Sword Art Online: The Duo Factors

Chapter 6: Broken Souls.

Year 2023, January 1st. Aincrad Standard Time 14:00 in Floor 20, Hill Of Offering..

Having cleared the 14th floor, Lai's and Koharu's adventure continues. With them in level 80+, their progress through SAO continuing to go well, the pair finally arrived at the 20th floor within several days.

Lai: We're in Floor 20 now..

Koharu: Yeah, that means we're a fifth of the way through Aincrad now, huh?

Lai: It is.. But we've been through a lot, don't you think? I don't know if I can keep up the pace..

Koharu: Yeah.. But we can't give up yet. So we need to stay sharp here.

Lai: You're right. We still have to be as careful as ever. After all, who knows what dungeons and monsters we'll find waiting for us on this floor.

She smiles at him as usual.

Koharu: So that's why we need to stay sharp.

Then, Klein shows up and greets to them..

Klein: Ah, looks like you guys made it too. I'm glad. I figured you two wouldn't just up and kick the bucket, but it's still good to see you're in one piece.

Koharu: Klein!, You're here!

Lai: Can't keep you down either, I see.

Klein: Haha, you bet! Me and the others in Furinkazan all made it here together.

Lai: That's good to hear.

Klein: Since clearing in Floor 14, it looks feels like we've been on a roll. But don't worry, we're not letting ourselves get sloppy or anything. Now's when we've gotta get extra serious and stay focused. Because the better things look, the more dangerous they can turn.

Lai: We know that, Klein.. But you sound really serious.

Klein: Course I am. I'm not that kind of dumb, reckless guy. Come on, give me a little more credit.

Lai: Sorry...

He sounds a bit stressed.

Koharu: You know he didn't mean it that way, Klein..

Klein: Oh sorry about what I just said, man..

Agil: Yeah. I don't think that's too far off the mark. If you ask me. You're definitely not the sharpest, that's for sure.

Then, Agil shows up as well.

Klein: Not you too, Agil!

Koharu: Oh, you're here too! Awesome!

Agil: Yeah, we got here just a little before you. Let's show them who's boss on this floor too, alright?

Koharu: Of course!

Lai: I'm glad you're here too.

Agil: Anyway, getting back to the topic at hand, I agree with what Klein here was saying. We've still got monsters and whatnot to worry about, but right now, there's an even bigger problem going on that needs our attention.

Lai: Let me guess, ALS and DKB are fighting again?

They both nod silently as they don't wanna upset him about the guild war and the competition..

Lai: Damn it.. They never learned!

Agil: Hey, calm down. Klein will explain what's up to them.

Klein: Sure thing. Well, you know how the competition between the ALS and DKB over who can clear Aincrad first is heating up, right? Because of that, we're starting to clear floors pretty fast. Sometimes we're out and onto the next floor in less than two weeks.