Sword Art Online- From a Solo Player to a Survivor

Chapter 16: The Bond of Two Flames

(August 19, 2024. Floor 55: Valley of Lost Souls, Dusk)

(Martin's POV)

I evaded every blow Claire took at me, trying to not attack her. 'Agh...why does it have to be you?' I thought to myself. "Claire!! Stop this! I understand Darvanshel might've ordered you to come after me, but he doesn't care about what happens to other players! He's a killer! YOU'RE working for a killer!!" I shouted as I continued to dodge her strikes.

"I don't care!! I've trusted you all this time, and you left us!! Darvanshel knows what's best for us!!" She argued back, her eyes filled with anger and hatred.

'If she really is a friend...she wouldn't kill me...' I thought to myself. It's a risk, but I'm willing to take that risk. I don't want to hurt her.

So, I stopped dodging and took a clean slash to the stomach. "G-Guh!" I groaned, being launched back to the ground. I slowly began to stand and when I stood, I sheathed my sword. Claire said nothing and took many more swipes at me with her lance. I stood there, taking all of the hits. My HP began to drop rapidly until it reached the red zone.

Once it reached the red zone, Claire stopped attacking. We both stared at each other while panting heavily. Is she going to stop? Or is she readying her final move? "W-Why aren't you fighting back!?" She yelled. I felt weak while I stood, but I stayed standing. "B-Because....you're...a friend of mine aren't you? Friends...don't hurt each other.." I answered weakly, having a small smile.

Claire's angry face turned into a sad face as she sheathed her lance and instantly grabbed me into a hug. "I-I'm sorry..." Claire whispered in my ear while sobbing. "I-I can't kill you...y-you're a friend to me.."

I smiled softly and hugged her back. It was good to not having to kill her...she's important to me..a-as a friend! Nothing more! "Darvanshel raids villages, killing other players who oppose him...do you want to follow a leader like that?" I ask her. I wanted her to leave the Sunbreakers, I don't want her to become a player killer..

"I-I...I need to find out about him a bit more...I just need time..." She spoke, getting out of our hug. I nodded as I softly smiled at her. "Do whatever you need to do. Find whatever answers you need..." I replied. Claire nodded and turned around and began to walk away. "I guess I should keep training..I need to reach level 100..." I muttered as I stare at my level, 92.

Something tells me a full out war is about to happen...but I'll be ready...because I know Anisa is safe and Claire will fight by my side...