Chapter 112: A Sudden Reunion with an Old Acquaintance?
The mouth of that Santa Claus-like figure was fixed in a wide, eerie grin, emitting a spine-chilling laugh from time to time.
Though it was unclear how exactly Hachiman's brain processed the sight, the figure's eyes were rotating independently in opposite directions.
Santa stomped his bowed legs alternately as he flew forward, rushing at his prey while keeping this bizarre motion. Because of the difficulty in judging distance, his targets couldn't evade effectively and were easily approached.
One after another, the fire fairy soldiers were struck down, causing chaos within the ranks. The army was in complete disarray, unable to maintain order due to the bizarre phenomenon.
Under such circumstances, only Eugene could restore order, but he was currently locked in a standoff with Kirito.
"Dual-wielding those oversized swords, huh? Looks like it's not just for show."
"They're the only size that matches my weight class,"
Kirito replied. "Every dual-wielder I've faced so far just swung two swords around without thought. You're different, huh? Think you'll give me a good fight?"
"Since you're expecting it, I'll give you everything I've got."
As if their breaths synchronized, their battle ignited in an instant. Eugene launched a horizontal slash toward Kirito's neck, which Kirito defended vertically. However, the demonic sword Gram had the ability to pierce through enemy swords during attacks.
The strike pierced through Kirito's sword, heading straight for his throat.
"Got you!"
Eugene shouted—
But by then, Kirito's neck was no longer where it had been.
He had ducked low while maintaining his guard, and his other sword launched an immediate counterattack toward Eugene's abdomen. However, Eugene seemed to have anticipated the move and leapt back in time.
"That was just the appetizer. You're pretty interesting."
"You're not bad either. That last hit—I thought I had you for sure."
Kirito launched the next offensive. Eugene deflected the dual strikes while counterattacking. Kirito dodged, attacked again, dodged again—the intensity of their back-and-forth duel only escalated.
Meanwhile, Hachiman was rampaging through the enemy ranks. He had already wiped out 70% of the fire fairy forces, but his limit was drawing near.
Yui, who had been constantly monitoring the situation, noticed something was off.
After calculating Hachiman's remaining MP and transformation time, she flew toward Yukino.
"Miss Yukino, Dad can only stay transformed for another minute. When the transformation ends, his consciousness might be disoriented, and he could become vulnerable. Please support him at that moment."
"Understood. Everyone, prepare to regroup around Hachiman! We have one minute!"
Just as Yukino and the others began to move, they were intercepted— A ground unit of remaining enemy forces, seemingly by chance, launched an attack at precisely the right moment.
Time ticked by mercilessly. As predicted, once Hachiman's transformation ended, his mind grew hazy and he began to fall.
"Onii-chan!"
"Komachi, go to Hachiman!"
"Leave this to us!"
"Komachi, we're counting on you!"
"Got it!"
The swift-footed Komachi broke away and flew toward Hachiman. But misfortune struck again—Hachiman's reversion caught the attention of nearby enemies, and several magical blasts were fired at his falling form.
"Onii-chan!"
Komachi, holding back tears, charged forward at full speed. The magic attacks appeared to strike—but they were all blocked by a shining defensive barrier.
"This is... defensive magic? And a high-tier one too..."
Confused but determined, Komachi caught Hachiman and quickly retreated.
Just then, three unfamiliar players zipped past her—one a gnome, another a cait sith, and the last a fire fairy.
"What the hell?!"
"Why is a gnome here?!"
"You damn traitor, Salamander!"
"Who cares?! I'm here to save my bro!"
"Exactly, we can't leave our comrades to die!"
"We'll protect Hachiman-san!"
With those shouts, the trio dove into the enemy ranks. Their overwhelming power filled the gap left by Hachiman. Meanwhile, Komachi landed and gently slapped her brother's face.
"Onii-chan, wake up! It's morning!"
"...Mm. Sorry, Komachi. I blacked out for a second. You saved me?"
"Nope! It was a stranger who saved you!"
A girl's voice descended from above as she landed beside the siblings.
"Ah... I don't know who you are, but thank you. I'm Hachiman."
"I'm Komachi! Thanks for saving my brother!"
"I'm Möbius. That was close... but I made it in time."
As Möbius shed mysterious tears, Hachiman panicked.
"Um... why are you crying?"
"Because... I finally found you."
Suddenly, Möbius hugged Hachiman tightly.
Though he'd vowed to be on guard against physical contact from women, the unusual atmosphere left him frozen.
He glanced at Komachi, who only tilted her head in confusion. Just then, Yukino and the others, having just finished off the enemies, arrived and were stunned by the scene.
"Hachiman-kun, who exactly is this?"
"Uh... she saved me, and... seems to know me."
"Could she be someone from real life?"
"Seems like it..."
Except for Leafa, everyone's eyes widened.
"Looks like something personal. I'll step away."
"Thank you, Leafa-san."
After Leafa left considerately, Hachiman turned back to Möbius.
"Everyone here is from real life, so it's safe to talk freely now. Who... are you?"
Möbius wiped her tears and looked around at the group.
"Guess I can use our old names now—Yukinoshita-san, Yuigahama-san, Isshiki-san, Komachi. It's been a while! Hikigaya-kun, welcome back! I'm currently studying abroad and couldn't be there to greet you. I wanted to call, but I really wanted to say it in person..."
"Studying abroad? Wait... are you...?"
"Got a guess?"
"But I never heard you played ALO... could it be..."
"That's right. I'm Meguri—Shiromeguri Meguri! It's been so long, everyone!"
"A stranger? Who?"
"That would be me."
"Shiromeguri-senpai?!"
"Hikigaya-kun, I was so worried...
Meguri hugged Hachiman even tighter as she began to cry again. He looked desperately at the others for help, but they all replied in unison:
"Now's the time to show your manliness."
"Little Hikki, handle this properly!"
"Onii-chan, don't let a girl cry!"
"Senpai, be cool about it!"
"..."
Hachiman could only offer comfort:
"I won't leave again. Please don't cry. I've made it back safely. Everything's okay now, Shiromeguri-senpai."
Meguri wiped her tears and looked up.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Absolutely sure?"
"Yeah. I promise."
"Alright. I believe you."
Meguri's face lit up with the brightest, most joyful smile.
I'm so glad you're alive..."