I'm a Sword Master in Sword Art Online

Mitt did not answer, but increased the force of her scythe swing, cleaving a lunging skeleton warrior in two with a single blow, sending bone fragments flying.

Yuna sighed softly.

She recalled the first time she teamed up with Mito to enter the labyrinth area. Back then, Mito was just like that, walking silently ahead, monsters falling like stalks of wheat wherever her scythe passed. Yuna jokingly gave her the nickname: "Miss Death."

Now, this "Grim Reaper" seems even more unapproachable than before.

"You actually... want the three of them to have some alone time, right?" Yuna suddenly spoke up. "With no one to bother them, they can interact more naturally."

Mitt paused almost imperceptibly.

“…I don’t know.” She finally spoke, her voice colder than the chill in the maze.

Yuna blinked but didn't ask any further questions.

Mito swung her scythe again, the whistling sound of the blade tearing through the air echoing between the stone walls. Her mind, however, replayed the scene uncontrollably: the instant Asuna's lips touched Mochizuki Kaede's.

--why?

She didn't understand what that inexplicable feeling of tightness in her chest was.

Perhaps it was Mochizuki Kaede who stole her only best friend.

……

After breakfast, Mochizuki Kaede put on a dark blue linen shirt, casually rolling up the sleeves to her elbows. Asuna chose a pale yellow knee-length dress, tied at the waist with a thin rope to accentuate her slender figure. Silica's legs, visible beneath her pink shorts, were dazzlingly white, and her white tank top made her look like a lively little bunny.

The sound of their footsteps along the lakeside path, which was covered with pine needles, startled a bluewinged bird in the bushes.

Silica skipped and hopped ahead, with Pina hovering above her head, occasionally swooping down to gently peck at her hair. Asuna reached out and gathered her chestnut hair, which was ruffled by the lake breeze; sunlight pierced through the strands, casting an amber glow. Mochizuki Kaede followed leisurely behind, her gaze always following the two bouncy figures ahead.

The lake water was crystal clear, reflecting the azure sky and drifting white clouds. A gentle breeze rippled the surface, creating tiny ripples that looked like scattered diamonds.

Mochizuki Kaede chose a shady spot under a tree and retrieved his fishing rod from his inventory. He had already maxed out his fishing skill for this moment. Asuna gracefully lifted her skirt and sat down on a nearby bluish-gray rock.

A little further away, Silica was clumsily casting her small fishing rod. Pina squatted beside her, tilting her head to observe the movement on the water. When the hook got tangled in the reeds for the third time, the girl's pouty expression made Mochizuki Kaede and Asuna exchange a smile.

Unnatural ripples suddenly appeared on the lake's surface, and Mochizuki Kaede's float sank abruptly into the water. He gripped the fishing rod firmly, and with a deft flick of his wrist, the fishing line tightened instantly. Asuna unconsciously held her breath, and Silica stopped what she was doing and widened her eyes.

After a few minutes of struggle, a shimmering rainbow trout finally broke the surface, spraying a string of glistening water droplets in the sunlight. The droplets landed with a "plop" on the grassy bank, its tail still thrashing violently.

"It's huge!" Silica exclaimed.

At noon, they spread out a picnic blanket on the grass by the lake, and Asuna took out the sandwiches, fruit and homemade lemonade that she had prepared in the morning.

"Asuna's cooking is still amazing!" Silica couldn't wait to pick up a sandwich, take a bite, and squint her eyes in satisfaction.

Asuna smiled and handed her a glass of lemonade.

Mochizuki Kaede sat on the edge of the picnic blanket, leaning against the tree trunk. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on him. He took the sandwich Asuna offered him, took a bite, and savored the perfectly toasted bread and fresh vegetables in his mouth.

A gentle breeze swept across the lake, carrying the fresh scent of damp grass and trees. Pina curled up in a corner of the picnic blanket, her sky-blue downy fur trembling gently in the breeze, her belly heaving as she dozed off.

Chapter 158: Meteor Shower

"How about we go boating this afternoon?" Mochizuki Kaede suggested, her gaze sweeping toward the small wooden boat moored not far away.

“Great!” Silica immediately raised her hand in agreement. “I want to go see the center of the lake!”

Asuna nodded slightly: "Sounds good."

afternoon.

Mochizuki untied the rope tied to the shore, and the small wooden boat swayed gently with the waves. He stepped onto the deck first, reaching out to steady the boat and make sure it wouldn't rock too much.

"Be careful." He reached out to Silica, and the girl lightly jumped onto the boat, which tilted only slightly. Pina landed on her shoulder, curiously looking around.

Asuna, lifting her skirt, carefully stepped onto the deck. Mochizuki Kaede took her hand and gently guided her, helping her sit steadily in the center of the boat.

"Let's go!" Silica excitedly patted the side of the boat, and Pina chirped twice in response.

Wang Yuefeng picked up the oar and gently rowed the small boat away from the shore. The lake water was crystal clear, and schools of fish could be seen swimming around the boat.

As you venture deeper into the lake, the surrounding waters become increasingly expansive and tranquil. The lake's surface resembles a giant sapphire, reflecting the ever-changing clouds in the sky. Occasionally, a fish leaps out of the water, its silvery scales flashing dazzlingly in the sunlight before darting back in with a "plop."

"It's so quiet..." Silica murmured, unconsciously lowering her voice as if afraid to disturb the tranquility. She leaned against the side of the boat, her fingertips gently tracing the water's surface, creating tiny ripples.

Asuna dipped her hand into the lake, feeling the cool water flow through her fingers. Sunlight filtered through her fingers, casting shimmering spots of light on the water's surface.

“It’s like the whole world has just left us,” she said softly, gazing into the distance where the water meets the sky.

Mochizuki stopped paddling, letting the small boat drift gently on the lake. He looked up at the azure sky, where a few wisps of white clouds floated lazily. Pina rested quietly on Silica's lap, her tail feathers swaying gently.

The three of them remained silent in tacit agreement, with only the sound of the lake water gently lapping against the boat echoing in their ears.

"Do you want to go back?" After a long silence, Mochizuki Kaede asked softly.

Asuna shook her head: "Let's stay a little longer."

Her gaze remained fixed on the distant lake, a serene smile playing on her lips.

Silica was already comfortably lying on the deck, her hands behind her head, gazing blankly at the sky. Pina curled up beside her, her tail feathers gently brushing against her cheek.

Looking at them, Wang Yuefeng felt an indescribable warmth welling up in his chest. He gently rowed the boat, making it slowly circle in the center of the lake, the shimmering water reflecting on the three people's faces.

at dusk.

They returned to the cabin, had a simple dinner, and then took blankets and cushions to the lawn in the backyard.

"This is the best view." Mochizuki Kaede's movement of unfolding the blanket startled a few fireflies, which flickered and flew into the deepening night. The deep blue night sky was like a piece of fine velvet, and the stars were like diamonds scattered at random, shimmering with a cool light.

"I heard there's a lot of meteor shower tonight." As he lay down on his back, the fresh scent of grass immediately enveloped him.

Asuna leaned naturally against his right shoulder, her chestnut hair mingling with the sweet scent unique to young girls, lingering around her nose. Silica hugged Pina tightly against his left shoulder, curling up contentedly like a small animal that had finally found a warm nest.

"How about we go to the forest in the northeast tomorrow?" Asuna suggested, gazing at the starry sky. "I heard that rare ingredients can be found there, and we can try making some new dishes."

“I want to go!” Silica’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"It's about two kilometers from home." Mochizuki Kaede's voice was exceptionally gentle in the night. "We'll leave first thing tomorrow morning."

They quietly planned tomorrow's itinerary, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant.

A gentle night breeze stirred, and the chirping of insects rose and fell in the grass, while the occasional cry of a waterbird drifted from afar. Pina had already fallen asleep nestled in Silica's arms, her tail feathers rising and falling gently with her breath.

"They're here!" Silica suddenly shouted excitedly, pointing to the distant sky.

A silver streak ripped through the night sky, followed by a second, a third... Meteors fell like rain, leaving fleeting, brilliant traces on the deep blue canvas.

Asuna leaned closer to Mochizuki Kaede, her chestnut hair cascading over his arm. Silica also snuggled closer, and Pina in her arms let out a soft "chirp." Mochizuki Kaede could clearly feel the warmth emanating from both sides of him.

"I wish time could stop at this moment." Silica looked up, the light of the shooting star shimmering in her pupils.

Asuna gave a soft "hmm," her voice so soft it was almost carried away by the night breeze. Her fingertips gripped Mochizuki Kaede's sleeve, as if confirming the reality of this warmth.

Mochizuki Kaede didn't answer, but slowly tightened his arms, enveloping both of their hands in his palms. He could feel Asuna's slender, cool fingers and Silica's soft, warm hands. The three shadows merged into one under the starlight, swaying gently with the flickering of shooting stars.

"Did you make a wish?" Mochizuki Kaede asked in a low voice.

"Yes!" Silica nodded vigorously. "I hope we can be together forever!"

The last exceptionally bright meteor streaked across the sky, illuminating the faces of the three people.

……

the next day.

Before the morning dew had completely evaporated, the three had already set off on the path leading to the northeastern forest. The rising sun filtered through the gaps in the coniferous trees, casting dappled golden light on the ground. Pina flew merrily in front, her tail feathers tracing pale blue paths in the morning light.

"Xiao Feng~" Asuna suddenly stopped and reached out to tug at the hem of Mochizuki Kaede's clothes. "I'm tired."

Mochizuki Kaede raised an eyebrow: "We've only been gone for five minutes."

Asuna pursed her lips, her amber eyes glistening with tears—a rare expression of her coquettishness. She gently poked Mochizuki Kaede's shoulder with her slender fingers: "I want to sit here."

"Stop fooling around, you're not a child..." Before Mochizuki Kaede could finish speaking, Asuna had already stood on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her faint fragrance wafted over him, making the words of refusal stuck in his throat.

Finally, Mochizuki Kaede sighed, bent down, and lifted Asuna by the back of her knees, easily hoisting her onto his shoulders. Asuna let out a small gasp, then happily cradled his head. From this height, she could clearly see the shimmering lake in the distance.

Silica held Pina in her arms, gazing enviously at Asuna high above.

Mochizuki Kaede felt the light weight on his shoulders, and Asuna's legs swayed gently with his steps, occasionally brushing against his chest.

After walking for about half an hour, Asuna suddenly patted Mochizuki Kaede on the head: "Put me down."

She landed lightly, then nudged Mochizuki Kaede's shoulder: "It's time for Silica."

Silica's eyes lit up instantly, but then she hesitated, twisting her fingers nervously: "I...can I really do it?"

Mochizuki Kaede crouched down, her back to Silica: "Come on up."

Silica cheered and carefully climbed onto Mochizuki Kaede's back. She was even lighter than Bina, almost weightless like a feather. Pina flew around them curiously once, finally landing on Silica's head.

"Wow, we can see so far!" Silica exclaimed excitedly, pointing ahead.

Chapter 159: The Girl of Asagiri

Silica was still worried that Mochizuki Kaede would get tired, so she slid off his shoulder after a short while. But after taking only a few steps, Asuna grabbed Mochizuki Kaede's sleeve again.

"Xiao Feng~" she looked up, "Let me sit a little longer."

Mochizuki Kaede sighed helplessly, but still bent down to let Asuna climb onto his shoulders again. This time, Asuna sat more steadily, her long legs wrapped around his neck, her hands gently resting on his forehead.

"You rascal..." Mochizuki Kaede complained in a low voice, but couldn't hide the smile on his lips.

The three of them continued deeper into the forest.

The sunlight was gradually blocked by the dense canopy of trees, and the surrounding light became dim and hazy. Moss covered the thick coniferous trunks, and the soft humus underfoot exuded a damp smell.

At this moment——

About twenty meters away, a blurry white shadow suddenly flashed by beside an ancient pine tree.

The shadow drifted like mist, appearing and disappearing among the tree trunks.

"Ah!" Silica cried out in surprise, instinctively hugging Bina tightly and hiding behind Mochizuki Kaede. The little guy's tail feathers instantly bristled, and it stared warily in that direction.

Asuna, sitting on Mochizuki Kaede's shoulders, stiffened, her legs involuntarily clamping together. Mochizuki Kaede could feel her calf muscles tense instantly, her thighs pressing against his ear.

"A ghost?!" Asuna's voice rose eight octaves higher than usual as she grabbed Mochizuki Kaede's hair with her fingers.

"Don't be afraid," Mochizuki Kaede whispered to comfort her, while slowly putting Asuna down from her shoulder and standing in front of the two of them.

Asuna took a deep breath, her amber pupils narrowing slightly. Although her target acquisition skills weren't as refined as Mochizuki Kaede's, they were still quite high-level. The enhanced vision from her skill instantly improved resolution, and the white figure in the distance gradually became clearer.

It wasn't a fleeting spirit, but a white dress fluttering in the wind. Beneath the hem, a pair of slender bare feet could be vaguely seen, standing quietly on the ground covered with pine needles.

“It’s a person…” Asuna said softly, but her tense body still did not relax.

In the dark coniferous forest, a black-haired girl of about ten years old stood silently like a doll.

Suddenly, the girl's body swayed violently. With a soft "thud," she fell forward in an extremely unnatural posture, like a puppet with its strings cut.

"That is……"

Mochizuki Kaede's pupils suddenly contracted, and her figure shot out like an arrow. Asuna and Silica followed closely behind, while Pina flapped her wings and flew in front.

Beside the gnarled roots of the ancient pine tree, Mochizuki Kaede knelt on one knee and carefully lifted the girl into his arms. Her body was unbelievably light, limp in his arms as if weightless. Long eyelashes cast shadows on her pale face, and her slender arms hung limply at her sides.

"Is...it should be alright?" Silica asked nervously.

"Hmm..." Mochizuki Kaede's voice was low, "Since she hasn't disappeared, it means she's still alive, but it's strange..."

"Strange?" Asuna took a step closer.

Mochizuki Kaede looked up and replied, "We can touch her, so she's not a ghost. But the marker... hasn't appeared at all..."

"Ah..." Asuna also realized something was wrong. She focused her gaze, trying to lock onto the girl. However, there was nothing above the girl's head, no markings whatsoever.

In Aincrad, this is absolutely impossible. Any dynamic object existing in this world—whether player, monster, or NPC—will have a corresponding marker appear above its head the moment it is targeted. This is one of the system's most fundamental rules.

Silica asked in a low voice, "Could it be a system bug?"

Mochizuki Kaede gazed at the girl's youthful face in his arms, his brows furrowed: "Perhaps... In a normal online game, you could contact a GM in this situation. But SAO has no administrators... and not only is there no marker, she's also too young."

All three eyes fell on the girl at the same time. Her slender limbs looked even smaller than Silica's, and she looked like a delicate porcelain doll, curled up in Mochizuki Kaede's arms.

Asuna gently reached out, her fingertips touching the girl's forehead. The cool, real touch sent a ripple through her eyes: "Why is such a small child in SAO?"

“…We can’t leave her here.” She looked at Mochizuki Kaede with a determined gaze. “We should be able to get some information out of her when she wakes up. Let’s take her home first.”

"Mmm." Mochizuki Kaede adjusted his holding position so that the girl could lean more comfortably against his chest.

Asuna and Silica looked around warily.