Sword Art Online: Fate (Sword Art Online x Male Reader)

Chapter 5: Adorable Pupils

January 3, 2023. Floor 1 – Deep Forrest Region

Right now, we're on our way depart to a hunting ground outside the town. Since Yuna and Nautilus are beginners we don't travel too far from the town, we travel far enough so that they can found decent enemies to fight. We decided that it was best to start with a boar, dire wolf, and a small kobold for the starter, there Asuna teaches how to use a sword skill, parry, and how to effectively dodge then launch a counter-attack. Meanwhile, I teach them how to work as a team, aiming for a perfect switch and strategy that they should use when hunting and fighting various enemies. First, we show them how it's done and ask them to do the same. To our surprised that they are a fast learner. Nautilus got some skill with his sword and shield, I can see that in no time he will be joining us in the front line. Yuna on the other hand, she's fast and she has good instinct on the battlefield. When they work as a team, Yuna would support Nautilus as he becomes the damage dealer of the party. But I can't help but notice that Yuna seems to hold by something. 

While Asuna and I watch them fighting a group of wolves on their own. I start to speak, "I think there is something that holding her off." I said as I watch Yuna fighting the monster.

"Yes... I feel that too. I think it's because of the sword." Asuna answer.

"The sword?"

"Yes, when I first start, I don't really comfortable using the sword. I feel that it only slowing me down. And then I switch to using a rapier and it feels very comfortable with how I play."

"Are you saying that Yuna should use a rapier too?"

Asuna shakes her head in no, "She's different from me. I use the rapier so that I can move faster and use speed as my advantage to deal damage. I act as a damage dealer while she acts as a support. I don't think rapier will suit her."

I hum as I put a hand on my chin thinking what could fill the gap in Yuna's flaw, "Hmm... I think I got it!"

My word peak Asuna's interest as I call Yuna to come closer to us.

She came while Nautilus keep honing his sword skill fighting the monster.

"Yes, do you need something?" She asked me.

I open my menu and pull out a dagger from my inventory. I toss it to Yuna for her to cath.

"A dagger?"

"Yes, try to use that instead of a sword."

"Why?" Yuna wonder.

"Just try it."

She hesitantly nods before going back to fighting the monster with Nautilus. This time, somehow Yuna moves faster as she parries the attack from the enemy and Nautilus comes sweeping finishing the job.

"I get it now." Asuna said as she watches Yuna fighting better than before, "With a dagger, Yuna can move more flexibly and she will have the advantage of speed to support her party."

"Correct. Dagger didn't really do much damage as a normal sword would. But the speed advantage is making her move more flexible on the battlefield. She can move easily to parry, switch, or just to distract the enemy. Making it a perfect fill-in her gap."

Asuna hum as she turns to me, "I didn't think you would notice that right away."

"Well, I guess I just found it when I saw that she's very awkward handling a sword. I guess I just have great attention to detail."

"Attention to detail. So, you even look that close, eh? Say, how can Yuna take all your attention right away. It's not even a day since you meet her."

"Well... I just happen to saw it you know."