Sword Art Online: The Duo Factors

Chapter 22: Grudges.

Year 2024, October 31st. Aincrad Standard Time, 10:00. Central Church, Bedroom.

After settling the unconsciously Yui on the bed, the group starts discussing once Kirito and Asuna are outside.

Koharu: Is Yui okay?

Asuna: Yeah.. She's just fainted by that noise.. Any clue, Kirito?

Kirito: No.. I have no idea what that is..

Oathkeeper just crosses his arms as he is curious.. Shaking his head as he is still can't figure out what that really is.

Oathkeeper: ...We still have a bigger picture to focus on.

Kirito: Oh yeah.. The Army..

Koharu: Sasha! What's going on back there? Why's the Army suddenly starts pestering you as their "Mission"?

Sasha: Sorry that I owed a proper explanation to you all. This happened about several months ago.

He breaks her sentence.

Oathkeeper: And how long you decided to hide it from me?

Sasha: My apologies.. We never expect that the ALF starts extorting taxes from the Civilians Players. I thought we can handle it with Sanya's financial support at the first time. But they got greedier from time to time.

He tightens his fists.. But suppressed it all as he calmly asks about the amount of the debts.

Oathkeeper: How much right now?

Sasha: 6... 6 Mega Cols..

Koharu: That's cruel! The Civilians in Floor 1 aren't gonna handle it with their levels! And you shouldn't push yourself, Sanya!

Sanya: I'm sorry.. I did my best raising the funds.

The group notice Oathkeeper is about to leave quietly..

Kirito: Please tell me that you're not gonna start a massacre on the Army..

Oathkeeper: ...I need a walk..

Asuna: ...

He walks away until he disappears from their sights. Koharu couldn't leave him alone.

Koharu: Wait for me!

Timeskip... Central District.

She finally catches up to him at the district.

Koharu: Oathkeeper!

He stops his steps, not turning around..

Koharu: What's wrong with you? You know you can always tell me about your problems!

Oathkeeper: Stay out of this...

She yells as she doesn't want him to face his problems alone.

Koharu: Did you really hear what I'm saying!? Do you really wanna sink yourself even deep-!?

Oathkeeper: You're getting on my nerves!

In the next second, he is already unsheathed his sword, pointing straight at her face with the tip of his blade, giving a death warning on her. But Koharu doesn't back off nor even flinch at all, giving him a serious look.

Koharu: ...

Oathkeeper: ...

He requests her before he continues to walk away while sheathing back his Dark General's Sword.

Oathkeeper: ...Take care of the kids.. Will you?

He walks until he disappears from her sight..

Koharu: ...Lai..