Sword Art Online- From a Solo Player to a Survivor

Chapter 13: Betrayed by Family

(July 9th, 2024. Floor 48: Lindas, Dusk)

(Martin's POV)

My family or the girl of my dreams!?

If I left the Sunbreakers, I wouldn't see Claire and Colt again. If I stayed with them, I'd need to eliminate Anisa.

The answer was obvious to me...

I chose...

Anisa.

"Anisa!! I choose to side with her!!" I answered in a yell. Darvanshel closed his eyes and drew out his sword and shield. "To think you were loyal to the Sunbreakers. Then again, you never took the oath to begin with. I will end you here then! Fadahl, Tamotsu, return to the HQ!" He ordered. They nodded in response and fell back.

"I will make you pay for betraying the Sumbreakers! Traitor Martin!!" Darvanshel threatened. "Get back Anisa, I'll handle this!" I said, pushing her away with a hand while taking out my sword with the other.

I dashed at Darvanshel and began to swing quickly, delivering blow after blow to put pressure on him. He seemed to be backing up, but he was also blocking the attack with his shield. I never seen him fight in combat so I don't know what his fighting style is.

Darvanshel then, bashed my sword to the side, leaving me open as he slashed my chest. "A-Ack!" I yelled, staggering back. I regained my posture and swung my sword at him with a Sword Skill. "Astral Nova!!!" I shouted, initiating the massive 6-hit combo. He managed to block the first couple hits. On the 5th hit, his shield was smacked to the side, leaving him open and causing the 6th hit to land.

Our HP bars were around equal amount. We continued to swing at each other and block each others' attacks. "Looks like you're more than I thought...no more holding back! Kurokoge supiritto (Charred Spirit)!!" Darvanshel yells. My eyes widened at the name of that skill. A very overpowered skill that maximizes the user's attack and reduces all damage taken by half for 30 seconds. Where could've Darvanshel learned that skill!?

"Phoenix Glide!!" I yelled, initiating the 30-hit combo skill. Darvanshel didn't even bother to block the attack as he took all of the hits. However, due to his skill, the damage was very low. "How disappointing!!" He shouted, raising his sword. "Fatal Flame!!" He shouted, slamming his sword down onto me. It was a massive 1-hit attack he landed on me. My HP instantly dropped to about a little less than a third remaining. I shouted in pain as I was blasted back. 'I'm barely doing any damage to him, even before he used his skill...what level is he..?' I thought to myself. During my time with the Sunbreakers, Darvanshel never mentioned what level he was.

He slowly approached me, and grunted. "You're weak...I'll let you live only this once. Martin, you are no longer part of the Sunbreakers, and you are now marked as an enemy to us." Darvanshel then, began to walk away.

I stood on a knee as I watched him walk away with a pained expression on my face. 'Damn...when was the last time I experienced defeat..?' I sighed as Anisa came to my side and helped me up. "Don't worry Martin...he was too strong.." She said softly to me, trying to comfort me. I nodded, giving her a smile. "Right..I was barely inflicting any damage on him..the level difference between us must've been great.." I said, sighing. For all I know, he could be at the level cap of 100.

"Then I need to get stronger..I need to force myself to beating side bosses alone.." I muttered. I glanced at Anisa to see her with worrying eyes. "Going back to soloing Martin? Please stop it with all that! Y-You don't get a second life!!" She worryingly said. "I know..but it's a high risk, high reward. By risking my life, I can get stronger to be able to defend you.." I responded. If I can't defend her, and she dies, I will never forgive myself for letting her die. "Besides...you're all I have left now Anisa...my family, the Sunbreakers, basically betrayed me..I'm back to having no family.." I felt myself being depressed again. If I was marked as an enemy to the Sunbreakers, would Colt and Claire attack me without hesitation..? Would they just simply destroy that friendship we had together..? I sighed, feeling absolutely betrayed...

...but I should've already been used to that feeling. That feeling when my family kicked me out for being a disappointment...I experienced it at that moment...

"I'm sorry, but we need to part ways again Anisa.." Those words I spoke, hurt me deeply. "J-Just...d-don't die.." She replied. I could easily tell that she was holding back tears.

I nodded, giving her a quick hug before walking away.

I guess I always was, and always will be a Solo Player...since that is how I will become stronger...