Sword Star Online

Chapter 12: Mourning and Rejuvenation

Since Amos’ death, the team has remained in their own world, lost in deep depressing thoughts. Nona thought it was best they had time to themselves, leaving Ezra in the room, Hitoshi in the clubs, and Nona herself to stare at Neudaiz’s scenery. She gazed at the mountains, twiddling her thumbs in deep thought, wondering what she should do now.

“I let a teammate die…” she sighed aloud. “Amos was an NPC, but still… I couldn’t save her… I wasn’t fast enough. I’m not strong enough…”

Nona far surpassed her class as a Hunter, and her level wasn’t bad as well. She was a level 80, with skills for days in every weapon her class was proficient in. But what good were her stats and strength if it couldn’t save a friend? The image of Amos turning into data shards played over and over in her head. What if Ezra or Hitoshi were to shatter next? Ezra would die in the real world, and Hitoshi would be lost to her forever.

Placing her head in her palms, Nona began crying. She hated this feeling of sadness, and weakness. The pain was worse than almost dying.

“Hey, don’t be so down about it.”

Looking up, she saw Hitoshi in front of her, handing her a sweet bun. He looked away, his eyes red from crying as well. He sighed and turned back to her.

“You look better when you smile.”

Nona blushed taking the bun and muttered a thank you. Taking a bite out of it, she watched as Hitoshi sat down with one in his hand. He bit into his and sighed running a hand through his hair.

“Look, I… if anything, I should be the one at fault. I couldn’t save her. I wasn’t smart enough to detect the virus before it struck her core…and I wasn’t strong enough to kill it either. But I’m over it.”

Nona looked down. “How can-“

“It’s going to be my drive to get stronger. And it should be yours too.” Hitoshi said with haste. “You need to get stronger so you can save everyone from this game. So you can go back to your friends and family…”

Nona noticed the hurt look on Hitoshi’s face as he said it. Pulling him into a hug she shook her head. “Hitoshi… I really don’t know what to say. I want to leave but… I don’t want to leave you.”

“I’m an NPC Nona. I can’t go into the real world. I can’t…these emotions, they’re like a poison.”

Nona pulled away. “Hitoshi…” she hesitated for a moment. “Until we beat this game…stay by my side.”

Hitoshi nodded. “I shall.”

Nona smiled finishing her bun and stood up. “I guess all that’s left is to beat the game. Amos would want that.”

Hitoshi nodded. “Let’s go get Ezra.”

At the hotel, Nona and Hitoshi walked in to see Ezra packed and sorting her items. She looked back when the door opened, and sighed.

“I can’t sit here moping all day, lamenting over Amos’ death. We have lives at stake, and she would want us to save them rather than give up.”

Nona nodded. “We’ve been trapped in this death game for two years now… Nothing should hinder us any longer.”

The team was quiet for a moment. Nona sent invitations to Ezra and Hitoshi, a smirk on her face. “For Amos, we will not let her death be in vain. I swear on it, I will get stronger so I can get everyone out of this death trap.”

Accepting the invites, Hitoshi and Ezra nodded.

“For Amos!” Ezra cheered.

Hitoshi nodded. “We should head to Moatoob, now. The frontlines have cleared some of the missions there, but we should come and sweep out the remainder of those missions, rest up, and then take on the final mission.”

“So at least a rough three missions before the last?” Ezra asked.

“Yeah.”

Nona placed a hand on her hip. “Then let’s get back to work.”

I am so not good at this type of stuff lol. Honestly I wanted to skip this but so many of my friends asked to have a sentimental part so here is the best I could do. Haha ^^