Sword Art Online-Encroaching Shadows

Chapter 30

"So, you really want to do these quests?" Jemza turned down the alley that would lead towards the Thieves Guild while glancing over her shoulder.

"Not if you don't want to, but selfishly speaking, yes I think these would be a lot of fun." Jayce followed her into the alley just a few steps behind.

"We don't even know what they will consist of. They could get a lot more dangerous than what we did yesterday. It didn't seem like Argo knew much about them either. We'll be on our own." Jayce nodded in agreement to her assessment, but couldn't help feeling a bit excited at the prospect of what these quests might entail.

"If we get something that's out of our league we stop then. There's nothing forcing us to follow through unless we want to." He felt that was a fair compromise that would assuage her fears.

"Yeah, there's no harm in...what's the saying? Seeing how far the rabbit hole goes?" Jayce smirked in response, nodding that she had remembered the quote properly. They stopped at the brick wall and Jemza ran her hand along the portion where it met the alley until she found the depression underneath. With the press of a button it swung outward allowing them to continue towards the Infiltrator's Den.

"It's not like we don't already look the part. We both wear black and our skills really fit well into a thief type of role." Jemza shrugged leading them into the tunnel that would mark the last portion of their journey towards the guild.

"I think you just want to see Rose again." Jayce rolled his eyes sarcastically and reached out to grab her shoulder. He pulled her to a stop and spun her around so he could see her face.

"Drop it alright? I'll take whatever you throw at me when you want to have fun, but stop accusing me of that. I don't like it." He made sure his tone was as serious as possible. It was important that she understood that he wasn't as weak willed as she thought. Especially not after the last 24 hours.

"Alright, sorry. Never seen you so serious. I'm glad you weren't undressing her with your eyes last time." She answered him while forcing a smile. It might take a little time, but now that they both knew how each other felt he could work to show her that he only cared about looking at one person. That very thought gave him an idea that might allow him a small bit of revenge for what she tried to pull this morning. Summoning up all his courage he held her arms gently before looking up and down her body.

"Nah, I only do that with you." The moment he finished the sentence he spun away from her and continued into the tunnel. It was a gamble considering they were most likely outside of the <<Safe Zone>> of Urbus by now. If she wanted to attack him, it would cause real damage now. It was worth it to know he had put her off guard for once. As that thought ran through his mind he was pulled around and pushed against the side of the tunnel. This felt like déjà vu except that Jemza didn't look angry this time. He had to suck in a breath of air as she brought her face close enough that their noses touched.

"Then you best figure out a way around the harassment system." She let him go and without missing a beat she turned and walked away. It took a few seconds for him to regain his senses and to realize that he never had her off guard. She turned it on him without hesitation and once more he knew he lost. She reached down to her hip and pulled the dagger free. She slid the blade across her hand drawing a glowing red line of damage. Jayce did the same on the edge of his sword as they reached the end of the tunnel and placed their hands on the plaque that would open the way to the tavern.

The hidden doorway swung open and within moments they were standing inside the Infiltrator's Den. The patrons seated at tables looked up from their drinks and gave nods of recognition. It was still strange how this entire area felt like it was real and not just filled with NPC's. The way they nodded or raised their glasses made it seem like they truly recognized the pair from their last visit. Maybe it was part of the programming algorithms that as they completed objectives for the guild the members would become friendlier.