SAO: Alicization High and Beyond [ Part 2 ]

Repent the Sins! Slay all Evils! [ Axiom Church - Side Chapter Pt.1 ]

Throne Slayer:
"..." The unknown person was watching Kirito and the others - The Human Realm doing their own work before Kainan gives them the signal.
"...I wonder how things will go now... since they want to make peace with the Dark Territory. Knowing Kirito will do anything for the Human Realm and even the Dark Territory to keep them from fighting each other. I highly doubt that it'll be peaceful... but I haven't heard anything from "him" ever since 5 months ago. Almost got kidnapped by that bastard after my fight against Quinella and Chudelkin just 13 days ago. So... guess I'll have to find out about the other bastards... since they've made their own move 13 days ago." The unknown person who was named "Throne Slayer" had made his move, away from Kirito's group, as he explored the Dark Territory to find his "enemy". Then Asuna, Yuuki and Alice noticed something

Asuna:
"Huh?!" Asuna looked at the building's roof and sees nothing.

Yuuki:
"You notice something too, Asuna?"

Asuna:
"Yes. And... I can't help but wonder why am I feeling so different about something. It's like I can't shake this feeling anymore." Then Alice spoke

Alice:
"You two are having the same feelings, yes? I don't know why is this happening as well."

Yuuki:
"Well, a few of us noticed this and we didn't spot anyone. Sinon told Kirito this and he's keeping an eye on it too. I can't stop thinking about if it's him."

Alice:
"About Deku. Kirito was thinking about him too before we met you guys at the Eastern Gate."

Asuna:
"Could it be him? Is he... following us by chance?"

Alice:
"I don't want to get my hopes up... but I don't know."

Yuuki:
"Man! I can't get rid of this one! Maybe we should get back to doing something, so we can get our mind off of it." The girls agreed.

~("Deku-Kun... I still hope you'll be back soon. I really miss you a lot. I'm really looking forward to seeing you soon.")

[ Then as the scenery changes... ]

Throne Slayer:
"..." Throne Slayer was making a stop. To make sure that he's going to a right direction. "Damn. I never thought of the Dark Territory would be so huge... man. Guess it'll take a while for me to find them and take them down. *Sigh* Well, no way to prove just follow through."

[ Flashback ]

[ Now... a flashback of 5 months ago - Deku was now in Quinella's grasp. Within the last 5 months... Quinella "gave" Deku power in order to get stronger, even along with the Curse Mark. But of course, there's always a catch, as he has no choice but to spend a night with her. Then after that, within the time he spent in the Axiom Church - He was trained by the Chief Elder Chudelkin. About Sacred Arts, learning of how to use his Blade, and how to understand his blade, even learning how to maintain the power of the blade, to fully activate its "Enhance Armament," and "Release Recollection." It took time for him to fully understand and master his unnamed blade, even after only three in a half months later, Quinella rewarded Deku the "Kuroi Ryu No Yaiba/Black Dragon's Blade" which has the same design/quality/power/life/etc as Deku Black's Ryūjin Blade, as his own "Divine Object". Then Deku was also trained by his doppelgänger: Deku Black - As Black somehow resonates his Curse Mark with Deku's to become one. Then another month and a half later, Deku understands the Black Dragon's Blade and fully mastered not only the blade but the five elements of the blade; Fire, Earth, Lightning, Water and Wind. Even his own actual body. To "Perceive," "Understand," and "Respond" like Black's experience. Then... as a 10 days before the war... ]

[ On April 23, 2027... Inside the Axiom Church - ]

Chudelkin:
"My eminence. It's almost time for the war. The preparations are complete."