Sword Star Online

Chapter 14: No Return

Nona looked at the objective to entering the final stage in PSU, in utter shock. Covering her mouth, she turned to the team and shook her head.

“Guys… I hate to break it to you, but…once we step into that warp zone… We can’t come back.” Nona said slowly.

Everyone remained silent. Nona looked at everyone running a hand through her hair. She had put it into a bun for now and changed the color from blonde to a darker brown. She bit her lip. So far, they were the only one’s who had even approached the final stage, and she was terrified. If they entered, they would be stuck there until the game was beat. She took a deep breath and looked again at her team.

“If you wish to leave-“

“Nona, don’t even start.” Hitoshi interrupted. “We’re all afraid, trust me, but there are still hundreds of players waiting to get out of this game. If anyone here can beat this game… it’s you.”

Everyone nodded, backing up Hitoshi’s comment. Nona smiled, her fears calmed somewhat.

“Then be very prepared, everyone. I can’t guarantee everyone’s lives will be spared in this fight.”

The team nodded splitting up to go get their strongest weapons, and lots of healing items. Nona sat in the chair by the station clasping her hands together. Hearing a smile chime, she noticed she had a message from an unknown player. Opening it she read it with caution.

“So, glad you and your team got yourself together. I hear you guys are going to fight the last boss. Leave the safety of your friends to me if worse comes to pass.”

Nona closed the message, sighing to herself. If all else hits the fan, she wanted everyone out of there. She didn’t want another teammate to die for her sake, or because she miscalculated. But this was a one way mission, whether they liked it or not, and Nona knew everyone wanted to get through this alive.

Hearing footsteps approach Nona looked up, Ezra quickly sitting beside her, and huffing aloud. The two girls looked at each other, when all of a sudden; Ezra broke into a goofy smile.

“Remember the day we met. We bumped into each other over there by the elevator, and later on, I saved you from De Ragnus?”

Nona nodded scratching her head. “Yea I do. What about it?”

Ezra looked up. “It’s been two years since that day, and we were still new to this game. We’ve been through a lot, as far as missions, losses, and a common goal. I don’t want it to just...be in the game…”

“We can still be friends in the real world too Ezra. I’m glad to have met you, and I don’t want to lose this either.”

“Ezra! Nona!” Sifah called dragging Hitoshi.

The girls stood up, all sharing giggles, and Hitoshi grumbled under his breath. When the laugher died, they looked at the gate to the next mission. Nona turned to them. Confidence wavered in the hearts of her team, but their shared goal will be enough to push them through.