Episode 87 — Life Lessons
Episode 87 — Life Lessons
Twelfth Day in the Month of Bush Clover (June 12) in the Year of the Griffon
Floor — 52 — Front Line Floor 62
Kirito, Bladescape, and Doombunny walked from the tree they had been resting in to the nearest town, Edgeville. It didn't take long. It was also quiet. A comfortable quiet. After Kirito teleported off to Algade, Bladescape stepped up to teleport to Mishe, but Doombunny held back.
She hesitated to speak, despite Bladescape's questioning glance. "I need to go to The Town of Beginnings," Doombunny sweetly said.
"Why?" Bladescape asked. She had no idea what business Doombunny had there or why she seemed to be hesitant about divulging it.
"Colorra needs more food and I get hers from there," Doombunny said.
"Oh," Bladescape replied. She might live with the elapid and beast tamer, but she wasn't a part of that process. She had really no idea what that meant. It was an afterthought, but she probably should at least understand what it meant. "Can I come with you?"
"Sure," Doombunny shrugged. "It's no secret. Soryuto often went with me and then, at the start of the restrictions she did it for me, but it was hard to rely on just her and then it had become a secret. Now that I'm not breaking any rules, it isn't anymore."
"Could you not find it elsewhere?" Bladescape asked as Doombunny joined her side.
"Teleport Town of Beginnings!" Doombunny shouted loud enough for the plaza to recognize the command.
Bladescape teleported right behind her, still intent on getting an answer. It was waiting for her as she stepped off the Plaza.
"Colorra can eat any meat, but she has a preference. I can't buy it. I have to pay to have it caught."
"Caught?" Bladescape asked.
Doombunny just nodded and turned, heading to her destination with a skip in her step. Bladescape followed her, unsure as to where they were going. It wasn't a long walk. The Town of Beginnings still had a third or so of the remaining players residing in it. Some made a good living, while others were so scared that they didn't dare leave the city's safe zone. With no job and an empty stomach, some sat under the popular fruit tree along the streets. It was a low durability fruit that had to be caught or the ground would shatter it. Bladescape watched a man sitting under one, staring up at it, wishing one would fall so he could sell it for a measly price and buy enough food to barely satisfy his hunger and live another day of the same, pitiful existence. It would satisfy him more than the small fruit would. The Army claimed to distribute things evenly among the lower players, but it didn't seem like it could handle such a large task. Or have enough to go around.
Bladescape saw the destination once they entered the small square in front of a church. Despite the quiet air, it obviously had a lot more going on than just being a building. Doombunny confidently strolled up to it and knocked on the main doors. A short while later, the door was opened by a young woman in a long, navy blue dress and white collar.
"Bunny," She said, the warmth of her greeting matching her smile. "And who is with you?"
"Sasha, this is our guild leader, Bladescape. Bladescape, Miss Sasha here does all she can to take care of the kids in SAO. There's a lot who didn't do well once this game became a prison. She is affectionately known as Teach or Teacher by many of the kids. Some are able to do things to earn money and bring food to the table for them all."
Sasha gave a short bow to Bladescape. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The same to you," Bladescape said, bowing back. "Doom and I were out training together, but we finished early. So I came with her. I had no idea about any of this."
"Here we call her Bunny so we don't traumatize any of the kids," Sasha sweetly explained. "Doom is not a name some of the kiddos could bond to, but Bunny is. Please, come in. They're used to seeing equipment and gear, although some don't like it, but you will be fine. Gin, Kain, and Mina do what they can in the field, along with some of the others when they are feeling up to it, but it's dangerous, as you know. Safety is the most important thing for us. They don't push the safety limit. It isn't worth it. They just get what we need and that's all."
"Bunny," Bladescape said, a sly grin on her face at using the name. "What exactly do they do for you and Colorra?"
"They trap rats, mice, and the occasional rabbit," Doombunny stated plainly.
"Live?" Bladescape asked, a bit shocked.
"Mhm," Doombunny nodded. "They use cage traps. Colorra is a snake who prefers live food. The city had plenty of rats and mice to trap. A player just needs to know how."
"BUNNY!" Two boys yelled as they ran into the room. They stopped and bowed to Sasha. "Teach, we left the food on the kitchen counter."
Sasha smiled back at them. "Thank you, Gin. Thank you, Kain. Where's Mina?"
"Helping sort out a fight," the one called Gin said. "Between Ira and Olais."
"Not again!" Sasha exclaimed, running off to a side room.
The boys were not going anywhere as Gin and Kain threw their arms around Doombunny in a tight hug. Colorra dropped off her perch and curled around the one called Kain who immediately began to scratch the snake's head.
"How have you two been?" Doombunny asked. "Behaving for Miss Sasha?"
"For the most part," Gin admitted. "Yesterday we had to run from a squad of Army soldiers. They were hollering on about us owing them for something. We sprinted away as fast as we could and lost them through a few back alleys."
"Well, just let Miss Sasha deal with them," Doombunny told them.
"And you are?" Gin asked, directing his attention to Bladescape. "Soryuto used to come, but I've not seen her in a while. You, we haven't met."
"I'm Bladescape," she answered. "And it’s Gin, right?"
"Uh-huh!" He said, nodding with mouth open wide in shock. "How big is your sword?"
Bladescape reached over her shoulder and drew Harmonic Salvation. With the tip on the ground, the sword still stood taller than both Gin and Kain did. Both boys marveled at it. It really showed the discrepancy Merlin spoke about; the one between a longsword and a greatsword.
"How heavy is it?" Gin asked.
"Try it," Bladescape grinned.
The kid couldn't be that much younger than her, Fourteen at most, probably twelve or thirteen, but he was looking and acting more like ten. Both of them were like that. Kirito was about fourteen There was a huge difference between these boys and others, Kirito being only one of many, a year or two their senior. A difference that was, back in Japan, minor. Gin had to be having a hard time in Aincrad, lost without his family and friends who normally would have taught him and helped to guide him through such a difficult time. It was a good thing Sasha had found him.
Gin struggled to pick Harmonic Salvation up while it stood straight up. He tipped it over so he could cradle it in his arms. He grunted and huffed before buckling and dropping the sword. It clattered to the floor as he struggled to breathe.
"GIN!" All of them looked at the young girl who had just yelled as she entered the room. "I'm so sorry, Miss." She said with a bow. "He knows better."
Bladescape bent down and picked up her blade with ease. "It's no problem. I let him. The blame would fall with me."
"Like you are one to talk, Mina," Gin shot back at her. "Miss Sasha's told you not to get involved in their arguments. You're supposed to stay out of it and get her."
Mina snubbed her nose at him. "Well I couldn't when they were already grabbing at each other's hair and were threatening to break the harassment code."
"Knock it off you two," Kain said as Colorra dropped off his shoulders. "Miss Sasha will be back any moment. We can't be caught fighting again. At least not between us."
"Shove it!" Gin said, sticking his tongue out at Kain. He turned to Bladescape. "You want to see my sword?"
"Sure," Bladescape smiled. "What do you have?"
"The Army snags all the good hunting spots," Gin said as he pulled up his menu. "It takes all three of us an entire day to get enough Col and items to sell. We sell the hides and buy bread. It also covers the cost to rent the rooms at the church."
A basic iron sword popped out and he expertly caught the short blade in his right hand. With a quick flip the blade popped out of the sheath and he snagged it in his left hand, giving it a little twirl to show off his familiarity with the sword. He then held it out for Bladescape to see.
Bladescape took it from him and swung it, testing it herself. "It is a good blade," She said with a smile. "And finding a left handed sword is a tough thing."
"Hey!" Gin exclaimed. "But thanks. It took me a while to get that. Making sure we all eat is more important. I worked to save every scrap of Col I could. Miss Sasha kept it safe for me so I didn't spend it unwisely."
"Not bad," Bladescape said. "Solid life strategy too. It looks like you are learning well while in Aincrad."
Gin sighed. "Real school would be better, although I didn't always like school. Here I have to fight, nearly every day, except it's not fun. I have to make sure Kain and Mina survive."
"Hey!" Kain exclaimed. "I can take care of myself!"
"Same," Mina huffed.
"Sorry about that," Sasha said as she came in. "And please, you three, don't fight. You're role models for the others. I know it's a lot on your small shoulders." They all bowed towards her and apologized. Sasha sighed. "Gin, why does the nice lady have your sword?"
"Oh, um," Gin stumbled. "I was showing her mine after I got to see her big one. I can't even lift it, it's so heavy."
Sasha sighed, shaking her head.
"It's okay," Bladescape said. "I sort of encouraged it. A warrior has to have absolute trust in their equipment."
"Well, I hope what they have is good," Sasha said. "It's been tougher these days. The army is choking out everyone not directly with them from the best spawns nearby."
"It isn't a bad sword," Bladescape said. "I had better by his level, but I also had some really lucky drops. It gets the job done and that is what is important. With the three of you," Bladescape chuckled, thinking about what they had just done today with three warriors. "Well, let's just say, three can be a very powerful team and do more than you think, but, you need to focus on gathering enough to eat and cover rent, not taking down dangerous monsters."
"What did you do!" Kain asked, getting excited.
"Oh we just had to kill a dragon today," Doombunny sweetly said, waving it off as nothing as the kids' jaws dropped in astonishment. The amazed exclamations that followed took a few moments to subside before Doombunny could continue. "It attacked us first, giving us no option. We came here to pick up food for Colorra. I assume the others have been able to catch some."
"Oh yeah," Gin said with a grin, trying to be cool. "They've got a good haul. You won't be back anytime soon." He rethought his words and regretted them. He still tried to be smooth and cool about it. "But, you um, are always welcome to visit."
"Colorra thanks you all," Doombunny giggled. "You know we love to visit you whenever we can, for as long as we can."
"Do you want to join us for dinner?" Sasha asked. "It's about that time. We may not have much, but it's always enough."
"Sure," Doombunny said with a courteous bow. "We'd love to."
Bladescape pulled up her menu and messaged the others that they would be late and not to worry. Then she scrolled through her menu to double check something. She did have what she thought she had. Since she had her menu up, she removed her sword from her back.
"Miss Sasha," Bladescape said. "An evening with you all would be lovely. Is there a place I could change out of my armor?"
"Of course," Sasha smiled. "Mina, show her to my room. She can change in there."
"Yes, Miss Sasha," Mina smiled with a short bow. "Follow me, Miss Bladescape."
Bladescape followed the young girl. Once they were out of the room, Bladescape asked her a question. "You three work for everything, don't you?"
"What do you mean?" Mina asked as they headed up the stairs.
"I mean, you three don't take handouts," Bladescape explained. “Gin said he saved for his sword.”
"No, we don’t," Mina said. She had no reservations about her answer. "Miss Sasha thinks we should earn everything. She wants us to learn how to function in life. She says life doesn't just give you things. School doesn't give you good marks just for showing up. The same for university and a job. She calls it work ethic. She's right. It may not be easy, but that's life. Or so I hear. SAO doesn't see us as the kids we are."
"You're not wrong," Bladescape said. "Life does require work. You don't get handouts easily and none you should just expect. Work ethic is important. " Bladescape asked the question she had been setting up for. "So, if I had equipment, better equipment, that you guys could use?"
"Miss Sasha would want us to earn it," Mina stated as she stopped in front of a door and bowed. "This is Miss Sasha's room."
Bladescape stepped inside and swung the door till it was open just a crack. There was barely enough room for the door to swing in between the frame and the bed. She pulled up her menu and made some mental notes. Mina was clueless, despite the questions Bladescape asked.
Bladescape changed with a few clicks into one of the dresses Diemond had given her. Her wardrobe back home was getting stuffed with dresses and outfits Diemond had given her. She always kept several on hand to change into, to allow her to match the formality of the setting. Finding them was typically easy, but the massive drop list from the King Black Dragon had changed that for now. At least Bladescape didn't need anything fancy or formal for tonight.
Mina showed Bladescape the way back to the dining hall. Sasha and Doombunny were off at a separate table in the corner. The hall had two rows of long wooden tables with beach seating and each was full of kids. It was loud as they did what kids do around a dinner table: make fun, tell jokes, and eat loudly. Sasha wasn't just caring for a few children, there were easily twenty kids in the room, split about evenly between boys and girls. Filling this many bellies three times a day required a lot of food. Even though it was simple things like bread, milk, and fruit, it still cost col and that had to add up quickly. Plus they mentioned renting rooms to sleep in the church.
Bladescape made her way over to the other "adults" and sat down with Sasha and Doombunny. Mina had been lost in the crowd of kids.
"There are so many," Bladescape said. "I didn't realize there were this many under your care. And you guys are self sufficient?"
"For the most part, yes," Sasha replied. "I spend time each day making sure there are no other lost kids, but I have a lot to care for. Some have regressed quite a bit. Either they grew up and developed tactics to handle the stress of being trapped in here, or they regressed and act like a younger version of themselves. Most under my care act between eight and eleven, but their trauma isn't a set regression, the age they display can vary and is based on averages. It's not scientific, but typical kids don't act a specific age all of the time. Anyway, thirteen is the youngest a player can be for Sword Art Online, without parental permission. That means that either some of these kids had permission to dive, or others lost family members and were left here, alone. No matter what the situation is, they need strong help and guidance. And I can give them just enough of that."
"Mina said you don't take handouts," Bladescape added. "She said you like to teach them work ethics."
"In the beginning, the Army helped some," Sasha stated. "But that aid slowly dwindled until we were forgotten. We couldn't contribute to the guild, so their support was dropped. There were too many members to handle. I think we are better off without their help, not owing them anything, but they are now causing trouble, even harassing some of the kids. But that isn't relevant. Mina was correct, I'm doing the best I can to teach them to learn the lessons they should be learning as they grow up; about personal responsibility, a good work ethic, and being proud of their good work. Plus what school I can teach, but most of them are beyond my elementary teaching ability. They do still have plenty of fun, as you can see."
Two kids ran up to the table. They had come from outside the church. The boy was holding a small sack of Col.
"Teach! Here is the money we made in that delivery run."
"Great job!" Sasha praised them. "Now go wash up and get food before it's gone."
"Wow," Bladescape said. "I haven't seen a more enthusiastic, loving, caring, supportive, teacher in my life. Not that I am that old, I just mean that you really love these kids and you're doing everything you can to make sure they make it through each day and out of here alive, as ready to face the world as they can be. That is a huge gift they likely don't understand right now."
"I do," Sasha said, blushing slightly at the compliment. "Bartello and Arcadia are two of the runners. Unlike Gin, Kain, and Mina who stay close and hunt in the fields, a few of our kids get paid to transport items. Sometimes it is from player to player, but more often it is from craftsman to the customer. Neither side has time to meet, so the kids take the item to the closest city with a teleport plaza where the final exchange is made. Or crafters will shift supplies between each other, using the kids to ferry things back and forth so they don't have to leave their projects. Other, older players are paid runners too, making competition tight, but we offer cheap services and take the simpler running requests the kids can handle.
"Bartello is bolder than Gin, but he can be rash. Arcadia balances him out. However, neither are good with a sword and none of the kids have the money for crafting. Several do the baking when we get raw ingredients and they are slowly leveling that up, but most of the time, we get by on the cheaper option, which is buying the bread already baked."
"Gin, Mina, and Kain need equipment upgrades," Bladescape plainly stated. "Both weapons and armor. I have that upgrade in my inventory. Today's drop list just happened to give me that. I literally haven't had time to do anything with it. We came straight here.
"Normally, I would either have the items broken down by our smiths for experience and materials, or I would junk sell them, because almost no one is this low. I understand work ethic and experience. I value that and am glad you are teaching them that life skill. As I'm sure you know, Bunny and I, as well as several friends, are in Japan for a high school exchange program. We certainly understand the value of work ethic, but we also saw a lot of people during our support raising for the program offer us more than we could offer them, because they saw the value of the program and believed we would make very good use of it. It was their generosity about our hard work that ultimately got us to Japan.
"So, I was thinking, can I take the three of them out hunting tomorrow? I could give them guidance on their Skills and strategy and, at the end of the day, I am sure that they will have proven they deserve the upgrades. I'd love to do for them what our big donors, as well as the smaller ones, did for us; be a donor who can help them go somewhere greater, because I see the need and that they will make good use of what I can provide."
"I think that would be a wonderful opportunity for them!" Sasha exclaimed with a bright smile. "It would be very appreciated. It would reinforce their value as well. All positive things that I believe would be a big benefit to them and all of the kids!"
"Colorra and I wouldn't miss it," Doombunny added.
"I guess we have a solid party for tomorrow," Bladescape smiled. "Five will be fun. Six with Colorra."
"We have enough spare rooms rented," Sasha said. "We can get you set up for tonight and then you can leave in the morning."
Bladescape opened her menu and scrolled through it, checking to make sure she had everything she needed. She had to restock from their guild storage, a simple enough task.
"Yeah, we're well supplied,” Bladescape added as she closed her menu. “Not that we will be going into any dangerous areas, but we can't be too careful. Especially since you are trusting us with their care. I don't take that trust lightly."
Bladescape took a drink of milk and a bite of the basic, hard bread. It had been a while since she had eaten such a plain, poor meal. She had to remember to thank Konpeito for all the work she did for them. The food she was eating wasn't bad. It was just basic.
The beds too were basic. They were better than nothing, and the cushion was just enough. It provided what they needed; sleep. There wasn't much they could do to improve it. They were renting the rooms. It was cheap and stable housing, but it was another factor in the cost of Sasha's operation.
Everyone went to bed early because they were kids and Sasha had a lot to do in the morning. Bladescape did her best to turn her mind off as she laid there, trying to sleep and get some rest. She wanted to be the best she could be, the sharpest she could be, for the hunt in the morning. It took some time, but she eventually drifted off into her dreamless sleep.
In the morning, Bladescape exited the room fully geared out. As she strode into the room for breakfast, all the kids quieted down. Some of them were fearful, even though they had seen her in regular clothes the day before, but most of them were in awe. They didn't know anyone could walk as strongly as she did, or wear such brilliant armor either. Bladescape knew she had an extra kick in her step. She felt like she was giving off Rainbow Dash level of confidence as she strode through the dining hall to where Doombunny and Sasha were. By the time she sat down, the kids were back to their normal morning chatter.
"You are confident this morning," Sasha said with a grin. "Did you get some good sleep?"
"No," Bladescape admitted. "But I have never really slept well in Aincrad. Still, I'm rested and sharp, that is what matters. It will be a fun day."
"You better eat quick," Sasha warned her. "Gin is raring to go and Kain is working to hide his enthusiasm so he can look cool. Mina is mad about something another girl did this morning, however, she is certainly ready to go with a lot of energy and some extra sass. She shouldn't give you a problem."
Bladescape chuckled at the kids being kids. She ate the plain porridge quickly and was ready to hit the fields. She nodded to Doombunny and then smiled at Sasha. Both stood up with her.
"All right!" Gin yelled, jumping up. He didn't even need to ask if they were ready. "Let's rock and roll!"
"That catchphrase won't work either," Mina said, shooting him down as she also stood up.
The kids were in their armor, but it wasn't until after they exited the church that they equipped their swords and Shields. Bladescape invited them to the party and they accepted. Gin's, Mina's, and Kain's HP bars popped up in the corner of her vision, beneath Doombunny's. She would have to be careful because they were the same size as Doombunny's was, but they didn't have anywhere near the amount of HP she did. It was deceptive, giving the perception to her eyes that they had exponentially more HP than they did, even though her mind knew otherwise. That, more than anything, was why players typically didn't party up with others too far above or below their general level.
Bladescape dropped her search filters, letting her see player levels. All three of them were Level 22. That was not bad considering how long they had been in Aincrad and only hunting in the area outside the Town of Beginnings.
Bladescape led them out of the city, with Gin by her side. She had done this on the very first day, so long ago, but this time she wasn't in a panic to leave. She wasn't blocking out everything in an effort to focus on the only thing that mattered: keeping her friends alive and surviving by clearing the game.
"We should go this way," Gin said, pointing in the opposite direction Bladescape expected. It wasn't where the better hunting grounds were.
"Why?" Bladescape asked. "This way will have better spawn points. Where you are pointing is too close to the exterior wall."
"The army hunts where you want to go," Gin stated. "We need to avoid them. They always run us off, so it's not worth it."
"They don't have exclusive right to those spawn points," Bladescape huffed, trying to not lose her cool in front of the kids. The army had a complicated reputation, but it also was a large organization that served an important role to many of the players. They too needed to hunt on the lower levels. "Besides, you have us for the day. We will hunt where we want to."
Bladescape started to head to where she wanted to hunt. The others followed after her. Colorra was enjoying herself as she went with them. She was stalking the various beasts of the fields. No boar or wolf could get close to them before she took it down with a savage precision and cold enthusiasm. Her joy seemed to shine out through her scales whenever they caught the light and she shimmered more than usual. It was annoying though because she was fast, would travel a good distance from them, and the menu for a battle being completed by the party kept popping up at an almost alarming rate. The rewarded Col was pocket change to the Wondercolts, and it came with equally tiny XP, but the Col was going to be very useful to the kids and Sasha. Sadly, the XP wasn't helpful anymore for the kids at their level.
The Ruby Krait was still one of the most feared creatures in Aincrad. They were still the most poisonous creature in the game, even after all this time, and the aggressive airdrop tactics of the tree snakes kept visitors out of their natural habitat. The quest they had been on to get their poison, and where Doombunny befriended Colorra, turned out to be a one-shot quest, meaning no others could ever do it. Not that many would risk it, even among the higher level players.
Bladescape saw Colorra hanging from a branch, glittering in the morning light, waiting for them. From the point on the small hill, the fields around them had plenty of boars around. The oak tree at the top of the hill would make for a good rally point throughout the day. It was also the tree that had been burned in her mind when Natsuki had shown them images from inside the game. Out of all of the floors, all that she had seen, it was still the most picturesque spot she knew. At least to Bladescape. There were better spots for a lot of reasons, but this spot was idealistic in nature.
"I spotted a rabbit hole a short way back," Doombunny said. "Colorra and I are going to go see if the owner is home. If it is, free lunch for Colorra. Besides, as fun as this will be, Colorra and I are not very good instructors in combat. That's better left to you, Bladescape."
"Alright, Bunny," Bladescape said with a sly grin over the name. "Stick close. It won't be long before they are working smoothly. I'm sure they already have good tactics. I just want to help them improve what they already know."
Bladescape was happy with the new arrangement. It was great having her with them, but Doombunny had just taken away the need for Bladescape to figure out how to use her without sidelining her in front of the kids. Doombunny was a Damage Dealer and these kids were shield users. None of them had anything to learn from her. Now there was no risk of Doombunny looking bad in the kid’s eyes.
"Alright," Bladescape said, drawing Harmonic Salvation. She pointed it at a nearby boar. "That is our target. I'm going to be right behind you as I evaluate your hunting tactics, just in case. I have plenty of healing supplies too, but I want you to ignore me and show me the best you have."
Gin had his sword out with impressive speed and charged. No doubt he was extra cocky because he was showing off and he felt safe having her with him. Kain and Mina had to play catch up.
Gin swung a basic cut at the boar as it turned on him. The creature charged and Gin blocked it skillfully with his shield. It was a solid block, but in reality he was weak. All three were. They couldn't adapt to be stronger than what they had in real life because they were too young and they had not begun to discover the full physical potential of their bodies. That was a major hurdle for many players, of all ages.
It was a tough fact of playing SAO. In here, you could be stronger, faster, better and more powerful than in real life. It was that fact that separated those on the front lines and the intermediate players. Until those players learned that and accepted it in their mind, removing the shackles that bound their actions into a box, they could never be the best and what the front line needed. Bladescape would work to instill that mindset into the kids' heads over the day so they could be better and safer as they helped Sasha care for the other kids.
Kain was stronger than Gin. He jumped in, forcing Gin out of the way so he could draw aggro. Mina stepped out behind him and rammed her sword into the boar's side. Gin jumped back in, coming from the other side of Mina, and finished the boar off.
"Good job," Bladescape said with a smile as she clapped her hand. She pulled Harmonic Salvation out of the ground and walked over to them. "Kain, you obviously are defense oriented, which is good. I take it you do a lot of the blocking while hunting?"
"Uh-huh," Kain said with a nod.
"Mina," Bladescape continued. "You stayed back, but still didn't hesitate to strike when needed. Is that how you always attack?"
"Yes, Miss Bladescape," Mina said curtly and with a quick bow. She loosened up as she took a shot at the boys. "That is until they tire themselves out and I have to carry their share of the attacking."
Bladescape chuckled while both boys protested. "Gin, you like to be up front, right in the battle, that was obvious, and as long as you don't get too cocky and keep a level head, that is exactly what you need to do.
"In playing terms; Kain, you are the Tank, Mina is the Damage Dealer, and Gin is the Forward. Mina, do you have a free skill slot?"
"No," Mina said. "I have Sword, Shield, Search, Hide, and Sewing. I want to do more with clothes, but I both don't have the time or the Col. I guess I could get rid of it. Search and Hide are leveling up well. They're both above sewing and more important for my daily job."
"I was just wondering if you would be better off with a one handed spear, as a lancer," Bladescape explained. "I have a spear I got yesterday in a drop that should be able to be used by you. If you were to switch and try it, and it doesn't work, I can guarantee you that I'll provide you with what you need to double your Sewing skill. If it works, you won't need your One-Handed Sword Skill, so we will still get you back on track with Sewing."
Mina nodded and pulled up her menu. She paused and took a deep breath before she switched out Sewing for One-Handed Spear. It pained her to do it. She obviously loved having Sewing as a Skill. She trusted Bunny, who trusted Bladescape.
Bladescape opened her own menu and pulled out a steel spear the King Black Dragon had dropped. She handed it to Mina who hesitantly took it. She turned away from them and tried the first Sword Skill available. It was a simple thrust, but it made her face light up with joy.
"Not bad," Bladescape praised. "Now, we need to just adjust how you use it with a shield. You put the spear pointed forward and take a back stance, so the shield is forward. You can use it to block your body as you strike. Let the spear's length play to your advantage."
Mina did as instructed and tried again. Bladescape adjusted her a few times as she got it down. It wasn't long before she understood the principal and was fine tuning her form.
"Gin, what are your Skills?" Bladescape asked.
Gun grinned with pride. "One-Handed Sword, Shield, Search, Sprint, and Agility."
Bladescape nodded and looked at Kain.
"Shield, One-handed Sword, Search, Hide, and Sales Negotiation. I do all the selling and most of the buying."
"Both of you have good set ups," Bladescape said. "The three of you had good switch tactics, but we will need to refine them, specifically since we are trying Mina with the spear."
They continued to work as the day grew. The sun had risen high enough that it was no longer streaming through the gap between the floors, but the ceiling above them had its own "sun" that lit up the floor.
As mid morning came, Bladescape saw a party approaching them. They were taking a break from hunting as they waited for the beasts to respawn. Bladescape soon saw who was approaching. Their green colors and dull steel armor was easy to recognize. They boldly came right up to them.
"Hey!" The leader yelled, striding right up to Bladescape and pointing his finger at her. It would take nothing for him to poke her in the chest. He only hadn't because she was in her plate armor and he didn't know how far he could bully her. "These are our hunting grounds. These kids know they can't hunt here! This is an Army hunting spawn and you cleaned it out! You owe us for that. The Army sustains this floor and citizens on it. Clearing this location out is a huge setback for us and our quotas for today! We need those resources so we can take care of the citizens!"
Bladescape had nothing against the Army. They helped the other players immensely by running the prison. She wasn't a fan of them because of the rumors she'd heard about their behavior towards other green players, but this guy was pushing it too far with how aggressive and demanding he was being. Limiting information about a spot was one thing, but claiming you owned that spot was another thing entirely. No players or guild had that right or power. The DDA tried and did a decent job in some places, but they were resented for it.
Bladescape knew her smile was sly and mischievous. She couldn't help it. "You don't own this spot. You know no one can own a spot. There are plenty of other places on this Floor where you can hunt. For now, we're here. Shove off."
"Listen here, Lady!"
"You have no idea who I am," Bladescape said, interrupting him.
It stalled him out. Before he could recover, Doombunny spoke up from behind them.
"Hey!" Doombunny shouted. She wasn't trying to be sneaky, but they were not paying attention. Colorra and her had openly approached from that direction, they had missed her, and she was not happy. Her arms were crossed, Colorra was on her shoulders with head raised, and Doombunny's right hip was jutting out in a sassy but controlled form spelling their doom. "You know-"
"You're that snake girl!" one of the soldiers shouted as he started to shake. "Doombunny, the snake charmer. What're you doing here!"
"I'm here with them," Doombunny snorted. "Helping them train a bit today. I'm a friend of Sasha's and her kids. I'm also a member of the Wondercolts, and she is our leader, Bladescape."
Several of the Army soldiers gulped. They had at least heard of the Wondercolts. They knew they were facing two members of the Assault Team, with at least one of them fighting consistently in the Boss Battles.
Their leader glanced back at Bladescape. Harmonic Salvation was leaning against her shoulder with its tip in the grass. Even without her hands on the handle, she was a formidable player to look at in her dagannoth hide plate armor.
"You may hunt here for the day," he told her as he tried to control the situation. "But only for the day!"
Bladescape felt her grin grow wider as he tried to strong arm her. "What exactly do you think you can do about it if we decide to stick around? Will Thinker approve of your behavior?"
He was fuming, but he turned around in a quick one-eighty and began walking back toward the Town of Beginnings. The others followed him, unsure of what else they could do.
"Wow," Gin said, absolutely spellbound by what he had just seen her do. "You stood up to them."
"It's not hard when I easily have forty levels on him, minimum,” Bladescape replied. “But I see that many of the rumors are sadly true. They're pressing hard for their own gain. You would be wise to listen to Miss Sasha and avoid them as best as you can. Let me and her handle them for today.”
Several boars respawned, ending the discussion. Over the next several hours, Bladescape slowly gave them their upgrades, starting with weapons and shields, and then turning to their armor. It was subtle, always in ways to improve them from a "training" standpoint. They were all simple suggestions centered around "try this." She was certain they didn't realize what she was doing.
As the afternoon began to wane into the evening, Bladescape had a dangerous, but profitable, idea. They were waiting for more monsters to respawn, so she had time to synthesize it. The kids were a little bit away.
"Doom," Bladescape said as she took a drink of water, keeping her voice low to not be overheard. "I have an idea, but it's a bit dangerous. Higher risk usually comes with greater reward." Doombunny nodded so she continued. "I want to jump floors and take them to a training area, like the sand crabs. Think of how quickly we could level them if we kept them back and we grinded for an hour. You provide a direct screen while I kill the crabs. Just an hour could have them jumping levels. More levels, more HP. More HP, safer hunting."
Doombunny looked over at where Gin, Mina, and Kain were sitting in the grass and snacking. “How long would it take them to level up doing what they have been?”
“To get to twenty-three, fighting the boars, six months or so,” Bladescape answered. “They’re stalled out here, well under their safety margin even before the better equipment I gave them today. We were on Floor Ten by the time we were at where they're around right now, and they're still hunting boars.”
"Gin, Mina, Kain," Doombunny called out. "Please come here."
They scrambled up and ran over to them. They slid into a line, shoulder to shoulder, and bowed slightly.
"Yes, Miss Bunny?" Mina asked.
"Do you trust us?" Doombunny asked them. They all were shocked at the question. They all nodded slowly. "Good. Then I need you to do exactly as I tell you. Can you do that?"
"Yes," Gin said. "We will do exactly what you tell us to do. Immediately or when you tell us to."
Doombunny pulled out three blue teleport crystals. "We are going to hop to a higher floor and go to a training location. There, you will stay back with me while Miss Bladescape fights. You will each hold onto one of these crystals and if I tell you to teleport, you will. This is a risk to you, but we are confident we can do this safely. We wouldn't ask otherwise."
"Why?" Kain asked. "What is the point if we don't fight?"
Doombunny smiled at them as Colorra slid up to sit on her shoulders. "Because, since we are in a party, you will gain XP from each kill Miss Bladescape makes. We can rapidly level you up in an hour, more than you can do here on your own in a few months, even at the best spawn points in your safety margin."
"But..." Gin started. He was not thrilled at the idea. "So we just sit back and get free XP?"
"Mhm," Doombunny said with a warm smile and a reassuring nod. "Daily you each work hard doing what you need to for Miss Sasha and the others. You do a great job, but the XP you get no longer reflects the importance of the job, or what you could be getting while still staying under your safety margin. You do what you must and stay safe, that is the important thing, but that means you have all passed beyond the point where the amount of XP you are getting is well below the effort you put in hunting. This will also make it safer for you to hunt, and allow you to hunt faster as well. It isn't weapon XP, but it is overall level XP, which is connected to your total HP and other attributes. Especially Skill Slots."
"Alright," Gin said, speaking for the others and grabbing a crystal. "We trust you and we'll do exactly as you say."
They began to walk back to the city. Bladescape couldn't stop grinning. Something made her want to give these kids everything she could. She knew she had one shot at helping them and this was it. There just would not be any more time for her to devote to these kids. This was already more than she had initially expected. Freeing everyone as soon as possible was more valuable and a greater gift than most players could grasp, even those on the front line, including Bladescape.
BLADESCAPE: Level 85 — Two-Handed Sword — Searching — Weapon Defense — Leather Armor — First Aid — Battle Regeneration — Sprint — Blade Throwing — Extended Weight Carry — Acrobatics — Greatsword
NATORA: Level 79 — Two-Handed Spear — Purchase Negotiations — Sales Negotiation — Weapon Defense — Light Metal Armor — First Aid — Battle Regeneration — Acrobatics — Armor Pierce — Sprint
MALUS: Level 80 — One-Handed War Hammer — Heavy Shield — Heavy Metal Armor — First Aid — Extended Weight Carry — Battle Regeneration — Fishing — Search — Martial Arts — Rend — Sprint
THUNDERBORNE: Level 79 — Rapier — Sprint — Acrobatics — Weapon Defense — Light Metal Armor — First Aid — Battle Regeneration — Armor Pierce — Martial Arts — Blade Throwing
KONPEITO: Level 79 — Two-Handed Axe — Cooking — Weapon Defense — Light Metal Armor — Martial Arts — First Aid — Battle Regeneration — Music — Blade Throwing — Bard — Extended Weight Carry
DIEMOND: Level 80 — Mace — Heavy Shield — Sewing — Heavy Metal Armor — First Aid — Battle Regeneration — Light Metal Armor Forging — Heavy Metal Armor Forging — Extended Weight Carry — Jewelry Creation — Rend
DOOMBUNNY: Level 81 — One-Handed Dagger — Hide — Fighting Spirit — Blade Throwing — First Aid — Battle Regeneration — Familiar Cooperation — Mixing — Listen — Reveal — Main-gauche — Search
KIEFER: Level 78 — One-Handed Curved Sword — Slash Weapon Forging — Light Metal Armor — Weapon Defense — First Aid — Katana — Battle Regeneration — Slash Weapon Forging — Blade Throwing — Armor Pierce
SORYUTO: Level 77 — One-Handed Sword — Shield — Light Metal Armor — Music — First Aid — Battle Regeneration — Fighting Spirit — Armor Pierce — Acrobatics — Extended Weight Carry
REISENKI: Level 78 — One-Handed Axe — Heavy Shield — Heavy Metal Armor — Equipment Repair — Metal Equipment Repair — First Aid — Battle Regeneration — Cooking — Metal Refining — One-Hand Weapon Creation
GIN: Level 22 — One-Handed Sword — Shield — Search — Hide — Sales Negotiation
KAIN: Level 22 — One-Handed Sword — Shield — Search — Hide — Purchase Negotiation
MINA: Level 22 — One-Handed Sword — Shield — Search — Hide — One-Handed Spear
Stats
Page generated in 0.024 seconds
Total duration
745 users online
915,536 hits today, 1,724,729 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2025
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2025 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®
I blinked, and the chapter was gone
Good chapter! I was hoping to see some army soldiers act stupid with Bladescape. Nickey done!
12024722
He's not shady! He's just socially inept. And inexperienced with girls. He doesn't know how to take them on dates.
This chapter is so heartwarming and it’s great to see the side of SAO of those outside of the Assault Team; I loved how for these kids, Bladescape and Doombunny are real heroes who are so above them because of their levels, and their innocence made me like them immediately, and I adored Blade giving a good talk to the Army guys, and the fact that the kids will have so much more opportunities to become stronger to live on the game makes this one of the best chapters! Anxious for the next one!
The kiddies! The Mini Wondercolts! At least, that is now my name for them. Maybe Mina could visit Diemond sometimes when she has free time.
Now I see where this is going.
I don't blame them.
Technically he's nearly 16 atm.
As someone who's currently in that position (in college) while juggling work and getting a book published, it can be a lot.
Sometimes I just wonder how these kid's parents let them get SAO to begin with!?
https://m.Shit.
I figured.
12024903
I'm unsure what happened. Everything appears to be correct on my end. Episode 87 — Life Lessons is the current one.
12024912
Thank you. They are fun. More about them will come in later chapters.
12024913
He's shady because he tries to be a shadow. He wears black! But yes, he is socially inexperienced. He's only 15 and the last year and a half have not been normal or helped him develop well. All things considered, he is doing a bang up job developing. No 15 year old boy actually knows how to properly take a girl on a date. Not being able to earn a paycheck to pay for it is a significant reason why, but not the only. Lol.
12024919
This mini arc is certainly heartwarming.
12024948
Maybe she could. It's an intriguing idea for sure. I do love your name "mini Wondercolts."
Oh the kids. They're fine that's good. Feels rather strange to me that they aren't allowed to go higher when they clearly can do so and when it would help make their overall situation better.
12025032
I always love reading your comments!
I started gaming about 12 or 13, maybe 11. Limited time on the family computer, but that's when I started. It's not uncommon either. As to SAO and the NerveGear, it was supposed to be safe. It was supposed to be for players 13 and up. Sure, you fight, but no gore and the violence is not very high. Silica/Ayano Keiko was 12, having parental permission to play.
While Kirito is a little over 15 and a half (October 7, 2008), he looks 14. It's an estimate since Bladescape doesn't actually know his age.
12025043
Strange but... well you will see. Next week I believe.
It's cute how Fluttershy makes sure to only go by Bunny while interacting with the kids, instead of how pretty much everywhere else she is called Doom for short. Shows how she cares about them.
12025041
Heartwarming? So we aren't about to see Bladescape get a new burden of guilt to carry in the next chapter?
12025038
Indeed. Still not so privately hope his relationship prospects are different this time around. Asuna is nice, but I've seen enough of them together. Still find if it happens though.
12025041
Maybe Mina and Diemond end up creating small Wondercolt themed armor for them. Maybe it would give some protection from players.
12025046
True and thx.
12025034
Can we have more? I promise not to blink this time
very nice chapter!
12025184
Not the next chapter, Episode 88. Next chapter has a good sized chunk of new material. Pretty important.
12025190
I have been playing with a few Chapters later on that directly work on Kirito's character. At least one is his POV. Kirito sees Silica as a little sister. Lisbeth is not his type. Asuna's character triggers Kirito to want to be better. I do my best to show that. We already saw them working plenty together over the first 25 floors. As a new author, the writing was not handled well (none of y'all ever saw my first works which were full of similar issues. I had good help over 115+ years to learn to be a better writer), which rolled over into the anime. Later on, you get to read and see them having a proper relationship. I know, its fanfics, so readers want to see changes. Kirito will not be Kirito without Asuna and Asuna won't be Asuna without Kirito. They would be unrecognizable by the end without it.
12025191
Interesting idea. I have a lot of plans and an extra 25 floors to do it with, plus more before 75.
12025229
Thank you!
12025332
You make some good points. Doesn't help my desire to see something different. But I understand it.
12025705
I can absolutely understand that desire. Asuna is a fun character. In her youth, she is split and often goes back and forth between her two modes: Lightning Flash and normal girl (have fun, enjoy clothes, get married, be a mother, etc.). I think you will enjoy where things will go. I've had a lot of fun developing their characters as individuals. Floor 83's (previously 85) 20+ chapter arc will do a lot, especially for Asuna. And then Floor 89 will be good for both. 95 Too.
12022630
I don't remember which chapter, but I did finally remember there is mention of Kirito coming into Lis' shop! It was too good to pass up. I seriously just recalled it and can probably quote it word for word, but I can't remember what chapter. lol
12026228
Ah, I assume that is later then?
12026014
That's true, and I probably will. I just think it's a shame that Lis is so often left behind.
12026318
12026320
Yes, it is later. I don't recall when... okay! I hunted it down! Looks like it will be Episode 110. Roughly there. Something may get added. You never know with me. I never know with myself. I had to start spacing my numbers out so that I could add without updating 50+ headers. Today I was in 530 and 720. It's much nicer having that padding space because I have been sliding more chapters into places, or breaking up extra long ones, and I don't have to spend an hour updating the numbers.
As to Lis, she is not forgotten. Don't you worry about that. She will be around a lot. I'm even planning a Lis POV chapter. Okay, I have two drafted right now. 565 and 605 (with only 575 and 600, two chapters, in between to allow for enough padding). There will be plenty of Lisbeth levity as well as Silica shenanigans. I need more Agil antics.
12026363
Fair enough. I meant more she is forgotten in canon. And usually by the fandom from my experience. Her only draw is she's a cute blacksmith. In a series that focuses on battles more than down time usually.
12026737
I knew you meant in canon. I just wanted to assure you she is around more and not just as the "cute blacksmith." She has her moments in my story. It probably goes Asuna > Lis > Klein > Kirito > Agil > Argo for me in regards to my favorite SAO characters. At least those in Aincrad. I am absolutely doing my best to ensure each character gets their due. I have some real fun with Lis.
12026799
Cool. At least she is being represented well here.
I probably need to go look for a fic where Lis and Kirito hook up instead to sate my desire at this point. That or write it myself.
12026829
I ran into this SAO meme yesterday and laughed. This talk reminded me of it.
i.pinimg.com/originals/46/20/58/46205855bbbff874d120bcbc73117550.jpg
12026842
I can see why.
*blink*.....HUH....I finally caught up I guess??
I missed alot of updates until a month ago then just went to reading 1 or 2 chapters per day since then when I could...was not expecting to catch up for a while yet...
"You think that's air you're breathing now?"