When Reality meets Online

Chapter 5: Battle the Boss

Kirito's POV...

> December 3, 2022 (Floor 1 . Forest Fields)

We are all walking along the forest, with everyone in their groups and positions. On the fields behind the other groups, our group was left last. Despite us being only 3 in a group, I discussed an attack plan.

"Let's go over it again.." I explained, looking at the two, "we leftovers are supposed to target the boss' helpers, the《Ruin Kobold Sentinels》.."

"I know.." said Asuna with intelligence. I turned to look at the white haired who was fantasizing about his book. "Kaneki, you better listen to this.." I ordered. He looked away from his book.

"Um..yeah.."

I sigh. He'd better be 'cause this plan will save us from getting killed. Let alone a complete newbie like him.

"I'll use a Sword skill to knock their pole axes up. The second I do, switch in.."

"Switch?" Asuna looked at me. Her words voicing it in question. I looked at her, "Is this the first time you've ever been to a party?"

"Yes.." she gave a nod then whispered in my ear, "Will he be alright though?"

I didn't answer her. It looks like I wasn't the only one bothered by this. She already got a hold of Kaneki's capacity of understanding games and was feeling worried because of it. I mentally told myself again and again that Kaneki is completely new, fresh to this game.

For the 4th time, I sighed.

Before we headed to this forest, Kaneki took the initiative to ask his questions with Diabel. Imagine mine and Asuna's surprise along with everyone's confused stares. It wouldn't take a genius to notice this. In fact, the players who had firsthand seen his cluelessness are already looking behind us with pity.

In Kibaou's group, however, he suspected Kaneki to be the hidden Beta Tester. Saying that he's pretending to be clueless. Luckily for us, a number of the players didn't take that too seriously.

I actioned a facepalm, upon seeing Kibaou's angry stares and Kaneki reading his book who was completely oblivious to all this. Moreover, to make this more frustrating, if they haven't personally known Kaneki, is that he's suicidal. I didn't mention this to Asuna. If I did, she might even come close to tearing in frustration like I was.

Did I get a good night's rest? No. 

I had to wake up so early that have to drill as much information as I can to assure Kaneki's survival. I was so angry and frustrated at him that I think I've become a Mother Hen doing extreme measures to protect its chick.

"Switch huh..how do you do that?"

Compared to Asuna, she has the basics down. That's right, Kaneki is the newborn chick being sent to join the war.

Asuna patted me on the back.

For the 5th time, I sighed.

...

We were now in the gate of the dungeon, as Diabel, was in upfront of us and drums his sword on the ground. Making everyone turn their attention to this promised event. An event that'll decide our fate.

"Listen up, everybody! I have but one thing to say.." Diabel clench his palms into fists and showed everyone a courageous glare. This lift our spirits. "Let's win this!" All are ready although most are unsure and yet they kept a fearless look on their expression. "Let's go!"

Diabel opened the gate. With a slight push of his palm, it opened with no effort and revealed a dark hall till it finally lit up the whole view in our eyes. Pink, orange, yellow, blue, purple, they swirled so magically to light the place up.