Sword Art Online- From a Solo Player to a Survivor

Chapter 15: Joining the Knights

(August 19, 2024. Floor 55: Granzam, KoB Headquarters)

(Martin's POV)

"So, you'd like to join us?" Asked Heathcliff with his hands grasped together. "Well...yes sir." I answered, bowing a bit to show respect. "I'd like to join in order to seek allies that will assist me in fighting the Sunbreakers Guild." I added. I knew trying to reason with the Sunbreakers wouldn't work...so I guess the only way is to fight.

Heathcliff chuckled, closing his eyes. "Ah, the Sunbreakers. And based off of your clothing and weaponry, you must be the Fireborn known as Martin correct?" He asked. I nodded, having a serious expression. "Even though you're popular with your ability, we must have one of our sub-leaders test your strength." He said. I nodded in reply. "Head over to the courtyard. We'll have one of our sub-leaders test you." Heathcliff further stated. Thus, I began to head to the courtyard.

(KoB Headquarters, Courtyard)

The courtyard was a vast place. I stood there with another female across from me. She looked familiar to me with that orangish-brown colored hair, but I couldn't remember when the last time I met her. A screen popped up in front of me, being a duel request from her. "Asuna is her name...sounds familiar..." I thought to myself. Yet, if she knows me, she'd probably try talking to me as if I was her friend. Right now, she has a serious expression while ready for combat.

I accepted the duel request. Whoever lands the first hit wins the duel. I can't lose this. I need teammates to repel against the Sunbreakers. Me and Asuna both took out our blades. I had my classic one-handed sword while she used a rapier. 'A rapier huh? Must be the speedy type.' "Don't hold back, because I won't be holding back!" I shouted at her as the timer counted down. All she did was nod in response.

4...3...2...1...0

The timer reached zero. Asuna instantly dashed towards me and attempted a thrust at my chest. This nearly caught me off guard as I dashed over to the side to avoid it. 'A classic skill, Lightning Flash. Should've seen it coming.' I then, did a horizontal swing at her. She easily parried my attack and did another thrust. Thanks to my high agility stat, I barely manage to parry her attack as well. 'This is one of the Guild's best members I'm facing...I can't take it easy..'

She's not leaving any openings that I can see. She's really fast that I could barely see her movements. Then, an idea came to me. She continued to do many slashes at me but as soon as she did a thrust attack at me, I jumped onto her rapier and jumped off of it and over her to be behind her. This surprised her greatly. 'She's wide open now!' I thought to myself as I landed a clean blow on her back, causing me to win the duel.

"Splendid performance Martin." Heathcliff spoke out, coming from behind me. I turned around nodded. "Just gotta be patient with attacks." I commented, smiling. "With this victory, you are now, worthy to join the Knights of the Blood Oath." He said.

I looked down to think about this decision. "Actually, I don't officially want to be part of your guild. I just want to be an acquaintance of the guild so I can have allies to go against the Sunbreakers with." I clarified. I felt like I wasn't ready to be officially in another guild. Heathcliff was silent for a moment, then nodded. "If that is what you want, then alright. You are welcome here at any time Martin." He replied as he walked away with Asuna.

I still can't shake the feeling that I met that girl before. I sighed as I left eh headquarters and off to a valley to hunt for some money.

------------
(Valley of Lost Souls, Dusk)

I slashed a skeleton warrior, causing it to vanished as I am rewarded money. It's been about an hour of just more hunting. "Maybe I should head for an inn.." I muttered to myself. I was about to sheathe my sword until I felt a gust of wind blowing at me. I turned around and saw a certain blue-haired female with a lance launch towards me. "Soul Exifience!!" The female was shouting.

My eyes widened as I got out of the way of the attack. I looked around and saw no monsters, meaning that the attack was for me. "You traitor!!! We were a family and you betrayed us!!" The female shouted.

I couldn't believe who was trying to attack me.

Claire...