Sword Art Online: Faithful Hymn

Chapter 44: Divided Heart, Part 1: ALfheim Online

It has been one and a half hours since Yuna, Kirito and I have returned from Tetsuhiro's office. Luckily it all ended well, with me accepting Tetsuhiro's final offer: Letting Yuna's data get copied, so that he can create a clone who is capable of being the popular face of Ordinal Scale. Of course, the original AR Idol, my love, had to sacrifice her chances of become very popular.

But I am certain that she didn't want it any other way. Since our bond always has been mutual so far, I know for sure that I made the right choice for the both of us.

While Yuna went home to relax and have fun with herself, Kazuto and I headed back to school to ensure that Asuna won't have to worry any longer about us. Also, both Kazuto and I were not at school, so we expected to be punished since we didn't attend classes. Asuna apparently expected this would happen if she wouldn't have done something to prevent this from happening.

For that reason, during Japanese lessons, Asuna and Lisbeth set up an act. Lisbeth's purse got stolen, and Kazuto and I would be the ones to chase the thief. Afterwards, when we returned, Asuna admitted to us that she was a horrible actor, but Lisbeth on the other hand made our teacher believe that the story was entirely true! Not only did Kazuto and I get praised, Asuna also would ask Yuuki if she could come online to ALfheim Online today to play with us four!

Guess that means I've got my agenda all filled up again...

****

"Yo, Klein. Do you know where Kirito is lately?" asks Agil, wondering why his cafe is so deserted lately. Klein, who was staring at his collection of women photos, immediately puts his phone into sleep mode before looking at Agil.

"Knowing him, probably hanging out with the harem in ALO. Why you ask?" Klein comments. "Well, we don't really see each other that much anymore. Probably just because we both aren't that fond of ALO anymore." Agil tells the tiny man, at least compared to his own size. He then quickly follow:

"So I was thinking, maybe we can start playing Ordinal Scale? You know, the newest gig?" Klein doesn't really know what to think of it, since he doesn't show much interest. Not only would it empty his wallet, but it would also only give him another reminder of his terrible past, SAO.

"I don't know man. The game looks pretty lame and over-hyped to me. Besides, we can't be as free in Ordinal Scale like you could be in VR, you know?" Klein counterattacks. Agil knows he has a point there, but he wants to keep pushing on. After all, if he could promote his business via Ordinal Scale, with the help of coupons and such, it would quickly fill his cafe.

"More women use Augmented Reality than Virtual Reality. Go out on the field one day, and you'll definitely hit the jackpot sometime right?" In secret, Klein tries to maintain his excitement for that faithful day. Agil is right though, if he wishes to find a girlfriend who has the same taste as he does, he may have to open up to more than just VRMMO.

"I suppose you're right... I just feel bamboozled by that Yuna girl. I feel like we had quite the liking in each other, but she faked her identity for us. Can you believe it?" asks Klein to the big man in front of him. Agil knows what he's talking about, and he feels bad for the bandana wielding samurai. Although he can't blame Yuna for faking her identity.

After all. If Yuna name herself Ruby and told the truth to everyone about being Ordinal Scale's Idol, people wouldn't stop following her around. Even worse, it would likely be too much for Shoji to handle as well.