Chapter 118 – Asuna's Great Escape
From that moment on, Asuna had been constantly thinking of ways to escape from her prison.
The most practical option was to somehow steal a glance at the keypad combination on the cage's lock.
With that in mind, she requested a mirror from Sugou, claiming she needed it for grooming—and successfully used it to spy the lock code.
According to Sugo's earlier comments, he wouldn't be around today.
'This is the perfect chance to escape.'
"Alright, let's do this."
Asuna deliberately spoke aloud, trying to calm her nerves.
"...Three."
She smoothly unlocked the cage and carefully made her way deeper inside the facility.
The inside of the World Tree was far more expansive than she had imagined.
The corridor stretched endlessly forward.
Nameplates on the doors she passed read things like Data Viewing Room and Temporary Rest Area—occasionally peeking inside revealed rooms equipped like proper research labs.
'They've gone to such lengths… Because they couldn't let the outside world see this, they must have moved the entire research facility in here.'
While thinking that, Asuna continued her exploration—until a new sign caught her eye:
Specimen Containment Room.
"'Specimen'... Are they treating people like objects...?"
Enraged, Asuna carefully peeked inside the room—where two slug-like creatures were crawling around.
'Those must be Sugo's researcher cronies. If they notice me, I'm screwed... But maybe there's a logout terminal in there.'
After a moment's hesitation, Asuna steeled herself and slipped into the room. Holding her breath, she crept toward the display monitor—until finally, she found a terminal labeled [Transport].
'Transport... This looks like my best shot so far...'
Just as she touched the text, an electronic chime suddenly rang out.
"Hmm? Is someone there?"
'Crap... It made a noise?!'
Panicking, Asuna frantically searched the screen for a logout option, prepared to be caught at any moment.
'There it is! That's the one!'
She pressed [Exit Virtual Lab]. Just as the confirmation window popped up—a tentacle suddenly wrapped around her wrist and yanked her away from the terminal.
"Ugh!"
"Whoa, that was close. You're the one Sugo keeps in a cage, aren't you?"
"Must be. Hey, what do we do with her?"
The word "cage" sparked a fury in Asuna's chest.
"You people even realize what you're doing?!"
"Of course. Let's contact Sugo for instructions."
"I'll report in—wait here."
One of the slugs pressed [Yes] on the screen Asuna had opened and disappeared.
"You said you 'understand,' right? Is money really worth doing something so inhumane?!"
"Obviously, it's about the money. The research is almost done. Once the company sells it off, we'll get a cut and live easy overseas."
"So it is all about the money. Disgusting..."
"Disgusting? So what? Let's have a little fun with you before that."
"It—"
Like brittle branches, the tentacles shot toward Asuna—but she nimbly leapt to the side and dodged.
"Oho, nice reflexes."
Two more tentacles flew at her at once—the slug was toying with her like a cat playing with a mouse.
One tentacle suddenly accelerated and coiled tightly around her wrist.
"If I can just get the second one on the other hand..."
"Hey! Sugo-san will be furious if you mess with her!"
Just then, the other slug returned with Sugo's instructions.
"He said to relock the cage and change the password."
"Haa... what a pain. Sugo says there's going to be a celebration party."
"Then let's wrap this up and go."
While they were talking, Asuna spotted an ID card lying beside the terminal.
'I don't know if it's useful, but I have to grab it.'
She carefully stretched her leg and tried to grip the card between her toes.
'Just a little more...'
Finally, she managed to catch the card—when suddenly, one of the slugs initiated a search protocol. A yellow data scan passed over her—and the ID card immediately flew into the slug's hand.
"Quite a haul for a sticky-fingered little girl. We'll be confiscating this."
"You knew all along?"
"When you were gripping the card with your toes, I almost applauded. Flawless execution. Really."
"Damn it..."
"Don't feel too bad. You tried."
Asuna bit back tears, refusing to show weakness in front of them.
But once the slugs left and she was locked back in her cage, she finally broke down sobbing.
"I was so close... just a little more... It's so frustrating..."
After locking her up again, the two slugs logged out—leaving only a night-shift GM part-timer behind.
"Time to go meet Sugo."
"Technically we're not allowed to abandon post, but it's Sugo, so whatever."
"Hey, part-timer. Don't slack off."
"Yes sir, good work."
"There'll be a shift change in two hours. Cover for us."
"Understood... Leave it to me."
Once the two vanished, the part-timer made a call. Ten minutes later, a woman slipped into the room, operated the terminal, and entered the virtual lab.
Back inside, Asuna wiped away her tears and pulled herself together.
'I can't stay depressed. I need a new plan.'
Just then, one of the slugs returned.
"Something wrong? Did you forget something?"
"I came to return something."
"Return?"
"This, Asuna-chan."
"...?"
What the slug handed her—was the confiscated ID card.
Asuna's hands trembled as she accepted it.
"That name you just used... could it be...?"
"That's right. The very same. Sorry to keep you waiting, Asuna-chan."
"Miss Argo!"
"Long story short: Kirito-kun and the others will be here soon."
"Kirito-kun is coming?!"
"Yep. Everyone's coming to save you—except Liz."
"Liz is here too?"
"That card'll be collected soon—throw it down to Kirito while you still can."
"Understood."
"That card is the key to connecting the upper and lower levels. We'll use Yui's power."
"Yui's here too?"
"Her data was stored in the public archive—we can use it now."
"I can see Yui again..."
After handing off the card, Argo vanished, leaving Asuna trembling—not in fear, but in hope.
"I can do this."
Meanwhile, in the real world—after logging out, Argo turned to a man in disguise:
"All done, General."
"That title is so embarrassing..."
"Should I call you Zaimokuza instead?"
"That's better. Did it go smoothly?"
"Mission accomplished. I'm off now."
"Stay safe!"
Zaimokuza looked into the virtual void and whispered:
"It's all up to you now, Hachiman."
And with that, he silently sent his friend a prayer for victory.