The Crimson Hunter. SAO X Reader. [DRAFT].

●Chapter 16: The Fox.

2 March 2024.
Evergreen Forests.
3:15 PM.
Current Level: 70.

You squeeze through the main passage of the cave. Being greeted once again by the cold wind and water vapour from the falls. And the earthy smell of the forest beyond it.

Once you were out you made a beeline for the bushes and vegatation of the forest, Arnier following shortly behind you. You crouch and take cover behind a nearby tree whilsg Arnier does so behind a rock. You look around frantically, making sure no-one's around.

U/N: Ok, we're out. Now we just need to find Lavira.

Arnier: She's here? Wait a minute, first off what did you mean about The Assault Team?

U/N: It means that they're here. Lavira sent in code that she's here, and that The Assault Team know I'm here.

Arnier: Code? What like braille or something?

U/N: We use abbreviations in our messages as a faster way to communicate when we aren't nearby to one another. She used it to tell me.

You could see the gradual stress grow across his face, which didn't alarm you. The possibility of being caught by the Assault Team was high, and when they caught a red player they treated them even worse than anyone else. It would be bad enough what they would do to you and Lavira, but for Arnier, a former member of a red guild....well, you'd rather not think about that.

Arnier: Ok......so, they know you're here and she's here as well. How did they know?

U/N: They must have hired someone, like a tracker.

Arnier: You think someone found you across a dozen floors, how? Or who even?

U/N: I can make a few guesses, but that doesn't matter right now. What does matter is finding Lavira and getting out of here.

Arnier: Why can't we just leave and message her to teleport somewhere else?

U/N: Because I'm making sure she's okay and not captured before that.

Arnier: Can't she take care of herself?

U/N: And do you think that she can handle over 20 players attacking her at once?

Arnier: I guess not but-

U/N: I'm not losing anyone else Arnier. I'm sorry, but that's just how it is.

Arnier: ......*sighs* Alright, where is she then?

U/N: She messaged she was by a river bed. So, we head east.

You turn that direction, and walk. Arnier follows closely behind.

Arnier: How do we know she's near, how do we find her?

U/N: Simple, she'll find us.

Arnier: Find us?

U/N: *turns to Arnier*Yeah, it's kinda her thing. *turns back* Let's go.

You continue on through the forestry, the evening sun, or whatever managed to get through the tree's, cast a bright orange light across the surrounding area. Making it slightly dark but also bright at the same time. After about 4 minutes, you began to hear the all familiar sound of riunning water once again. You were near the riverbed, and near Lavira as well.