Chapter 137: Training at the Arena
"We don't have much time today, so let's head to the city's instanced arena first. It's a good place for us companions to spar with each other and strengthen our own skills."
"I see. That might be a good idea."
"Then let's head out right away," Kirito suggested after hearing Hachiman's plan.
"Hey, Hachiman, let's invite Eugene too."
"You want a rematch with him? The arena can host around forty people, so it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"There are only eighteen people now? Still plenty of room."
"What about Miss Sakuya and Miss Alice?"
"Looks like they both returned to their territories," Yukino quickly said while checking the interface window.
"Then let's go with the members we have today."
And so the group left their residence and headed straight for the arena. Fortunately, there was an open slot, and they could use it right away.
"Well then, let's go in."
"Wait a moment, Hachiman-kun."
"Miss Soleil, is something wrong?"
"Look at the number of people in the stands."
"There sure are a lot of people… But is that a problem?"
It turned out that on their way there, a large number of players had been secretly tailing their group from a distance.
With big names like Soleil, Mobius, Yukino, and the now-infamous Kirito who had defeated Eugene—and even Eugene himself joining them partway—it was no surprise they'd attracted attention.
"Hachiman-kun, can I invite a few people? Would it be a problem if strangers join us?"
"I don't really mind. What are you planning to do?"
"Leave it to me."
Soleil turned to the crowd and shouted:
"We are now recruiting a few spectators to observe our mock battle. Recording is prohibited. Spectators may freely chat amongst themselves but are generally
forbidden from speaking to us. Participation in combat requires separate negotiations. Since this is a private gathering, any player who behaves rudely will be personally punished and expelled by me.
The format will be an auction... Hmm… Too many people would be a hassle, so we'll start with six people for now. Also, anyone willing to pay 10 million gold can enter unconditionally. In that case, it's first come, first served. Alright, begin!"
After a brief moment of silence, the crowd erupted in a bidding frenzy.
"I'll pay ten million!"
One man shouted—it was Kagezong (Shadow Sect).
"Oh? Isn't that Kagezong? Long time no see."
"Alright, the first person is confirmed!"
"M-Me too, ten million!"
"I'll pay as well!"
"Okay, another two confirmed! Three spots left! By the way, we're very busy, and this might be the first and last time we're all gathered like this—especially me."
The remaining three slots quickly reached the 10 million mark as well.
"Alright, bidding closed!"
And so, the six spectators were chosen. Soleil handed all proceeds to Hachiman.
"This can be the startup fund for the guild."
"Ah, thank you, Miss Soleil."
"Soleil-neesan, you're amazing!"
"As expected of you… I really should learn this kind of management style… Sis."
"Let's enter the arena, Hachiman-kun."
"Ah, right."
Once inside, Kirito stepped forward and called out to Eugene.
"Eugene, let's have that rematch now."
"Just what I wanted."
It was like the main event starting right from the beginning. The two engaged in a fierce duel. The crowd went wild. In the end, Kirito won, and Eugene shook his hand in Lizciliation.
"Guess I still can't beat you."
"Well, it hasn't been that long since our last fight."
"Still, it's frustrating."
"Eugene, maybe you just lack experience? Your fighting style feels too rigid."
"Ugh… I've been fighting nonstop since the game launched... But compared to you guys, yeah, I admit I lack experience."
At that moment, Kirito suddenly called out to Hachiman.
"Um… Hachiman, can you come here a sec?"
"Hm? What is it, Kirito?"
"What do you think Eugene should do to get stronger?"
It seemed Kirito hoped Eugene could improve further.
"I see. Hey, Asuna, come over here."
"What is it, Hachiman-kun?"
"You saw the fight earlier, right? Could you spar with Eugene?"
"What? I thought you were going to fight him."
"Hmm… fine, no problem."
Ignoring Eugene's puzzled look, Asuna readily agreed to Hachiman's suggestion.
"So, who is this lady?"
"Ah, I'm Hachiman-kun's girlfriend, Asuna. Nice to meet you, Eugene-san. Thank you for fighting alongside us in the final battle. Thanks to you, I made it back safely."
"Ohhh, so you're her… To see the results of my actions like this… I'm truly glad. That's wonderful."
"So, Eugene—"
"Ah, sorry. Is this Miss Asuna very strong?"
"Among the 6,000 survivors of SAO, I, Kirito, and Asuna were known as the 'Four Heavenly Kings.' In simple terms, we were the top players."
"Ooooh!"
"Until now, you've never had someone stronger than you at your side, right? The best way to grow is to fight strong opponents. So give it a try against Asuna."
"I'd be honored!"
And so, the duel between Eugene and Asuna began. At first, the spectators were disappointed, thinking Eugene was facing some unknown woman, but as soon as the match started, the atmosphere exploded again just like earlier.
"Enjoying yourself, Mr. Kagezong?"
"Mr. Kagezong, long time no see."
"Leafa, Liz… Just watching these two matches is already worth the 10 million."
Seeing Kagezong excited, the two girls nodded.
"Miss Asuna is incredible. She's holding her own against Eugene."
"More like she's got the upper hand, Leafa-chan."
"I can't quite explain it, but… Even though I may be more skilled in sword techniques, I still feel like I couldn't win against her. She's just got this 'veteran warrior' vibe. She's amazing."
Kagezong gave a wry smile.
"If you ask me, she's so strong it's not even useful as a reference."
"But Mr. Kagezong, you're really strong too."
"My goal is still Eugene. Just seeing firsthand that there's always someone stronger is enough for me."
"Let's keep getting stronger together, Mr. Kagezong."
Then Liz said cheerfully to Leafa:
"M-Me too!"
"Liz, your ideal target should be Hachiman, right?"
"Ah, maybe, yeah. But I haven't seen him fight yet."
"You'll get to see plenty in the future. Good luck, Liz."
"Okay!"
In the end, the duel ended with Asuna's overwhelming victory. Though Eugene gave it his all, Asuna's combo speed and attack frequency were just too much. He couldn't even make use of his weapon's special traits.
To make matters worse, Asuna started mixing in healing magic midway, completely overwhelming Eugene.
"What do you think, senior Möbius?"
"In terms of healing techniques, we might be superior. But overall power? The gap is too big. We need to learn more, Miss Yukino."
"Yes… I can hold my own, but to balance both offense and support is still too much."
"Let's work hard together!"
"Alright!"
Asuna offered a hand to the fallen Eugene and helped him up.
"That was amazing… You managed to use healing magic even during such fierce attacks."
"I'm still not very good at it."
"Well, Eugene, what do you think? Asuna's strong, right?"
"Yeah… I'd like to fight you next time."
"You must be tired. Take a break for now. But if you want, watch my battle. It wouldn't be fair if only I understood everyone else's fighting style."
"You've got a point. I'll rest for now."
Hachiman then called out Klein, Agil, and Liz.
"Damn, a three-on-one!?"
"C'mon, Klein, let's beat Hachiman and put him in his place."
"Sorry, but I feel bad going full strength against a girl…"
"Hachiman-senpai, I'll give it my all!"
"Oh? Liz, bring it on."
The moment the battle started, Klein and Agil lunged at Hachiman.
"Let's hit him first!"
"Here I come!"
But just as they brought their weapons down, their strikes were deflected, and both lost their balance, falling backward.
"Eh!?"
Liz stood frozen, staring at the two. When she turned back, Hachiman was gone.
"Eh? Eh!?"
"Right behind you, Liz."
A voice came from behind. She panicked and turned—but before she could react, her shoulder was struck. Without time to recover, another blow landed on her back.
"Going straight for the neck would be too harsh."
Hearing this, Liz realized he was holding back and tried desperately to regain her footing.
At that moment, Klein and Agil came charging in again. But without even turning around, Hachiman deflected their weapons, spun like a top, and launched a counterattack. He leaped behind Liz, landed, and immediately struck with a backstab.
The three of them collapsed all at once.