29Dark Realities
"P-Please, wait! I can -!"
The PKer's avatar shattered into polygons as I straightened up, brandishing the katana I held in my hand.
"Ahh," I sighed, cracking my neck. "Definitely losing it. It just gets easier and easier to swing now."
Glancing at the katana in my hands, I frowned.
I've been hunting a player named 'Grimlock', the player directly responsible for creating this blade I'm using.
Every case I find of orange players and Laughing Coffin killing somebody, I find his weapons, especially at the new threat in Aincrad with messages directed at me.
Sleep PKing.
By manipulating a sleeping player's hand, one can force them into a life-or-death duel and easily kill their target. I would know of this, especially since I'm the reason this all began.
Hell, I've been abusing this tactic for the last ten floors! Ever since Tia joined, I've used her to gather information – something she is extremely good at – to find small hideouts of Player Killers. However, a few weeks ago, a member of an unknown group managed to escape due to my foolishness.
Word got around, and well... now my mistake has killed hundreds. Still, I managed to kill the orange player who escaped, and thus my identity is safe.
Heh... hehe... hehehehe...
CRK!
Ah, I'm already in the deep end, let's go all the way, shall we? I'll give each and everyone of these PKers the JFK experience.
"You bastard!"
I spun and lashed out diagonally, glaring at the airborne bandit. His eyes widened as my blade ripped through his neck.
"Repent for your sins," I said darkly.
Pixels of red transformed into green and blue polygons as a dull dagger clattered onto the murky cave floor.
Despite being on a lower floor, I know for sure right that the Clearers are trying to find a way to beat the Floor 59 Field Boss.
As they'll eventually find a way to kill it, I'll stay right where I belong, a wolf hidden amongst the sheep. Let them handle clearing the game, I'll remove the little problems.
After all, this extra skill I have, [Hunter], allows me to find any red player within my vicinity in an instant and track them. The effects also work on Orange players and Green players who have PKed, but is much weaker. Usually the skill is used to track down certain mobs once you kill them enough times, but since my prey is PKers... hehe.
Looking around the cave, I noticed a chest at the back and frowned.
Walking forwards, I snatched a pebble off the ground and readied a sword skill.
"I swear to god if this is a trapped chest, I'm gonna kill somebody," I muttered, tossing the rock.
As it collided with the chest, I sighed with relief as nothing happened.
"I guess they weren't as dumb as I thought they were."
Turning around, I froze as a snarl emanated within the cave.
"God, fucking damnit!"
Stupid fucking mimics.
Ever since we reached Floor 55, Chest Mimics have started becoming common to the point where you trust nothing. Honestly, the first time I found one, the bitch took my arm then used my own weapon against me! They're an annoying gimmick, and a load of bullshit!
I actually used my scythe on the first mimic. Usually I use it for bosses, but it pissed me off. And so, it died. The end.
"Teleport, Floor Fifty-Seven."
In a flash of light, I didn't even shiver as I continued walking forwards. My boots transitioned from damp cave to paved stone as I sighed.
Marten is an urban city filled with restaurants and is currently the Clearers base camp.
Can't blame them though, plenty of food and nice sights compared to the previous floors.
"Somebody help!"
Tch-! Not even two fucking seconds!
I sprinted towards the mass of players watching a player dangle from the clock tower.
"Move!"
As soon as I was close, I flicked my arm towards the church. My modified kunai flew forwards as the chain connected rattled.
Clunk
Leaping into the air, I pulled on the chain and propelled myself forwards, a grunt escaping my mouth.
"Shiki?"
Ignore them.
Landing on the church wall, I gripped onto my spear-head and looked down at the hanging player.
"Don't worry chief," I said, grinning. "I gotcha."
The player looked up at me, eyes clouded in... frustration?
Shaking my head, I grabbed the handle of the blade and pulled it out, glancing at his health.
"Too-"
CRK-!
"-Late."
SSSSHHIIIINNNN
Not again...
...even when I'm right here...
. . .
. .
.
Fuck
.
. .
. . .
. .
.
"Shiki!"
...yeah-yeah... ...I'm coming down.
With a grunt, I pulled my spear-head out, the chain retracting back into my sleeve.
Landing, I felt the device on my arm click into place, courtesy of a drop from a dungeon- stop. Just... stop distracting yourself.
Now, think about this logically.
There's only one way the player could've died in a safe zone: a duel. Whether it started as a sleep PK that failed or a duel for revenge, it's a definite. Aincrad may be fucked, but it is fair.
So, how the hell did he get stabbed and hung off of the church? Was he outclassed that easily? Was it Laughing Coffin, a smaller PK guild?
I glanced at Kirito and Asuna approaching, noticing that something was missing from above their heads.
. . .
. .
.
Wait a minute, his health bar! You were close, damnit, was it actually low? Think! If he was in a duel, it would've shown up!
. . .
. .
.
...it wa-
"Shiki, are you alright?"
And there goes my train of thought. Fuck.
I turned around and rubbed my head in annoyance.
"Kirito, Asuna," I sighed.
Of course. Who else would it be?
"What do you two want," I snapped. "If it's not relevant, then don't bother me."
"Hey! Don't get all pissed off with us, Shiki. We're all in the same boat!"
I opened my mouth and promptly shut it at Asuna's glare. Sighing, I began to walk away, placing my hand on my teleport crystal.
"Where do you think you're going?" Asuna asked, voice tense.
I stopped.
"Home," I said.
Teleport, Floor 25
. . .
. .
.
"A-Are you alright, Shiki?"
I sat up from bed and sighed.
"He wasn't PKed," I muttered. "During a duel, everyone can see your opponents and your own health bar. When I was there, his health bar didn't show up. That all shenanigan was fake."
I sighed again.
"I don't know why they're faking a death in a safe zone, but that's not my problem anymore."
I glanced at Tia, my teammate watching me from the kitchen.
"Do you have any more leads?"
Tia hummed in thought as she poured soup into a bowl.
"Not at the moment," Tia admitted. "I did get the weapon you found appraised by Agil, though he said nothing new came up."
Bah, this Grimlock guy sure is annoying.
"Here you go, Shiki."
I nodded and took the bowl from Tia as she sat at the table.
Carefully blowing on the soup, I took a sip and felt myself smile.
"It's good," I murmured.
We sat in silence, finishing our dinner before I placed my bowl beside me.
"Tia..."
"Y-Yes, Shiki?"
I looked at Tia, my fringe hiding my eyes.
"Gather the others."
"-! Yes!"
I watched as Tia ran out of the cottage, going to gather the rest.
The Guild no longer resided on Floor 25, but instead in Nolfret on Floor 39. Instead of selling the land, I got Heathcliff to pass it on to me. Now, this is where my raid team lives.
Standing up, I stretched, cracking my neck before walking out of the cottage. Moving forwards, I smirked as my team bickered amongst each other, Tia trying to keep them in control.
Stopping in place, I watched as they noticed me and grinned.
"Sup Boss," the tall, red-haired teen said. "What's the plan tonight?"
"You already know the answer to that," the black-haired teen next to him said, nudging his friend.
"Obviously Boss is treating us to dinner!" The short blonde said.
"Mou, just listen to Shiki!"
"Just because you have a crush on Boss, Ti-a~"
"S-S-Shut up, Lefay!"
The girl in question giggled as I sighed.
"Lion, Ashton, Lefay and Tia," I said, gaining their attention. "Tonight, you four will be joining me in your first raid." I looked around at my squad, their faces filled with grim determination. "You know the true purpose for this squad, and it's too late for you to leave now. So!"
I pulled out my katana and aimed it at them, smirking.
"We've been working in unison for these past Floor Bosses," I said. "You know my expectations. I don't want your best. I don't want your one-hundred-percent. I expect results, and results you will give me. Do you understand?"
"Yes!"
I nodded, sheathing my blade.
"Good. The first place we'll be raiding is a PKer Guild on Floor Forty. After that, another group of PKers on Floor Thirty-Five, and then we'll be searching for information on a blacksmith named 'Grimlock' for the rest of the night. Am I clear?"
"Yes!"
I nodded as I pulled out a Corridor Crystal and tossed it in the air.
"Open, Floor Forty!"
Watching the crystal shatter, I stepped through the portal onto Floor 40, directly outside a dungeon.
It's showtime.
Stepping into the cave, I sighed as I brandished my blade.
"Lion," I said simply.
I watched as small fluorescent gem was rolled into the cave. It was nothing special, but it did illuminate the small space.
I felt a feral grin on my face as I stalked forwards, my katana glinting in the cold light as Ashton silently killed a sleeping PKer.
Reaching a sleeping player, I reversed my grip before plunging downwards. Piercing the player's head, he died instantly, polygons floating into the air. Hearing the cracking of more deaths, I turned around and faced my squad.
"Search the place," I ordered. "Find any information on Grimlock or other orange players." I glanced at Tia. "Tia, interrogate that player you knocked out once he's conscious; make him show you his messages as well."
"Yes boss."
As my squad shuffled around, I searched the sleeping bags the players were using, looking for anything.
Recently, orange players had started carrying scrolls of paper with them regarding their contracts to kill people. Apparently they used it as proof of their contract in case something went wrong. And, as an added bonus, it also listed player names, location and their allegiance. Makes my job hell of a lot easier, even if I don't understand why they do this.
"Boss, I think I got something."
Instantly, I was by Lion's side, peering at the paper in his hands.
"Says here that Laughing Coffin is having another recruitment gathering on Floor Two," he said casually, scrunching up the paper. "Gonna happen in a few days."
"Bait to lure us out," I said, tapping my blade against my shoulder. "PoH still doesn't know who's hunting him, and this would be the perfect chance for him to find us."
Lion grinned and tossed the paper away.
"So we're going," Lion said.
I nodded. "Of course."
I sat down on a stone and waited for my squad to finish searching. After a few minutes, I stood up and clapped once. Instantly, they were in front of me, alert and ready to go.
"Back to base," I ordered. "Meet up in front of my house. You've all got two minutes. Go."
As they teleported back, I walked towards the player Tia left alive. Following the whimpering of pain, I found the orange player crawling away from the cave, his leg bent in an unnatural way.
I stomped on his broken leg as he screamed in pain before twisting my boot. The pitch of his voice cascaded as I felt a small pleasure in watching him struggle.
I shouldn't feel good about this, regardless of what they've done.
Pushing down my guilty pleasure, I pulled out my katana and swung. Decapitating the player, he died instantly as I used a teleport crystal to return home.
Teleport crystals usually take you to the teleport gate of the town you wish, but there are more expensive ones you can buy to set to a certain location. The most useful ones teleport you to wherever you visualise instantly, regardless of location, but many players find it unnecessary and don't bother. Besides, it doesn't help that it's a special reward from a quest you need to complete each time to get one. Easier to buy one then grind for one.
I yawned as I spawned in front of my house, my squad waiting there already.
With a grin, I waved them away and they visually relaxed, losing their hardened faces.
"Apart from following level quotas, you're all free for the next week," I said cheerfully. "Since the recruitment for LC is most likely bait, I'm willing to ignore it, but I want you to send somebody to infiltrate them, Tia. Anyway, if there's anything else you all need to do, it's to expand on your factions."
I looked at each member of my team, my eyes narrowed.
"Lion, start finding more people," I said. "We need more fighters for boss raids."
"Yessir," Lion said, saluting lazily before sauntering off.
"Ashton, your team needs to catch up, and fast," I said. "The quicker they find and scout the boss room, the faster we get out of here."
Ashton nodded and walked away as I faced Lefay and Tia.
"Lefay, I need you to find talented blacksmiths, alchemists; anybody who you think will be useful," I said as the blonde nodded. "Even if you can't get then to join, try and make a private contract with them. I trust you'll make the right decisions."
Finally, I faced Tia.
"As the information network, you're the most important for our raids to succeed," I said as Tia flushed. "Make sure you only recruit trustworthy people. I want eyes and ears everywhere. Contact 'The Rat' for tips and info if you're unsure on what to do. If she prys, tell her to talk to me if she has any problems."
"Y-Yes Shiki!"
I nodded as Tia entered the cottage behind me, the door shutting softly. My shoulders slumped as I sighed, pulling out another teleport crystal.
Lost in my thoughts, I teleported.
I used to hesitate before I killed, but now? My hands don't even tremble and I swing without hesitation. If anything, I'm starting to feel good killing orange players. Of course, they deserve it for taking the lives of innocents, but who am I to judge? I literally know the creator of the game is Heathcliff and haven't said anything! It's honestly starting to drive me a little bit insane!
"Shiki."
I blinked, a familiar building in front of me. Looking up, Ashley was watching me, concerned.
"Are you alright?" Ashley asked. "It's three in the morning."
I grinned, but I knew it was weak. Instead, I walked onto the balcony and rested my head on her shoulder. Feeling her tense, I sighed as the weight on my shoulders disappeared.
I'm sick of being strong.
I want to be weak, even just for a moment.
"I'm tired," I said.
Closing my eyes, I felt Ashley move before something tugged on my sleeve. I followed without question, being led throughout the two-storey business-home.
Coming to a stop, I opened my eyes and saw the bed. Sitting on the edge, I opened my menu and unequipped my boots, socks and armour before falling backwards. Laying on the soft bed, I felt Ashley sit down next to me, my heart beating ever-so-faster against my chest.
"What's wrong?" Ashley asked softly.
I can't tell Ashley what I've been doing, regardless of whether it's morally right or wrong. This is my burden, and I won't let someone else help me with its weight. The blood on my hands... hehe, I guess I'm no better than those in Laughing Coffin.
"Hey-"
Ashley's hand touched my face as I looked at her.
"-are you okay?"
My eyes widened as tears threatened to spill. Covering my face with my arm, I choked back tears as Ashley sat beside me, frozen in place.
"Y-You know," I murmured. "I t-think I might be l-losing it... to be completely h-honest with you. I'm a bona-fide monster."
Strangely enough, my emotions calmed after admitting what I am.
A monster.
I kill the killers and pretend nothing is wrong; the literal definition of wolf in sheep's clothing. I don't deserve to stand next to the innocent like Kirito and Asuna, yet I do because I'm afraid of being alone. I've always been afraid of being alone. But sometimes the only way to grow strong is to be alone... in solitude, but that's only turned me into a monster.
"Shiki... tell me what's wrong... ...I can't help you if you don't tell me."
Ashley... you've been with me since the start... such a farce encounter, heh. To think that you've grown from a mere acquaintance to making my heart beat like this... ...truly, I can't thank you enough. You've kept me sane this whole time.
I sat up and grasped Ashley's hand weakly, wiping away my tears.
"Please, just stay with me," I pleaded weakly. "I-I can't anymore... it's killing me. Let me be selfish... just this once."
Ashley's expression softened as I leaned against her, my body weak.
"You're a mess," Ashley said, resting her head on mine.
I felt the weakness inside slowly gnawed away from the warmth of Ashley's body. A sigh escaped my mouth as I closed my eyes.
I can trust Ashley.
I know I can.
. . . . .
. . . .
. . .
. .
.
...blehh...
"Oh, you're awake now."
I groaned as I shielded my eyes from the sudden light. Carefully, I opened my eyes and looked up. I felt my face begin to burn as Ashley looked down at me, smiling.
"Good morning, Shiki," Ashley sang suspiciously.
I glared at her as I looked around my surroundings.
Still in the bedroom, and considering I'm looking up at her... damn.
"Fuuuccccckkkkkkk."
My face feels like it's on fire! Seriously, a lap pillow? What the actual fuck! I know I had a breakdown last night, but this is uncalled for! That's not even-!
My eyes narrowed as I stared at Ashley's suspicious smile.
"Where are they," I demanded.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Ashley sang.
"Bullshit," I snapped. "WHERE ARE THEY!? I KNOW YOU HAVE PHOTOS OF ME SLEEPING DAMNIT!"
Ashley laughed from my feigned anger as I felt myself smiling. Sitting up, I felt a hand push me back down and I frowned.
"No fighting for the rest of today," Ashley said sternly. "Your spending the day with me, and there's no buts whatsoever."
I sighed and nodded; there's no way I'm escaping from this woman.
"Also, Kirito and Asuna came around earlier," Ashley said, gaining my attention. "They wanted to check-up on you from yesterday, saying you seemed stressed out."
So I made them worry, huh. I'll have to apologise later.
I sat up again, the warmth of Ashley leaving my body. With a frown, I shook my head and stood up, stretching.
"I guess I owe you one," I said, scratching my neck. "And since I've been strictly ordered to not fight today... well, you wanna hang out today?"
"Oh? Are you asking me on a date?~"
I grinned at the thought before realising that I wouldn't mind it. Honestly, this is so dumb considering this game...
"...uh, sure," I replied, my face burning. "Lets go on a date."
. . .
. .
.
"I-I'-ll go get changed," Ashley stuttered. I heard her leave the room quickly and sighed.
Do I really want to do this? I'll admit, I have feelings for her, but it's such a stupid decision to make! This game is unpredictable! For all I know, one of the people I know or even myself could wake up dead tomorrow! Besides, even if I did pursue a relationship, then the PKers would start targeting-!
Fuck! I didn't think of that! If LC or another group found out, then Ashley and the kids from the orphanage-! Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuc-!
D-Deep breaths. Now, calm the fuck down, Shiki. Panicking won't hell you, and letting your anger take control won't either. For now... let's just leave it for tomorrow.
A sigh escaped my mouth before I forced a small smile.
I can enjoy myself and relax, even if it's just for today. Stressing about the future is problem for future me... even though I basically broke down last night... ...huh, let's just forget about that.
Opening my menu, I quickly changed out of my armour before glancing over my casual clothes.
Hmm... black, long-sleeved v-neck shirt with a high collar, black pants and boots. That should do it... and I guess I'll keep my gloves on. At least these ones are fingerless, and I'll keep my katana on as well. Need something to defend myself if push comes to shove.
Leaving the bedroom, I walked downstairs and waited by the entrance. Standing there, I hummed a song casually, something from one of my old playlists.
Hearing footsteps from behind, I glanced behind me as Ashley came to a stop, a small smile on her face.
"Ready to go, mademoiselle?"
Ashley grinned as she stepped outside.
"Of course."
I watched as Ashley manipulated her menu before I was shunted forwards. Kicked out of her house, I managed to roll back to my feet before dusting off my shirt.
"Huh, that's strange," I said. "It seems like someone forcefully ejected me out of their house."
Ashley shrugged before linking her arm through mine. I blinked in surprise before smiling.
Why not, I guess.
Strolling through the small town, we reached the teleport gate and stood just before the pedestal.
"Have you been to the upper floors yet?" I asked. Seeing Ashley's denial, I smiled. "Well, I'll show you something special."
Stepping onto the pedestal, I glanced at the fluctuating blue light and nodded.
"Teleport, Floor Forty-Seven."
Disappearing in a flash of light, I heard Ashley gasp as she saw the floor we were on.
Beautiful flowers of all sorts surrounded us, encased in small rows with players scattered about. I smirked as Ashley was still trying to comprehend the sheer beauty around us.
"This Floor is essentially rolling hills filled with various flowers," I said as we walked forwards slowly. "It's often a place couples go to enjoy themselves, and the monsters on this floor are pretty docile as well. The only real danger for this floor is the traps."
Walking around the rows of flowers, I watched Ashley kneel down and pluck a rose from the dirt. Curious, I peeked over her shoulder as she examined the stats of the flower.
"This could actually work," Ashley murmured before pocketing the flower.
I raised a brow before shaking my head and sighing as Ashley continuously picked more and more flowers. Players began giving her strange looks before glancing at me: I shrugged, confused, and they returned the gesture.
Eventually, Ashley made her way back to me, eyes glazed over as she murmured to herself.
I tapped her on the head and grinned.
"You in there, dopey?" I asked.
Ashley blinked.
"Do you have a unique symbol for your team yet?" Ashley asked.
I shook my head.
"Never considered it," I said. "Why? Got an idea?"
"Blood Rose," Ashley said as I glanced at my hands. "It fits your motif with the KoB, and I could make something real cool with these flowers as well."
"Blood Rose, huh..."
It's not a bad name, and it actually fits in with our actual objective pretty well, but... I'll bring it up with the team.
"Hello? Earth to Shiki, over."
"This is Shiki, over," I replied nonchalantly. "And I think I've decided."
"Decided what?"
The words left my mouth before I realised what I said.
"I like you."
