Together, they were ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, stronger and more determined than ever.

The sense of belonging he had found with the Moonlight Black Cats marked a significant shift in his approach to the game. With the guild's new objectives set and their base established, Kirito was ready to embrace the challenges of the future with newfound resolve.