SWORD ART ONLINE (SAO)

Chapter 18: A Day in Coral

The morning sun filtered through the leaves of Coral, the picturesque town on the 35th floor, casting a warm glow over its charming streets. Kirito arrived at the designated meeting spot, the central plaza, where the statue of a sea dragon towered majestically. The air was filled with the scent of the sea, and the sound of seagulls echoed in the distance.

The town itself was a masterpiece of design, with its white stone buildings adorned with intricate coral carvings. The streets were lined with colorful flowers, and the canals that wound through the town reflected the azure sky above. It was a place that felt almost too peaceful for a world filled with danger.

As Kirito stood there, taking in the beauty of the town, he spotted Shino approaching. She was dressed casually in a light blue dress that swayed gently with the breeze, her hair flowing freely over her shoulders. Kirito, in his usual black player attire, couldn't help but notice how relaxed she seemed.

"Good morning, Kirito," Shino greeted him with a smile. "Thank you for coming."

"Good morning, Shino," Kirito replied, returning her smile. "You wanted to meet here?"

Shino nodded. "I've taken the day off from my official duties, and I was hoping you could spend some time with me exploring Coral. Everyone else is busy, so I didn't want to bother them."

Kirito was surprised but pleased by the request. "Of course, I'd be happy to." Kirito thought of it as a date with Shino but he never told her so.

They began their day by strolling through the town, admiring its true beauty. Their first stop was the Coral Garden, a breathtaking sanctuary filled with vibrant coral formations of every color imaginable. The garden was like an underwater paradise brought to life on land, with fish-shaped sculptures and fountains that glimmered in the sunlight.

"This place is incredible," Kirito remarked as they walked along the garden paths, the soft glow of the coral reflecting off the water in the nearby ponds.

"It really is," Shino agreed. "It's hard to believe we're still in a game when you see something like this."

Next, they decided to take a gondola ride through the winding canals of Coral. The gondola, made of polished wood and adorned with delicate carvings, glided smoothly over the water. As they floated through the canals, they passed under arched stone bridges and alongside buildings draped in flowering vines. The water was so clear that they could see the fish swimming beneath them.

"This is so peaceful," Shino said, leaning back in her seat as she took in the view. "I never imagined I'd find something like this in SAO."

Kirito nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "It's easy to forget the dangers we face when you're in a place like this. It almost feels... normal."

They continued to enjoy the serene ride, their conversation light and filled with appreciation for the beauty surrounding them.

By noon, they found themselves in a cozy café nestled along the canal's edge. The café had a rustic charm, with wooden beams and large windows that offered a view of the water. They ordered a warm drink and a dessert—Caramel Cream Puffs with a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce. The puffs were soft and airy, melting in their mouths with a burst of sweet caramel flavor.

"This is amazing," Kirito said after taking a bite. "I didn't expect virtual food to taste this good."

Shino laughed softly. "I know, right? It's little things like this that make the experience so much more real."