New World, New Reality

#35: Hide And Seek

Day 6

Rin found some players scattered around the shipwreck. He saw hopelessness in their eyes. Esdeath tried to open her line but it was blocked. "That Bastard", she kicked the rock and it was smasked. "Guess we're stuck together again", Rin waved at Esdeath. "Thank goodness that you are also here", Esdeath grabbed him and played with his hair. "Let's go find the rest", Rin said.

On the other hand, Fye found himself stucked in an abandoned castle. He was astonished to see something in front of him. "Exit", it says. He stepped back and tried to look for a way to contact Shira. He bumped on someone. "What is this, you still want to call the others when the exit is already set before your eyes?", the man wearing blue uniform tilted his head. His face was distorted and cannot really be recognized.  "Yeah, let's go and tell the rest. This is a really good sign", Fye said. He was about to step when he was stabbed by a dagger. "I really hate people like you. Whenever I watch you with Shira and the rest, my heart goes running wild. How can someone like you make her at ease and happy. Now that I already eliminated Shiro, I though she'd crawl running to me", the player kicked Fye's stomach. Good thing that Akashi was also there. He used his healing skills to heal Fye. The man disappeared in an instant. "What is wrong with him?", Akashi asked. "I was unconcious for 2 days", Akashi informed. "Akashi... if ever I die now or later... let me tell you something", Fye grabbbed Akashi's ear.

They were able to find another exit and tried to contact the others. They were astonished to see themselves back at the HOME. A kid came running to Fye. "You were out for a day!!! I was worried!!!", Aika shouted. The rest of them reunited. Aris, Aika, Akame, Fye, Rin, and Shira. "Shira, there is something I have to discuss with you", Fye said with a serious voice. Akashi went with them.

Log Horizon Guild Zone

"Why are we holding a meeting here?", Shira asked as they enter her room. "We're going to finish the game tomorrow. Be on your best condition", Fye said. Shira tilted her head. "We havent yet finished checking the grey areas in the map", Shira informed. "Where is the largest grey area?", Shira asked. "Its in the North somewhere beyond the desert", Shira answered. "That's where Akashi and I landed. Sorry for being the commander this time", Fye stood straight in front of Shira. "I am going to sacrifice people. I will bear this burden until I die. Shira, tomorrow will be the last day of raid. This is my formation plan", Fye said drawing a triangle in the table. "The half alvs will go first, followed by the humans, then the asassins and bards, next will be the knights and elves, lastly are the priest", Fye explained. "Are you kidding me?", Shira chuckled. "You are making Saruhiko's race die in this case", Shira slammed the table. "That is why I am willing to make sacrifices", Fye had a dark aura on his face then left.

Akashi was about to follow when Shira grabbed on his arms. "What is happening, Akashi?", Shira asked. The guy gave her a pitiful look then used the portal going back to HOME.

Day 7

The raid team set out for the expidition. Only a hundred joined them this time. Akame looked around to see if Enomoto is there. "I am here", she heard a voice as they gathered at the meeting place. "Regarding the line up of the raiding, do you think the commander is already losing her grip?", Enomoto asked. "Even if the world falls apart, ,I dont think Shira will decide stupidly", Akame sighed. She went near the Commander and gave a pat on the back. "Are you nervous?", Shira asked. "Why would I?", Akame sighed. Kuro appeared no where and flicked Shira's forehead. "If you have no confidence with your strategy, I can help you come up with a new one", Kuro smiled. "How strong are you?", Shira held Kuro's hand. "Hmmm. Maybe stronger than that ice elf", Kuro tilted his head looking at Esdeath. "Kuro... when your brother left the game. I already hate making promises. Honestly, I feel we're going to end this game today but a storm is coming. When I can no longer protect anyone... I mean.. anyone at all. Can you spread your arms and become a barrier to everyone?", Shira breathed deeply. "That's quite a hard task", Kuro laughed. "I'm not my brother, Shira. Who knows.. I might just become a cowards and escape", Kuro continued laughing. Shira patted his head. "You are not your brother... I am not asking you to die like him.. just wait for me to regain back my strength. Got it?", Shira smiled.

The walked at the desert and goblins came attacking them. A huge salamander appeared in the middle. The sandstorm is making it hard to see the location of the boss. Few players already died. 10 half alvs are the only ones left. The huge salamander appeared. Fye went running in front of the position of human along with Esdeath. "I am willing to bear your death", Fye gave a disdainful glance at the half alvs and drew a barrier. "Boarder... line!!!", he shouted and a large crystal barrier went in between them. Esdeath was also startled. "Esdeath, creat a huge ice barrier", Fye ordered. "Some half alvs and also human race are trap in there!!!", ,Esdeath shouted and looked at Shira. "Why is he acting like the commander?", Esdeath grabbed on Shira's collar. Kuro stopped Esdeath and went in between them. "Fye, I didnt know that you can do this... what sacrifice were you talking about?!", Shira shouted. The rest of the players and whispering to each other. "I am your commander this time, Shira is not in her proper mind!", Fye said with a strong voice. They all stopped and looked at Fye. Shira was about to break the barrier when chains came to lock her inside a coffin like cage. The screams are being heard from the players outside the barrier. Aika grabbed unto Aris and started to cry. "What is wrong with Fye?", Aika asked. Fye passed through the crowd and stood in front of Shira. "Everyone trusted me. No one has any suspicion of me, Shira. Once I releases this barrier, a storm will come crushing on you. I beg you to stand on your ground and have your mind intact. Do you still trust me?", Fye asked. Shira held out her hand to be held by Fye. "You have to atone what you have done to the players", Shira grabbed on Fye's staff.

The barriers started to fall down and the ice are also melting. One man came back standing. "You're back, Saruhiko!", Esdeath went to welcome him. "I'm sorry that I wasnt able to save the others", Saruhiko apologized. "I didnt know why Fye created a barrier but he must have a reason", Esdeath tried to explain. Saruhiko smiled and a sword came stabbing Fye on his stomach. Good thing he was wearing a special cloak. 

"Now, the real battle begins", Fye held tightly on his staff.

End.